2026-01-06 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes_DRAFT

D R A F T
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF EL MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
10000 N. EL MIRAGE ROAD
6:00 PM -TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
 
Minutes
 
 
         
   
1.
ROLL CALL - meeting called to order at 6:10 p.m.
Present:  Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Jacquelyn Parsons; Councilmember Monica
Dorcey; Councilmember Ryan Eldridge; Councilmember Scottie Gentry (phone);
Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Donna Winston 
2.
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
 
3.
PRESENTATION
 
1.
2026 State and Federal Legislative Update.
Amber Wakeman, Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs/Public
Information, provided a 2026 State and Federal Legislative Update.
  
 
4.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Citizens desiring to speak on any issue within the jurisdiction of the public body
may do so at this time. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes per
person and shall be addressed to the City Council as a whole. At the conclusion of
the Call to the Public, individual City Council Members may (1) respond to
criticism made by those who have spoken, (2) direct staff to review or follow up
on the matter, and/or (3) direct that the matter be put on a future agenda.
Phillip Bynum, resident, asked for clarification on the El Mirage website that states
a proposal for a $25 million park that is within a flood zone and spending $1.1
million on streets in the original sector of El Mirage. He stated the citizens want
leadership. He stated that there are multiple items on the agenda that need to be
explained, including the $100,000 consulting fee for Michael Baker, $26,000 for a
drone show, and $54,000 for a concept design of City Hall. 
Steve Gilliam, resident, requested that the Facebook slamming and social media
be addressed and stopped. He stated the El Mirage Police Union Association put
out first-class postcards that had a false return address to the citizens, and there
is not one police officer and only one firefighter on staff that lives within the city
limits. 
Jeff Lach, resident, stated that the city is spending $25 million on a park, and the
survey received by residents did not state this cost. He stated that the

neighborhood would be light-polluted, become a safety concern, and experience
more traffic in a residential area. He stated that Parks is buying another truck for
$43,000 and then paying $187,000 for a new floor at the YMCA, which is only 9
years old. He stated the city is receiving $2.9 million from new businesses and
that money could be used to pay residents' property taxes.
Jim McPhetres, resident, stated Parks and Recreation has ten trucks and does not
need to purchase a new one, and the city does not need to spend $25 million on
a park that the citizens do not want. He also stated the city does not need to
spend $54,000 on building renovations. 
Aaron Flannery, resident, stated there are nine items, of which only two should be
on the Consent Agenda and one item on the Regular Agenda that should be on
the Consent Agenda. He stated that this is a small town and everyone should be
more responsible with taxpayers' money.
 
5.
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be voted on with one motion. If
discussion is desired regarding any Consent Agenda Item, that item will be
removed from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately.
 
1.
Consideration and action to approve the minutes of the Work Session and Regular
City Council meeting held Tuesday, December 2, 2025. (City Clerk)
  
 
2.
Consideration and action to accept Arizona Lottery Funds (ALF) from Valley Metro
in an estimated amount of $90,694 for local and regional dial-a-ride services with
AllThrive365, and for para-transit services with Valley Metro, for FY26 and
authorize the Finance Director to make the necessary budget transfers. (Grants)
  
 
3.
Consideration and action for the City Manager to enter into a contract with
Granicus to implement a new Business License Software for an amount not to
exceed $9,554.35. (Administration)
  
 
4.
Consideration and action to approve the second of four one-year amendment
extensions to the current Senior Center congregate meal service agreement with
Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in an amount not to exceed $50,000, with all
other terms and conditions remaining unchanged. (Parks and Recreation)
  
 
5.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter
into a show contract with Open Sky Drone Productions, LLC to conduct a drone
light show for the 75th Anniversary Fall Fiesta event on or about the date of
October 24th, 2026, in the amount of $26,000, and authorize the Finance
Department to make any necessary transfers. (Parks and Recreation)
At the request of Councilmember Eldridge, this item was pulled from
Consent Agenda for consideration and action on the Regular Agenda as
6.1.a.
  
 
6.
Consideration and action to approve a License and Land Lease Agreement with
Sundt Construction, Inc. to lease 7.64 acres of City-owned property located at
12300 W Joe R. Ramirez Road, El Mirage, Arizona 85335. (Development Services)
  
 
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January 6, 2026

7.
Consideration and action to approve contract EM25-BPP01 with Kincaid Civil
Construction for the completion of CIP 62621 to replace the discharge piping at
the Alto well site in an amount not to exceed $139,474.01 and authorize the
finance department to make any necessary transfers. (Public Works)
  
 
8.
Consideration and action to approve a sole source purchase through JHC Inc. for
the replacement of critical system components for the water reclamation facility
(WRF) in an amount not to exceed $119,512.34 ($71,404.98+$48,190.36) and
authorize the finance department to make any necessary transfers. (Public Works)
The item was pulled from the Consent Agenda for consideration and
action on the Regular Agenda as 6.1.b.
  
