City Council Regular Meeting on 2026-02-03 6:00 PM — Maricopa, AZ
Date: 2026-02-03

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

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 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 February 3, 2026



1. Call to Order

 Invocation
 Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call


3. Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations


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 the Mayor or a Councilmember 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 SPEVLIQ The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval to
 26-01 the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for an application for a special
 event liquor license provided by Brenda Campbell to allow Roots Eatery to serve alcohol
 during a special event known as Copa Cultural on February 21, 2026 at Copper Sky,
 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Maricopa AZ 85138. Discussion and Action.




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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda February 3, 2026



 7.2 SPEVLIQ The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval to
 26-02 the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Special Event Liquor
 License application submitted by Kelly Anderson for approval of an event known as Copa
 Paws & Claws to be held on April 4, 2026 at Pacana Park located at 19000 N. Porter
 Road, Maricopa, Arizona 85139. Discussion and Action.


 7.3 MIN 26-09 Approval of Minutes from the January 20, 2026 City Council Regular meeting. 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.


 8.1 APP 26-04 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on making an appointment to
 fill the vacancy on the Cultural Affairs and Arts Advisory Committee. Discussion and
 Action.


 8.2 RES 26-01 PUBLIC HEARING: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa,
 Arizona, vacating and abandoning, without compensation, a portion of North Maricopa
 Road, generally located between W. Honeycutt Avenue and N. John Wayne Parkway,
 within the City of Maricopa. Discussion and Action.


 8.3 RES 26-02 PUBLIC HEARING: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa,
 Arizona, vacating and abandoning, without compensation, a portion of a Public Utilities
 Easement on the real property known as Assessor Parcel Number 510-27-0380 generally
 located south of N. Maricopa Rd. and west of N. John Wayne Parkway, within the City of
 Maricopa. 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 February 3, 2026



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

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chambers



 1. Call to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. An invocation was led by Pastor Grady
 Root from Maricopa Springs Family Church, which was followed by The Pledge of
 Allegiance led by Councilmember Wade.


 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

 There were no proclamations, acknowledgements, awards or presentations.


 4. Report from the Mayor

 Councilmember Marsh reported participating in the Maricopa Futures planning meeting,
 led by Mayor Smith on January 22nd. On January 27th, he reported attending the Pinal
 Partnership Government Relations Committee meeting, where they tracked over 1,600
 legislative bills. On January 28th, he reported attending the Maricopa Flood Control
 District board meeting, which is working to transition its operations to the city.
 Additionally, on January 29th, Councilmember Marsh shared that he attended the
 Maricopa Unified School District dinner at Desert Sunrise High School, which included
 a panel discussion featuring representatives Teresa Martinez and Chris Lopez. Lastly,
 on February 2nd, he reported participating in a Maricopa Historical Society event,
 where guest speaker Roger Naylor, a renowned author, spoke about his experiences
 driving Route 66 from New Mexico to California.

 Councilmember Goettl highlighted attending the Maricopa Unified School District
 legislative briefing, noting that it was beneficial to hear updates about state legislative
 impacts on school districts and to meet with representatives from the neighboring
 Ak-Chin Community. On January 31st, he also reported attending the police
 department's House of Worship Security Training, which was attended by over 200
 individuals representing many faith-based groups and the Maricopa Unified School
 District. Councilmember Goettl added that the training conducted by Chief Goodman,
 Officer Horst, Sergeant Koozer, and Officer Nylander, was well-received with attendees

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 3, 2026

 expressing interest in a follow-up event.

 Councilmember Wade discussed his attendance at the House of Worship security
 training, praising the presenters for their expertise in ensuring places of worship are
 prepared for emergencies. He also reported participating in the Youth Council meeting
 and noted the dynamic and active involvement of young participants in community
 discussions, while also standing in for Councilmember Goettl in the Parks and Rec
 Committee meeting. Additionally, he recognized Chance Love for his dedicated service
 on the senior committee and announced that Chance would soon transition to a new
 position in Gilbert.

 Councilmember Knorr reported participating in the Maricopa Women in Government
 Day at the Capitol with over 30 women from the city, led by Representative Teresa
 Martinez. She mentioned that the day included a tour of the Capitol and a mock bill
 voting exercise on the House floor, along with insightful presentations from the Arizona
 Department of Water Resources on issues concerning water and the Arizona
 Department of Transportation about transport projects. Councilmember Knorr also
 reported attending the First Responder Heroes flag football game at Pacana Park.
 Additionally, she spoke about two upcoming events: the Veterans Painting Fundraiser
 on February 10th at Luxe Lounge and the senior prom, Love Never Gets Old, hosted by
 Maricopa High School DECA on February 13th. Lastly, she reported a detailed meeting
 with the city manager and the mayor regarding the challenges faced by a potential
 business coming to Maricopa. She added that they discussed the obstacles
 confronting this local business while emphasizing the city's commitment to creating a
 supportive and welcoming business environment essential for the business's success
 in the Maricopa community.

