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MINUTES
WICKENBURG COMMON COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 5:30 P.M.
155 N. TEGNER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
WICKENBURG, ARIZONA 85390
A. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Bratcher called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Fire Chief Ed Temerowski
C. INVOCATION - Led by Don Droze, Seventh Day Adventist Church
D. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor BG Bratcher
Vice Mayor Brian Jones
Councilmember Kristy Bedoian
Councilmember Shawn Clark
Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
Councilmember Art Rubash
Staff Present:
Troy Smith, Interim Town Manager
Trish Stuhan, Town Attorney
Tim Suan, Deputy Town Manager/Economic Development
Steve Boyle, Community Development Director
Amy Brown, Town Clerk
Les Brown, Police Chief
Robert Martinez, Finance Director
Tarah Mayerhofer, Human Resources Director
Ed Temerowski, Fire Chief
Herschel Workman, Public Works Director
E. MAYOR & COUNCILMEMBERS REPORT ON CURRENT EVENTS
• PROCLAMATION - National Police Week - May 11-17, 2025
• Councilmember Rebecca Rovey attended the Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting. She announced that the Wickenburg Christian Academy (WCA) girls
just got first for softball with a win and thanked the coaches for starting the
program this year.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 2 of 17
• Councilmember Margaret Nyberg recognized the firefighters for International
Firefighter Day on May 4th and congratulated them on a good softball
tournament.
• Mayor BG Bratcher reported that Benner-Nawman just celebrated 100 years in
business. She met with the State Treasurer Kimberly Yee regarding the town’s
investments. She attended the Battle of the Burg softball tournament and the
National Day of Prayer at the Little Red Schoolhouse.
F. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
• Recognition of Wickenburg Leadership Academy Graduates
• Interim Town Manager Troy Smith congratulated Town Attorney Trish Stuhan on
being awarded the municipal attorney of the year for 2025. The zoning code final
version is expected by the end of the month with the public input in the fall with
another consultant. There are still eight properties to sign the easements in the
Lewis Addition, which is progress since they started with 40. The goal is still the
end of May to be completed. Tegner repaving will start June 27th. There is also
pavement preservation work going on around town. The Battle of the Burg with
police versus fire in a softball tournament. The Adopt-a-Park program is available
for anyone who wants to improve a part.
G. FINAL CALL for Request to Speak Cards to be turned into the Town Clerk.
H. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
• Judy Johnson, In-Town Resident, stated that the rent in many of the senior
mobile home parks are going up and will be difficult for people on a fixed income.
I. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
1. Action on the Consent Agenda -
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to approve items a, b, c, and d of the
consent agenda
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
a. Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular
Meetings of April 21, 2025 and Special Meeting of April 28, 2025
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
minutes of April 21 and April 28, 2025.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 3 of 17
b. Consideration and Action to Approve Administrative Change Order No. 1 to
the Intergovernmental Agreement with Maricopa County, Administered by its
Human Services Department for the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) for the Santa Cruz Waterline
Kathleen Crutchfield, Grants Administrator, reported in her Council routing
form that the proposed changes to the contract are administrative in nature
only and do not involve any alterations to the specifics of the contract. These
adjustments are related to updating the project timeline and modifying the
funding source name to reflect the change from the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) to the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act
(CDBG-CV). Additionally, a "not to exceed" clause for the awarded amount of
$400,000 was added.
The Santa Cruz Waterline Project is a vital infrastructure improvement
initiative aimed at enhancing the water distribution system in the Reed and
Collins Additions area of Wickenburg. The project focuses on replacing aging
waterlines along Santa Cruz from Washington to Adams Street, and Adams
Street from Santa Cruz to Yavapai. In addition to the waterline replacements,
the project will include necessary improvements to the surrounding
infrastructure, such as:
•
Curb, gutter, and sidewalk repairs and replacements
•
ADA ramp updates
•
New pavement installation
•
Installation of new fire hydrants, water service lines, meter boxes, and
water valves
This project is part of a broader effort to upgrade the community’s
infrastructure and improve the quality of services for residents.