 
9.
Consideration and action to enter into a Professional Services Contract with
Michael Baker International, Inc. to provide consultant service assistance to
execute the strategies and action items as suggested by the 2023 Downtown
Revitalization Plan in the amount not to exceed $100,000. (Development Services)
At the request of Councilmember Eldridge, this item was pulled from the
Consent Agenda for consideration and action on the Regular Agenda as
6.1.c.
Vice Mayor Parsons moved, seconded by Councilmember Winston, to
approve Consent Agenda items 5.1–5.4 and 5.6.
Motion passed (7/0).
  
 
6.
REGULAR AGENDA
Consent Agenda Item 5.5 was pulled and discussed as Regular Agenda
Item 6.1.a.
  
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter
into a show contract with Open Sky Drone Productions, LLC to conduct a drone
light show for the 75th Anniversary Fall Fiesta event on or about the date of
October 24, 2026, in the amount of $26,000, and authorize the Finance
Department to make any necessary transfers. (Parks and Recreation)
Mayor Hermosillo stated this item was pulled by Councilmember Eldridge.
Councilmember Eldridge stated he was concerned about the contract's cost and
terms, as well as the drone show's flight path. He stated it would be better to find
sponsorships to fund this item. Mr. Sean VonRoenn, Parks and Recreation
Director, stated that he worked with various vendors to determine the appropriate
number of drones given the limited space and the size of the crowd. He stated
they are actively pursuing sponsorship opportunities, but need to secure the date
with the vendor. Mr. VonRoenn stated that Bill Gentry Park was selected as the
preferred location because it is in the northern portion of the city, which allows for
greater flexibility in airspace. The El Mirage Police Department and its drone
experts work closely with Luke Air Force Base to ensure compliance with all
required permits and approvals. He stated that overnight security will also be
provided because vendors will be staging inflatables that need to be secured for
the event.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated that, since this event is for the 75th
Anniversary Celebration in October, there are benefits to using drones rather than
fireworks. She stated drone shows do not interfere with those who have Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), children and adults with sensory issues,
autism, and other special needs, as well as diminish fire risk. She stated the
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proposal would add another show for $5,000, allowing a show at the beginning
and end of the celebration.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel moved to authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and enter into a show contract with Open Sky Drone
Productions, LLC to conduct a drone light show for the 75th Anniversary
Fall Fiesta event on or about the date of October 24, 2026, in the amount
of $26,000, adding a second show for the additional $5,000 and authorize
the Finance Department to make any necessary transfers, seconded by
Councilmember Dorcey.
Motion passed (6/1). NAY - Councilmember Gentry.
Consent Agenda item 5.8 was pulled and discussed as Regular Agenda
Item 6.1.b.
  
Consideration and action to approve a sole source purchase through JHC Inc., for
the replacement of critical system components for the water reclamation facility
(WRF) in an amount not to exceed $119,512.34 ($71,404.98+$48,190.36) and
authorize the finance department to make any necessary transfers. (Public Works)
No further discussion on this item.
Vice Mayor Parsons moved to approve a sole-source purchase through
JHC Inc. for the replacement of critical system components for the water
reclamation facility (WRF), in an amount not to exceed $119,512.34 ($
71,404.98 + $48,190.36), and to authorize the finance department to
make any necessary transfers, seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0).
Consent Agenda item 5.9 was pulled and discussed as Regular Agenda
Item 6.1.c.
  
Consideration and action to enter into a Professional Services Contract with
Michael Baker International, Inc. to provide consultant service assistance to
execute the strategies and action items as suggested by the 2023 Downtown
Revitalization Plan in the amount not to exceed $100,000. (Development Services)
Mayor Hermosillo stated this item was pulled by Councilmember Eldridge.
Councilmember Eldridge stated he was concerned because the contract is dated in
October. He also stated that on Attachment B there is a budget listed for phase
two and phase three, which he thought was already complete. Jorge Gastellum,
Development Services Director, stated this task is completely different than the
project completed several years ago. He stated there were four different firms
that submitted the statement of qualifications  and the review committee
determined Michael Baker to be the best. He stated they would provide a total of
646 hours. 
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated she has spoken to concerned residents
about entering a contract with Michael Baker for a revitalization plan again. She
stated that we have talent on staff and should incorporate that talent to complete
this task. She stated she does not support spending $100,000 on a consultant
when there is staff capable of getting this done. Councilmember Dorcey stated
that adding this project to existing staff would create additional work for staff who
already have full-time jobs. She stated that bringing this task in-house would
require hiring an additional person, which would cost more than $100,000. Vice
Mayor Parsons expressed concern about employees getting behind in their current
jobs and how that would affect the residents. 
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel moved not to approve the consideration
and action to enter into a professional services contract with Michael
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January 6, 2026

