City Council Regular Meeting on 2025-06-03 6:00 PM

City Hall City of Maricopa 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza Maricopa, AZ 85138 Ph: (520) 568-9098 Meeting Minutes - Final Fx: (520) 568-9120 www.maricopa-az.gov City Council Regular Meeting Mayor Nancy Smith Vice-Mayor Henry Wade Councilmember Eric Goettl Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr Councilmember Amber Liermann Councilmember Vincent Manfredi Councilmember Bob Marsh Tuesday, June 3, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers 1. Call to Order Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. The invocation was led by Reverend Rose Houston from Mt. Moriah Community A.M.E Church, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Wade. 2. Roll Call Councilmember Goettl joined the meeting telephonically. Present: 6 - Mayor Nancy Smith, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Councilmember Vincent Manfredi and Councilmember Bob Marsh Excused: 1 - Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr 3. Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations 3.1 PRES 25-10 Recognition of City of Maricopa Employees Graduating from High School Mayor Smith invited the high school graduates who were city employees to come forward for recognition. She noted this was the first time the city had honored senior graduates who were employees. Next, Mayor Smith spoke on the diverse career paths of the graduates, including nursing, forensic science, health science, civil engineering, HVAC, naval academy, football, biomedical engineering, and computer systems. Next, Mayor Smith expressed pride in their achievements and encouraged them to return to Maricopa after their further education. The Mayor individually recognized five graduates who were present, while sharing that there were a total of 19 graduates who worked for the city, and expressed pride in all of them. The Presentation was heard. 4. Report from the Mayor Councilmember Liermann shared her appreciation with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their patrolling efforts on State Route 347. Next, she thanked Maricopa Police Chief Mark Goodman, and Jim DeVenezia, Community Support Specialist, for their neighborhood watch meeting, which she reported was well attended. Additionally, Councilmember Liermann spoke about the Pinal County Animal Control's summer reading program. Furthermore, she shared details about City of Maricopa Page 1 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final June 3, 2025 the Community Action Human Resource Agency's diapers program, which offers diapers to all ages. Lastly, she invited everyone to the Trey Liermann 7 on 7 and Big Man Competition at Maricopa High School on June 6th. Next, Councilmember Marsh reported attending the Pinal Partnership Meeting, during which he actively engaged with regional leaders on cooperative development strategies aimed at boosting local economic growth and infrastructure enhancements, which included discussing the potential for fostering regional collaborations and identifying shared opportunities to improve economic resilience and community development within the region. Additionally, Councilmember Marsh spoke about his participation in the Historical Society meeting, where he deliberated on the potential collaboration between the society, the mayor, and the city council on memorial projects designed to honor the city's pioneers and outstanding citizens. Lastly, he shared that these memorials are intended to not only recognize the historical figures who have contributed to the city’s foundation and growth but also to serve as educational and cultural landmarks that would preserve the rich heritage of the Maricopa community for future generations. Next, Mayor Smith reported attending the Heritage Academy graduation, highlighting that 30% of their graduates received an AA degree. She also reported attending the Veterans Memorial ribbon cutting at Copper Sky and described the site as beautiful both during the day and at night. Next, Mayor Smith shared that she was present for the first flag raising at the new Veterans Memorial location on Memorial Day. She also attended a ribbon cutting for My Doctor Now at Fry's shopping center, noting their daily availability for appointments and walk-ins. Additionally, she dined at Duke's Roadhouse with Councilmember Manfredi, discussing its recent opening and upcoming live music events. Next, Mayor Smith reminded everyone about the Arizona State Transportation Board meeting on Thursday at 9 am. Lastly, she announced a community workshop for the 2026 General Plan Update on Monday, June 16th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center. 5. Report from the City Manager City Manager Ben Bitter reported on the recent developments at Pacana Park. He mentioned the installation of upcoming shade structures designed to provide relief by the baseball fields, which will enhance the overall comfort for spectators. Additionally, he shared that a new mural is set to be painted, which aims to add a vibrant and artistic touch to the park, enriching the visual appeal for visitors. Furthermore, Mr. Bitter talked about the upgrades planned for the fencing around the lake, which are intended to improve safety and functionality for fishermen and park-goers alike. Lastly, he spoke on the city's ongoing commitment to park enhancements, promoting a strong sense of community and encouraging residents to gather and enjoy these communal spaces. 6. Call to the Public Ron Smith took to the podium to extend an invitation to the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers for a dementia awareness event scheduled on June 17th, from 10 am to 12 pm, at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center. He shared that this event marks the inaugural initiative of his newly established nonprofit, which focuses on enhancing the availability of services to the Maricopa community. Mr. Smith shared that a distinguished speaker, who was well-received at the 2024 Senior Info Expo, would be returning to address the audience. The event will include an array of resources and refreshments for attendees. Ron expressed his excitement about the event and left flyers to ensure everyone was informed and encouraged to participate. City of Maricopa Page 2 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final June 3, 2025 Next, Supervisor Rich Vitiello spoke on the importance of sustained public advocacy for the State Route 347 project. He encouraged citizens to continue sending emails to state representatives, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and supervisors. He shared that maintaining this robust communication is crucial in the final weeks leading up to the decision. Next, Supervisor Vitiello shared that the collective effort could have a substantial impact on ensuring the project's inclusion in the final 5-year plan. Lastly, he expressed his commitment to reading each email that arrives and urged participants to keep up their efforts. 7. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Councilmember Amber Liermann, seconded by Councilmember Vincent Manfredi, to Adopt the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 7.1 MISC 25-10 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve a Map of Dedication, Case #MOD24-05, dedicating to the City of Maricopa, the necessary right-of-way and utility easements for N. Gunsmoke Road and W. Seven Ranch Road. Discussion and Action. This Miscellaneous Item was Approved. 7.2 SPEVLIQ 25-06 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Special Event Liquor License application submitted by Kent O'Jon on behalf of VA Heath & Wellness Center of AZ for a special event known as the Annual Gala to be held on December 6, 2025 at Central Arizona College, 17945 N. Regent Drive,Room A101, Maricopa, Arizona 85138. Discussion and Action. This Special Event Liquor License was Approved. 7.3 MIN 25-31 Approval of Minutes from the May 20, 2025 City Council Regular meeting. Discussion and Action. These Minutes were Approved. 8. Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings 8.1 PH 25-01 The Mayor and City Council shall hear public comment regarding the Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures Biennial Certification of Land Use Assumptions, Infrastructure Improvement Plan and Development Impact Fees for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. Discussion only. City of Maricopa Finance Manager Chris Evripidou presented the biennial audit of development impact fees, covering the review of the Infrastructure Improvement Plan's progress from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. He shared that the audit was conducted by Heinfeld Meach, which also performs the city's single audit. Mr. Evripidou added that the report affirmed the city's appropriate and compliant use of development impact fees and the entire findings from the audit were available on the city's website. Mayor Smith opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. There were no public comments, at which, Mayor Smith closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Next, Councilmember Goettl shared his satisfaction with the report's positive findings, noting the expansion of commercial, industrial, and warehouse distribution space exceeded the projected figures for 2023-24. City of Maricopa Page 3 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final June 3, 2025 The Public Hearing was held. 8.2 PRES 25-07 The Mayor and City Council shall hear a 2024 Maricopa Municipal Court Annual Report Presentation from Presiding Judge Stephen McCarville. Discussion Only. Judge Stephen McCarville presented the 2024 Maricopa Municipal Court Annual Report, noting key areas such as increased case filings reflecting the city's growth. He reported that the court, operational for about 3 years, deals with misdemeanors, civil traffic citations, protective orders, DUI incidents, and city ordinance violations. He added that civil traffic filings were the most common last year, which totaled 8,645 cases. Next, Judge McCarville shared that the court stands out in Pinal County with the highest caseload per employee at 865 cases on average, with total cases rising from 6,718 in 2022 to 8,645 in 2024. He added that there has also been a rise in orders of protection and injunctions against harassment cases. Next, Judge McCarville reported on the court's improvements which included: streamlined case management, enhanced time standards for faster resolutions, and strong stakeholder relationships with the prosecutor's office and police department. He added that the community involvement features outreach efforts like mock trials with local schools to educate students on judicial processes. Lastly, Judge McCarville reported that the court's staff exceeds Supreme Court training requirements for high standards of service. Councilmember Liermann inquired about the mock trials where students engage in roles like prosecution and defense, providing insight into court operations. Judge McCarville shared that in most cases, schools have approached him and the court to hold these mock trails and have been successful for the students. Next, Councilmember Liermann asked about the rise in orders of protection. Judge McCarville shared that he did not have a reason for the increase, but did say that the court handles an average of six such cases per week, a significant increase from past years. Lastly, Councilmember Goettl inquired about a diversion program for youth offenders, in which, Judge McCarville shared that jurisdictional limitations requiring juvenile court judge authority for many cases could make it difficult, but he expressed openness to collaboration with community organizations to explore feasible diversion solutions. The Presentation was heard. 8.3 ORD 25-07 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, levying separate amounts to be raised for primary and secondary property tax levies upon each one hundred dollars ($100.00) of the assessed valuation of property subject to taxation within the City of Maricopa for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Discussion and Action. Chief Financial Officer Matt Kozlowski presented the ordinance concerning the levying of property tax rates to the council. He reminded them that in the May 6th meeting, the council had endorsed the decision to reduce the primary and secondary property tax rates, taking a significant step toward lightening the tax burden on residents. He shared that this ordinance served as the final step in formalizing that decision by outlining the specifics of the levy adjustments. Councilmember Manfredi took the opportunity to emphasize that this marked the 7th consecutive year in which the city successfully lowered the primary property tax rate. He described it as a notable achievement, particularly in the current economic climate where tax reductions are less common, stressing the city’s commitment to City of Maricopa Page 4 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final June 3, 2025 financially supporting its residents. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wade, seconded by Councilmember Manfredi, that this Ordinance be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 9. Executive Session No executive session was conducted. 10. Adjournment This meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m. Certification of Minutes I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Maricopa, Arizona, held on the 3rd day of June, 2025. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 17th day of June, 2025. __________________________ Vanessa Bueras City Clerk City of Maricopa Page 5