This item seeks approval for Administrative Change Order No. 1 to the
existing Intergovernmental Agreement between Maricopa County
(administered by its Human Services Department) and the Town of
Wickenburg. The proposed changes include:
•
Revisions to the project timeline. Section 3, Work Statement, Paragraph 3-
Implementation Schedule.
•
A change in the funding source name from Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) to Community Development Block Grant CARES Act
(CDBG-CV). Section 3 Work Statement, Paragraph 5-Budget.
•
A statement specifying that the funding "will not exceed" the awarded
amount of $400,000. Section 5, 5.2.
These changes are necessary to align the project with updated funding
parameters and timelines.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 4 of 17
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
Administrative Change Order No. 1 to the IGA with Maricopa County,
administered by its Human Services Department, which includes revisions to
the project timeline, a change in the funding source name, and the addition of
a "not to exceed" statement for the awarded amount of $400,000.
c. Consideration and Action Approving the Transfer of $400,000 from Electric
Contingency for an Outstanding Invoice for La Paloma Overhead to
Underground (OH/UG) Upgrades
Herschel Workman, Public Works Director, Town Clerk, reported in his
Council routing form that during the previous fiscal year, an invoice from
Arizona Public Service (APS) for the La Paloma Overhead to Underground
upgrades was not processed in time to be applied to last fiscal year's budget.
This was a budgeted expense in the prior years' budget. At the end of the
fiscal year, the full budgeted amount was returned to the Electric Fund,
Contingency line item and the expense was not included in this fiscal year's
budget. As a result, the expense was paid out of this Fiscal Year's budget,
which then prevents us from doing this year's Jackson/Mojave Overhead-to-
Underground (OH/UG) project, which was budgeted at $800,000 dollars. In
order to keep moving forward with these critical infrastructure projects, it is
recommended to transfer funds from the Electric Contingency account to
Other Capital Purchases to fulfill this obligation.
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
transfer of $400,000 from the Electric Contingency fund to Other Capital
Purchases to complete the Jackson/Mojave OH/UG upgrades.
d. Consideration and Action to Adopt Resolution 2375 for the Vacating and
Abandoning a Street Easement While Retaining all Utility Easement Rights
Located between, 880 West Palo Verde Drive, 886 West Palo Verde Drive
and 890 West Palo Verde Drive
Steve Boyle, Community Development Director, Town Clerk, reported in his
Council routing form that in January 1953, the Town of Wickenburg received
a Dedication of Street and Utility Easement in the Vista Del Rio Estates
Subdivision for general public use of a fifty-foot wide strip of land for a street
and as an easement for utilities. This dedication was made by adjacent
landowners and accepted by the Town of Wickenburg Mayor at the time, CJ
Pollay. It has been determined that the public street is no longer necessary
for public use as a roadway. An easement for existing utilities will be retained
by the Town and as well, the current property owners have recorded new
easements for APS.
This Resolution 2375 to vacate the 50-foot public street on the properties is
part of a negotiated settlement agreement to resolve the pending lawsuit filed
in Maricopa Superior Court, Case No. CV2023-012279. Also a part of that
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 5 of 17
settlement agreement was to split the cost of a survey between the property
owners and the Town to effectuate the settlement.
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve
Resolution 2375 to vacate the street easement between 880,886, and 890
West Palo Verde Drive while retaining all utility easement rights.
2. Public Hearing and Action to Consider an Application by Michael Maerowitz of
Snell & Wilmer, LLP for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) at 1310 Kenrick Drive,
Maricopa County Parcels 505-03-023C & 505-03-023J, for a Horse Training
Facility with Boarding and an Approved Small Travel Trailer Park on a Site Less
than 10 Acres in Size to Accommodate Short-term Stays for Limited Clients on
11.8 Acres of Land
Steve Boyle, Community Development Director, reported that the town has
received a Conditional Use Permit application for two adjacent parcels at 1310
W. Kenrick Drive, located near the intersection of Cherokee Lane and Kenrick
Drive. This area is semi-rural, with properties generally over one acre in size. The
parcels are zoned R1-35 Single Family and the properties are approximately
11.8 acres in total size. The applicant is proposing to establish a horse boarding
and training facility, along with a travel trailer park intended for short-term stays
by clients using the equestrian services.
