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MINUTES
WICKENBURG COMMON COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, May 19, 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 5:31 PM
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Karla Mortimer
C. INVOCATION - Led by Pastor Duane Middleton, Mt. Hope Assembly of God Church
D. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor BG Bratcher
Vice Mayor Brian Jones (On Teams)
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
• Mayor BG Bratcher announced that the Town Council has hired Troy Smith as
the new Town Manager.
• Councilmember Art Rubash stated that Little League is ending with all stars
being picked. He thanked the town crew for keeping the fields nice.
• Councilmember Shawn Clark attended the retirement of the teachers and head
of school at the Wickenburg Christian Academy (WCA). He also attended a
Future Farmers of America (FFA) awards banquet at the high school.
• Councilmember Margaret Nyberg thanked the hospital for taking care of her in
the emergency room this morning. She also toured a new park in Glendale.
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 2 of 10
• Councilmember Kristy Bedoian welcomed Town Manager Troy Smith. She
attended the Economic Development and Transportation Committee meeting
with presentations from Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and Small
Business Development.
• Mayor BG Bratcher announced that the WCA boys won state in baseball and
girls won state in softball. She attended meetings regarding BNSF facility in
Wittmann, Western Trading Post first auction, museum art contest, WESTMARC
economic development summit, and town job fair.
F. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
• Interim Town Manager Troy Smith celebrated Joseph Baker’s service to the town
for fifteen years. He is a third-generation town employee who has worked in
water, wastewater, sanitation, and parks.
• Interim Town Manager Troy Smith attended the grand opening and toured Hero’s
Park in Glendale with Council and staff. Staff held the final meeting on the Zoning
Code, so the final draft should be received soon, with public meetings in the fall.
Lewis Addition roads are down to five residents to sign the paperwork. Tegner
Street phase two will start on June 27th. Splash pad is open, summer programs
will be starting, adopt-a-park is available, and job fair saw over 40 job seekers.
G. FINAL CALL for Request to Speak Cards to be turned into the Town Clerk.
H. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
• Lori McGuire, Out-of-Town Resident, owns a business outside of town but was
concerned about the downtown businesses with the Tegner paving project as
she heard the road and sidewalks will be closed. She wondered about signs and
information.
• Karla Mortimer, In-Town Resident, stated that she has only received two letters
and attended a meeting regarding the Tegner paving project and thinks more
needs to be done by the town to listen to the businesses, including advertising for
them.
I. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
1. Action on the Consent Agenda -
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to approve items a, b, and d of the
consent agenda
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
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 May 5, 2025 and Special Meeting of May 12, 2025
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
minutes of May 5, 2025 and May 12, 2025.
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 3 of 10
b. Consideration and Action on Resolution 2374, Adopting an Annual Policy
Prescribing Procedures for Purchasing from the Mayor and any Member of
the Common Council
Amy Brown, Town Clerk, reported in her Council routing form that in Town
Code, the Town is allowed to make a single purchase from the Mayor or
Council Member of $300 and a maximum per fiscal year of $1,000. According
to A.R.S. 38-503, the Town may purchase services, supplies, materials and
equipment not exceeding $300 in cost in any single transaction, not to exceed
a total of $1,000 annually, from a member of the governing body if the policy
for such purchases is approved annually. Adoption of Resolution 2374 will
satisfy the requirement that an annual policy be adopted. The only exception
to the maximum amount is if there is a competitive bidding process for the
services.
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve
Resolution 2374, adopting an annual policy prescribing procedures for
purchasing from the Council.
c. Consideration and Action on Resolution No. 2373, Adopting the Fiscal Year
2025-26 Consolidated Fee Schedule for Town Services and Use of Town
Facilities
Amy Brown, Town Clerk, reported in her Council routing form that on June 16,
2014, the Town Council approved Ordinance No. 1140, authorizing the
Council to set fees annually by resolution for town services and use of
facilities. At the Council meeting of March 3, 2025, staff presented the
changes to the 2025-26 Consolidated Fee Schedule that were recommended
by each department.
