[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:01] And good evening, welcome to Glendale City Council meeting June 23, 2026. This meeting is called to order.
[0:08] I will not call roll call because everybody's here, if you take note of that.
[0:13] Next on the agenda is our Pledge of Allegiance and our prayer. Tonight's invocation will be delivered by Reverend Lydia Gonzalez.
[0:23] She's with the National Governors Prayer Task Force. Lydia, if you'll come up to the podium.
[0:29] Gentlemen, if it's appropriate, if you're wearing a hat, if you remove it, if it's not appropriate, keep it on your call.
[0:35] Everyone, please stand for the invocation. Remain standing for a Pledge of Allegiance. Lydia?
[0:41] Thank you, Mayor. It's good to see you again. It's been a while.
[0:45] And I want to let you know since the last time we met, we were helping each other through the Christmas Parade,
[0:51] and I wasn't able to complete that task because I had developed breast cancer.
[0:55] But the good news is the Lord healed me of breast cancer. I don't have breast cancer
[0:59] They've removed all the tumors and 10 years into it negative. So I don't need chemo or radiation
[1:05] So the Lord is always with us who can trust him
[1:09] We can lean on him. We can seek his counsel. We can seek his wisdom and father
[1:15] I just thank you once again to come before your throne of grace for this great opportunity Lord to
[1:21] To bless this city once again, and we thank you for every member that's here today every constituent Lord every city council
[1:28] Everyone that's seated in government Lord God. We thank you Lord Jesus that you are guiding every
[1:34] Step every agenda everything that needs to be taken care of tonight Lord will be done smoothly and peacefully and father
[1:41] I thank you
[1:42] For the wisdom that's upon this mayor Lord you have blessed him upon blessings
[1:47] blessings, and we have seen this city grow and grow and grow with great prosperity, Lord.
[1:52] We thank you for the families and residents that live among us, Lord God.
[1:56] We thank you for our neighborhood, Lord God.
[1:58] We thank you for every business, every church, every school, every college, Lord.
[2:03] We thank you for every law enforcement, we thank you for the fire department.
[2:06] We thank you, Lord, for every person that's contributing to the growth of this great
[2:12] city.
[2:12] Father, I ask you tonight for a special blessing upon the Lord, and I ask you, Lord Jesus,
[2:18] to guide us and lead us in every way in Jesus' name. Amen.
[2:22] Amen. Thank you. If everyone would join me with the
[2:26] Pledge of Allegiance, keeping in mind America's 250th birthday is very, very soon. With that,
[2:31] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for
[2:38] which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.
[2:51] Next on our agenda is the consideration of the minutes from the June 9,
[2:55] 2026 voting meeting. Council members, have you any corrections or additions to the minutes?
[3:01] Seeing none, can I get a motion to approve June 9, 2026 voting meeting minutes?
[3:06] Mayor, I move we approve the minutes of the June 9, 2026 voting meeting.
[3:10] Second.
[3:11] I have a motion from Council Member Turner.
[3:13] Second.
[3:13] Council Member Tomchop to approve the minutes.
[3:15] Any discussion?
[3:16] Hearing none, all in favor, please signify by saying aye.
[3:19] Aye.
[3:19] Any opposed, say nay.
[3:21] Your ayes have it.
[3:22] Do have it.
[3:23] So be it.
[3:24] Board's commissions and other bodies.
[3:26] Approval, recommended appointments to boards and commissions and other bodies.
[3:30] We're going to do just that.
[3:31] Council Member Guzman, have you any nominations to offer?
[3:33] Yes, Mayor.
[3:34] I move to make the following appointments.
[3:36] for the Arts Commission, Lisa Lovejoy to a term expiring January 31st, 2028, for the Audit
[3:43] Committee, Councilmember Lauren Tomachoff to a term expiring January 31st, 2028, to the
[3:49] Municipal Property Corporation, Michael Zaremba to a term expiring January 31st, 2027, and
[3:56] to the Personnel Board, Kate Myers, to a term expiring January 31st, 2028.
[4:04] Okay, I have a motion from Councilmember Goodman a second councilmember Tom and shop to make appointments all in favor please signify saying Mayor I have a discussion.
[4:14] What discussion.
[4:16] May you what may I are we having discussion may make a comment.
[4:22] I guess we can we can have discussion if you want discussion.
[4:26] Thank you very much.
[4:27] I'd like to state my opposition to the appointment of council member Tom
[4:33] much off to the audit committee. That was my seat on the audit committee and my
[4:37] term was to be expired in 2028. And so that's why I'll be voting no tonight.
[4:42] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. With that said, we have a motion from
[4:49] Who?
[4:51] Council Member Goodman.
[4:52] Mayor, may I make a comment?
[4:56] Explain your vote.
[4:57] Explain my vote?
[4:58] Yes, I want to explain my vote.
[4:59] Not yet.
[5:00] Right now, did you make the motion?
[5:01] She made the motion.
[5:02] I second today.
[5:03] You've made your second.
[5:04] We have a motion in second.
[5:06] All in favor, please sign up.
[5:08] Well, wait a second.
[5:09] We're going to do a roll call.
[5:10] Council Member Guzman, how do you vote?
[5:12] Let me explain my vote.
[5:13] Go ahead.