The property currently includes equestrian facilities such as a pole barn, corral,
and shop. The future owner plans to expand these operations on the remaining
land. Proposed additions include a private roping arena, cutting pen, horse
stables, and up to four private RV pads. Since there are two parcels, the
applicant also plans to eventually construct a single-family home and an
accessory dwelling unit on each lot.
According to the zoning code, certain uses—such as horse boarding and travel
trailer parks on parcels under 10 acres—are allowed with conditions. Conditional
Use Permits require reasonable conditions that can be set by the town or in this
case they have provided a list of self-imposed conditions which have been
updated from the list in the packet.
A Conditional Use Permit may only be approved if the following criteria are met:
•
The proposed use won’t negatively impact nearby properties and is
adequately separated from incompatible land uses or zones.
•
There is an appropriate transition between different zoning intensities and the
subject property.
•
Adequate off-street parking is provided.
•
The use complies with the Zoning Code and other applicable local, state, and
federal regulations.
•
The health, safety, and general welfare of the public will not be adversely
affected.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 6 of 17
The applicant will address each requirement in his presentation.
The subject parcels are surrounded by other large, rural, equestrian-friendly
properties. Establishing horse training and boarding operation in this type of
setting is common both statewide and nationally. The intent is to maintain the
rural character of the area, aligning with neighboring equestrian uses.
The town held a public meeting last week for the nearby residents. The applicant
attended that meeting and modified their self-imposed conditions to address
some of the concerns that were raised in that public meeting. The Conditional
Use Permit will allow the town to better enforce standards if issues arise. The
following are the self-imposed conditions that have been updated:
•
No more than 3 trainers will be present, horses will be boarded, trained and
fed on property
•
No rodeos or team roping competitions
•
A maximum of 4 RV pads for private clients only. Property owner is not
permitted to rent or lease RV pads to individuals not associated with the
facility.
•
RV Pads shall only provide water and electric service, no septic hookups shall
be provided. In system holding tanks only and transported off-site for disposal
•
No stadium seating or public events
•
No amplified sound will be used outside of 8:00am to 5:00pm
•
Training activities will end at sundown
•
Outdoor lighting will be minimal and limited to stable areas. Freestanding
lighting for proposes of illuminating walkways shall be low-level, not to exceed
3 feet in heigh. Building mounted lights shall be shielded with cut-off fixtures
to direct light downward and shall not exceed 12 feet in height
•
Sprinkle system or water truck will be used for dust control
•
No more than 30 horse and 15 cattle (reduced from the original 30 cattle) will
be kept on-site at any one time.
•
Animal waste shall be collected in an enclosed dumper smaller than 3 yards.
Maintenance of the dumpster waste shall be under private contract, with
removal of waste occurring on a weekly basis.
R1-35, R1-87, & R1-175 are the only zones where horse boarding and training
are permitted in the zoning code. It is the normal practice for boarding and
training facilities to be in rural residential areas. Local Covenants, Conditions,
and Restrictions (CC&R’s) prohibit location in subdivisions, so there are a lot of
areas in Wickenburg that don’t allow horses or arenas. Business operation in
residential area is allowed per the zoning code such as churches, B&B’s, golf
courses, schools, farm stands, and funeral homes.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 7 of 17
Below is the proposed site plan for the location of the new arena, cutting pen,
horse stables, RV pads, and future house.
Some of this property is in the flood way and flood zone, so anything new in
those areas will need to be approved by the Flood Control District of Maricopa
County (FCDMC). This includes any fence or building as they can alter the
floodway.
At the neighborhood meeting, the main complaints are listed as:
•
Commercial operation not allowed in residential zone
•
Cattle amount seems excessive unless manure maintenance is great. Horse
manure generally not a concern
•
Add a self-imposed condition on manure maintenance, especially cattle
•
Access a concern- Maintenance of Cherokee Lane public or private street?
