City Council Work Session on 2025-03-25 5:00 PM — Maricopa, AZ
Date: 2025-03-25

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 Work Session 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, March 25, 2025 5:00 PM Council Chambers



1. Call to Order


2. Roll Call


3. Agenda Items


 3.1 WS 25-01 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss the Strategic Framework, Partnership Policy
 and Committee Restructure.


4. Executive Session

 The Maricopa City Council may go into executive session, which is not open to the
 public, to discuss certain matters pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03.

5. 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, if any, 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 Council Work Session Meeting Agenda March 25, 2025




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City Hall
 City of Maricopa 39700 W. Civic Center
 Plaza
 Maricopa, AZ 85138
 Ph: (520) 568-9098
 Meeting Minutes - Final Fx: (520) 568-9120
 www.maricopa-az.gov
 City Council Work Session
 Mayor Nancy Smith
 Vice-Mayor Henry Wade
 Councilmember Eric Goettl
 Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr
 Councilmember Amber Liermann
 Councilmember Vincent Manfredi
 Councilmember Bob Marsh

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 5:00 PM Council Chambers



 1. Call to Order
 Mayor Smith call the meeting to order at 5:23 p.m.



 2. Roll Call
 Present, 6 - Councilmember Knorr, Councilmember Manfredi, Vice Mayor Wade,
 Councilmember Goettl, Mayor Smith, and Councilmember Marsh
 Excused, 1 - Councilmember Liermann



 3. Agenda Items

 3.1 WS 25-01 The Mayor and City Council shall discuss the Strategic Framework, Partnership
 Policy and Committee Restructure.
 Quinn Konold, Community Enrichment Director, began the discussion on the
 strategic framework. He explained that for the past year and a half, the department
 has been updating their approach as Maricopa is rapidly growing, becoming the fifth
 fastest-growing city in the country. The main goal is to increase and improve
 recreational options in Maricopa responsibly, which involves encouraging private
 groups to come in, while also providing excellent recreation opportunities for city
 residents.

 David McLeish, Recreation Superintendent, provided more details about the strategic
 framework. He highlighted the need for the city to be strong, financially sustainable,
 and constantly improving. Mr. McLeish gave examples of community events like the
 Veterans Day Parade and the Farmer's Market, which show that community-led
 activities can succeed without taking up city resources. He also talked about a
 community garden project illustrating how residents can take initiative and create
 something special without the city's help.

 Mr. McLeish explained the key points of the strategic framework and mentioned
 changes made based on earlier feedback that suggested pricing activities at what
 other cities charge rather than just avoiding competition with private or nonprofit
 sectors. He gave examples of how the framework could be used, such as transferring
 youth soccer programs to private groups as more organizations become available to
 handle them. He also mentioned that they are considering partnerships for running
 senior centers.


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 Councilmember Knorr shared her concerns about the big changes that could come
 from this framework and asked for more detailed explanations on how it could affect
 programs that are popular, like youth soccer. Mr. McLeish and Mr. Konold explained
 that changes would be introduced slowly over 2-3 years, and every program would
 be assessed carefully.

 Mayor Smith suggested changing the wording in item 4 of the framework from "the
 city should only be involved" to "the city will prioritize activities that benefit." The
 council agreed, finding this wording less troubling.

 Councilmember Goettl expressed concerns about keeping costs fair for participants.
 He suggested considering scholarship options if activities moved to private groups.
 Mr. Konold agreed that this is an important aspect to think about when evaluating
 partnerships.

 The council talked about the necessity of receiving regular updates and being
 included in main changes to recreational services. City Manager Bitter confirmed that
 every change would follow the rules for obtaining goods and services. He also noted
 that committees could help review recommendations first. Mayor Smith asked for at
 least yearly reports on how the framework is working.

 Councilmember Knorr stated she was not pleased with the term "market rate" in Item
 5 of the Strategic Framework. She would feel more comfortable with "rate
 comparable to other cities," as suggested by City Manager Bitter.