As required by A.R.S. § 9-499.15, the Town gave a 60-days’ notice that it
may adopt the 2025-26 Consolidated Fee Schedule and posted the proposed
consolidated fee schedule on the Town’s website. Attached for Council's
consideration is Resolution No. 2373, which adopts the 2025-26 Consolidated
Fee Schedule for town services and use of town facilities. If approved, the
Fee Schedule will become effective July 1st.
The proposed fee schedule was updated to include the deletion of tax on
residential rentals due to the legislature amending ARS § 42-6004(H) to
prohibit the town from levying a TPT on residential rentals. This legislative
change preempted the Town's ability to collect tax on long-term rentals; the
Town continues to tax short term rentals.
Councilmember Clark asked about the 25% discount for non-profits that is
being recommended to be deleted. Deputy Town Manager Suan stated that
the non-profit organizations still will receive 50% off facility rental rates.
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 4 of 10
Currently they also receive a 25% reduction on staff time and services
provided by the town, which is being recommended that they pay the full cost
to help cover the costs incurred by the town. The Council strategic plan
recommends that staff work toward cost recovery. This only affects about five
organizations and the Chamber of Commerce. Interim Town Manager Smith
stated that this item has come to the Council once and in the three work
sessions, with no questions.
MOVED BY Councilmember Shawn Clark to table this item to the next
meeting
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 6 – 1 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash) (No - Councilmembers Bedoian)
d. Consideration and Action Regarding Appointment of Connie Jenson to the
Planning and Zoning Commission and Terry Eberhardt to the Community
Programming Committee as Regular Members and Bill Holder as an Alternate
on the Planning and Zoning Commission
Amy Brown, Town Clerk, reported in her Council routing form that with the
passing of Mitch Jackson, the town has an opening on the Planning and
Zoning Commission. Connie Jenson is a current alternate who is suggested
to be a regular member. In addition, on the Community Programming
Committee, Tom Core has resigned. Terry Eberhardt is a current alternate
who is being suggested to be a regular member. The town has also received
an application from Bill Holder for the Planning and Zoning Commission, so
the recommendation is to add him as an alternate to replace the position that
Connie Jenson held.
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
appointments of Connie Jenson and Terry Eberhardt as regular members of
their committee/commission and Bill Holder as an alternate on the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to adjourn into executive session
for items 5 and 2 at 6:02 PM
SECONDED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
Council reconvened the meeting at 7:04 PM.
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 5 of 10
2. Consideration and Action on Resolution No. 2376, Amending Rates for Water
and Wastewater System 1
Herschel Workman, Public Works Director, reported that in 2022, the Town of
Wickenburg developed comprehensive master plans for water and wastewater
systems, along with a utility rate study. These plans identified the need for nearly
$80 million in wastewater infrastructure projects and about $40 million in water
system upgrades. Based on this, the Town Council approved new rate structures
on May 6, 2024 (Resolution 2347) to ensure the long-term stability of the utilities.
At the Council Retreat on February 10, 2025, staff were asked whether there
would be a review of water and wastewater rate increases. During COVID the
water usage went up causing the wastewater system to get closer to capacity. In
reviewing the usage date, the water usage is back to the pre-COVID numbers.
Staff engaged the consultant who completed the initial rate study and the
engineer who designed system improvements to assess the Water and
Wastewater Master Plans to see if any projects could be modified, postponed, or
removed. Staff reassessed the necessity and timing of a major $44 million
wastewater treatment plant expansion. Given the current capacity and revised
projections, we determined that the expansion could be delayed by at least five
years. In response, staff recommended adjusting the previously approved rate
increases. Resolution 2376 reflects these changes by reducing the upcoming
wastewater rate hikes while still maintaining responsible funding for system
maintenance, smaller-scale improvements, and regulatory compliance.
Subsequently, we initiated discussions with Waterworth (rate study consultant)
and revised the original Water and Wastewater financial models to include a
delay of major projects. The $44M dollar expansion project for Wastewater has
been delayed until 2036. As a result of these modifications, the planned rate
increase for the wastewater rate increase for year 2 (FY 26) was lowered from
60% to 30%, and FY 27 was lowered from 60% to 15%, with subsequent 3%
increases in FY 28 and 29.