•
Rotating customers could cause excessive traffic
•
Perspective property owner desires to maintain separate parcels of land and
not consolidate
•
Low level lighting asked for and shielding if necessary
•
Seasonal use is proposed, little to no usage in summer months
•
Flies to be controlled
•
Flood Control will be necessary for permitting services as property is in the
flood hazard area
•
Notice was sent out to neighbors within 400’ of property instead of 300’
•
Blind spots on Cherokee Land a concern
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 8 of 17
Councilmember Clark asked if the town will be the entity to enforce the conditions
and whether the new code will affect this. Director Boyle stated that the town will
be the enforcer of the conditions through the active and reactive code
enforcement. That new code will not be in effect until it is approved by the
Council in the fall. This is an 11.8-acre property, so they can have 1 house per
1,200 feet of corral space, so if they fenced it all in, they could have many more
horses than this number. The new code will change the animal count to make it
more enforceable, but that will not be final until Council approves it after public
comments.
Councilmember Rubash asked about the easement being blocked with a gate.
Director Boyle stated that the easement is an ingress/egress public easement, so
that can’t be blocked, but he hasn’t seen the actual easement agreement as the
road is on this property.
Councilmember Clark asked if Cherokee is being maintained. Director Boyle
stated that part of the road is Maricopa County responsibility, but the asphalt is in
good shape. He is not sure of the schedule of road maintenance for the dirt area
on Cherokee and Kenrick. The town did remove some sentiment sand on
Cherokee.
Michael Maerowitz, Snell & Wilmer, LLP and the applicant, stated that the buyer
of the property, Buddy Wilton, and the horse trainer, Ryan Thomas, are in
attendance if there are specific questions of them. Horse training is only
permitted in residential zoning areas. This property has had horses in the past
and many of the neighbors have horses and arenas. The Conditional Use Permit
is to allow horse boarding ancillary to a permitted residential horse training facility
(Use Permit required per Section 14-4-2) and to allow travel trailer park on a site
less than 10 acres in size to accommodate short-term stays for traveling clients
of the facility (Use Permit required per Section 14-4-2). There are two parcels for
a total of 11.8 acres with a zoning of Single-Family Residential R1-35, which is
the same as all the neighbors zoning. There is no request to change the zoning.
There is currently a house, corral, and stables on the property.
The trainer will be Ryan Thomas who is a professional horse trainer in cutting
and reining. He was the Reserve Champion, 2024 Australia’s Greatest
Horseman with over a decade of experience working with National Reined
Cowhorse Association (NRCHA) professionals. The horses that will be on the
property will be either the owners, trainers or ones being boarded while they are
being trained. For this type of training the minimum contract is for 90 days up to
one year. There will be no public events, so it will have low traffic use.
He then reviewed the conditional use permit criteria:
1. The proposed use won’t negatively impact nearby properties and is
adequately separated from incompatible land uses or zones. He showed the
location and pictures of five properties that are near this property with large
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 9 of 17
arenas and many horse stalls on the property.
2. There is an appropriate transition between different zoning intensities and the
subject property. The area around this property is all zoned the same as this
property and they are not requesting a rezone.
3. Adequate off-street parking is provided. The traffic and use will have a low
number of vehicles compared to a normal boarding situation, since only those
people and horses that are being trained will be there for long-term training.
There is sufficient space on the property for the horse trailers and RV’s.
4. The use complies with the Zoning Code and other applicable local, state, and
federal regulations. This type of use is only allowed in this zoning.
5. The health, safety, and general welfare of the public will not be adversely
affected. This is similar to other properties in the area and they have added
13 self-imposed conditions to try to ease the concerns of the neighbors.
The revised self-imposed conditions are as follows:
1. Horses will be boarded, trained, and fed at the Property and there shall be no
more than three trainers on the Property at a single time.
2. Training operations will be limited to performance horse training. No rodeo or
team roping competitions will be permitted or hosted on the Property.
3. A total of four RV pads are proposed to accommodate limited overnight stays
for individuals transporting their horses to this Property.
4. RV pads will ONLY be used in connection with the horse training and
boarding facility. THE PROPERTY OWNER IS NOT PERMITTED TO RENT
OR LEASE RV PADS TO INDIVIDUALS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE
HORSE TRAINING AND BOARDING FACILITY.
5. RV PADS SHALL ONLY PROVIDE WATER AND ELECTRIC SERVICE;
SEPTIC HOOKUPS SHALL NOT BE PROVIDED. RV WASTE SHALL BE
COLLECTED WITHIN INDIVIDUAL RV HOLDING TANKS AND
TRANSPORTED OFF-SITE FOR DISPOSAL.
