City Council Regular Meeting on 2025-12-02 6:00 PM — Maricopa, AZ
Date: 2025-12-02

City Hall
 City of Maricopa 39700 W. Civic Center
 Plaza
 Maricopa, AZ 85138
 Meeting Agenda Ph: (520) 568-9098
 Fx: (520) 568-9120
 City Council Regular Meeting www.maricopa-az.gov


 Mayor Nancy Smith
 Vice-Mayor Henry Wade
 Councilmember Eric Goettl
 Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr
 Councilmember Amber Liermann
 Councilmember Vincent Manfredi
 Councilmember Bob Marsh

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers



 Procedure for Addressing the City Council


The Maricopa City Council values citizen comments and input. If you wish to speak on a matter
concerning Maricopa city government that is on the agenda, please fill out a speaker card and give it to
the City Clerk before the meeting starts. The Mayor will call your name when that portion of the agenda
is reached.

The Call to the Public portion on the agenda provides citizens an opportunity to identify for the City
Council matters of interest or concern related to city government that are not on the printed agenda.
Under the provisions of the Arizona Open Meeting Law, the City Council is prohibited from responding
to issues that have not been properly noticed. Therefore, the City Council may only listen to citizens
who wish to address them on non-agenda items. We regret that the City Council cannot respond
beyond thanking you for your comments. City staff will follow-up on your questions via telephone or
email, whichever is preferred. A speaker card is not required for this portion of the meeting but it is
appreciated.

Whenever any group of persons wishes to address the City Council on the same subject matter, it
shall be proper for the Mayor to request that a spokesperson be chosen.

The City asks that, when your name is called, you come forward to the podium, state your name and
then begin speaking. All speakers are expected to observe common standards of decorum and
courtesy. Personal attacks, political speeches, or threats of political action are inappropriate in this
forum and will be grounds, at the discretion of the Mayor, for ending a speaker's time at the podium.

In the event that the meeting is disrupted in any way that the City in its sole discretion deems
inappropriate, the City reserves the right to immediately remove the individual(s) from the meeting.
Reasons for removing an individual include but are not limited to making offensive remarks or
statements, disrespectful statements or actions, and any other action deemed appropriate.

All remarks shall be addressed to the City Council as a body and not to staff or the public. No person
other than a member of the City Council, the City Manager or the City Attorney and the person having
the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion without the permission of the Mayor.
Depending on the number of items on the Council agenda and the number of speaker cards submitted,
the Mayor may establish shorter time limits for speakers.



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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025



1. Call to Order

 Invocation
 Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call


3. Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations


 3.1 PRES 25-22 Maricopa Citizens Leadership Academy (MCLA) Fall 2025 Session Acknowledgement.


4. Report from the Mayor

 The Mayor, members of Council or other designee, may present information related to
 the operation of the city.

5. Report from the City Manager


6. Call to the Public

 The procedures to follow if you address the Council are: Council requests that you
 express your ideas in three minutes or less and refrain from any personal attacks or
 derogatory statements about any City employee, a fellow citizen, or anyone else, whether
 in the audience or not. The Mayor will limit discussion whenever they deem such an
 action appropriate to the proper conduct of the meeting. At the conclusion of an open call
 to the public, individual members of the Council may respond to criticism made by those
 who have addressed the Council, may ask Staff to review a matter, or may ask that a
 matter be put on a future agenda. However, members of the Council shall not discuss or
 take legal action on any matters during an open call to the public unless the matters are
 properly noticed for discussion and legal action. Finally, a word on decorum at our
 meetings. Periodically, we may want to applaud a success or show our approval of a
 comment and occasionally, we may personally disagree with something that is said.
 However, when we’re hearing input from our City Council and our residents, whether we
 support their comments or disagree with their comments, please do not applaud or
 negatively respond to a speaker unless invited to do so by the presiding authority. It is
 important that every person who addresses the City Council has a right to speak and not
 be intimidated.

7. Consent Agenda

 All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine matters and will be
 enacted by one motion of the Council. There will be no separate discussion of these
 items unless a Councilmember or member of the public so requests, in which event the
 item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on
 the agenda.


 7.1 MISC 25-27 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on canceling the January 6,
 2026, March 17, 2026, July 7, 2026, August 4, 2026, August 18, 2026, November 3, 2026
 and December 15, 2026 City Council meetings. Discussion and Action.