Baker International to provide consulting services, and to propose that
staff handle the items, seconded by Councilmember Gentry.
Motion failed (2/5). NAY -  Mayor Hermosillo, Vice Mayor Parsons,
Councilmember Dorcey, Councilmember Eldridge, Councilmember Winston
Vice Mayor Parsons moved to approve consideration and action to enter
into a Professional Services Contract with Michael Baker International,
Inc., to provide consultant service assistance to execute the strategies
and action items as suggested by the 2023 Downtown Revitalization Plan
in the amount not to exceed $100,000, seconded by Councilmember
Winston.
Motion passed (4/3). NAY - Councilmember Eldridge, Councilmember
Gentry, Councilmember Norton-McDaniel
 
 
1.
Consideration and action to approve Resolution R26-01-01 for the Call of Election
for the 2026 Primary and General Election (City Clerk)
Jill Boltz, City Clerk, presented Resolution R26-0101 for the Call of Election for the
2026 Primary General Election for Mayor and Council. 
Vice Mayor Parsons moved to approve Resolution R26-010 for the Call of
Election for the 2026 Primary and General Election, seconded by
Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0).
  
 
2.
Consideration and action to appoint Thomas George and Jason Mingura as
Alternate Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission with term expiration of
June 2028 and to reappoint Brian Campbell-Sanderfield, William Mejia and
Thomas Gouer as Regular Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, with
term expiration date of June 2030. (City Clerk)
Jill Boltz, City Clerk, presented an item for consideration and action to appoint
Thomas George and Jason Mingura as alternate members of the Planning and
Zoning Commission with term expiration of June 2028 and three reappointments
for Brian Campbell-Sanderfield, William Mejia, and Thomas Gouer with term
expiration dates of June 2030. 
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel gave background on a similar procedural issue
that occurred in June 2024. She stated that at that time, an alternate
appointment was placed on the agenda without following the recruitment and
interview process required by city ordinance. The Mayor and City Clerk were
emailed, and the agenda was revised to remove that item before the council
meeting. She stated the City Clerk initiated the required recruitment campaign to
appoint an alternate member to the Planning and Zoning Commission. She stated
this item is not legally ready for council action.
Mayor Hermosillo asked legal counsel for clarification.
Jon Paladini, City Attorney, stated that under Section C of the City Code, members
may be reappointed. Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated she challenged that
interpretation and read aloud City Code 154.036 B2. 
Mayor Hermosillo stated she was on the previous subcommittee with
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and Councilmember Shapiro. She stated that a
practice existed in which, if citizens were not selected for appointment to the
Planning and Zoning Committee, applications would be held and, should an
opportunity to serve arise, those citizens would be considered to fill the vacancies. 
  
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Councilmember Norton-McDaniel moved to dismiss this agenda item on
the grounds that the process required by City Code 154.036 B2 was not
followed, and further moved to direct the City Clerk and the Commission
Review Board to conduct the recruitment application and interview
process exactly as required by ordinance, seconded by Councilmember
Gentry.
Motion failed, (2/5). NAY - Mayor Hermosillo, Vice Mayor Parsons,
Councilmember Dorcey, Councilmember Eldridge, Councilmember Winston
Mayor Hermosillo moved to appointment of Thomas George and Jason
Mingura as alternate members of the Planning and Zoning Commission
with a term expiration of June 2028, and to reappoint Brian
Campbell-Sanderfield, William Mejia, and Thomas Gouer as regular
members of the Planning and Zoning Commission with expiration dates of
June 2030, seconded by Vice Mayor Parsons.
Motion passed, (5/2). NAY - Councilmember Gentry, Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel
Mayor Hermosillo administered the Oath of Office to Thomas George and Jason
Mingura.
 
