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MINUTES
WICKENBURG COMMON COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, March 2, 2026 - 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 Police Lieutenant Aaron Hadley
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, Town Manager
Trish Stuhan, Town Attorney
Steve Boyle, Community Development Director
Amy Brown, Town Clerk
Les Brown, Police Chief
Cason Chambers, Public Works Director
Tarah Mayerhofer, Human Resources Director
Ed Temerowski, Fire Chief
E. MAYOR & COUNCILMEMBERS REPORT ON CURRENT EVENTS
• Councilmember Rebecca Rovey congratulated the Community Rodeo
Association of Wickenburg (CRAW) on a great fundraiser. She attended the Art
of the Cowgirl event at Rancho Rio.
• Councilmember Margaret Nyberg stated that the CRAW fundraiser was fantastic.
• Councilmember Shawn Clark reported that the America250 event was a great
event and asked for prayers for the middle east and the troops.
• Councilmember Art Rubash reported that Little League is kicking off for kids aged
6-12.
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 2 of 8
• Councilmember Kristy Bedoian thought that the additional marketing of
Wickenburg to the valley has been working since they have seen an increase in
visitors. She asked for everyone to pray for the people of Iran.
• Mayor BG Bratcher thanked Sarah Brown for bringing the America 250 Arizona
traveling museum to Wickenburg as the schools came out to view that. She
attended the following meetings: MAG Transportation Policy, Valley Metro,
Republican Women of Wickenburg, GPEC meeting with new CEO, Westmarc,
MAG Regional Council, CRAW fundraiser, and West Valley regional meeting for
Valley Metro.
F. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
• Town Manager Troy Smith reported that the pavement preservation project will
have patch and crack seal soon. He thanked Sarah Brown and Taylor Fischer for
their work on the America 250 Arizona traveling museum. The Polar Plunge is
March 7th. There will be a Spring Break camp for kids 8-14 years old thanks to a
grant from Cox Communications. Beerfest has been cancelled since the
Community Center is expected to be under construction. The Spring Recreation
program is available.
G. FINAL CALL for Request to Speak Cards to be turned into the Town Clerk.
H. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
• Rick Hostetter, In-Town Resident, mentioned the lunar eclipse this morning and
talked about the Oath of Office for all public officials. He suggested new
employees receive a copy of the US and Arizona Constitutions.
I. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
1. Action on the Consent Agenda -
MOVED BY Councilmember Shawn Clark to approve items a, b, and e 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 Study Session and
Regular Meeting of February 17, 2026
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve the
minutes of February 17, 2026.
b. Consideration and Action on a Recommendation of Approval to the Arizona
Department of Liquor Licenses & Control for an Application for Permanent
Extension of Premises/Patio Permit by James Richard Daniel at the American
Legion
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 3 of 8
Amy Brown, Town Clerk, reported in her Council routing form that The
American Legion currently has a Series #14 license for a club along with a
permanent extension of their premises for the patio that was approved in
2023. They are now requesting a further extension of their patio shown on the
map.
This application has been sent to the Police Department and Community
Development Department to verify that there aren't any issues with this
extension. Any extension of the premises for liquor sales has to be approved
by the Town Council.
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to forward a
recommendation to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control to
approval a permanent extension of premises/patio permit at the American
Legion.
c. Consideration and Action to Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Lease with
Lenore Grace for Lease at the Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Troy Smith, Town Manager, reported in his Council routing form that the
Town entered into a lease on July 30, 2004 with John Grace for a land lease
for property at the municipal airport for construction and use of an aircraft
hangar for 20 years. This lease expired on January 19, 2024. Following the
death of John Grace and without any extension or renewal of the lease, his
surviving spouse, Lenore Grace, has remained in possession of the premises
pursuant to the terms of the lease. Town staff have met with Lenore Grace
and negotiated a new lease for the Town Council's consideration for another
twenty years until January 19, 2044, with no further option to review. The rent
will be adjusted periodically to reflect changes in market conditions. Rent will
be adjusted to fair market rental rate. In addition, Mrs. Grace has a desire to
assign the lease, which is the next agenda item.
Councilmember Rebecca Rovey declared a conflict of interest for items I1c
and I1d.
d. Consideration and Action to Approve the Assignment of Lease from Lenore
Grace to Bruce Martens at the Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Troy Smith, Town Manager, reported in his Council routing form that the
previous item approved a lease agreement with Lenore Grace. This contract
will assign that lease to Bruce Martens to take over the lease at the
Wickenburg Municipal Airport for a hangar. This assignment lease assigns all
rights, duties, obligations, and liability under the lease to Mr. Martens. Mrs.
Grace will be released from liability upon approval of the assignment.
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 4 of 8
Councilmember Rebecca Rovey declared a conflict of interest for items I1c
and I1d.