[5:14] The decision to place Council Member Tomachoff
[5:17] was decided while council member conscious was not on the council. My vote is yes. Thank
[5:25] you. Okay. With that said, we'll continue the roll call. Look, council member Turner,
[5:30] how do you vote? Explain my vote please. Go ahead.
[5:36] I wish that I'd been reminded of
[5:40] the situation that created the appointment
[5:45] to the audit committee tonight.
[5:48] I regret that I didn't occur to me myself.
[5:52] I would have liked to have worked to get council member
[5:59] conscious back into that position,
[6:02] but seeing as the motion's here before us
[6:04] and we need somebody on the audit committee
[6:06] and there are other commission seats
[6:08] that are under the same vote. I will vote aye. Thank you.
[6:14] Council Member Tomlachoff, how do you vote? Aye, Mayor. Happy to serve.
[6:20] Council Member Baldenegro, how do you vote? Aye.
[6:24] Vice Mayor Melner? Aye.
[6:26] Vice Mayor Melner votes aye. Chair votes aye. Motion carries.
[6:37] I don't think you did a roll call vote, but you actually didn't call on councilmember conscious, so you need to record a vote for a councilmember conscious.
[6:45] Okay, well, you're right. Councilmember conscious, how do you vote?
[6:48] May I explain my vote?
[6:49] Okay, you already explained it once, didn't you?
[6:51] That was your own discussion.
[6:52] Good.
[6:53] So I want to say thank you to everybody who has stepped up to join a border commission.
[6:59] It's really important that citizens are engaged in this process.
[7:03] And in terms of the audit committee, some of the things that I've been looking at and
[7:07] working on with other council members include the airport.
[7:10] And I'm really excited that we're going to have a strategy and a strategic plan
[7:14] for the airport so that we can actually have it generate revenue.
[7:18] And so I look forward to the work that the audit committee continues to do to serve the people of Glendale
[7:24] And but with that I vote no thank you
[7:27] Councilmember conscious votes no
[7:30] It passes
[7:32] Moving on to consent agenda items 3
[7:34] What?
[7:35] There's I know there's one person here to be sworn in that mr. Zaremba's here to be sworn in and I don't know if anybody else
[7:42] Is here to be sworn in oh?
[7:44] Yeah, you are
[7:47] Yeah, who's here in the audience to be sworn in tonight?
[7:51] Two people?
[7:52] Mm-hmm.
[7:52] Three people?
[7:53] Three people?
[7:54] Okay, let's go ahead and do that.
[7:58] Yeah, if you're going to be sworn in, if you'll come up close to the podium, please.
[8:07] Yeah, you need to go up, too.
[8:11] Right.
[8:13] That wasn't...
[8:27] Okay.
[8:29] So, if you would all please hold your right hand up.
[8:33] What I need you to do is find one that has the oath.
[8:39] This isn't it.
[8:40] You
[8:43] do the short version.
[8:43] I don't have an oath.
[8:52] Okay.
[8:52] We're going to start that over again.
[8:53] Hold your right hand up.
[8:54] Say, I then state your name.
[8:58] Do solemnly swear or affirm.
[9:00] Do solemnly swear or affirm.
[9:01] That I will support the Constitution of the United States.
[9:06] And the Constitution and laws of the state of Arizona.
[9:09] that I will bear truth, faith, and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies,
[9:20] foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of my office
[9:29] to the best of my ability, so help me God.
[10:22] Okay, next is the consent agenda items 3 through 32
[10:27] Items on a consent agenda their routine in nature
[10:30] Or they've been previously studied by this council at a workshop session the items are intended to be acted upon in one
[10:36] Motion by this council. Have we any speaker cards? No, sir
[10:48] May I have a motion to approve consent agenda items 3 through 30. Yes, mayor. I move we approve consent agenda items 3 through 32
[10:55] Second. I have a motion from Councilmember Tomachoff and Councilmember Goosman to approve
[11:01] Consent and Agenda items 3 through 32 all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed say nay.
[11:08] If you guys do have it, that motion carries.
[11:12] Ms. Barr, would you read Consent Resolutions items 33 through 40?
[11:17] Item 33, Resolution number R26-65, a Resolution of Council of the City of Glendale Maricopa County, Arizona,
[11:23] authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the
[11:27] Maricopa County adminis- between Maricopa County administered by its human
[11:32] services department and City of Glendale for workforce development services.
[11:37] Item 34 resolution number R26-66 a resolution to counsel the City of
[11:42] Glendale Maricopa County Arizona authorizing and directing the entering
[11:46] into of an infrastructure cost-sharing agreement with VIP industrial holdings
[11:50] Phase 2, LLC, item 35, resolution number R26-67,
[11:56] a resolution that counsel the city
[11:57] of Glendale Maricopa County, Arizona,
[11:59] authorizing and directing the entering into
[12:02] of an infrastructure cost sharing agreement
[12:04] with Scannnell properties number 521, LLC,
[12:09] an Indiana limited liability company
[12:11] and SPMIM, Glendale LLC,
[12:15] a Delaware limited liability company.
[12:17] Item 36, Resolution number R26-68, a resolution to counsel the City of
[12:22] Glendale Maricopa County, Arizona, authorizing the execution and acceptance
[12:26] of deeds and easements at various locations in the city. Item 37, Resolution
[12:32] number R26-69, a resolution to counsel the City of Glendale Maricopa County,
[12:36] Arizona, authorizing and directing the entering into of contract
[12:40] amendment number three to an intergovernmental agreement with the
[12:43] Control District of Maricopa County, 2022A005 for the Apollo Garden Strainage Improvement
[12:50] Project.
