City Council Regular Meeting on 2026-04-07 6:00 PM

City Hall City of Maricopa 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza Maricopa, AZ 85138 Meeting Minutes - Final Ph: (520) 568-9098 Fx: (520) 568-9120 City Council Regular Meeting www.maricopa-az.gov Mayor Nancy Smith Vice-Mayor Vincent Manfredi Councilmember Eric Goettl Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr Councilmember Amber Liermann Councilmember Bob Marsh Councilmember Henry Wade Tuesday, April 7, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chambers 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:11 p.m. Mayor Smith led a moment of silence, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Knorr. 2. Roll Call Present: 7 - Mayor Nancy Smith, Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Councilmember Bob Marsh, Councilmember Henry Wade and Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi 3. Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations 3.1 PROC 26-03 Earth Month Proclamation Mayor Smith read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Earth Month in the City of Maricopa. Mayor Smith shared that the proclamation emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, encouraging residents to implement practices designed to preserve and protect the environment. Representatives from Electrical District No.3 and Brad Follett came forward to accept the proclamation. Read 3.2 PROC 26-05 Relay for Life Proclamation Mayor Smith read a proclamation supporting the Relay for Life event scheduled for April 11th. She shared that the proclamation recognized the American Cancer Society's mission to eliminate cancer and acknowledged how many Maricopa citizens have been affected by cancer. Lastly, Mayor Smith added that the proclamation emphasized support for cancer survivors and honored those who have died from cancer, encouraging citizens to support the event with enthusiasm. Representatives from the Relay for Life organization were present to accept the proclamation. Read 4. Report from the Mayor City of Maricopa Page 1 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2026 Councilmember Marsh congratulated Quinn Konold and his staff on a successful 2026 Wild West Music Festival, adding that has become an important regional event. Next, he reported attending the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority Board Meeting on March 10th, sharing his concerns about federal support for Arizona’s water rights from the Colorado River. Councilmember Marsh reported meeting with staff regarding the ongoing usage of e-bikes and e-scooters in the city, while sharing his continuous concern about young children riding them without proper protective gear. Next, he reported participating in the Pinal Partnership Government Affairs Meetings and an intergovernmental meeting between the City Council and Ak-Chin Tribal Council. Lastly, he reported serving on the Pinal County Board of Adjustments and attending a water committee meeting regarding water banking. Councilmember Wade reported being the certificate presenter to students in the Be Awesome Space Camp. Next, he reported attending the Maricopa Debutante Program, where young men and women were shown proper conduct and respect, which he added, ended in a formal event including a waltz. Councilmember Goettl reported attending a delegation trip to Washington, D.C. during the week of March 16th. He added that the trip included critical meetings with legislators and representatives on Capitol Hill, which covered various topics concerning the city. Councilmember Knorr reported reading to children at a Read Across America Week event. Next, she reported on touring the new Alma Farrell Innovation Academy. Councilmember Knorr reported attending the Boys and Girls Club Dancing for Our Stars event. She added that Maricopa Fire Captain Richard Jackson was declared the winner and raised $28,000 for the Boys and Girls Club. Next, Councilmember Knorr shared that she attended Addi’s Miracle Foundation Light the Night event, which focused on pedestrian safety and traumatic brain injury from vehicular accidents. Additionally, she asked the community to continue providing feedback on pedestrian and bike safety. Lastly, Councilmember Knorr reminded the community of the upcoming budget meeting taking place on April 23rd and the Maricopa Arts Council Town Hall. Councilmember Liermann thanked city staff for the creation of business cards, which contained QR codes allowing individuals to scan them and gain instant access to various city committees. She added that this would allow residents to quickly apply for various committees and grant them access to information on the committees. Next, Councilmember Liermann reminded residents that the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center serves as a cooling center. She also shared that the Maricopa Police Chief’s Bike Rodeo will be occurring on April 24th. Next, Councilmember Liermann reported attending the Birthday Bingo at the Maricopa Community Center, where the location