6. No stadium seating will be located on the Property and there will be no public
events hosted on the Property.
7. No amplified sound will occur on the Property outside of the hours of 8am to
5pm.
8. Training activities will cease at sundown.
9. Outdoor lighting will be modest and limited to the stable areas for horse
security and trainer safety. FREESTANDING LIGHTING FOR PURPOSES
OF ILLUMINATING WALKWAYS SHALL BE LOW-LEVEL, NOT TO
EXCEED 3 FEET IN HEIGHT. BUILDING-MOUNTED LIGHTING SHALL BE
SHIELDED WITH CUT-OFF FIXTURES AND DEFLECTORS TO DIRECT
LIGHT DOWNWARD AND SHALL NOT EXCEED 12 FEET IN HEIGHT.
10. A sprinkler system and/or water truck will be used to control dust.
11. HORSE WASTE SHALL BE COLLECTED IN AN ENCLOSED DUMPSTER
NO SMALLER THAN 3 YARDS IN SIZE. MAINTENANCE OF THE
DUMPSTER WASTE SHALL BE UNDER PRIVATE CONTRACT, WITH
REMOVAL OF WASTE OCURRING ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 10 of 17
12. No more than 30 horses will be located on site at a single time.
13. No more than 30 15 cattle will be located on the Property at a single time.
They have four letters of support from some of the neighbors which he provided
to the town. There are many horse boarding facilities in town. They want to do
this the right way by going through the process of bringing this into town legally
and adding self-imposed conditions. They would like to be the example of how to
do this legally in the future.
Councilmember Clark asked how many trips the neighbors can expect. Mr.
Maerowitz stated that there will have to be someone dropping off hay, a weekly
disposal of waste from the trash truck, and customers dropping off their horses.
He stated that based on 11.8 acres, they could have 450 horses on this property.
Councilmember Bedoian asked where the cattle will be kept. Mr. Maerowitz
stated that they will be in the cutting pen.
Mayor Bratcher asked why the need for 30 horses. Mr. Maerowitz stated that Mr.
Thomas can train 10-20 horses at a time plus his and the owner’s horses. He
wants to allow flexibility in the busy season.
Mayor Bratcher asked for the timeframe for the stay with the RV’s. Mr. Maerowitz
stated that it is usually just for a few days to make sure their horse is settled. The
client is wiling to stipulate that a stay can’t be longer than seven days. Mr.
Thomas is expected to train seven days per week.
Councilmember Jones asked about the amplified sound. Mr. Maerowitz stated
that it is used for training, but they can do without it. Mr. Thomas uses a
microphone and will usually have 1-2 speakers low to the ground. They will not
be training at night.
Councilmember Rovey asked about the adverse effects on the neighbors. Mr.
Maerowitz stated that this is in an area with many other large parcels with horses
and arenas and the reasons for the conditions is to alleviate the adverse effects
on the neighbors as much as possible.
Public Hearing Opened at 6:50 PM by Mayor Bratcher and requested civility by
all in attendance to hear everyone’s point of view.
Cindy Thrasher, In-Town Resident, stated that she grew up in this area as her
name is Kenrick. She is worried about the well contamination as this is not a
benefit to the neighborhood.
Wendy Castellanos, In-Town Resident, moved to Wickenburg for peace and
quiet. She is worried about well contamination from the cattle as it takes a lot to
get a permit rescinded.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 11 of 17
Michele Painter, In-Town Resident, has horses and thanked Mr. Thomas and Mr.
Holder for being open about what they are proposing to do on the property. This
is horse country where there is already dust and noise. She looks forward to
them being in the area.
Rachel Dara Prince, In-Town Resident, stated that she believes that the attorney
is not in compliance with Title 15 for fraudulence since she was given the name
of the proposed owner as Buddy Wilton and that must be a nickname because
she can’t find information on him. She put together a 12-page report using
artificial intelligence (AI) regarding the issues with that many animals on 11
acres.