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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025



 7.2 MISC 25-28 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on adding the purchase of a
 Rotodecon machine for the Maricopa Fire/ Medical Department to the City's Capital
 Improvement Plan in the amount of $33,703.00, which will be funded by the one-time
 appropriation fund from Senate Bill 1735 in GL Account 35026161-67741-26261.
 Discussion and Action.


 7.3 SUB25-15 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve Re-plat Case
 SUB25-15, Moonlight Phase I Parcel K1. Approval will allow for the dedication of
 Right-of-Way (ROW), the creation of a Public Utility Easement (PUE), alignment with the
 City of Maricopa’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP), and to resize Monument Tract 2.
 Discussion and Action.


 7.4 SUB25-16 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve Subdivision Case #
 SUB25-16, Moonlight Phase I Parcel K2. Approval will allow the dedication Right-of-Way
 (ROW), a Public Utility Easement (PUE), alignment with the City of Maricopa’s Capital
 Improvement Project (CIP), as well as resize Monument Tract 1, and create new tract
 K-A. Discussion and Action.


 7.5 LIQ 25-09 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 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.


 7.6 CON 25-22 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approval of a first
 amendment to the Presiding Judge Agreement with Stephen McCarville. Discussion and
 Action.


 7.7 CON 25-23 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approval of Consent to
 Sublease and Leaseback between Verizon Wireless, LLC and VB Acquisitions, LLC, for
 a cellular tower erected on City owned property located at 18800 N. Porter Road and
 authorizing the City Manager to execute any future consents to sublease related to this
 tower. Discussion and Action.


 7.8 MIN 25-70 Approval of Minutes from the November 4, 2025 City Council Regular meeting.
 Discussion and Action.


 7.9 CON 25-24 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve the Purchase and
 Sale Agreement with Al Hogenes, for the purchase of approximately 2.84 acres of
 right-of-way and drainage easements located along the south side of SR 238 between
 Green Road and the Ak-Chin community boundary in the amount of $196,891.00.
 Discussion and Action.


8. Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings

 Items on the agenda are open for citizen input. Please fill out a card and present it to
 the City Clerk before the meeting begins. The Mayor will call upon you for your
 comments.

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025



 8.1 ORD 25-15 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 8: Health
 and Safety" by reference to amend Chapter 8.10 of the Maricopa City Code and providing
 for severability and the effective date thereof. Discussion and Action.


 8.2 ORD 25-16 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 17:
 Subdivisions" by reference to amend Sections 17.20.050, 17.20.060 and 17.30.040 of the
 Maricopa City Code and providing for severability and the effective date thereof.
 Discussion and Action.


 8.3 ORD 25-17 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 18:
 Zoning" by reference to amend Chapters 18.40, 18.75, 18.80, 18.90, 18.120, 18.135,
 18.140 and 18.205 of the Maricopa City Code and providing for severability and the
 effective date thereof. Discussion and Action.


 8.4 RES 25-50 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting an
 amended fee schedule for the rental of facilities owned by the City of Maricopa, including
 reduced fees for rooms, open space, and courts. Discussion and Action.


 8.5 RES 25-51 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 amendments to the City's Facility Rentals Policy. Discussion and Action.


 8.6 RES 25-53 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona naming the
 fieldhouse currently being constructed adjacent to the Copper Sky Regional Park and
 Multigenerational Center the "Copper Sky Fieldhouse." Discussion and Action.


 8.7 MISC 25-32 The Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, shall discuss and take
 action to clarify that the Annual Budget discussion on Compensation Adjustments was
 intended to include all employee groups, including those with a contract and whose pay
 is set through resolution. Discussion and Action.


 8.8 RES 25-52 A resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, amending
 Section 6, Leave, of the City Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook to adopt an
 amended vacation years of service accrual schedule. Discussion and Action.


 8.9 APP 25-09 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on appointing a Vice-Mayor
 from among the members of the City Council. Discussion and Action.

9. Executive Session

 The Maricopa City Council may go into executive session, which is not open to the
 public, for purpose of obtaining legal advice from the City’s attorney on any of the above
 agenda items pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03 (A)(3).