 Councilmember Liermann reported that the city just gave out their next cycle of arts
 grants, which went to Broadway Theater, the Historical Society, and Learned with
 Aloha. She also reported that Maricopa Friends of the Arts gave out $6,000 in
 scholarships to various artists. Councilmember Liermann shared that Chilaquiles will
 be holding an art and sip event on February 12th and 21st. She added that Chilaquiles
 would be holding a jazz fusion on February 18th. Additionally, Councilmember
 Liermann shared that Maricopa High School will host an Arts Festival on February 28th
 and a Murder Mystery Dinner on February 12th. Lastly, she mentioned the Desert
 Music Arts Festival is scheduled for March 6th and 7th, showcasing the community's
 vibrant cultural calendar.

 Vice Mayor Manfredi reported on his participation in the Transportation Policy
 Committee with the Maricopa Association of Governments, emphasizing its importance
 for the funding decisions related to State Route 347. He also shared his involvement in
 meetings with the Maricopa Partnerships Program Association (MPPA) to delve into
 economic development matters. Next, Vice Mayor Manfredi shared his re-election to
 the Rural Transportation Advisory Council. Additionally, he highlighted a meeting with
 Doug Coleman, who is anticipated to be appointed to the Arizona Department of
 Transportation Governing Board representing Pinal County. Furthermore, he announced
 that the Attorney General’s office would host a presentation focused on scam
 prevention for seniors, scheduled for February 27th at the Council Chambers, aiming
 to bolster community awareness and protection against fraudulent activities.

 Mayor Smith shared the significant discussions from the January 22nd Maricopa
 Futures meeting, which addressed key issues such as the city's financial outlook,
 exploring commuting corridor alternatives, planning for new community facilities,
 ensuring public safety, and the development of the industrial park. She also reported


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 on the productive conversations with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council aimed at
 attracting more businesses to the city, which included a tour of the city with its new
 chief executive. Additionally, Mayor Smith met with Gila River’s Governor Lewis to
 discuss public safety initiatives and the development of the Green Road Loop. She
 mentioned a positive meeting with Zeke and his wife Jody, owners of Zesty Zeke's
 Pizza, expressing gratitude for the chance to discuss next steps and emphasizing that
 they concluded the meeting feeling optimistic about future momentum. Mayor Smith
 congratulated City Manager Bitter on being elected as the president of the Arizona City
 and County Management Association (ACMA). Next, she shared about the upcoming
 ribbon cutting for the Mike Ingram Heritage Park scheduled for February 24th, the
 possibility of hosting a concert on March 7, and she also urged citizens to provide
 feedback on the city's general plan. Furthermore, she reminded everyone of the State
 of the City address taking place on February 11th.


 5. Report from the City Manager

 City Manager Bitter provided several detailed updates during the meeting. He
 highlighted the innovative community policing efforts demonstrated by the Police
 Department through the successful implementation of the House of Worship Security
 Training, which aimed to enhance safety in religious facilities across the city. Mr. Bitter
 shared that over the past five years, the city has made significant infrastructural
 advances by adding 99 new lane miles of roads to accommodate growth and improve
 transportation. He announced that President Trump had recently signed an
 appropriations bill that included $867,000 in congressionally designated spending,
 earmarked specifically for procuring the city's ambulances, underscoring a strong
 focus on emergency response enhancements. Mr. Bitter reminded everyone about the
 importance of subscribing to the city’s e-newsletter, which is distributed every Friday
 and contains timely information, community news, and crucial updates concerning city
 operations and events.


 6. Call to the Public

 Former Mayor Kelly Anderson shared that Doug Coleman as a good representative for
 transportation matters. He praised the street maintenance crew for their prompt pothole
 repairs on Ferrell, Hartman, and Murphy Roads. Lastly, Mr. Anderson expressed
 concern about unkempt properties around the city that could become fire hazards with
 the approaching hot weather and questioned the landscaped median in front of Desert
 Sunrise High School that might restrict visibility for buses and student drivers.

 Joseph Caruso spoke as a representative of United Way of Pinal County, highlighting
 their Reading by Third Grade initiative in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination
 Library. He noted that only 29% of Maricopa third graders are proficient in reading
 according to 2025 test scores, a drop from 33% the previous year. Mr. Caruso added
 that the program mails books to children under 5 to promote literacy before
 kindergarten. Lastly, he encouraged parents to sign up for the free program at
 unitedwayofpc.org and mentioned an upcoming golf tournament on April 24 to support
 the initiative.


 7. Consent Agenda

 A motion was made by Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, seconded by
 Councilmember Henry Wade, to Adopt the Consent Agenda. The motion
 carried unanimously.