 Next, Mr. Konold discussed the partnership policy, which seeks to improve residents'
 quality of life and support stable growth in Maricopa. The policy focuses on building
 partnerships in three main areas: providing assistance to seniors, supporting
 community art initiatives, and creating programs for teens. He emphasized that these
 areas are flexible and can be changed based on input from the council. A key point in
 the policy is that every partnership should either have a clear end date or a plan to
 become self-supporting over time. Councilmember Knorr raised an important
 question about how this policy applies to current partnerships, like the one with Little
 League. Mr. Konold explained that the plan is to use a single model that works for all
 partnerships, rather than creating a new agreement for each one. The goal is to
 make sure that any partner of the city can eventually operate on their own, without
 always needing city resources. Mayor Smith stressed that the partnership policy
 should serve a wide range of the community.

 Councilmember Goettl suggested looking into scholarship options to help lessen any
 possible rise in costs for participants if programs move to private groups. This
 suggestion was positively received, recognizing it as an important factor to consider
 when looking at new partnerships. The city will set up these partnerships while
 following the existing rules for buying goods and services, as explained by City
 Manager Bitter. This means every partnership and collaboration will adhere to the
 required steps for choosing goods or partners, making sure everything is done fairly
 and openly.

 Mr. Konold also emphasized the policy’s flexibility in altering focus areas, in line with
 the council’s instructions, and stressed that partnerships should eventually become
 financially independent. The discussion underscored the city's vision to be thriving
 and lasting, highlighting the balance between supporting external community
 champions and ensuring Maricopa's vibrance.

 Assistant City Manager Jennifer Brown elaborated on the possibility of partnerships
 at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center, which could greatly expand community


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 offerings. This could include educational events and collaborations, where local
 groups can use library resources, showing a pattern of enhancing the community's
 cultural life through strategic partnerships.

 Councilmember Knorr brought attention to evaluating these partnerships cautiously to
 understand implications fully, especially highlighting how successful models like the
 Little League could inform a more uniform approach to future partnerships. The aim is
 to maintain a strategic outlook on what partnerships mean for the city's resource
 allocation and community engagement, ensuring that Maricopa remains dynamic and
 supportive of both public and private efforts in meeting residents' needs.

 The discussion highlighted the importance of not only increasing recreational
 opportunities but also doing it in a financially smart way. The aim is to build
 partnerships that add to Maricopa's long-term future, economic health, and the
 community's overall happiness. Mr. Konold reassured the council that staff is ready to
 explore various partnership models, taking into account the potential for expanded
 services without increasing taxpayer burdens, ensuring transparency and community
 input throughout the process.

 Angela Howell, Manager of the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center, talked about
 how they are broadening programs through partnerships. She pointed out that
 libraries want to promote all kinds of learning beyond just books, including financial,
 cultural, and digital literacy. Ms. Howell noted that these partnerships with
 organizations, businesses, and people help offer valuable activities, events, and
 services that benefit both the city and its residents. She detailed the library’s careful
 planning and review process, which checks if programs meet city goals and maintain
 quality. This process involves structured paperwork where potential programs are
 examined based on their objectives, target audience, timelines, budget, staffing
 needs, and lesson plans. This ensures programs are efficient and meet community
 standards. Typically, volunteers lead these programs, but city staff supervise them to
 ensure they align with the library and city mission. Programs often run on an 8-week
 cycle to assess ongoing success and community impact.

 Mayor Smith asked for more details about the library's guidance of these programs.
 Ms. Howell explained that the library offers detailed reviews and refinement of
 program ideas led by volunteers, making sure they are well-organized and meet
 community needs based on feedback. She emphasized the library’s willingness to
 start partnerships for programs frequently requested by the community, which shows
 an active approach in addressing educational and cultural gaps.

 Ms. Howell also shared examples like collaborating with community figures, like
 Jayden Hill, for programs reaching different audiences. For example, Jayden's
 program used Legos provided by the library for educational purposes, highlighting the
 library’s dedication to valuable educational programs within current budgets. Mayor
 Smith inquired about volunteer participation in the various library programs, to which
 Ms. Howell clarified that volunteers are crucial and that the library guides and adjusts
 program ideas, ensuring they match the library’s goals.

 Councilmember Knorr shared that programs need to fit the community's real interests
 and needs. She praised the library’s strategic process, which aims to meet
 community expectations and city goals, emphasizing the need for adaptable
 programs. Councilmember Goettl saw the potential in these collaborations to further
 enhance kids' learning experiences, suggesting programs should include interactive
 parts to actively engage participants. He supported the library’s commitment to
 inclusive programming.