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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda December 2, 2025



10. Adjournment

 Note: This meeting is open to the public. All interested persons are welcome to
 attend. Council members of the City of Maricopa City Council will attend either in person
 or by telephonic conference or video communication. Supporting documents and staff
 reports, which were furnished to the City Council with this agenda, are available for review
 on our website, www.maricopa-az.gov.

 Physical access to the meeting room will be available 15 minutes prior to the meeting
 start time.

 Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign
 language interpreter, by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 520-316-6970. Requests
 should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

 NOTICE TO PARENTS: Parents and legal guardians have the right to consent before
 the City of Maricopa makes a video or voice recording of a minor child A.R.S.
 §1-602.A.9. Maricopa City Council meetings are recorded and may be viewed on Channel
 20 and the Maricopa website. If you permit your child to participate in the Council
 meeting, a recording will be made. If your child is seated in the audience, your child may
 be recorded, but you may request that your child be seated in a designated area to avoid
 recording. Please submit your request to the City Clerk at (520) 316-6970.




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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 Henry Wade
 Councilmember Eric Goettl
 Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr
 Councilmember Amber Liermann
 Councilmember Vincent Manfredi
 Councilmember Bob Marsh

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6:00 PM Council Chambers



 1. Call to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. An invocation was given by Pastor Doug
 Munday from the Calvary Church of Maricopa, which was followed by the Pledge of
 Allegiance led by Councilmember Manfredi.


 2. Roll Call
 Present: 7 - Mayor Nancy Smith, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl,
 Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann,
 Councilmember Vincent Manfredi and Councilmember Bob Marsh


 3. Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations

 3.1 PRES 25-22 Maricopa Citizens Leadership Academy (MCLA) Fall 2025 Session Acknowledgement.

 Luis Villa, Communications Coordinator, announced the graduation of the 26th session
 of the Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy, with 21 graduates joining the previous
 class of over 440. Mr. Villa invited anyone interested in learning about or attending the
 Citizen Leadership Academy to subscribe to the city newsletter or visit the city website
 for information. The graduates were called forward to receive their certificates and take
 photos with the Council.
 The Presentation was heard.


 4. Report from the Mayor

 Councilmember Marsh reported speaking at the Leadership Academy, participating in
 the Veteran's Day Parade, meeting with Chief Goodman on law enforcement topics,
 attending a briefing on economic development strategic plans, and hosting students
 from Maricopa Wells Middle School with Councilmember Manfredi. He concluded by
 looking forward to the upcoming Merry Copa event at Copper Sky and wished everyone
 happy holidays.

 Councilmember Knorr reported attending that Maricopa Agriculture Center Farms art
 show, highlighting the talented artists in Maricopa. She promoted the upcoming Sugar
 Plum Tea by Desert Sun Performing Arts and the Inside the Creative Mind lecture
 series starting in the new year. She also mentioned attending the community

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025

 Thanksgiving potluck at Maricopa Wells and announced the upcoming Maricopa
 Women in Government Day at the Capitol on January 30th, which she is organizing
 with Representative Theresa Martinez.

 Councilmember Liermann extended warm holiday wishes to everyone and took the
 opportunity to remind residents about the upcoming birthday of the Space Force on
 December 20th. She also emphasized the importance of contributing to the ongoing
 food drive within the community, noting that donations could be made at various
 locations including City Hall, Copper Sky, the Maricopa Library, Maricopa Community
 Center, Police Department, Apex, Orbitel, Electrical District No. 3, Exceptional Health,
 Ace Hardware, and Global Water. Furthermore, Councilmember Liermann proudly
 announced that the Maricopa Police Department had been awarded a total of $35,000
 in government highway safety grants, which $10,000 was allocated for a DUI Task
 Force to enhance road safety, and the remaining $25,000 was designated for
 enforcement of traffic laws.

 Councilmember Manfredi elaborated on Councilmember Liermann's remarks
 concerning traffic enforcement on SR 347, emphasizing the educational value of
 publicizing these enforcement activities to better inform the community. He highlighted
 the importance of such educational efforts in promoting road safety and compliance.
 Councilmember Manfredi outlined his involvement in both a Rural Transportation
 Advisory Committee meeting and a Transportation Policy Committee meeting held with
 Maricopa Association of Governments. He added that his participation in these
 meetings focused on advocating for continued financial support for the critical
 improvements on State Route 347, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure. He
 concluded his report by mentioning a productive meeting with Jim Rounds to discuss
 the ongoing economic development study.