[12:51] Item 38, resolution number R26-70, a resolution to counsel the city of Glendale Maricopa County,
[12:56] Arizona, authorizing and directing the entering into of an intergovernmental agreement with
[13:02] the cities of Avondale, Buckeye, Elmerage, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Tollison,
[13:06] and the town of Wickenburg, establishing the West Valley Mobile Field Force response
[13:12] team to provide a pool of officers available to assist in responding to
[13:16] incidents of civil disturbance, public demonstrations, or events involving large
[13:20] crowds. Item 39, resolution number R26-71, a resolution council in the city of
[13:27] Glendale Maricopa County, Arizona, authorizing the entering into of an
[13:31] intergovernmental agreement with Tollison Union High School, district
[13:35] number 214, for a school resource officer at Copper Canyon High School
[13:39] during the 2026-27 school year and item 40 resolution number R26-72 resolution
[13:47] the council the city of Glendale Maricopa County Arizona authorizing the
[13:51] entering into of an intergovernmental agreement with Glendale Union High
[13:54] School District for a school resource officer at Apollo High School Glendale
[13:58] High School and Independence High School during the 2026-27 school year
[14:03] That concludes the consent resolutions. All right. Thank you. Can I get a motion mayor? I
[14:10] move that the council approve consent resolutions number
[14:12] 33 through 40 and waive reading beyond the title second
[14:17] Councilmember conscious second councilmember Balnegr to approve consent resolutions item 33 through 40
[14:23] All in favor signify by saying aye aye any opposed saying nay
[14:34] Resolution number R26-73 a resolution to council the city of Glendale Maricopa County, Arizona amending the general plan map of the city of Glendale, Arizona by approving general plan amendment GPA 25-05 for property located east of the 91st Avenue and north of Cardinals Way.
[14:51] Ordinance number 026-24, an ordinance that counsel the city of Glendale,
[14:56] Maricopa County, Arizona, rezoning approximately 10 acres locally.
[15:00] Okay, east of 91st Avenue and north of Cardinals Way from single residents, dash eight planned residential overlay, R1-8PRD to planned area development PAD for a development plan entitled Westgate Park amending the zoning map providing for an effective date and ordering that a certified copy of the ordinance is recorded, public hearing.
[15:22] Thank you, Mayor, members of the council. We have Phil Martinez, senior planner from development services here.
[15:31] Thank you Mr. Bancher and good evening mayor and city council. The applicant is proposing
[15:36] a minor general plan amendment from medium density residential 3.5 to medium high density
[15:41] residential 8. In addition, the applicant is proposing a rezoning from R18 with a PRD
[15:47] overlay to PAD for approximately 10 acres. Per the applicant's narrative, the intent
[15:53] of these requests is to develop a duplex subdivision.
[16:01] Before you is a slide depicting the subject property
[16:03] in a red highlight located here, east of 91st.
[16:07] One will find the Buena Vida subdivision to the northeast
[16:10] and south of the subject property while 91st Avenue
[16:14] and the State Farm Stadium are located to the west.
[16:18] The proposed general plan designation and PAD are
[16:21] compatible with the subject property
[16:23] and the surrounding area.
[16:25] such propositions seek to provide an appropriate transition of densities and
[16:29] intensities from the single-family houses in the Buena Vida subdivision that
[16:33] proposed duplexes to the westward areas including the State Farm Stadium, West
[16:38] Gate and the Vi Resort. Furthermore, this proposition seeks to provide
[16:42] middle housing on a property that is close to employment centers, furthering
[16:46] the goals of our general plan.
[16:52] And I recommend the motions for this
[16:53] evening. I'm sorry, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended
[16:56] approval of the proposed general plan amendment and rezoning, subject to the stipulation described
[17:01] in the staff report, and on the slide before you. This concludes my presentation, and the
[17:05] applicant and I would be happy to address any questions that you may have.
[17:08] Yeah, one thing I'd like you to address is the church that's currently there. Now
[17:13] what's happening to that? I believe it's intended that the developer
[17:17] will have the applicant or developer would speak on that one.
[17:30] Mayor, member of the council, Patrick Brown, city manager with DR Horton Homes.
[17:36] My address is 7689 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, Arizona.
[17:42] So my understanding is the church has not been operating the site and mainly been using
[17:48] The income from the parking from the stadium and is looking to relocate a church elsewhere
[17:55] I don't know if they've actually found a suitable site
[17:59] Just yet. I think that they're looking for the proceeds of the sale to help them land a different location
[18:05] You know anything about it
[18:09] I'd ask councilmember
[18:11] Guzman if she could brief everybody. Yeah, it's a
[18:14] duplex development that's coming up the church is going to be relocating they
[18:19] haven't found a location yet the surrounding neighbors the residents
[18:24] are all in support of the project any other questions no other questions okay
[18:30] thank you anyone else need to speak on this item public care is now closed may
[18:37] have a motion for item 41 resolution r26-73 mayor I moved to prove
[18:44] Resolution number our two six dash seven three second
[18:48] Have motion councilmember Balnegro said councilmember Guzman for recommended action roll call vote councilmember Balnegro. How do you vote?