3.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter
into a Professional Services Contract with Red Tree Consulting LLC to provide
architectural design services and construction administration to renovate portions
of the existing City Hall building in the amount of $54,400, utilizing the 1GPA
National Cooperative Contract #23-18P-10-E2 (Architectural Services). 
Bryce Christo, Assistant City Engineer, presented the architectural design contract
for City Hall renovations. He stated that due to limited space within the existing
City Hall building, and the need to plan for the next five years and future growth.
The city hired an architect to identify areas for renovation, with a goal of creating
additional office and meeting spaces. Mr. Christo outlined six areas in the City Hall
building with opportunities for expansion, including adding 11 offices, with a loss
of 3 spaces and 3 storage rooms. He stated the cost of the design phase of this
project is $54,400. 
Mayor Hermosillo asked how many people worked in the building when it was
originally constructed and how many currently work in the building. Mr. Christo
stated there were 29 employees when the building was originally constructed,
with a mindset of growing to 34 employees total. He stated there are currently 44
employees. Crystal Dyches, City Manager, stated that there are 44 employees,
plus 3 part-time employees, for a total of 47.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated that she and Councilmember Gentry
toured the building in November and looked at every work center, workstation,
and every area where employees were, and found that there was no need for
additional workspace. She stated there are several cubicle areas on the 1st and
2nd floors where four-wall offices are being proposed. She stated this is not
warranted, and she does not approve of this contract.
Councilmember Dorcey stated that none of the Councilmembers are architects,
and employees need a decent place to work. She stated that in order to hire and
keep people who are good at their jobs, there needs to be decent
accommodations. 
Councilmember Eldridge stated that the proposal predicted that approximately 6
to 8 additional staff members would be required over the next 5 years, and he
would like to know which departments those employees would be hired to work
  
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January 6, 2026

in.  Mr. Christo stated there would be roughly one new person per department.
Vice Mayor Parsons stated she works in the building two or three times a week,
and she sees the conditions in which the employees currently work, and should do
what is best for the employees. 
Councilmember Winston stated that it needs to be understood that when the
building was built, the future was not taken into consideration, and that just
because the city is landlocked does not mean there will not be growth, because
the city has grown.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated that at no time did she see horrible
conditions in offices or workspaces. She stated that, in other major companies,
most employees work in smaller cubicles than our employees do. She stated when
she toured City Hall it was not definitive who would be in the newly created
offices. She invited residents to tour City Hall. 
Vice Mayor Parsons moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a
professional services contract with Red Tree Consulting LLC to provide
architectural design services and construction administration to renovate
portions of the existing City Hall building in the amount of $54,400,
seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (5/2). NAY - Councilmember Gentry, Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel
 
4.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with
Courtesy Auto for the purchase of one vehicle for the Parks Division, in an amount
not to exceed $48,651.35, and authorize the Finance Department to make any
necessary budget transfers. (Parks & Recreation / Public Works)
Nick Russo, Public Works Director, stated this item was tabled for future
consideration in November 2025. He stated Public Works has obtained quotes for
base model 3500 or equivalent from three vendors using the State of Arizona
contracts. The new vehicle will replace vehicle #2672, a 2006 F-350 with 95K
miles. 
Councilmember Dorcey asked whether this was an additional vehicle or a
replacement. Mr. Russo stated this is a replacement vehicle.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked about the cost of the upfit items, the
maintenance records for this vehicle over the last three years, and how the
vehicle was specifically used. Mr. Russo stated that the upfit items can be
obtained for $13,800, and the vehicle's maintenance costs for three years were
approximately $1,000.  He stated the vehicle is used daily by one of four full-time
parks maintenance technicians and travels to all the parks, IT services, and
irrigation projects. The lift on this vehicle is used for some of the heavy
equipment. 
Vice Mayor Parsons moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a
contract with Courtesy Auto for the purchase of one vehicle for the Parks
Division, in an amount not to exceed $48,651.35, and authorize the
Finance Department to make any necessary budget transfers, seconded
by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (5/2) NAY - Councilmember Gentry, Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel
  
 
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Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
January 6, 2026