 Vice Mayor Wade shared about his participation in the 10 Toes Down and 10 Toes Up
 cancer walk, an event aimed at raising awareness and support for cancer research. He
 also participated in the Veterans Day parade. Additionally, Vice Mayor Wade attended
 a Senior Lunch and Learn session, which focused on the important topic of title fraud.
 He urged homeowners to vigilantly monitor their property documents to protect against
 fraud attempts. Vice Mayor Wade mentioned his upcoming role as the narrator for the
 Sugar Plum Tea event, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity. He added that he
 would be attending a ceremony where local high school student would be accepting a
 leadership award from the Governor.

 Mayor Smith reported attending the state swimming championships where both local
 high schools competed successfully. She specifically highlighted Maricopa High
 School boys team placing 12th of 32 schools, with Holden Gehrke placing second in
 the 200 yard freestyle and fifth in the 500 yard freestyle. She also mentioned Desert
 Sunrise High School's Chloe Armstrong who medaled in two events. She also reported
 attending the November State Transportation Board meeting where she advocated for
 considering growth in transportation funding decisions and emphasized continued
 progress on the State Route 347 project. She noted giving a presentation with
 Councilmember Manfredi to state leaders about Maricopa's efforts to get State Route
 347 on the five-year plan. She concluded by mentioning a meeting with Senator Kelly's
 office regarding floodplain issues and I-11 development.


 5. Report from the City Manager

 City Manager Ben Bitter presented information on traffic management and growth
 management in Maricopa. He explained that the city has grown from 17 traffic signals

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025

 five years ago to 33 today, with four more in development, necessitating additional staff
 including a traffic engineer.

 Regarding John Wayne Parkway, Mr. Bitter acknowledged the high traffic volume and
 explained the challenges of synchronizing traffic signals when there is significant
 cross-traffic. He detailed various improvements made, including the northbound
 continuous flow right turn lane at Smith Enke and State Route 347, which has helped
 reduce backups. He announced an upcoming project to create a fourth leg at the
 South Cobblestone Farms traffic signal that would provide better access to
 businesses like Freddy's and Starbucks without routing traffic through the busy Smith
 Enke intersection.

 Mr. Bitter also introduced a new feature on the What's New Maricopa website showing
 commercial projects currently under city review. He shared that this transparency
 initiative allows residents to view plans and submit comments on proposed
 developments before they are approved.


 6. Call to the Public

 Brad Follett, CEO of Earth Month Network, addressed the council concerning water
 quality issues after a positive E. coli test at Global Water was detected on August
 27th. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the incident by the
 authorities, underscoring the significant potential impact on the community's health
 and safety. Mr. Follett further informed the council that a class action lawsuit had been
 filed against Global Water Resources and Santa Cruz Water Company because of this
 incident. He encouraged those interested in obtaining more information about the
 lawsuit to contact the involved counsel, Geoffrey M. Trachtenberg, from Friedl
 Richardson, P.C., 480-540-1341.

 Peg Chapados spoke on the highly successful fifth annual Maricopa Main Street
 marketplace, which took place at Leading Edge Academy. She shared that the event
 attracted an impressive crowd of 500 to 600 attendees and hosted 60 artisan booths,
 offering diverse crafts and products to the community. Ms. Chapados extended an
 invitation to the Maricopa Music Circle and Maricopa Chorus winter concert, set for
 December 13th at 3:00 PM at the Agriculture Center. Additionally, she highlighted the
 upcoming Maricopa Arts Council's Inside the Creative Mind series. Ms. Chapados
 shared that the series commences on January 10th and continues January 24th,
 February 2nd, and February 28th, each session starting at 3:00 PM.

 Dana Williams expressed appreciation for the Citizens Leadership Academy and
 introduced her business, Heavenly Cheesecakes and Catering Company.

 Lei-sa Anderson and Pastor David announced their Rocking the Stocking event on
 Thursday, December 18 from 4-7 PM at the corner of Honeycutt and Porter behind
 Circle K. The drive-through Christmas event, organized by Be Community Church, will
 distribute stockings and serve as a resource for community members in need. The
 event is open to anyone, and they invited businesses and organizations to participate
 by donating items.