MOVED BY Vice Mayor Brian Jones to approve items c and d of the consent
agenda
SECONDED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian
VOTE: 6 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, and Rubash) (Conflict of Interest – Councilmember
Rovey)
e. Consideration and Action to Approve Ordinance 1247 to Amend Section 10-1-
12 Obstruction of Streets and Repeal and Replace Section 10-1-25 for Urban
Camping and Declaring an Emergency
Troy Smith, Town Manager, reported in his Council routing form that staff is
proposing to update Article 10 of the Town Code which pertains to various
unlawful acts. The particular section in question pertains to Obstruction of
Streets. The existing Section 10-1-12 currently calls out construction material
such as gravel/rock piles, soil, lumber/bricks, blocking streets or sidewalks.
The proposed ordinance increases the material types outside the called out
construction materials to more urban camping related material such as
general debris, hygiene products and hazardous waste items such as
hypodermic needles and drug paraphernalia. Many cities and towns struggle
with urban camping issues, especially abandoned encampments in right of
way, therefore additional regulations have increased across the nation. The
proposed provision will give enforcement officials improved code so they can
conduct their responsibilities in a more improved manner. The proposed
amendments will also serve as additional measures to protect pedestrian and
vehicular safety, prevent environmental contamination and health risks and
preserve public infrastructure by reducing blight and nuisances in the right-of-
way areas.
By a 7-0 vote under the Consent Agenda, Council moved to approve
Ordinance 1247 pertaining to Obstruction of Streets and Urban Camping.
Councilmember Nyberg asked the attorney to explain this matter to the public.
Town Attorney Trish Stuhan reported that there were changes in the law for
urban camping. The US Supreme Court ruled that Grants Pass can enforce
urban camping rules. People can’t obstruct streets, right-of-way, sidewalks
and parks by camping on them. They can’t litter or cause a nuisance such as
leaving personal property in the middle of the sidewalk. Usually, the police will
inform someone of an issue at first and offer resources to help them get off
the streets. This is just a tool for law enforcement to help with the issue
including allowing them to cite someone as a Class 3 misdemeanor if the
problem persists.
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 5 of 8
2. Presentation and Discussion Regarding the Bi-annual Grant Update
Kathleen Crutchfield, Grants Administrator, gave her bi-annual grant update.
Staff’s ongoing focus remains on pursuing external funding opportunities that
align with the town’s strategic priorities. By securing outside grants and
resources, staff aim to reduce the financial burden on local funds while
continuing to enhance services for our residents. Staff actively pursue grant
opportunities that match projects on our Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list as
well as other operational needs. Below is a list of grant awards:
Grant
Project
Amount
BNSF
Upgrades Coffinger Park: Scoreboard, infield work,
backstop (project estimate: $24,000)
$5,000
Wonder & Play Fasttrack
Grant
Library - Playaway Launchpads, Wonderbooks,
and other Playaway products
$2,500
FAA/AIP– T-Hanger
Reconstruction
Phase 2 of the Apron Reconstruction-Repaving
between existing hanger
$694,157
FAA/AIG – T-Hanger
Reconstruction
Phase 2 of the Apron Reconstruction-Repaving
between existing hanger
$444,000
GOHS DUI Grant
Driving Under the Influence / Governor's Office of
Highway Safety (GOHS)
$5,000
GOHS STEP Grant Selective
Traffic Enforcement Program
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program / Governor's
Office of Highway Safety
$5,000
Cox Internet
Camp BYTE – Spring Break Camp
$35,000
Maricopa County CDBG
El Pajarito Waterline Project – Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG)
$340,000
State of Arizona Energy
Efficiency Block Grant
LED Lighting Grant
$173,476
Prop 302 Tourism Grant
Tourism Marketing
$35,220
APS Grant
Events
$5,000
CDBG
Santa Cruz Waterline
$400,000
First Things First Family
Resource Center
Family Resource Center for birth to age 5
FY 25 $125,000 and FY27 $250,000
FY26
$250,000
US 93 Corridor Improvements
Hwy 93 Improvements
$26,000,000
AZ Sports and Tourism
Scoreboard
$4,812
AZ Diamondbacks Grant
Foul Ball Netting
$1,000
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 6 of 8
Staff is continually scanning federal, state and private funding sources targeting
both large capital and smaller programmatic funding. Active grants do require
compliance, reporting and reimbursement requirements with some requiring
quarterly reports and financial documentation. Future grants include the below
list:
Grant
Project
Amount
Requested
APS Tree Grant
Tree planting Program
$10,000
Dept. of Forestry & Fire Mngmt.