Trish Stuhan, Town Attorney, then discussed the water system. The Gila River
General Stream Adjudication is moving forward and picking up pace. There are
scientific questions about how groundwater and surface water interact and are
being actively addressed in court. As these questions are resolved, the pace of
adjudication is expected to increase. The court is currently reviewing
Hydrographic Survey Reports (HSRs) for different areas of the watershed.
Although the town’s rights are not immediately up for decision and the town’s
Lower Gila – Agua Fria River HSR is still beyond the court’s planning horizon, we
know that being prepared will ensure we protect the town’s long-term water
rights. The town will need capital resources to support:
• Scientific and legal investigations into the town’s historical and current water
use
• Strategic planning for how best to use, defend, or modify rights
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 6 of 10
• Capital improvement projects that may be necessary to use water in the
future
• Evaluation or acquisition of additional surface water rights, if needed
Investing now positions the town to respond proactively, leading to better
effectiveness and flexibility for the town as the adjudication process continues to
unfold. The town will continue installing monitoring wells to assist in establishing
subflow zone and develop a GroundWater Master Plan. Even though the town
can spread out the water projects to every other year, the town needs to have
funds in the event that it has to purchase additional water rights in the future. It is
recommended to take no action on the water rights and continue with the same
increases to the water rates.
MOVED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg to approve Resolution No. 2376,
amending the rates for wastewater service for the Town’s System 1 and take no
action on the water rates
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
3. Consideration and Action Regarding the Water Utility Assistance Program in
Fiscal Year 2026
Tim Suan, Deputy Town Manager, stated that staff reviewed the performance of
the town’s water utility assistance program, initially funded with $20,000 to help
low-income or fixed-income households afford the recent rate changes.
Councilmember Bedoian suggested that the 80% AMI was too high as this was
supposed to be for seniors and those on fixed incomes.
Mayor Bratcher would like to continue the program at 50% AMI for eligibility and
lower the amount to $10,000, plus roll over what is left in this year’s fund.
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to approve continuation of the utility
assistance program in the amount of $10,000 for fiscal year 2026 with the
remainder of this fiscal year rolled over and the Area Median Income (AMI)
reduced to 50% for eligibility
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
4. Consideration and Action to Approve Resolution No. 2372, Adopting the
Tentative Budget with an Expenditure Limitation of $63,473,203, the Financial
Policies, and the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 7 of 10
Troy Smith, Interim Town Manager, stated that the town has had several
meetings regarding the budget. The budget is a financial plan that includes all
reserves, contingencies and a plan for all that could happen in the next fiscal
year. The Tentative Budget sets the town’s maximum allowable expenditures for
the upcoming fiscal year. Once adopted, the total expenditure limitation cannot
be increased, only reduced. The Tentative Budget serves as the legal framework
for final budget adoption.
The key achievements in this budget include the following:
• Provides targeted relief for the most critical personnel compression issues;
includes market adjustments to ensure the organization remains competitive
and does not lag behind
• Reduces overall costs through the creation of an Operational Contingency
under the Town Manager’s authority
• Expands insurance coverage to include major infrastructure assets that were
previously uninsured
• Extends our Capital Outlay planning from a 3-Year to a 5-Year plan
• Establishes significant progress towards capital projects in Council
identified priority areas
• Limits operational expense growth to just $469,411 – which can be accounted
for in the salary adjustments, so staff has been very careful with expenses
especially given the increase in costs
The big picture for the General Fund is below:
The General Fund balance summary is as follows:
• Projected End of FY25 Restricted Fund Balance - $22,083,547
✓ Contingency $4,347,134
✓ Capital Reserve $1,000,000
✓ Reserve $5,653,519 (funded at 30%) – policy is 15%
The streets budget comes out of the General Fund as well as the Highway User
Revenue Fund (HURF) funding from the state from gas tax which is used for
personnel.
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 8 of 10
There have been a few changes in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) list
since the May 5th budget work session, which are listed below:
• Fire VHF System Upgrades was reduced from $100,000 to $75,000 next FY
as the parts have a long lead time.