[18:54] Hi councilmember conscious. How do you vote? Hi councilmember Guzman? How do you vote? Hi councilmember Tomachoff?
[18:59] How do you vote? Hi councilmember Turner? How do you vote? Hi vice mayor? How do you vote? Hi chair votes I motion carries
[19:05] Can I get a motion for item 41 ordinance zero to six dash two four mayor?
[19:09] I move to approve ordinance number zero. That's using oh two six dash two four second
[19:14] I have motion council member Balden egg or a second from council member Goosman to approve the recommended action roll call
[19:20] Look council member Balden egg or how do you vote? Hi council member conscious? How do you vote? Hi?
[19:24] That's member Goosman. How do you vote? Hi? That's member Tom achoff? How do you vote? Hi?
[19:27] That's member Turner. How do you vote? Hi vice mayor? How do you vote? Hi chair? What's that motion also carry?
[19:31] Don't move it on to ordinances this borough would read item 42 ordinances zero two six dash two five
[19:37] Ordinance number 026-25 in ordinance of the Council of the City of Glendale Maricopa County,
[19:43] Arizona, levying upon the assessed valuation of the property within the City of Glendale
[19:47] subject to taxation, a certain sum upon each $100 of valuation sufficient to raise the
[19:54] amount estimated to be required in the annual budget, less the amount estimated to be received
[19:58] from other sources of revenue, providing funds for various bond redemptions for the
[20:03] of paying interest upon bond indebtedness and providing funds for general municipal expenses
[20:08] all for the fiscal year ending the 30th day of June 2027 and declaring an emergency.
[20:15] Thank you, Mayor and members of the Council. We have Levi Gibson, Director of Budget and
[20:19] Finance for that to present. Thank you, Mr. Bunger.
[20:22] Getting any members of the Council, this item is to adopt an ordinance to set the
[20:26] primary and secondary property tax rate for fiscal year 2027. The primary property
[20:32] property tax rate will be 0.3096 per $100 of assessed valuation. And the secondary property
[20:39] tax rate will be 1.0787 per $100 of assessed valuation. The total property tax rate will
[20:47] decrease from 1.4538 to 1.3883 for fiscal year 2027. This concludes my presentation.
[20:55] I'd be happy to take any questions. Mr. Gibson, would you explain to everybody
[20:59] why we're saying this is an emergency. Yes, happy to do that, Mayor. So this ordinance
[21:04] is adopted with an emergency declaration so that it takes effect immediately upon council
[21:09] approval. State law requires the city to deliver a certified copy of the adopted ordinance
[21:15] to Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, who hold a ministerial responsibility under
[21:20] Arizona law to compile and adopt the countywide tax roll on behalf of all taxing jurisdictions,
[21:26] including Glendale. Because the county operates on a fixed statutory deadline to
[21:31] finalize tax rates, transmit levy information to the county treasurer,
[21:36] and produce property tax bills, the city must provide its certified tax levy to
[21:40] the county before the deadline passes. The emergency declaration ensures
[21:44] there is no gap between council approval and the ordinance becoming
[21:48] legally effective, allowing staff to transmit the required documents to the
[21:52] county without delay and in compliance with the statutory time. Okay and then
[21:57] just to make sure I heard what what I believe you said this is a decrease in
[22:02] property taxes. Correct. This is the 11th year property tax rate decreases.
[22:07] Thank you. Any other questions?
[22:10] Hey, can I get a motion?
[22:12] Mayor, right? I move we adopt ordinance 026 dash two five and wave
[22:17] reading be on the title second motion I think I heard a second okay you kind of
[22:24] whispered a little week okay mr. Turner made the motion miss Guzman made the
[22:30] second to approve the recommended action roll call vote councilmember Balden
[22:33] nigger how do you vote hi councilmember conscious how do you vote hi
[22:36] councilmember Guzman how do you vote hi councilmember Tomachop how do you
[22:39] vote hi councilmember Turner how do you vote hi vice mayor how do you vote hi
[22:43] chair votes I moving on to new business miss Barr would you read item
[22:47] 43 by title consideration and action to direct the city attorney to act in
[22:53] accordance with the city council direction provided at the March 25
[22:56] 20 25 work session executive session regarding Glendale's position in
[23:01] connection with pending or count contemplated litigation with or in
[23:06] settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid or resolve litigation
[23:10] regarding election law and conscious versus city of Glendale thank you
[23:15] Mayor and members of the council,
[23:16] we have Michael Bailey City attorney to present on this item.
[23:19] Mayor and council, just as first order of business,
[23:22] there was a typo in the notice that spoke to March 25th
[23:28] of 2025, actually, that should read June 23rd of this year.
[23:32] The executive session was held today
[23:35] and I would ask the council for a motion to direct me
[23:37] to act in accordance with the direction
[23:38] that you provided to me in today's executive session.
[23:41] Thank you.
[23:43] So moved.
[23:45] I do have a speaker card here. I'll second it. We have a motion in a second
[23:51] We're going to go to a speaker card
[23:54] Please forgive me your heart. You're reading. It's a little bit difficult to read
[23:58] More more Saul
[24:01] Am I saying it right?
[24:03] Aim a I am is that right?
[24:06] Mar is well Marisol. Okay. Yeah, just state the district. You're from your name and then you have three minutes
[24:11] Let's go ahead.
[24:12] My name is Marisol Oliva Valenzuela,
[24:14] and I'm from the Akatiyo district.