Fuel Mitigation
$90,000
T-Mobile Hometown Grants
Library Computers
$15,000
Arizona Parks & Trails – Land &
Water Conservation Fund
Bleacher Replacement
$40,000
In addition, the town has its own grants with the Bed Tax Marketing Grant and
Commercial Façade Grant. The Bed Tax Marketing grant is for $10,000 total and
was awarded to Vulture Peak Patchers Quilt Guild, Wickenburg Breast Cancer
Network, Wickenburg Art Club, and Wickenburg Community Hospital. The
Commercial Façade Grant is for a total of $25,000 and was awarded to Bushel &
a Peck, Premier Lumber, and Viable Development.
Federal grant programs experienced a major freeze in early 2025 under the new
administration which was then further slowed by the federal government
shutdown in the fall. While some funding has resumed after court challenges,
many programs remain slow to reopen and remain uncertain as priorities
continue to shift. In addition, reductions in federal allocations and increasing
competition for limited resources made the grant landscape more challenging
than ever, requiring careful prioritization and strategic planning to advance
essential community initiatives.
The town will continue to monitor grant opportunities for unfunded CIP projects,
recreation, parks, public safety, and community services.
3. Consideration and Action Approving the Transfer of $700,000 from Electric
Contingency for Adams/Jefferson Overhead to Underground (OH/UG) Electrical
Upgrades
Cason Chambers, Public Works Director, stated that this is the 8th electric utility
improvement project to be completed in last five years. The pricing was based on
the previous Jackson/Madison alleyway project from FY25. This project was
originally scheduled to be completed in FY26 but will now be phased between
FY26 and FY27. Phase 1 will include installing underground conduit in
preparation for utility migration. Phase 2 will migrate overhead utilities
underground. The total cost of the project is $500,000 over the projected cost of
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 7 of 8
$1.2 million. The issue with this year’s phase is that an FY25 APS invoice for
$732,237 came in and was paid this fiscal year instead of last fiscal year, which
depleted most of the budgeted amount of $800,000. The request is for $700,000
for this fiscal year for phase 1 from the electric fund contingency. There is
currently $2.1 million in contingency and $1 million in capital reserves for the
electric utility fund (510). Reasons for the increase in total project costs include
the age and accessibility of the infrastructure and the boulders that are present in
the area.
Council has requested that overhead utilities move underground due to safety
risks, reliability problems, space constraints, maintenance challenges, and
aesthetic concerns. By moving the utilities underground the town eliminates the
risk of falling poles and live wires and improves clearance for emergency
vehicles in alleys. Underground systems are less vulnerable to storms and
accidents, reducing outages and emergency repair costs. While upfront costs are
high, underground systems often have lower maintenance and outage costs over
decades. Cox will also align their improvements for shared infrastructure
upgrades.
In summary:
• $700,000 is being requested from the Electrical Fund contingency to
replenish Council’s FY26 authorization for phase I of the project
• Additional funds are needed to replenish the Council authorized funding for
this project, due to an accounting issue with a FY25 invoice
• The original project scope has become more complex due to multiple factors
• The project has been split into two separate years due to increased costs
Vice Mayor Jones asked about the money from last fiscal year that was paid this
fiscal year, did that money get rolled over into contingency. Director Chambers
confirmed that it was put in the contingency since it was not spent.
Councilmember Rubash asked about the potential of some lines not coming off
the poles, so that the poles don’t get taken down. Director Chambers stated that
Cox Communications will be moving their lines underground during this project.
He has not heard back from Century Link.
Town Manager Smith stated that these funds are enterprise funds, so they need
to be spent on the electric utility.
MOVED BY Councilmember Rebecca Rovey to approve the transfer of $700,000
from the Electrical Contingency fund to Other Capital Purchases to cover phase I
of the Adams/Jefferson Overhead to Underground project
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 7 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, Rovey, and Rubash)
Town Council Minutes of March 2, 2026
Page 8 of 8
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 A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3), (A)(4), and (A)(7) for
discussion or consultation with the Town Attorney regarding the Town's position
regarding lease agreements at the airport. The purpose of the executive session
is to discuss the following agreements: Dallas "Rusty" Gant Airport Hangar
Lease, John/Lenore Grace Airport Hangar Lease, and Master Aircraft Services
Airport Hangar Lease.
Councilmember Rebecca Rovey declared a conflict of interest for item J1.
MOVED BY Councilmember Kristy Bedoian to adjourn into executive session at
6:13 PM
SECONDED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg
VOTE: 6 – 0 (Yes – Mayor Bratcher, Vice Mayor Jones, Councilmembers
Bedoian, Clark, Nyberg, and Rubash) (Conflict of Interest – Councilmember
Rovey)
Meeting was reconvened at 7:05 PM
K. SCHEDULING OF FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS - None
L. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember Margaret Nyberg to adjourn at approximately 7:05 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 March 2,
2026. I further certify the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Amy Brown, MMC
Town Clerk