Sara Gordon, In-Town Resident, stated that she is with the Wickenburg
Horseman’s Association and thinks a horse facility for teaching cutting is a great
addition to Wickenburg. Wickenburg is a great horse community.
Patrick Fly, In-Town Resident, stated that this is a professional horse trainer
running a for-profit business in a residential area. There will also need to be
employees on site such as a horse shoer, groomer, and stable person. This will
increase traffic on Cherokee that is not maintained.
Cathy Billingsley, In-Town Resident, stated that she has been a resident for 60
years and was just introduced to the cutting world this past year. She thought
that the trainer would also have to train the rider/owner of the horse and was
worried about well issues. No one wants change, but Wickenburg has seen a lot
of change in the last five years. Cherokee Lane has a lot of sand and a gate at
the end. This was a great presentation on how to do this correctly and it will set
precedent for those who have not done it correctly.
Chuck Guetz, In-Town Resident, stated that he lives close but is not for or
against the project. He has no confidence in accountability if the conditions aren’t
followed. Cherokee Lane and Kenrick Drive are not maintained by the town. He
thinks this was pushed through too quickly.
John Cook, In-Town Resident, stated that Wickenburg should be trying to do
their best to get businesses into town to invest in Wickenburg. Horses are a part
of Wickenburg, and this will bring money into town. They are trying to do this the
right way. He would like to see the speakers limited.
Cathy Higgins, In-Town Resident and owner of this property for 40 years, stated
that all the property is fenced and the private part of Kenrick Drive is actually on
her property. In 1989, she granted a few neighbors access to Kenrick Drive. This
is in the flood way, but she has a barn in that area, and she has never had it
flood. There is good water in the area, and she turned down several other offers
as she wanted someone who would take care of the property.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 12 of 17
Layla Villasenor, Real Estate Agent for property and niece of owner, stated that
there were several offers but when they met Mr. Wilton and Mr. Thomas, it
seemed like the right fit. They have kept their promises and provided a level of
transparency and accountability by volunteering to agree to self-imposed
conditions. Most of the people in the area love horses. This project is being done
the right way, by the book, by getting approval prior to building it.
Dwight Zemp, In-Town Resident, was concerned with them leveling the land
which can increase the runoff. He thought there were too many animals for the
area and could affect the water.
Larry Hibler, In-Town Resident, was against the project as he thought it was
wrong for the neighborhood due to the smell of the cattle and urine into the
ground.
Cathy Weiss, In-Town Resident, stated that these are quality people as she was
able to find information on them online. The horses that are being trained cost
between $500,000 to $1M, so she would think the owners would want to stay a
few days to make sure the horses are settled. The town needs to be open to
equine activities and businesses, especially when they want to do it the right
way. This is different but is a perfect business for Wickenburg. The Council
should approve this to stay with the Town Code. The town should welcome
equine businesses.
Jim Brown, Flying E Ranch, stated that he has owned 1,200 horses in his
lifetime. He does have empathy and respects the neighbors’ views, but this is a
good business for Wickenburg. Wickenburg has the right to be western, which
includes horses and cattle. Many communities such as Prescott are kicking out
the horses. He saw a boarding facility come next to some of his property and it
brought up the value of the neighboring properties in the area. It can cost
$200,000 for this type of training. The neighbors might be surprised at how good
this will be to bring up the property values in the area.
Geri Fair, In-Town Resident, stated that Wickenburg is a western town and they
are doing this correctly by doing this up front. The town has always answered her
calls for service and been honest and helpful.
Todd Bishop, In-Town Resident, stated that Cherokee Lane is a narrow road that
is deteriorating. This will add extra use on the road. He would like them to
address improvements on the road.
Ryan Thomas, Horse Trainer, stated that it would have been easy to come to
Wickenburg to train horses and stay under the radar of the requirements.
However, they wanted to do this the right way and be up front. This also protects
them in the future, because they have an approved use on the property. He
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 13 of 17
doesn’t need the public address (PA) system, if that is a concern, it can be taken
out. He will do what it required to have a legal business including getting a
business license and paying the taxes, as that is how you pay for the roads.