was praised by Sean Hamilton from Hospice of the West. Next, she reported attending the Global Water presentation on water conservation, where it was shared that residents have done an amazing job conversing water. Councilmember Liermann also reported attending the Paws and Claws event at Pacana Park. Lastly, she thanked city staff for the Wild West Musical Festival. Vice Mayor Manfredi reported attending a Central Arizona Governments Regional Meeting, where transportation and transportation funds were discussed. Next, he congratulated a local resident for opening a new business here in town, which will help keep residents working locally. Vice Mayor Manfredi also reported attending a regional transportation meeting regarding highway user revenue fund (HURF), which he shared should stay with cities and counties for road maintenance rather than being swept by City of Maricopa Page 2 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2026 the state. Next, he also shared about the bike rodeo and added that a poster contest would be included with an April 17th deadline. Mayor Smith reported attending the Black Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Gospel and Jazz event. She also encouraged residents to take advantage of the concerts and movies at the newly opened Mike Ingram Heritage Park. Next, she thanked Councilmember Wade and Goettl for their work during the Washington, D.C. trip. Mayor Smith also reported attending the Wings and Wal-Mart delivery presentation, which would make the local Wal-Mart the first in the state to use the drone delivery service. Next, she reminded residents about the Relay for Life event at Desert Sunrise High School. Lastly, Mayor Smith shared the budget process article from the local publication, which included a QR code for easy informational access. 5. Report from the City Manager City Manager Ben Bitter structured his report around the city's strategic priorities. For transportation, Mr. Bitter shared that monthly project meetings with Arizona Department of Transportation continue and work will begin in June with resurfacing as the first phase, followed by widening. For job creation and business development, he reported hosting the City Management Board from the State of Arizona and receiving compliments about Maricopa's beauty and cleanliness. He added that the recently held Arizona Tech Week was an opportunity to increase Maricopa's visibility statewide. Regarding intentional growth, Mr. Bitter reported 372 permits for new residential units to date, representing about 1,000-1,100 new residents once occupied. He showed progress photos of commercial development including Buffalo Wild Wings, Starbucks, and Aldi at various locations. For quality of life, he shared updates on the Copper Sky Field House construction, noting all metal sides are up and the ceiling is nearing completion, with a late summer/early fall completion expected. Next, he shared that the Wild West Music Fest was part of becoming a destination city, noting it brings visitors who spend money at local businesses. Lastly, he mentioned that Chief Goodman would present the annual police report demonstrating public safety investments and results. 6. Call to the Public Bill Griffin introduced himself as the unanimously appointed constable for Western Pinal County Justice Court, thanking the police department for their support and explaining his role to residents. He mentioned being up for election and serving the community for 19 years. Tyler Shute represented the 4 Star Group and Moonlight community, inviting the public to a grand opening event on April 16th at 10 AM for their new amenity center, Twilight Park, featuring various recreational facilities. Judith Zaimont spoke on behalf of Maricopa Arts Council, announcing two upcoming arts events and expressing appreciation to city officials for solving an emergency with an arts event. She announced the artist town hall on April 23rd at the library and the abstract art gallery grand opening on April 24th at the community center. Tena Dugan praised staff members Derek Shear and Wes Moss for helping resolve a City of Maricopa Page 3 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2026 lighting issue in Glennwilde Homeowners Association. Peg Chapados spoke on a candidate forum focused on public safety on May 6th at Leading Edge Academy, hosted by professional firefighters and Fraternal Order of Police. She added that the event will feature all seven candidates discussing public safety issues, emergency response, staffing, and budget priorities. Ron Angerame spoke against the Sunrise Ranch rezoning request, arguing there is no demonstrated need for additional high-density housing given current market conditions, vacancy rates, and existing construction pipeline. He requested the city develop a data-driven plan for high-density housing needs. Torri Anderson announced the first annual Dirty Boots and Dollars fundraiser on June 27th at Duke's Roadhouse for Open Arms Vocational Living Center, supporting aged-out foster care youth. Tickets are $100 per person with sponsorships available. Julia Gusse spoke about the Cesar Chavez Lane naming issue, stating as the original initiator of the name, she believes it should be changed due to serious allegations. She suggested alternative names including Herencia or Veterans Way to better reflect community values. 7. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Councilmember Henry Wade, seconded by Councilmember Amber Liermann, to Adopt the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 7.1 LIQ 26-03 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control regarding an application for a Series 9 liquor license submitted by applicant Maria Danielle Burgess on behalf of Circle K Store #9609 located at 42150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, Maricopa, AZ 85138. Discussion and Action. This Liquor License was Approved. 7.2 CON 26-05 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approving the updated Subrecipient Agreement with Pinal County for FY2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding to construct roadway improvements on Wilson Ave between Hathaway Ave and Madison Ave. Discussion and Action. This Contract was Approved. 7.3 CON 26-06 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Autumn Community Foundation and Maricopa Veteran Care Center, related to the sale of approximately 4.22 acres of the real property generally located on the Southeast corner of W Edison Road and N Wilson Ave, Maricopa, Pinal County, Arizona, Assessor Parcel No. 510-19-2130 for $1,470,000.00 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement and any future amendments to extend the Closing as he deems necessary and any closing documents related thereto. Discussion and Action. This Contract was Approved. 7.4 ORD 26-05 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council, City of Maricopa, Arizona, approving and adopting an amendment to the City's Zoning Map to rezone approximately 2.1 acres of City of Maricopa Page 4 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2026 land generally located north of W. Bowlin Road between N. Park Plaza and N. Maya Angelou Drive, within the City of Maricopa incorporated limits, from Pinal County Transitional (TR) to General Mixed-Use (MU-G) as described in case # ZON26-01. The parcels of land are located in a portion of Section 30, Township 4 South, Range 4 East, of the Gila and Salt River Meridian, Pinal County, Arizona. Discussion and Action. This Ordinance was Approved. 7.5 MIN 26-25 Approval of Minutes from the March 3, 2026 City Council Regular meeting and the March 24, 2026 City Council Special meeting. Discussion and Action. These Minutes were Approved. 7.6 MIN 26-26 Acceptance of meeting minutes from the January 28, 2026 and February 25, 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meetings, February 9, 2026 Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee meeting, and February 9, 2026 and March 9, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. Discussion and Action. These Minutes were Approved. 8. Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings 8.1 PRES 26-03 The Mayor and City Council shall hear a 2025 Maricopa Police Department Annual Report Presentation from Police Chief Mark Goodman. Discussion Only. Police Chief Mark Goodman presented that the department recorded 30,004 service calls in 2025, with over 20,000 from citizens and nearly 10,000 proactive contacts. He added that they documented nearly 29,000 incidents, completed almost 6,000 police reports, and made 2,135 arrests. Lastly, Chief Goodman shared that the city saw a 2% crime rate decrease per capita amid rapid growth. Next, Chief Goodman shared that the traffic unit, which he added has expanded over the past three years, issued 2,428 citations, making up 57% of all traffic citations. He added that the Community Resource Navigator program, unique in Pinal County, successfully connected individuals in mental health crises with resources. Additionally, Chief Goodman presented that the Criminal Investigations Division handled 475 cases, with a 23% increase in assignments and a 67% rise in criminal indictments, which included significant dismantling of a narcotics operation, locating two of Arizona’s longest missing juveniles, and resolving a multistate identity theft scheme. Chief Goodman added that the emergency communications center managed 75,713 calls, with 99.45% of 911 calls answered within 15 seconds, which he stated surpassed the national 90% standard. Lastly, he shared that the dispatch center also integrated school panic alarms and real-time transit GPS and video. Lastly, Chief Goodman reported on successful recruitment with 267 recruitment applications and 55 lateral applications, resulting in 10 new hires, and maintained a 92% retention rate over three years. He added that the cadet program operated at full capacity with a waiting list. Community engagement activities included various outreach programs. General discussion ensued regarding the statistics shared throughout the Chief’s presentation. The Presentation was heard. 