[24:17] It's just been really a nuisance for our community
[24:22] on the vote that you guys decided with Lupe Conchas.
[24:28] This has delayed a lot of different things
[24:31] that have already been planned out and scheduled.
[24:35] And it's just been one thing after another
[24:40] get together from rescheduling
[24:41] to doing different approaches
[24:44] for our community on the
[24:46] efforts that we're doing on our
[24:48] part for this for for our
[24:50] community and for Glendale
[24:51] and that. Councilman conches
[24:54] has been working with us so. I'm
[24:58] sorry that he even lost the
[24:59] other position. It's this has
[25:03] just been. You guys just made
[25:06] really bad decision. And it needs to be accountable. You guys made a really bad decision. That's
[25:14] all we got to say. It's shameful. Thank you. Okay. We have a motion in a second. Any other
[25:21] discussion? Roll call. Mayor. I had discussion. Question away. Okay. Thank you.
[25:30] The agenda
[25:31] says in accordance with city council direction provided at the today's work
[25:38] session what was the direction?
[25:44] Mayor and council in accordance with the
[25:48] direction that would be something that council provided with regard to legal
[25:50] advice but I will speak to the fact that based on the ruling the city
[25:54] received recognizing that it implicates a citizen ratified code
[26:02] provision with regards to the qualifications for a council member I
[26:04] I believe not only for the city, but even in the best interest for council member conscious that the city appeal this ruling
[26:11] And I would ask that you move in that regard. Thank you
[26:19] Mayor you have a question discussion
[26:21] Yeah, before this council makes a decision on whether to continue appealing this case
[26:25] I want to speak directly to the cactus district residents
[26:27] Thank you all for your support for your phone calls for your text messages for your emails for your hugs and
[26:34] and the encouragement, the grace that you've all shown me.
[26:37] I really appreciate that.
[26:39] It's been a toll for all of us, not only on me,
[26:41] but also on the district.
[26:43] And it's also important to understand that
[26:46] the money that the city is going to decide today
[26:50] through this vote to appeal this court ruling,
[26:55] that's money that's not gonna be spent
[26:56] on the daily city services
[26:59] that the Cactus District residents need.
[27:01] And I am the duly elected council member
[27:04] of the cactus district and I think that it's so important that we understand that in the
[27:09] court ruling it said that I could serve on both the city council and also on the SRP board
[27:15] and that the resolution and the action that the mayor and the council took was illegal
[27:19] and void and so I respect the judicial system and the city has the opportunity to appeal
[27:27] But I also just want the public to know that after a May workshop I went to the restroom
[27:34] over here and the mayor was having a huddle with council members about this issue and
[27:40] they said let's wait until he's sworn in.
[27:42] And that's information that nobody knows about.
[27:44] And so this has been planned out, they've known that they were going to do this and
[27:49] they lost in court and they continue to appeal this, where they have been planning
[27:57] this for a very long time, and there's a lot of information that will be coming out through
[28:03] this process.
[28:04] So thank you, Mayor.
[28:05] I appreciate it.
[28:07] Mayor?
[28:08] Go ahead.
[28:09] I'd like to also respond.
[28:13] The decision to appeal the ruling in the case is rooted in a steadfast commitment
[28:20] ensuring the law is applied with absolute clarity and fairness.
[28:26] While the initial decision represents a single step in the legal process, a thorough review
[28:31] of the record indicates it that critical nuances and foundational arguments warrant closer
[28:37] examination by a higher court.
[28:40] Pursuing an appeal is not merely about contesting the outcome, it is about seeking an accurate
[28:46] interpretation of the law to ensure that justice is fully and properly served for
[28:51] all parties involved.
[28:52] An appeal ensures that complex legal principles are not left ambiguous and that every factual
[29:00] and statutory angle receives a vigorous and rigorous scrutiny it deserves.
[29:07] This step underscores a belief in the integrity of the appellate process to correct systematic
[29:14] oversight and establish a reliable precedent.
[29:17] that moving forward with this appeal is a vital measure to protect essential interest.
[29:24] And that is the reason that I think this is brought forward.
[29:29] Thank you.
[29:30] Thank you.
[29:31] Anyone else?
[29:34] Okay.
[29:35] We have a motion and a second, correct?
[29:38] Yep.
[29:39] Roll call vote.
[29:40] Council Member Balnegro.
[29:41] Nay.
[29:43] Council Member Gonchis.
[29:45] May I explain my vote?
[29:47] Sure.
[29:47] Thank you. The court ruling just ruled that the $60 SRP, the SRP pays is a per diem payment
[29:55] and it is not compensation and it also ruled that the actions of
[30:00] This council for resolution number 22-60 was void and illegal, so I vote no. Thank you.
[30:06] Council Member Guzman. Aye.
[30:09] Council Member Tomachow. Aye.
[30:11] Council Member Turner. Explain my vote, Mayor. Go ahead.
[30:17] As I said, when we considered the resolution to remove Council Member Contras, I felt that it was premature and I still feel it's premature.
[30:27] I don't believe that we should be appealing this order.
[30:30] The questions at hand were what was the nature of the word receiving and what exactly is meant by compensation.
