Minutes 10/20/25 Regular Meeting
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MINUTES
WICKENBURG COMMON COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, October 20, 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 5:30 PM
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Jackie Lundblad, Wickenburg Community
Hospital CEO
C. INVOCATION - Led by Wickenburg Christian Academy student
D. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor BG Bratcher
Councilmember Kristy Bedoian (Via Zoom)
Councilmember Shawn Clark
Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
Councilmember Art Rubash
Absent:
Vice Mayor Brian Jones
Staff Present:
Troy Smith, Town Manager
Trish Stuhan, Town Attorney
Steve Boyle, Community Development Director
Amy Brown, Town Clerk
Ken Lutkiewicz, Police Lieutenant
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
• Councilmember Margaret Nyberg attended the AllThrive365 breakfast and the
Las Senoras event.
• Councilmember Shawn Clark attended Oktoberfest and thanked staff for the
great job on Constellation Road.
• Mayor BG Bratcher attended the water and wastewater town presentations, West
Valley Mayor and Managers meeting, Oktoberfest, and Wickenburg Walks to
Boot Breast Cancer walk. She also thanked Herschel Workman for all his work
for the town as this is his last Council meeting and it is on his birthday.
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 2 of 10
• PROCLAMATION – Cities and Towns Week – October 19-25
F. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
• Town Manager Troy Smith also thanked Herschel Workman for his work at the
town. He also reported that a Parks Department employee, John Wetmore, just
reached 25 years with the town. December 1st, Waste Management (WM) will
take over the sanitation and recycling service with the town still sending the bills.
Service information will be sent to residents soon from WM. The parks, except for
Sunset Park, are being overseeded so they will be watering every three hours
through November 9th, so the town is asking people to stay off the grass. The
LED light bulb give away was started at Oktoberfest, but residents can also pick
up the bulbs at town hall. Anyone wanting to serve on a town committee can
submit their application by November 1st. The Fall and Winter recreation program
is available at town hall or online.
G. FINAL CALL for Request to Speak Cards to be turned into the Town Clerk.
H. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
• Rich Hostetter, In-Town Resident, stated that things are changing with bringing in
Waste Management, which he would have suggested ten years ago and
probably would not have been received very well. People need to look deep into
what BNSF is proposing and ask what the town wants in town.
• Nick Giustino, Wasatch Mountains Media, stated that he was in town to work on
the town’s marketing and wanted to introduce himself to the Council since all his
presentations have been online so far.
I. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
1. Action on the Consent Agenda -
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to approve items a, b, c, and d of
the consent agenda
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 6 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Councilmembers Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg,
Rovey, and Rubash)
a. Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
October 6, 2025
By a 6-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
minutes of October 6, 2025.
b. Consideration and Action Approving a Cooperative Purchase Contract with
Cactus Asphalt for Pavement Preservation and Repair Services in an amount
not to exceed $500,000 in Accordance with the Terms and Conditions
submitted to Pinal County Job Order Contract No. 234128ROQ
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 3 of 10
Herschel Workman, Public Works Director, reported in his Council routing
form that staff is requesting the award of a contract to Cactus Asphalt for the
fiscal year 2025/2026 Pavement Preservation Project. The scope of this
contract is for crack sealing and chip sealing of Cactus, Loma Linda, Palo
Verde, S. Mesquite, S Madison, Henderson, S Jefferson, Sylvan, & Howard.
The quote is in the amount of $427,786.31, but staff is asking for approval not
to exceed $500,000 in the event of change orders or if additional work is
deemed necessary during the project. The quote and bid requirements will be
satisfied utilizing an executed Job Order Contract (JOC) #234128ROQ
between Cactus Asphalt and Pinal County for Asphalt Maintenance and
Repair Services.
By a 6-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve and
authorize the Mayor to execute a Cooperative Purchase Contract with Cactus
Asphalt for Pavement Preservation and Repair Services in an amount not to
exceed $500,000 in accordance with the terms and conditions submitted to
Pinal County Job Order Contract No. 234128ROQ.
c. Consideration and Action Accepting a $5,000 Selective Traffic Enforcement
Program (STEP) grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS)
Les Brown, Police Chief, reported in his Council routing form that each year,
the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) accepts grants applications
for various programs around the state. In July 2025, the Wickenburg Police
Department (WPD) applied for two grants: impaired driver and speed
enforcement. The money is used for reimbursement of wages and employee-
related costs associated with the details. GOHS has granted WPD money
each year, and it has been spent on numerous details resulting in traffic
warnings, citations, and arrests. This year, GOHS granted WPD a $5,000
grant for Selective Traffic Enforcement (STEP). The grant money enables the
planning and execution of various traffic enforcement details from October
2025 to September 2026, ensuring the safety of Wickenburg residents and
visitors from vehicle-related collisions.