 Rich Vitiello, County Supervisor, provided information about protecting property titles
 from fraud. He explained that Pinal County offers two free services: the Parcel Alert
 List available at the County Assessor's Office in Maricopa, and an online service
 through the Recorder's Office.



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 Samuel Mambo expressed deep gratitude for the welcoming and diverse atmosphere
 that Maricopa offers. He emphasized the city's strong sense of community, noting how
 it has become a cherished home for his family. Mr. Mambo appreciates Maricopa's
 commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity, which has greatly aided in their
 successful integration and growth within the community.


 7. Consent Agenda


 Approval of the Consent Agenda

 A motion was made by Councilmember Manfredi, seconded by
 Councilmember Marsh to Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried
 unanimously.

 7.1 MISC 25-27 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on canceling the January 6,
 2026, March 17, 2026, July 7, 2026, August 4, 2026, August 18, 2026, November 3,
 2026 and December 15, 2026 City Council meetings. Discussion and Action.
 This Miscellaneous Item was Approved.


 7.2 MISC 25-28 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on adding the purchase of a
 Rotodecon machine for the Maricopa Fire/ Medical Department to the City's Capital
 Improvement Plan in the amount of $33,703.00, which will be funded by the one-time
 appropriation fund from Senate Bill 1735 in GL Account 35026161-67741-26261.
 Discussion and Action.
 This Miscellaneous Item was Approved.


 7.3 SUB25-15 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve Re-plat Case
 SUB25-15, Moonlight Phase I Parcel K1. Approval will allow for the dedication of
 Right-of-Way (ROW), the creation of a Public Utility Easement (PUE), alignment with
 the City of Maricopa’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP), and to resize Monument
 Tract 2. Discussion and Action.
 This Subdivision was Approved.


 7.4 SUB25-16 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve Subdivision Case
 # SUB25-16, Moonlight Phase I Parcel K2. Approval will allow the dedication
 Right-of-Way (ROW), a Public Utility Easement (PUE), alignment with the City of
 Maricopa’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP), as well as resize Monument Tract 1,
 and create new tract K-A. Discussion and Action.
 This Subdivision was Approved.


 7.5 LIQ 25-09 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
 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.


 7.6 CON 25-22 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approval of a first
 amendment to the Presiding Judge Agreement with Stephen McCarville. Discussion
 and Action.

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025


 This Contract was Approved.


 7.7 CON 25-23 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approval of Consent to
 Sublease and Leaseback between Verizon Wireless, LLC and VB Acquisitions, LLC,
 for a cellular tower erected on City owned property located at 18800 N. Porter Road
 and authorizing the City Manager to execute any future consents to sublease related
 to this tower. Discussion and Action.
 This Contract was Approved.


 7.8 MIN 25-70 Approval of Minutes from the November 4, 2025 City Council Regular meeting.
 Discussion and Action.
 These Minutes were Approved.


 7.9 CON 25-24 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve the Purchase and
 Sale Agreement with Al Hogenes, for the purchase of approximately 2.84 acres of
 right-of-way and drainage easements located along the south side of SR 238 between
 Green Road and the Ak-Chin community boundary in the amount of $196,891.00.
 Discussion and Action.
 This Contract was Approved.


 8. Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings

 8.1 ORD 25-15 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 8:
 Health and Safety" by reference to amend Chapter 8.10 of the Maricopa City Code and
 providing for severability and the effective date thereof. Discussion and Action.

 Rick Williams, Planning and Zoning Manager, detailed significant amendments to the
 Maricopa City Code with the presentation of three ordinances, which serve to align with
 the Arizona Revised Statutes requirements and incorporate current development trends
 and standards. He shared that these changes have been categorized into three
 primary groups: first, text revisions, which aim for clarification and consistency across
 existing ordinances; second, legislative changes, specifically to ensure compliance
 with the stipulations set out in Arizona House Bill 2247; and third, new text additions,
 which include the introduction of alley maintenance requirements, the incorporation of
 art into large commercial developments, and the establishment of regulations for food
 truck courts.

 Mr. Williams added that one notable change introduced by HB 2247 is the shift of
 authority from the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission to
 administrative personnel, particularly for approvals concerning site plans, development
 plans, land divisions, preliminary plats, final plats, and plat amendments. He shared
 that this change also eliminates the need for a public hearing in these processes.