[30:39] The judge ruled on compensation and ruled that the $60 amount that members that attend in person only,
[30:47] not virtually, but only in person, was in fact per DM and under state law, not compensation,
[30:52] which made the question the first question about receiving moot I think we
[30:57] have a to me what I consider to be a clear enough ruling from the judge
[31:02] regarding our position and our ability to remove Mr. conscious we've been
[31:09] directed to reinstate him and he has been and I believe that that's to be
[31:15] construed as reinstatement with all the privileges he held at the time that
[31:18] was removed and I think also too that appealing this is a waste of public
[31:23] money that could be better spent elsewhere or who knows maybe not even
[31:27] spent at all remarkable and without a vote now I thank you and I sit here and I
[31:38] think about all the discussions going on fact that we have courts set up the
[31:42] way they are for this very reason when there's a disagreement when there's a
[31:47] ruling that one side doesn't agree with, you have the legal right to challenge it.
[31:52] Everybody here knows that, and I don't know why everybody's getting upset about it.
[31:56] The city's taking the action based upon a lot of things that we feel.
[32:01] At the same time, we need clarity.
[32:02] We have to have clarity, and our attorneys made it very clear.
[32:06] Whether it's for this particular or in the future,
[32:09] that clarity will make a lot of difference.
[32:11] So I think it's something that needs to be done.
[32:13] It's painful that we have to go through it.
[32:15] Comment made earlier. I'm not even going to address that. I don't remember that conversation
[32:19] I remember huddling up with anybody. I don't play football. So with that I do vote I
[32:26] Passes
[32:28] Council comments and suggestions. Mr. Balden anchor. Have you any I just want sir everyone I
[32:34] Today is June 23rd
[32:36] 623 day I invite everyone downtown Glendale to enjoy all the festivities are having downtown
[32:42] some businesses are
[32:44] are participating with specials for today only.
[32:47] Some are participating for the rest of the week,
[32:50] the same special.
[32:51] And then on Saturday we'll be culminating
[32:53] into a Saturday sundown art crawl
[32:57] instead of a Sunday brunch art crawl.
[32:59] We're doing that Saturday evening from five to 10.
[33:01] We'll have a live art.
[33:03] The businesses downtown will be providing,
[33:05] we'll be having meals obviously for purchase.
[33:07] We'll have a DJ across the street in the park.
[33:10] We'll be having a some soccer festivities for the kids
[33:13] We're working on getting at least one possibly more professional players from the Phoenix Rising and there will be at least six different businesses downtown
[33:23] With the viewing parties for the World Cup soccer game at 7 o'clock that night Saturday night
[33:28] So I appreciate after we're all done here. Hopefully very quickly. We can all go down to the restaurants and enjoy a good meal
[33:33] Thank you. Thank you councilmember conscious. Yes, mayor
[33:36] It is getting to the end of the fiscal year the fiscal year goes from July 1 to June 30th
[33:41] And so the cactus district residents I have worked with them
[33:45] And we have planned out where the different monies are going to go from our district office fund because I believe in to
[33:51] participatory budgeting, and so I can't make the the
[33:55] determinations of where this money goes without citizen input and so the citizens and I we've decided that
[34:01] $1,600 is going to transportation assistance through community services department
[34:07] $4,044.88 is going to a Velma Teague portable sound system because the Cactus
[34:13] District doesn't have a library in the Cactus District but a lot of our
[34:16] residents use the closest one which is Velma Teague. We also allocated $1,000
[34:22] to community services in collaboration with Parks and Rec to help plant 250
[34:27] 50 new trees for America's 250th birthday.
[34:32] We also asked for $3,700 that we're allocating to Sunset Park.
[34:40] Originally the proposal from Parks and Rec was one bench, but we had citizen input that
[34:44] we needed to have two.
[34:46] And so we're funding two of those benches.
[34:51] Student scholarships for the Alhambra Foundation for the future of $166.08.
[34:56] The Arizona Justice Center for Homelessness and Heat Relief of $900.
[35:02] Glendale Community College for a Student Emergency Fund.
[35:05] In case any of the students go hungry or they have a bill that they need to pay, that's allocated $900.
[35:11] The Glendale Historical Society for Community Programs at $900.
[35:15] The Glendale Women's Club for the Dolly Parton Early Literacy Program is $900.
[35:20] and the Hope for Hunger Food Bank Food for Phoenix Rescue Mission was allocated at $900.
[35:27] So the Cactus District overall allocated $15,010.96 for the community.
[35:33] Thank you, Mayor.
[35:34] Council Member Tomachal.
[35:37] Thank you, Mayor.
[35:39] As we wind down, I think our time over here at the Civic Center, I was thinking about
[35:45] this today.
[35:46] I mean, I know for a short time we moved back into the council chambers, but we've
[35:50] been over here at the Civic Center for about six years.
[35:53] I see the city clerk shaking her head.
[35:54] We moved over here during COVID,
[35:57] so we would have the space to let people come in and speak.
[36:01] We were, I think, at the time,
[36:02] we were probably the only city
[36:03] that was still doing citizen comments,
[36:05] and I'm really proud of that.
[36:06] But we've been over here
[36:07] for the better part of six years,
[36:09] and we saw the council chambers last week
[36:12] for the ribbon cutting.
[36:14] It'll be exciting to be moving back over there,
[36:16] but it seems like we've been over here forever.