By a 6-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to accept a $5,000
grant for Selective Traffic Enforcement (STEP) from the Governor's Office of
Highway Safety (GOHS).
d. Consideration and Action Accepting a $5,000 Driving Under the Influence
(DUI) Enforcement Grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety
(GOHS)
Les Brown, Police Chief, reported in his Council routing form that each year,
the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) accepts grant applications
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 4 of 10
for various programs around the state. In July 2025, the Wickenburg Police
Department (WPD) applied for two grants: one for impaired driver
enforcement (DUI) and another for speed enforcement (STEP). The money is
used for reimbursement of wages and employee-related costs associated
with the details. GOHS has granted WPD money each year, and it has been
spent on numerous details resulting in traffic warnings, citations, and arrests.
This year, GOHS has granted WPD a $5,000 grant for impaired driving
enforcement. The grant money enables the planning and execution of various
traffic enforcement details from October 2025 to September 2026, ensuring
the safety of Wickenburg residents and visitors from vehicle-related
collisions.
By a 6-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to accept a $5,000
grant for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Enforcement from the Governor's
Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).
2. Presentation and Update from the Wickenburg Community Hospital
Ed Kientz, Wickenburg Community Hospital Board Chair, provided information
about the hospital and new projects. Wickenburg Community Hospital is a Critical
Access Hospital and a Level 4 Trauma Center. They provide the following
services at the Wickenburg Campus, but also have primary care clinics in
Congress and Wittmann:
• QWickCare Urgent Care Clinic
• Surgical & Specialty Care
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Laboratory Services
• Inpatient Care Unit
• Nuclear Medicine
• Retail Pharmacy
• Infusion Center
• Retail Pharmacy (offers free delivery & compounding)
• Rural Healthcare Clinic – Primary Care
• WickCare Mobile Clinic
The New Surgery Center and Medical Offices (2016) plus the restructuring of
debt required the hospital to seek help from the Department of Agriculture in the
form of a loan of $16.7 million. In 2020 COVID caused employee costs to
skyrocket due to the fear of the virus and many staff becoming traveling contract
workers.
The hospital has worked to provide quality health and wellness services where
the patient, family and community come first. This has included expanding the
primary care, mobile clinic, surgery center, and urgent care. In addition, the
hospital now offers telehealth and a pharmacy that will deliver prescriptions.
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 5 of 10
In the future, the hospital plans to create a women’s health center and expand
the surgical services. They have partnered with West-MEC on a training facility
for entry level health care workers to create a career path for young adults. They
are already connected with Barrow Neurological Institute for stroke patients with
a “Ghost Bed” for patients being transported. They are in discussion with The
Mayo Organization regarding the opportunity to join the Mayo Care Network, an
affiliate program that expands access to Mayo Clinic providers and other
services.
3. Consideration and Possible Action Regarding the Funding Request from Non-
Profit AllThrive365
Robert Martinez, Finance Director, AllThrive365 has submitted a funding request
in the amount of $120,000. Town staff has reviewed the submission and
determined that it complies with the requirements of Ordinance No. 1243. In
accordance with the ordinance, this request is now being presented to the Town
Council for consideration.
Lory Loredo, AllThrive360, provided information about their services in
Wickenburg for the past 50 years. At the Wellik Senior Center they offer the
Senior Café Nutrition Program, Community Resource Hub, Freedom Express
rides for seniors, and the Family Resource Center. AllThrive365 also offers
assistance with Affordable Housing and Weatherization Program through
Maricopa County. They have provided the following services in 2025:
• 25,764 meals
✓ 10,236 were delivered to homebound seniors
• Served 204 meals in 1 day
✓ 155 dining/49 home delivered
• 26,104 miles of free transportation
✓ 6,417 rides, 50+seniors/month
• $50,077.84 in direct financial support
✓ 807 client referral/navigation services
• 483,756 pounds of food
✓ 305 households/month
✓ $807,872.52 value
Councilmember Bedoian says she does support the seniors, but she is not in
support of them offering family support. She would like to see these requests at
budget time and therefore would like to keep the amount that was put in the
budget which is $60,000. Director Martinez stated that they have asked for
$120,000. There was $60,000 put in the budget so if the Council wants to give
the entire $120,000 then $60,000 will have to come from General Fund
Contingency and a new funding contract will need to be signed.