Councilmember Rovey asked about the hay and manure. Mr. Thomas stated that
they will get large loads of hay, so it will be a few dozen loads per year. The
manure will be picked up by a garbage truck, just like everyone else, so no extra
trips. They will get the size of can that is needed. Customers do stay a few days
to make sure the horse is settling in okay.
Councilmember Nyberg asked about the training of the riders. Mr. Thomas stated
that people will usually drop off their horses and he will see how they interact and
might help the rider with their horses. His training is primarily with horses.
Mayor Bratcher asked about other trainers. Mr. Thomas stated that they have
stipulated no more than three trainers as sometimes they will train and teach
each other. That means that he will also go to other locations for a few days to
visit other trainers.
Mayor Bratcher asked about staff that are hired to help. Mr. Thomas stated that
he has a groomer that helps him. He has a small business and works on quality,
not quantity.
Mayor Bratcher asked about Kenrick Drive for the road into other properties.
Director Boyle stated that he hasn’t seen the easement for Kenrick Drive to know
if it was granted only for a few other properties. There are many who use it for
access and if there is an accident on the bypass, locals know how to use the
backroads to get around traffic.
Public Hearing Closed at 7:47 PM
Vice Mayor Jones thanked everyone for their feedback. This will set precedent to
show others how to do this the right way. The town wants to encourage people to
do their research and apply for permits before doing work so that everything is
done according to the code. This will put conditions on the use that will make it
easier to enforce. Town Attorney Stuhan stated that the zoning code requires a
conditional use permit (CUP) for a horse boarding facility and RV pedestals in
residential areas. This is a greater use than the normal code, which is why the
CUP is required. The CUP will add conditions to try to mitigate the effects on the
neighbors. There will be land use impacts such as traffic, noise and dust, but it is
permitted by the code to be in residential areas. It will be up to staff to ensure
compliance with the conditions. The neighbors can file a complaint if they see
issues. The town can add to the conditions such as an administrative review of
the facility in a year to have a check in the future.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 14 of 17
Councilmember Rovey sees that there are concerns on both sides. She would
like to see the administrative review in a year of the conditions as well as no
sound system.
Councilmember Clark thanked both sides for their input and Mr. Thomas for
bringing this business to town. He would like to see the town address the streets
in the area.
Councilmember Rubash stated that he is a property rights person until it impedes
on the neighbors and it sounds like the neighbors don’t want this.
Councilmember Bedoian stated that property rights are important to her also and
wanted to verify that all the surrounding properties were R1-35. Director Boyle
confirmed the zoning.
Councilmember Bedoian also requested the town maintain the roads.
Mayor Bratcher would like to delay approval of this until the new zoning code is in
place. She has concerns about the number of horses, the number of RV’s and
the grading and drainage of the property. This is a different use with an arena
and business being run seven days per week.
Councilmember Rovey stated that they could have more animals with the current
code than is requested. They could have come in without requesting the CUP,
which will give the town more oversite.
Town Attorney Stuhan also requested the last sentence in the CUP to change to
read that this Use Permit is subject to all limitations of the Wickenburg Town
Code and may be terminated as set forth in the Wickenburg Town Code
MOVED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg to approve the Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) for a Horse Boarding and Training Facility along with 4 RV pads at
1310 Kendrick Drive with the recommended conditions as outlined in the CUP
and add a one-year administrative review for compliance, no PA system and the
attorney clean up of the last sentence in the CUP
SECONDED BY Councilmember Shawn Clark
VOTE: 5 – 2 (Yes – Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg,
and Rovey) (No - Mayor Bratcher and Councilmember Rubash)
Recess was called at 8:12 PM.
Meeting was reconvened at 8:30 PM
Item 4 was heard prior to Item 3.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 15 of 17
3. Presentation Approving a Contract with Felix Construction Company for the
South WWTP Intensification Project in the amount of $2,903,161.00 per Bid 24-
03
Herschel Workman, Public Works Director, reported that the South Wastewater
Treatment Plant (SWWTP) Intensification Project aims to expand and enhance
the liquid stream capacity of the existing South WWTP from 0.8 million gallons
per day (MGD) to 1.2 MGD. The project will introduce intensification techniques
to improve both hydraulic and biological treatment capacity by incorporating
media into the bioreactor. Additionally, two new center-fed drum screens will be
installed to recover and maintain the media, along with two new waste activated
sludge (WAS) pumps, associated piping, electrical distribution, and
instrumentation enhancements.