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 Vice Mayor Wade praised Ms. Howell for a well-rounded strategy and showed
 excitement for the library’s active pursuit of partnerships. He recognized these
 collaborations' role in building community and using resources wisely.

 Ms. Howell wrapped up by discussing the financial and resource needs of these
 partnerships. When extra materials are needed, like in Jayden Hill’s educational
 activities, the library might supply resources while volunteers lead, ensuring that the
 library stays focused on being a learning hub for everyone, regardless of their
 financial situation. This approach ensures that programs are available, aligning with
 public desire for a variety of educational and low-cost activities.

 Councilmember Marsh reinforced the idea that the community is key to successful
 library programming and urged ongoing engagement with residents to ensure library
 programs grow with community needs.

 Next, Travis Orian, Cultural Affairs Superintendent, discussed the committee
 restructure. He presented the proposed changes to the Cultural Affairs and Arts
 Committee, Senior Advisory Committee, and Parks and Recreation Committee. He
 explained how these committees, with a focus on transparency, aim to connect city
 leadership with residents by researching and prioritizing city decisions, thus
 promoting clear communication and advocacy for city initiatives. Mr. Orian
 emphasized committees' goal is to be the bridge between city leadership and the
 general public.

 Mr. Orian shared how the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, for instance,
 could gather youth input using a variety of local resources, such as schools and
 community organizations. This process could include engaging with groups like Be
 Awesome and exploring potential collaborations with schools and nonprofits, thus
 enabling the city to develop well-informed policies and programs that resonate with its
 younger residents.

 Mr. Orian announced the designation of two Staff Committee Liaisons. For starters,
 Superintendent David McLeish for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee,
 and Mr. Orian himself for the Senior Advisory and Cultural Affairs and Arts
 Committees. Mr. Orian stated that with the assistance of a staff liaison, the
 committees would be challenged to attain feedback from the public on plans, policies,
 and programming. His remarks highlighted the city’s intent to actively involve
 committees in fostering a thriving community.

 Councilmember Goettl spoke on the importance of including council liaisons in
 agenda preparation and goal setting. He highlighted the need for the council to have
 the final say on the agenda, ensuring committees do not become staff-run and
 remain under council purview. This perspective ensures that elected officials remain
 integral to committee processes and retain oversight. Councilmember Goettl also
 recommended creating a formal mechanism for committees to report back to the
 council, such as through agendized presentations. He suggested a formal process be
 considered, enabling committees to present and dialogue, with councilmembers
 appreciating their hard work. The council discussed establishing formal
 communication avenues for committees to report back, with Mayor Smith suggesting
 yearly presentations to review committee work, acknowledging their efforts. She
 stated this would be an opportunity to share their success with council and our public.

 During public feedback, Peg Chapados spoke on the need for the council to provide
 clear goals and show where committees could add value. She emphasized training,
 budget allocation, and the importance of committees in promoting community
 leadership. Ms. Chapados suggested regular training for committee members on city


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 procedures and policies to enhance their effectiveness and alignment with city goals.

 Priscilla Behnke with Be Awesome spoke on widening the focus from just teens to
 include all youth, pointing out the importance of engaging tweens to help foster
 lasting connections within this demographic. Ms. Behnke suggested the use of
 “youth,” over “teens,” to help build that connection with all youth in Maricopa.

 Mayor Smith spoke on recognizing these concerns and emphasizing that the meeting
 and proposed adjustments indicate an understanding of the need for improvement.
 This underlined the council's commitment to evolving committee structures to better
 serve Maricopa's citizens.

 Further discussions between council members and staff reflected on ongoing plans,
 including determining necessary budgets for committees. City Manager Bitter
 reiterated the council and staff's dedication to these changes, reinforcing the
 importance of strategic planning and community engagement for sustainable growth,
 and suggested future work sessions focused on addressing facility space rental and
 field use policies.


 4. Executive Session
 There was no executive session held.



 5. Adjournment
 This meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.


 Certification of Minutes
 I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the
 minutes of the work session of the City Council of Maricopa, Arizona, held on
 the 25th day of March, 2025. I further certify that the meeting was duly called
 and held and that a quorum was present.

 Dated this 15th day of April, 2025.



 __________________________
 Vanessa Bueras
 City Clerk




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