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 6 of 10
MOVED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg to approve the funding request
from AllThrive 365 in the amount of $120,000, and to authorize the Town
Manager to execute an agreement consistent with their proposal and authorize
$60,000 from General Fund Contingency
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
VOTE: 5 – 1 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Councilmembers Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and
Rubash) (No - Councilmember Bedoian)
4. Consideration and Possible Action Regarding the Funding Request from Non-
Profit Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts
Robert Martinez, Finance Director, reported that the Del E Webb Center for the
Performing Arts has requested $5,000 for their Guys who Grill event in March
2026. Town staff has reviewed the current request and determined that it
complies with the minimum standards of Ordinance No. 1243. In September, the
Economic Development and Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed and
recommended approval of this funding request in the amount of $5,000 which will
be funded through the Bed Tax Contingency Fund.
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to approve the funding request
from the Del E Webb Center for the Performing Arts in the amount of $5,000, and
to authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement consistent with their
proposal, with funding to come from the bed tax contingency funds
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 4 – 2 (Yes – Councilmembers Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash) (No –
Mayor Bratcher and Councilmember Bedoian)
5. Consideration and Possible Action Regarding the Funding Request from Non-
Profit Desert Caballeros Western Museum
Councilmember Clark declared a conflict of interest and left the room.
Robert Martinez, Finance Director, reported that the Desert Caballeros Western
Museum has requested $4,500 for Cowgirl Up and the Dave Stamey concert.
Town staff has reviewed the current request and determined that it complies with
the minimum standards of Ordinance No. 1243. In September, the Economic
Development and Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed and
recommended approval of this funding request in the amount of $4,500 which will
be funded through the Bed Tax Contingency Fund. Last year they requested and
received $4,000.
MOVED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg to approve the funding request
from the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in the amount of $4,500, and to
authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement consistent with their
proposal, with funding to come from the bed tax contingency funds
SECONDED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 7 of 10
VOTE: 3 – 2 (Yes – Councilmembers Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash) (No – Mayor
Bratcher and Councilmember Bedoian) (Conflict of Interest – Councilmember
Clark)
6. Consideration and Action to Make a Recommendation Regarding a Temporary
Extension of Premises/Patio Permit for Vulture Peak Brewing Company for
October 31, 2025 until April 30, 2026
Steve Boyle, Community Development Director, stated that the Vulture Peak
Brewing Company has submitted a temporary extension of premises/patio permit
for six months/180 days for alcohol sales and consumption outdoors. Last year
they requested the same extension for six months with the Council approving the
request on December 16, 2024, with a few conditions. Those conditions were
that they would screen the temporary toilets, and they would coordinate with staff
for compliance. No screen devices were ever installed even though staff
contacted them about their non-compliance.
The code lists the requirements for restrooms for one per 40 people. In addition,
temporary is usually reserved to seven days or less. Their request is to add
additional seating capacity of 78 people as currently their capacity is only 35. The
town should follow the building code which would mean that they should increase
the number of restrooms in the building to meet the code of one restroom per 40
people. Six months of use is not compliant with health, safety and building code.
Staff recommends denial of the request to extend the premises until a permanent
restroom is added, or the duration of the request is reduced to less than 7 days.
Councilmember Nyberg asked about parking since this will use up their parking
area. Director Boyle stated that there are no requirements for parking in the
downtown due to all the public and street parking that is adequate.
Councilmember Clark asked the nature of the non-compliance. Director Boyle
stated that they didn’t install the screening that Council requested for approval
last year. They have not expressed a desire to increase the bathroom capacity
as they don’t own the building.
Councilmember Bedoian stated that she wasn’t happy with this because the
Council stated that they needed a barrier and they made no effort to comply. She
has had several complaints from the neighbors.
Susan Webster, In-Town Resident and applicant, stated that they want to reopen
the patio. There is nothing in the liquor code regarding restrooms. She thought
they didn’t have to cover last year unless there were complaints and they didn’t
receive any. They put up a screen this week for three porta potties and a sink.
Director Boyle stated that they gave them an opportunity last year to do what the
Council instructed, but no screen was ever put up. The town should follow the
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 8 of 10
building code and deny this request until the permanent restrooms can be
installed.
Councilmember Nyberg didn’t understand why they didn’t do this last year when
they said that they would put up the screening when they came to the Council.
Councilmember Rovey stated that this was talked about at length last year and
they didn’t put up the screen until this week. She doesn’t want to see a business
go out of business, but she thought the Council was very clear that the screening
was required.