 Councilmember Manfredi expressed concerns about this shift as it reduces local
 control but acknowledged that the city must adhere to state law. He emphasized the
 importance of having trust in the city planning staff to uphold the council's vision in the
 implementation of these changes.

 Mayor Smith echoed concerns by illustrating scenarios where public engagement had
 positively influenced development decisions, such as in the Santa Rosa Springs


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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025

 project, where community feedback led to the relocation of three-story apartments
 away from single-family homes. She added that this concern was also communicated
 to state legislators, underlining the critical role that community feedback plays in local
 development. General discussion ensued regarding the What's New Maricopa website
 as a tool to assure transparency.

 City Manager Ben Bitter added that while some procedural elements have shifted from
 public hearings to administrative review, significant opportunities for public input would
 still be preserved. He explained that neighborhood meetings, direct mailing
 notifications, and other forms of outreach would continue to be utilized extensively for
 many projects.

 Councilmember Goettl identified an oversight in section 17.20.060, which still
 contained references to City Council involvement in the final plat approval process.
 Rick Williams acknowledged this misstep, agreeing to make the necessary
 corrections to align with new procedural guidelines.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember
 Marsh, that this Ordinance be Approved as Amended. The motion carried by a
 unanimous vote.

 8.2 ORD 25-16 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 17:
 Subdivisions" by reference to amend Sections 17.20.050, 17.20.060 and 17.30.040 of
 the Maricopa City Code and providing for severability and the effective date thereof.
 Discussion and Action.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember
 Liermann, that this Ordinance be Approved. The motion carried by a
 unanimous vote.

 8.3 ORD 25-17 An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 18:
 Zoning" by reference to amend Chapters 18.40, 18.75, 18.80, 18.90, 18.120, 18.135,
 18.140 and 18.205 of the Maricopa City Code and providing for severability and the
 effective date thereof. Discussion and Action.

 A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wade, seconded by Councilmember Marsh,
 that this Ordinance be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

 8.4 RES 25-50 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 an amended fee schedule for the rental of facilities owned by the City of Maricopa,
 including reduced fees for rooms, open space, and courts. Discussion and Action.

 David McLeish, the Recreation Superintendent, presented a detailed proposal for
 changes to the facility rental rates and policy, aimed at enhancing facility utilization
 throughout the city. He shared that the presentation included comprehensive data
 showing current utilization rates of various city facilities. Mr. McLeish added that while
 ball fields exhibit high utilization, indoor rooms and open spaces lagged significantly.

 Mr. McLeish shared that the proposed changes focused on reducing rental rates for
 rooms, courts, and open spaces without increasing fees for any facility types,
 reinforcing a commitment to make these spaces more accessible and appealing. He
 added that despite already having rental rates below market standards compared to
 other cities, the city aims to further decrease these rates to boost utilization and to
 better support residents, non-profits, and local businesses.


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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025

 Mr. McLeish shared that a notable adjustment is the provision of a 50% discount for
 youth and adult recreation leagues. He added that these leagues do not exclude
 community members based on ability, ensuring inclusiveness in sports activities.
 Additionally, he shared that non-resident businesses can qualify for the local business
 rate, provided that at least 75% of their participants are Maricopa residents, thus
 encouraging external businesses to engage more closely with the local community.

 Mr. McLeish added that the amended provisions now allow substantial large
 tournaments to qualify for the base rental rate instead of the typically higher
 non-resident rate. He shared that this strategic adjustment is designed to encourage
 more major tournaments to be held in Maricopa. Mr. McLeish reported that by offering
 a more attractive pricing model, the city aims to maximize economic benefits through
 increased visitor spending during these events, effectively boosting the local economy
 and elevating Maricopa's profile as a desirable destination for large-scale sporting
 events.

 Mr. McLeish added that there is also a newly introduced off-peak discount of 20%,
 applicable on weekdays before 4 PM, aimed at enhancing room utilization during
 typically low-demand hours. He shared that this would be used to further drive growth in
 facility usage, authority has been granted to staff for establishing promotional
 discounts, empowering them to be more dynamic and responsive to the community's
 needs.