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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 3, 2026

 Aye: 7 - Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Eric Goettl,
 Councilmember Bob Marsh, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Vice Mayor
 Vincent Manfredi, Mayor Nancy Smith and Councilmember Henry Wade

 7.1 SPEVLIQ 26-01 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval
 to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for an application for a
 special event liquor license provided by Brenda Campbell to allow Roots Eatery to
 serve alcohol during a special event known as Copa Cultural on February 21, 2026 at
 Copper Sky, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Maricopa AZ 85138.
 Discussion and Action.
 This Special Event Liquor License was Approved.


 7.2 SPEVLIQ 26-02 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 Kelly Anderson for approval of an event known as
 Copa Paws & Claws to be held on April 4, 2026 at Pacana Park located at 19000 N.
 Porter Road, Maricopa, Arizona 85139. Discussion and Action.
 This Special Event Liquor License was Approved.


 7.3 MIN 26-09 Approval of Minutes from the January 20, 2026 City Council Regular meeting.
 Discussion and Action.
 These Minutes were Approved.


 8. Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings

 8.1 APP 26-04 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on making an appointment
 to fill the vacancy on the Cultural Affairs and Arts Advisory Committee. Discussion and
 Action.

 Councilmember Knorr acknowledged Cynthia Portrey for her dedicated service of
 nearly a decade on the Cultural Affairs and Arts Committee. She shared that Ms.
 Portrey was actively involved and present at each meeting, while bringing her passion
 for the arts to the community.

 Councilmember Knorr introduced Thomas Schilling as her nominee. She shared that
 Mr. Schilling comes with an impressive background as an acclaimed writer, with 14
 publications in both the United States and Great Britain. She added that his literary
 talents and active involvement in the arts community are expected to bring a fresh
 perspective to the committee.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Councilmember
 Liermann, that this Appointment be Appointed. The motion carried by the
 following vote:

 Aye: 7- Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi, Councilmember Amber Liermann,
 Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Eric Goettl,
 Councilmember Bob Marsh, Mayor Nancy Smith and Councilmember
 Henry Wade

 8.2 RES 26-01 PUBLIC HEARING: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of
 Maricopa, Arizona, vacating and abandoning, without compensation, a portion of North
 Maricopa Road, generally located between W. Honeycutt Avenue and N. John Wayne
 Parkway, within the City of Maricopa. Discussion and Action.

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 3, 2026


 Derek Scheerer, Planner II, from the Planning Division presented a right-of-way
 abandonment application for a 0.182-acre area located south of West Honeycutt
 Avenue and west of North John Wayne Parkway. He elaborated that this initiative is
 part of a larger project aimed at realigning North Maricopa Road to create a proper
 intersection, eliminating the existing offset configuration. Mr. Scheerer added that this
 realignment is designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety at the intersection.
 Lastly, he added that the area being abandoned will be transferred to the adjacent
 property, which is also owned by the city, thereby increasing the property's potential for
 future development and marketability.

 Staff recommended approval as the city and public utilities have determined this
 portion of the utility easement is no longer necessary and have no plans to improve or
 use it. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing, which the mayor
 opened at 6:50 p.m. and closed immediately after.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Wade, seconded by Councilmember
 Marsh, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous
 vote.
 Aye: 7 - Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember Bob Marsh, Councilmember
 AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Mayor Nancy Smith,
 Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi and Councilmember Henry Wade

 8.3 RES 26-02 PUBLIC HEARING: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of
 Maricopa, Arizona, vacating and abandoning, without compensation, a portion of a
 Public Utilities Easement on the real property known as Assessor Parcel Number
 510-27-0380 generally located south of N. Maricopa Rd. and west of N. John Wayne
 Parkway, within the City of Maricopa. Discussion and Action.

 Derek Scheerer presented a request for the abandonment of a Public Utility Easement
 specifically for the First Baptist Church, which spans approximately 0.477 acres. He
 shared that this area is a remnant piece of land created during the construction of the
 State Route 347 overpass. Mr. Sheerer clarified that the church is fully aware of the
 proposed abandonment and is supportive of it, as it aligns with their planned expansion
 efforts. Lastly, he added that the church intends to use the additional land to either
 enlarge their classroom facilities or construct a new auditorium.

 Staff recommended approval as the easement is no longer necessary. No members of
 the public spoke during the public hearing, which the mayor opened at 6:54 p.m. and
 closed immediately after.

 A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Councilmember
 Goettl, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by the following
 vote:

 Aye: 7- Councilmember Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember
 Amber Liermann, Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Bob
 Marsh, Mayor Nancy Smith and Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi


 9. Executive Session

 No executive session was held.


 10. Adjournment
 This meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

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City Council Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes - Final February 3, 2026



 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 February, 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly
 called and held and that a quorum was present.

 Dated this 17th day of February 2026.



 __________________________
 Vanessa Bueras
 City Clerk




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