[36:19] So thank you to the staff that has you know worked hard to make this space work
[36:24] It's kind of an unconventional place to be holding council meetings
[36:27] But it's worked well for us over the period of years
[36:30] But I know for the communication staff and the people who have to make sure that we're broadcasting and the things that this isn't a night
[36:37] Is an ideal so I know it required a lot of extra work and I just want to say thank you for that and
[36:42] And also wanted to say, Mayor, that it was said that the council is taking the month of July off.
[36:50] I want to say, me personally, I am not taking the month of July off.
[36:54] We vacate the council these meetings during the month of July because it's the first month of the fiscal year.
[37:01] It gives staff a little bit of a breather to kind of get things, you know, wrap up the previous year, get started on the next fiscal year.
[37:08] But the city is open for business, the Choya District Office is open for business, and I'm available the entire month of July.
[37:17] Thank you, Mayor.
[37:17] Thank you.
[37:18] Councilmember Turner.
[37:19] Thank you, Mayor.
[37:21] I'd like to echo Councilmember Tomitroff's thanks to our staff for making this room work so well for us for so long.
[37:30] I'd also like to thank our staff and especially Eddie Garcia for having been able to create
[37:38] such great results that we saw last Thursday over at the ribbon cutting for City Hall and
[37:44] to me a surprise that the council chamber was virtually finished and we were able to
[37:48] utilize it except for a few things on the punch list there and hold the ribbon cutting
[37:53] in Murphy Park itself which is almost completely finished.
[37:57] That's a great accomplishment.
[38:00] I think it's a great asset for our community.
[38:02] It's a great statement for what we believe in here in downtown Glendale and in the future
[38:06] of our city being rooted in this part of town.
[38:10] And then, can't say enough, really, about Saturday, it was the 250th celebration in
[38:19] our new amphitheater.
[38:20] I'm sure staff had a hard time knowing what to expect and the way of turnout and bugs
[38:26] that might, you know, technical bugs that might arise, but they seem to be well
[38:31] prepared and we had a nice crowd. The summer band played. We had a cover band as
[38:36] well. We had the drone show in the air that was, to me, every bit as exciting
[38:43] as fireworks without any of the noise. And I think the animals, the dogs,
[38:50] especially in the neighborhood, probably appreciated that if they'd even
[38:53] understood but it was a great drone show too and it just looked to me and then
[38:58] the foam for the kids just looked like to me everybody had a great time and
[39:03] everybody was enjoying themselves and I like to rejoice in knowing that we'll
[39:07] be able to do more and more of that in the coming years. Thank you Mayor.
[39:14] Yes Mayor I have a few comments. First I want to offer my condolences to former
[39:19] council member Joyce Clark. She lost her husband Charlie on June 13th. My prayers are with
[39:26] you Joyce. Mayor, I would also like to respond to a question that was asked during the citizens
[39:32] comment section of our last council meeting on June 9th. I believe the question was,
[39:38] since the mayor and council will be in recess during the month of July, what expenses
[39:43] Do we have that equates to $1,350 and that the Cactus district residents would like a response to that question?
[39:52] Well, here's my response. Just because I am not attending council meetings during the recess, I am, however, still working.
[40:01] and meeting with residents regarding issues in my district and I am still
[40:07] meeting with stakeholders concerning projects that will be that will bring
[40:11] jobs and affordable housing into the Yucca district and I am still attending
[40:17] community meetings and attending community events during the month of
[40:21] July just because the council meetings may be on recess I am not.
[40:31] Further
[40:31] comment regarding the City Hall ribbon cutting along with the other council
[40:37] members it was quite an event I'd like to say thank you to everyone and every one
[40:43] that every city department that was involved in putting the ribbon cutting
[40:47] together the flyover of the two F-16 gents was from Luke Air Force Base was
[40:52] the cherry on the top it was quite a quite an experience everybody really
[40:57] enjoyed it. We had a lot of unexpected visitors to come and take part in that also. I'd like
[41:03] to also thank Hawley Street Architect for the design of City Hall, the Council Chambers
[41:09] and Murphy Park. And I'd also like to thank Oakland Construction for bringing it all,
[41:14] for building it all. The work is beautiful and inspiring. And then of course on Saturday,
[41:20] like Council Member Turner said, we celebrated our nation's 250th birthday. The whole
[41:25] event was spectacular. I had several residents come up to me and tell me how excited they
[41:31] were to see the Murphy Park open again and that they're very excited to see the Glendale
[41:36] Glitters come back to Murphy Park. And I want to say to Director John Kennedy and all the
[41:40] employees of Parks and Recreation and also our amazing Glendale police officers and
[41:45] every city department that was out there Saturday night, thank you for all your hard
[41:50] work you are appreciated and the event was a big success and I want to wish
[41:54] everybody in Glendale all the residents a cool and fun summer and remember stay
[41:59] safe and stay hydrated.