 Councilmember Knorr inquired about pool rental rates and raised the question of
 whether swim teams could benefit from similar discounts to those provided to other
 youth leagues. She added that this would ensure equity among different sports groups
 in the city's rental pricing structure. General discussion ensued regarding the already in
 place agreements that established the pool usage fees already in use and possible
 future review of those fees.

 Mayor Smith shared that these adjustments definitely met what council requested when
 staff was asked to evaluate and propose changes to rental fees, but added she would
 be interested in knowing what the usage would look like when comparing year to year,
 especially next year to this year.

 Councilmember Liermann requested the submission of quarterly reports to monitor the
 effectiveness of these adjustments in improving facility utilization, underscoring a
 commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Vice Mayor Wade,
 that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

 8.5 RES 25-51 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting
 amendments to the City's Facility Rentals Policy. Discussion and Action.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember
 Knorr, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous
 vote.

 8.6 RES 25-53 A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona naming
 the fieldhouse currently being constructed adjacent to the Copper Sky Regional Park
 and Multigenerational Center the "Copper Sky Fieldhouse." Discussion and Action.

 Rocky Brown, Parks and Recreation Director, presented information on the new
 fieldhouse being constructed at Copper Sky. He detailed that the facility would house
 four indoor basketball courts, which can also be configured into six volleyball courts or

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 12 pickleball courts. Additionally, it will include restroom facilities and a flexible
 classroom space, offering a versatile venue for both sporting events and other
 activities. The facility is scheduled for completion and opening in July 2026. Mr. Brown
 presented several naming options for the new facility, seeking Council's direction on
 the official name. The suggested names included Copper Sky Field House, Copper
 Sky Sports Complex, Courts at Copper Sky, and Copper Sky Sports Hall.

 Councilmember Liermann expressed concerns that the term field house, as the facility
 contains courts rather than fields. She offered alternatives such as Maricopa Athletic
 Courts at Copper Sky, or the MAC, to accurately reflect the nature of the facility.

 Councilmember Manfredi shared that field house is an appropriate term given that the
 facility will be used for a variety of activities beyond just court sports. He added that its
 multi-use nature is suitable for hosting events such as graduations, martial arts
 competitions. He supported field house as a broad and fitting descriptor, which led to
 him suggesting the facility being named The Fieldhouse at Copper Sky.

 Councilmember Marsh expressed his approval by stating that he prefers the name
 Copper Sky Field House. He emphasized that it is simple yet effective, maintaining a
 broad meaning that allows for the inclusion of both athletic and non-athletic activities.

 Mayor Smith mentioned that having a unique name can enhance Maricopa's image as
 a destination city. She added that the name should clearly convey the facility's
 purpose, it should also establish something distinct from offerings in other cities,
 thereby making the fieldhouse a defining aspect of Maricopa.

 Vice Mayor Wade expressed his support for the name Copper Sky Fieldhouse, as he
 believed it effectively conveys both the location and the intended use of the facility. He
 added that the name aligns well with its purpose as it forms part of the existing Copper
 Sky complex.

 Councilmember Knorr relayed suggestions received from residents advocating
 functional names that appropriately communicate the facility's core use, emphasizing
 both precision in terms and familiarity with community culture. She stated that the
 suggestions like Champion Center at Copper Sky merit consideration.

 A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wade, seconded by Councilmember
 Manfredi, that this Resolution be Approved as Amended naming the facility
 The Fieldhouse at Copper Sky. The motion carried by the following vote:

 Aye: 4- Mayor Nancy Smith, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl
 and Councilmember Vincent Manfredi

 Nay: 3- Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann and
 Councilmember Bob Marsh

 8.7 MISC 25-32 The Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, shall discuss and take
 action to clarify that the Annual Budget discussion on Compensation Adjustments was
 intended to include all employee groups, including those with a contract and whose
 pay is set through resolution. Discussion and Action.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl to enter into executive session,
 seconded by Mayor Smith. The motion passed unanimously. Council entered into
 executive session at 8:12 p.m.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr to reconvene, seconded by

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025

 Councilmember Liermann. The motion passed unanimously. Council reconvened at
 8:47 p.m.