5.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute
a contract with Weems Asphalt for Capital Improvement Project 62605, Original
Town Site Road Resurfacing, in an amount not to exceed $1,092,570.60, and to
authorize the Finance Department to make any necessary budget transfers.
(Public Works).
Nick Russo, Public Works Director, presented the project background for the
Original Town Site Road Resurfacing. He stated that these roadways have
exceeded the service life of the pavement management program and require a
higher level of pavement treatment, such as a mill-and-overlay. Two inches of the
roadway would be removed and replaced with new asphalt, and would include
reinstalling any striping, raising all roadway utilities grade, and traffic control. He
stated this item was originally identified in the Capital Improvement Plan. He
stated they received three quotes, and the lowest quote received was from
Weems Asphalt. 
Councilmember Dorcey asked if the streets that are not part of Phase I have this
expensive repair. Mr. Russo stated that some will have mill and overly, and some
will not, but he will need to further evaluate.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked when the last significant improvements
were made to these streets and how long these repairs will last. Mr. Russo stated
he was unaware of when the last significant repairs were made, and there have
been none since he started with the city in 2012. The roadway should last 5 to 7
years before needing a seal coat, and then the surface will remain drivable for an
additional 10 to 15 years.
Councilmember Gentry stated that she is happy to hear that these streets will be
repaired. 
Mayor Hermosllo moved to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with Weems Asphalt for Capital Improvement Project
62605, Original Town Site Road Resurfacing, in an amount not to exceed
$1,092,570.60, and authorize the Finance Department to make any
necessary budget transfers, seconded by Vice Mayor Parsons.
Motion passed (7/0).
  
 
6.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter
into a construction contract with FCI Constructors, Inc. for flooring replacements
and resurfacing at the YMCA facility, in an amount not to exceed $182,943,
including a contingency of $23,862, and to authorize the Finance Department to
make any necessary budget transfers. (Parks and Recreation)
Sean VonRoenn, Parks and Recreation Director, provided background on the city's
relationship and agreement with the YMCA.  He stated the agreement stipulates
that the city will keep and maintain the facility in a good state of appearance and
repair. He discussed the three areas in need of repair: the multi-use programming
room, the group fitness room, and the gymnasium's wood floor system. He stated
the multi-use programming room has the original floor, which is 10+ years old,
and has sustained significant wear and tear, and it is at the end of its useful life.
The group fitness room flooring lacks the shock-absorbent qualities required for
high-impact fitness programming, and this improvement is expected to reduce
negative patron feedback about the current surface and increase participation in
class offerings. The gymnasium's wood floor system is overdue for refinishing and
minor repairs that will reduce the risk of injury and extend the asset's useful life.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked for a breakdown by room, whether the
gymnasium planks would be fixed, and what maintenance is planned for the group
fitness room. Mr. VonRoenn stated the procurement allowed the contractors to bid
  
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Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
January 6, 2026

on all three areas, and only one of the bids was received, with each individual
area broken down, but the cost was higher than the other bids. He stated that the
contingency will cover fixes and repairs. The vinyl planking cannot be refinished
and is typically replaced due to the product's lifespan.
Vice Mayor Parsons moved to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
enter into a construction contract with FCI Constructors, Inc. for flooring
replacements and resurfacing at the YMCA facility, in an amount not to
exceed $182,943, including a contingency of $423,862, and to authorize
the Finance Department to make any necessary budget transfers,
seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (5/2). NAY - Councilmember Gentry, Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel
 
7.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS & SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
The City Council may not act upon any matter in the City Manager's summary, but
may have general comments or questions.
Crystal Dyches, City Manager, yielded her time to Jill Boltz, City Clerk, to discuss
the new process for request to speak.
Ms. Boltz discussed minor edits to the Speaker Request Form, a new online
process that will create consistency between online and in-person public comments.
 
8.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS and COUNCIL SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
The Mayor and City Council may not discuss or act upon any matter in the
summary unless the specific matter is properly noticed for legal action.
Councilmember Eldridge thanked the Police and Fire Department for the Shop with
a Cop and Shop with a Firefighter event, and he attended Winterfest, which was
amazing.
Councilmember Gentry had a terrific time with the Shop with a Firefighter.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated the Winterfest and Parade were excellent,
and she participated in the Shop with a Cop. She thanked the Dysart Community
Center, which served over 119 kids.
Councilmember Winston attended both Christmas shopping events.
Mayor Hermosillo stated this was a very eventful season, and she is glad to be
back.
 
9.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
1.
Consideration and action to adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. §
38-431.03.A.5. for discussions or consultations with designated representatives of
the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives
regarding negotiations with the El Mirage Firefighter's Association regarding the
salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of
employees of the public body. (Administration)
  
 
9 
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
January 6, 2026

10.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned to executive session at 9:15 p.m.
Executive Session adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
Regular Meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m. with no further action.
 
_____________________________
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor
 ATTEST:
I hereby certify the aforementioned minutes are a true and accurate record of the Regular El
Mirage City Council Meeting held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and a quorum was present.  
10 
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
January 6, 2026