8.2 RES 26-07 Public Hearing: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, City of Maricopa Page 5 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2026 Arizona, approving and adopting a Minor General Plan Land Use Amendment to change the land use from existing Medium Density Residential (MDR) to High Density Residential (HDR) for approximately 12.94 acres of land generally located .5 miles west of the northwest corner of State Route 238 and North Green Road within the City of Maricopa incorporated limits, as described in case # GPA 25-03. The parcel of land is located in a portion of Section 17, Township 4 South, Range 3 East of the Gila and Salt River base and meridian, Pinal County, Arizona. Discussion and Action. Mayor Smith reported that the applicant had requested this item to be continued. She added that no presentation would be held, but the public hearing would be opened and any future public comments would be accepted via comment cards when the item returns. Mayor Smith proceeded to open the public hearing, where Tena Dugan approached and shared that she was against the general plan use amendment. Ms. Dugan added that there were already high vacancies and this amendment would not be in the best interest of the city. Next, Rich Vitiello also shared his opposition to the amendment. He added that the city already has a 30 to 40 percent vacancy, while also sharing his concerns for traffic on State Route 238. Lastly, Mr. Vitiello added he would prefer to see condominiums for sale rather than rental units. Mayor Smith proceed to close the public hearing. A motion was made by Mayor Smith, seconded by Vice Mayor Manfredi, that this Resolution be Tabled. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 8.3 ORD 26-04 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, approving and adopting an amendment to the City's Zoning Map to rezone approximately 150.86 acres of land generally located 0.5 miles west of the northwest corner of State Route 238 and North Green Road, within the City of Maricopa incorporated limits, on Pinal County APN 510-15-002F, 510-15-002C and 510-15-002G, from the existing Pinal County Industrial (CI-2) zone to Planned Area Development (PAD) as described in case # PAD25-04. The parcel of land is located in a portion of Section 17, Township 04 South, Range 03 East, of the Gila and Salt River Meridian, Pinal County, Arizona. Discussion and Action. Mayor Smith reported that the applicant had requested this item to be continued. A motion was made by Mayor Smith, seconded by Vice Mayor Manfredi, that this Ordinance be Tabled. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 8.4 ADD 26-01 An initiation by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, authorizing staff to initiate a street name change for W. Cesar Chavez Lane, located within the Mixed-Use Heritage Redevelopment District. Discussion and Action. Planning and Zoning Division Manager Rick Williams presented the request to initiate the street name change process for West Cesar Chavez Lane, approximately 554 linear feet of public right-of-way. He added that the process would include notifying adjacent property owners, newspaper advertisements, and posting signs, with the earliest council consideration on May 19th. A motion was made by Mayor Smith that this Addressing be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 8.5 PRES 26-05 The Mayor and City Council shall hear a presentation regarding the updated City website. Communications Coordinator Luis Villa presented the new city website launching April 21st at 9 AM. He shared that the project began in summer 2024 with data collection City of Maricopa Page 6 City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2026 and feedback from departments and council members. Mr. Villa added that the new improvements included a new search engine, robust calendar, easier information access, and ADA compliance upgrades required for cities over 50,000 population. Next, he shared that the new platform provides full control over website design and content, eliminating previous limitations and costs for changes. He added that the features include animated buttons, customizable homepage elements, rotating banners, enhanced calendar with event categorization and search capabilities, improved news archive, pop-up banners for announcements, and seamless mobile integration. Lastly, Mr. Villa stated that the transition will be completely seamless with no downtime or broken links. The previous website will remain accessible on the backend for 30 days. General discussion ensued regarding the changes to the website and its flexibility to adapt to its users’ needs. The Presentation was heard. 9. Executive Session 10. Adjournment This meeting was adjourned at 8:22 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 7th day of April, 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 21st day of April 2026. __________________________ Vanessa Bueras City Clerk City of Maricopa Page 7