• IT Voting/Request to Speak Software was removed from the budget at a cost
of $40,000.
• Library Remodel of Conference and Study Room can use $17,000 from
another funding source, so the GF cost will only be $18,000.
• LED Lighting will happen from a grant for $173,476.
• Sunset Park parking lots and the resurfacing of the tennis courts have been
moved to another fiscal year.
• Rodeo Grounds RV hookups and waterline has been removed from the
budget as there is not enough funding for those projects. The town will still be
putting in $1.2 million for Constellation Road repaving.
• Smoke Eater’s Renovation has been moved out one fiscal year with the plan
to try to get a grant to pay for some of that cost.
• Sunrise Park design has been split over two fiscal years after talking to Dig
Studio about their recommendation, with the idea of getting to 60% plans to
know what is planned to be built and the estimated cost.
• Community Center Construction was reduced to $1.5 million next fiscal year
because the project won’t start until March or April, so there will be limited
time to start the project.
• Recreation Portable Stage has been removed from the budget.
• There are also projects in the sanitation, electric, water and wastewater
enterprise funds, with the total projects estimated to cost around $19 million.
Robert Martinez, Finance Director, reviewed the budget schedules that are
submitted to the State Auditor General for the town’s budget. Schedule E shows
the expenditures by the departments and funds. This shows the entire budget
including the contingency and reserves. The General Fund total is $35,256,338,
special revenue funds are $9,556,950, debt service is $498,903, Capital projects
are $1,083,988, Enterprise funds are $40,412,613 and the internal services funds
are $953,263 with a total budget for all funds at $87,974,166. The expenditure
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 9 of 10
limitation is $63,473,203. There is $54 million in contingency and reserves.
Schedule D shows the transfers out of the General Fund with $1.7 million to the
streets fund, $498,902 for debt services for the fire station, and $300,000 for
capital projects for a total transfer of $2,498,902.
Schedule C is multiple pages showing the revenues for the town. The local sales
tax has been reduced by $1 million, but the Local Government Investment Pool
(LGIP) has increased due to all the money in contingency and reserves. The
general fund revenues are estimated to be $18,230,064. This is a conservative
approach after looking at the trends. Special Revenue Funds are $8,199,356 and
Enterprise Funds are $20,319,473, with the new rates factored into the totals.
Property tax is listed on Schedule B at $615,000 with the rate decreasing to
0.3997. Schedule A is a summary of the other schedules.
Interim Town Manager Smith stated that he is going to answer the question that
keeps being asked of why a small town needs a budget of $88 million. The town
has ten operating departments, seven utilities and future capital projects. The
town will not spend that amount, but the town must keep up the contingency and
reserves to pay for future capital projects. This provides the best value for the
community for a stable future.
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to approve Resolution No. 2372,
adopting the Tentative Budget with an Expenditure Limitation of $63,473,203, the
Financial Policies, and the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26,
and setting the Public Hearing for the Final Budget and Property Tax Levy
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
5. Consideration and Possible Action Regarding the Town Magistrate Vacancy,
Possible Job Offer to a Candidate, and Approval of a Contract
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to approve a contract for Town
Magistrate pending the Town Manager and Town Attorney negotiating a contract
as directed in executive session
SECONDED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
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.)
Town Council Minutes of May 19, 2025
Page 10 of 10
1. An Executive Session Pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03(A)(1), 38-431.03(A)(3),
and 38-431.03(A)(4) the Council May Vote to Convene into Executive Session
For (1) Discussion and Consideration of Employment of Town Magistrate And
Interview of Candidates; (2) Discussion or Consultation for Legal Advice withthe
Town Attorney regarding Appointment of a Town Magistrate; and (3) Discussion
or Consultation with the Town Attorney in order to consider its position and
instruct the Town Attorney regarding the Town Council’s position regarding the
Town Magistrate Contract. Candidates for appointment include: Charles J.
Adornetto, Mayra J. Galindo and Teresa M. Hunt.
K. SCHEDULING OF FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS - None
L. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to adjourn at approximately 7:53 PM
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
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 19,
2025. I further certify the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Amy Brown, MMC
Town Clerk