Director Boyle stated that staff has come up with an alternative path for this year
through the use of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP). This TUP can be for 60 days
and can be extended for next year. There are usually conditions put on a
temporary use permit with staff suggesting the following conditions:
• Proper screening of restrooms (wall barrier)
• Regular cleaning and maintenance
• Plan for permanent restroom expansion if requests continue
Mayor Bratcher thought that the town should follow the building code as they
should have taken care of this last year if they knew they were going to request
this again.
Councilmember Nyberg thought that one more extension for this year, but then
there needs to be regular bathrooms installed.
Town Manager Smith wanted to clarify that the requested extension of premises
does trigger the need for additional permanent restrooms. The code does not
allow the TUP, but staff have worked on a creative way to work around the code
with Council approval. Last year there was no avenue to force the Council
direction as the approval was for the liquor license that was though the state.
This year the TUP could be required with conditions so that there could be
enforcement for non-compliance. The code does not allow anything except for
the addition of permanent restrooms.
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to recommend approval of the
temporary extension of premises/patio permit for Vulture Peak Brewing Company
from October 31, 2025 until April 30, 2026 with the stipulation that the business
obtain a Temporary Use Permit requiring them to screen outdoor toilets from
view from adjacent properties and right-of-way with wall barriers and to conduct a
regular cleaning schedule of the outdoor toilets
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 5 – 1 (Yes – Councilmembers Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and
Rubash) (No – Mayor Bratcher)
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 9 of 10
7. Consideration and Action to Approve an Agreement with Willmeng Construction
for the Design of Sunset and Sunrise Parks
Todd Wallace, Manager Parks and Facilities, reported that the Town Council
approved the 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the Town of
Wickenburg. Part of the Master Plan included enhancements to Sunset Park and
the addition of a new park directly across highway 60, currently named Sunrise
Park. Funds totaling $650,000 have been allocated this fiscal year for the design
of these parks. We anticipate additional costs of approximately $500,000 for the
final design, as well as $2.5–3 million for the construction of Sunset Park
baseball field and $8–10 million for the construction of Sunrise Park. We will be
able to create more accurate cost estimates of construction of these park
facilities once we have approved designs for each park.
Town staff would like to move forward with portions of Willmeng Construction's
proposal for the design of Sunset and Sunrise Parks. We believe that taking the
design of an additional baseball field at Sunset Park to 60% and the design of the
multipurpose fields at Sunrise to 30% is the best use of the design dollars
allocated to this fiscal year. The design costs for 60% drawings of Sunset and
30% drawings of Sunrise Park are $646,151. This amount falls just under the
$650,000 that has been budgeted for this fiscal year. By utilizing this approach,
we will be able to accurately budget for the final design and construction of the
baseball field at Sunset during FY26. We will also be able to more accurately
budget for the completion of the drawings and construction of the multipurpose
fields at Sunrise Park. The Sunrise Park design is expected to include three
multi-purpose fields, restrooms, food truck lot with electrical, dog park, and one
entrance from Hwy 60. This will allow some ability for future expansion. The
Sunset Park design will include a new baseball field, ramada & picnic area, and
parking.
This item was approved during the FY2026 budget process and appropriated
through Exhibit B of the adopted budget resolution, giving the Town Manager the
authority to execute this contract. This item has been placed on the agenda for
Council discussion and consideration based upon the preliminary first quarter
revenue collections, which are lower than previous years. The Town Manager
believes it may be prudent to wait until after the first of the year to reassess
revenue collections before execution of this contract.
Town Manager Smith stated that the revenues for the first quarter of this fiscal
year are down. The town set the budget at $1 million less than last fiscal year,
but if the trend continues, the town will be below that $1 million revenue.
Finance Director Martinez stated that as of the first quarter of this fiscal year the
town is already down $500,000 from last fiscal year. The town is about 32% less
than last year and about 50% less than the previous year. This is recurring
revenue that is not coming in as anticipated.
Town Council Minutes of October 20, 2025
Page 10 of 10
Councilmember Nyberg thought that it would be prudent to wait.
Councilmember Bedoian stated that her business is seeing the same decrease
as the town in revenues, so that is very realistic data.
Town Manager Smith stated that if the Council wants to move forward now, he
would like a motion, but if the Council wants to wait until after January 1, 2026,
then no motion is needed.
Consensus of Council was to follow the recommendation of the Town Manager
and wait to see what the revenues are in January.
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.)
K. SCHEDULING OF FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS - None
L. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to adjourn at approximately 7:09 PM
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 6 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, 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 October 20,
2025. I further certify the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Amy Brown, MMC
Town Clerk