 Jennifer Brown, Assistant City Manager, explained that the city hired Gallagher
 Incorporated almost a year ago to conduct a classification and compensation study for
 all city employees, examining total compensation including salary and benefits. Ms.
 Brown shared that the current budget includes funding for compensation adjustments
 based on the study's recommendations. She added that this agenda item sought
 clarification on which employee groups were intended to be included in these
 adjustments, given the various types of employees (part-time, contract, full-time) in the
 city.

 Councilmember Goettl emphasized the intent behind the council's decision to approve
 the compensation study. He highlighted that the primary objective was to secure
 market-rate compensation that would ensure fairness and competitiveness for both
 staff and contract employees. He clarified that this intention explicitly did not extend to
 council members, demonstrating a commitment to focusing on city personnel who
 directly contribute to municipal operations rather than elected officials. General
 discussion ensued regarding council not included in the salary increase, staff's
 increase aiding them in keeping up with current inflation, and the city doing their best
 to retain the talent within the city's staff with proper compensation.

 Councilmember Knorr inquired about the timeline for the public release of the
 Gallagher report and was informed that it would be made available the following day.
 She shared her concern regarding the use of different sets of comparable cities for
 evaluating regular staff and employees covered by Memorandums of Understanding.
 Councilmember Knorr suggested that relying on separate comparison sets for these
 groups could potentially lead to an unlevel playing field, where some employee groups
 might not receive equitable treatment in terms of compensation assessments.

 Councilmember Manfredi echoed Councilmember Knorr's sentiment of using the same
 set of comparable cities for future MOU studies, but added it would have be something
 that MOU covered staff would have to agree to, as they are the ones who provide the
 comparable versus comparables being brought to them. He also added that MOU
 salaries are negotiated every two years, while it had been about five years that other
 staff's salaries were studied. In the end, Councilmember Manfredi reaffirmed his
 stance on the MOU study approach, but stated that conversation was not part of this
 item.

 Mayor Smith reaffirmed her steadfast dedication to advocating for equitable
 compensation for all staff members. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that
 every employee is fairly remunerated for their contributions. The Mayor highlighted that
 both the compensation study and the negotiation processes had yielded substantial
 evidence justifying salary increases. She expressed satisfaction with the outcome,
 acknowledging that the results were favorable for both employee groups.

 Peg Chapados spoke during public comment, expressing concern about the limited
 discussion time devoted to compensation compared to other topics. She advocated for
 evaluations of contract employees and suggested the council consider whether they
 are adequately staffed for current service needs. She emphasized the importance of
 recruitment, retention, and succession planning in the compensation discussion.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Councilmember
 Manfredi, that this Miscellaneous Item be Approved. The motion carried by a
 unanimous vote.

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final December 2, 2025


 8.8 RES 25-52 A resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, amending
 Section 6, Leave, of the City Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook to adopt an
 amended vacation years of service accrual schedule. Discussion and Action.

 Jennifer Brown explained that the Gallagher study found the city's benefits were
 competitive except in one area, which was vacation accruals for employees with 0-3
 years of service. The accruals were found to be lower than comparable cities. The
 proposal would eliminate the 0-3 year accrual category and be replaced with a 0-5
 years of service rate of 112 hours annually with a maximum carry forward of 160 hours.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, seconded by Councilmember
 Goettl, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous
 vote.

 8.9 APP 25-09 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on appointing a Vice-Mayor
 from among the members of the City Council. Discussion and Action.

 Mayor Smith acknowledged Vice Mayor Wade's exemplary service, noting his reliability
 in representing the city at important meetings and events when she was unable to
 attend. She mentioned there was one week when she called on him three different
 times to fill in for her.

 Vice Mayor Wade expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and noted that in
 his 11 years on the council, he had never missed a meeting. He then nominated
 Councilmember Vincent Manfredi to be the next Vice Mayor.

 Councilmember Manfredi accepted the nomination. He expressed his commitment to
 filling in for the Mayor at events and meetings, particularly on transportation issues,
 which he anticipated would be significant in the coming year.

 A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wade, seconded by Councilmember Marsh,
 that this Appointment be Appointed. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.


 9. Executive Session

 No executive session was held.


 10. Adjournment
 This meeting was adjourned at 9:15 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 2nd day of December, 2025. I further certify that the meeting was duly
 called and held and that a quorum was present.

 Dated this 20th day of January 2026.



 __________________________
 Vanessa Bueras
 City Clerk

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