After a thorough review of the proposals, Felix Construction Company has been
selected as the contractor for the project at a total cost of $2,903,161.00 through
a sealed bid process. The original engineers' estimate for the project was 1.4-
million dollars. A 1.4-million-dollar WIFA loan was procured to fund the project.
Additional funding for the project will include the reallocation of ARPA funding
from the future Headworks project in the amount of $1,000,000 dollars.
Additionally, $600,000 will initially be pulled from Wastewater 1 Contingency to
fund the remaining amount and allow for award of the contract. However, staff
will be working with WIFA to reallocate $600,000 from the future UV Disinfection
Project, which was originally funded at $1.4M dollars. That project is currently
being redesigned and is expected to only cost $800,000 in the final configuration.
MOVED BY Vice Mayor Brian Jones to approve the contract with Felix
Construction Company for the South WWTP Intensification Project in the amount
of $2,903,161.00 per Bid 24-03 and authorize $600,000 from Wastewater 1
Contingency and the use of budgeted ARPA funding
SECONDED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
4. Consideration and Action on the Sale of Real Property, Consisting of Parcel #
505-50-141 Located at 74 W Wickenburg Way to the Humane Society through
Bid 25-02
MOVED BY Councilmember Shawn Clark to adjourn into executive session at
8:21 PM for Item J1
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
Meeting was reconvened at 8:29 PM.
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 16 of 17
Interim Town Manager Smith stated that this item was heard on April 7, 2025 and
tabled to give staff time to work with the Humane Society on the price. They have
come back with a new purchase price of $575,000.
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to approve the sale of real property,
Maricopa County Parcel #505-50-141, located at 74 W Wickenburg Way, to the
highest qualified bidder through Bid 25-02 and authorize the Town Manager and
Town Attorney to take all necessary steps to complete the sale for $575,000.00
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
5. Consideration and Possible Action Regarding the Town Manager Vacancy,
Hiring Process, Possible Job Offer to a Candidate, and Approval of a Contract
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to adjourn into executive session at
8:34 PM for Item J2
SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Brian Jones
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
Meeting was reconvened at 9:58 PM
Mayor Bratcher announced that this item will be continued to the May 12th
meeting.
J. EXECUTIVE SESSION - (Council May Vote to Go Into Executive Session Pursuant
to A.R.S §38-431.03(A)(3) to Receive Legal Advice from the Town Attorney on Any
of the Above Agenda Items.)
1. An executive session pursuant to (1) A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for discussion or
consultation for legal advice with the Town Attorney; (2) A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(4)
for discussion or consultation with the Town Attorney regarding the Town’s
position and to instruct the Town Attorney regarding a contract that is the subject
of negotiations; and (3) A.R.S. § 38-431.03 (A)(7) for discussions or
consultations with designated representatives of the Town in order to consider
the Town’s position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the
purchase, sale, or lease of real property; all related to real property consisting of
approximately 0.37 acres of real property and 5,018 square foot building located
at 74 W Wickenburg Way.
2. An Executive Session Pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03(A)(1), 38-431.03(A)(3),
and 38-431.03(A)(4) For (1) Discussion and Consideration of Employment of
Town Manager And Interview of Candidate; (2) Discussion or Consultation for
Legal Advice with the Town Attorney regarding Appointment of a Town Manager;
and (3) Discussion or Consultation with the Town Attorney in order to consider its
Town Council Minutes of May 5, 2025
Page 17 of 17
position and instruct the Town Attorney regarding the Town Council’s position
regarding the Town Manager Contract. Candidate for appointment is Troy Smith.
K. SCHEDULING OF FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS - None
L. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to adjourn at approximately 9:58 PM
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers Bedoian,
Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
BG Bratcher, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Brown, Town Clerk
CERTIFICATION
I, Amy Brown, the duly appointed and qualified Town Clerk of the Town of Wickenburg,
do hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes
of the regular meeting of the Town Council of Wickenburg, Arizona held on May 5,
2025. I further certify the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Amy Brown, MMC
Town Clerk