[42:02] Thank you, Weismer. Thank you Mayor. I could just say
[42:06] amen and probably call it good but I just wanted to say that what I really
[42:12] enjoyed about the 250 anniversary celebration we had on Saturday was the
[42:17] excitement to see all the people there that really enjoyed the event, residents
[42:24] that came out, enjoyed the band, enjoyed the drone show, the atmosphere. It was
[42:33] just really great to see downtown Glendale alive again and it all came about
[42:38] because of our staff, you know, Parks and Rec who put that all together and
[42:42] all those who are involved with that. Thank you so much and again have a
[42:47] safe, uh, July. Okay. My comments, uh, is going to one is going to correct Councilmember
[42:54] Guzman. F 35 is not F 16. Yeah, that's that's a few million dollars difference. Big, big
[43:01] deal. Uh, certainly big deal to Luke Air Force Base. Uh, uh, on a personal note, uh,
[43:10] doing
[43:10] this as many years as I have and, and, and all the council here, we, we all have
[43:15] issues with our personal lives and our business life and our families. Mine's
[43:21] mine's good. The day after tomorrow will be my 44th wedding anniversary and I
[43:27] haven't figured out why she stuck with me that long but I praise God every day
[43:31] that she does. She's really been a blessing to allow me to come out and
[43:35] be the mayor of this wonderful city and putting up with with some of the
[43:40] things that we have to put up with on a daily basis. I would I would hope
[43:44] that all of you every day would keep in mind of America's birthday, what it means to our country,
[43:50] the fact that our veterans, many veterans went to war and didn't come home alive to try to protect
[43:57] those freedoms. And I would hope that as much as sometimes politics is really messy, it's uncomfortable,
[44:03] sometimes you don't get what you want, sometimes you do. But the fact that our veterans, our
[44:09] liberties, our freedoms, we can sit here and talk about it. We can do the things that
[44:13] unpleasant sometimes because of our veterans and because of them fighting
[44:17] and sometimes giving their lives for for our freedoms so please don't forget our
[44:21] veterans please think about the people that that served that flag served our
[44:25] country served those freedoms I hope all of you have a very safe summer it's
[44:30] not getting cooler it's getting hotter kind of keep an eye on the animals the
[44:36] pets the kids and just as you're driving down the street watch watch
[44:39] Most people as they're walking, if they don't look right, stop check on them or if you need
[44:43] to call 911.
[44:44] Dehydration is a real thing.
[44:46] It's a real thing and we certainly don't want to be reading about it.
[44:49] We want to take care of those issues early.
[44:52] With that, we're going to open this up to citizens comments.
[44:56] I have three speaker cards.
[44:58] I'm not taking any more after that one.
[45:00] We have Julie. Okay. I'll wait for you to bring that over.
[45:17] Okay. We're going to start off
[45:18] with Alex Neff.
[45:22] You'll come to the podium. You have three minutes. I don't need your
[45:26] address. You live in Glendale. Just state your district that you live in, sir. State
[45:31] your name and you have three minutes. Go ahead. Thank you, Mayor. My name is Alex
[45:34] Neff. I'm a member of the campus district. Sure. Put your microphone up, will we?
[45:39] I apologize, I'm a little nervous up here.
[45:43] You're long, so no.
[45:45] Anyway, first I am glad to see my councilman seated here again.
[45:52] The whole rigmarole with him being booted off kind of almost seemed like a parking space for my motorcycle again.
[46:00] So anyway, I'm happy that Lupi's back up here.
[46:03] I would also like to address the council on their meeting time. As a working
[46:08] person, it's difficult to get here at 5.30 for a council meeting. When I went
[46:14] through Glendale University or whatever it was, you folks met a little bit later
[46:19] in the evening and I think if you would consider that, you might get a little
[46:24] more participation. Anyway, that's all I've got. Thank you for having a great
[46:33] call us good
[46:44] evening I'm Judith Clark cactus district as a resident citizen
[46:50] voter and constituent of the cactus district I reiterate my support of
[46:55] councilmember conscious I hope his recent experience has made him a stronger
[47:00] and more determined public servant and that it doesn't chill his exuberant
[47:06] advocacy for the Cactus District. Some of the behavior I've seen this evening seems quite
[47:14] self-serving on behalf of other council members this evening and it's very disappointing. I'm
[47:21] concerned that you're forgetting your public servants and your disenfranchising voters.
[47:28] I urge council members to work collegially and harmoniously to avoid unnecessary costs
[47:37] to taxpayers when differences need resolution.
[47:42] Knowing that you have many tools at your disposal before taking action that harms residents
[47:48] and disenfranchises voters, it is unfortunate for you to have revealed yourselves as being
[47:57] being uninformed of alternate options and the literal meaning of words. It does give
[48:05] rise to the question of the motivation, dare I say nefarious, behind resolution 26-60.
[48:14] I won't speculate here, but let's just say the facts are widely available. Thank you.
[48:21] thank you James Diabler folks no James hi
[48:32] my name is James Diabler I live in
[48:36] Phoenix Arizona today I'm speaking to you a God in Glen Neal Council member
[48:42] lip-bate chances I am pleased to learn that a Merrill Copper can he just has
[48:50] reading a state Glendale Council member would pay chances to his position on the city council.
[48:59] I just find that the city of Glendale has overstepping with authority in removing him
[49:08] from the Glendale City Council last month. He's doing an excellent job on serving the
[49:16] residents of the cactus district.
[49:20] And thank you for taking some time to consider the matter.
[49:24] Thank you, James.
[49:25] Michael Kias.
[49:36] Mayor, council members and members of the public,
[49:38] thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight.
[49:39] My name is Michael Kias.
[49:41] I'm from the Barrell District.
[49:42] I've made it a priority to come to city council meetings
[49:45] to listen, to observe, and to better understand
[49:47] the work of the city from the ground level.
[49:50] And what I have seen is clear.
[49:51] here, Glendale has incredible potential. This is a city with strong neighborhoods, hard
[49:57] working families, small businesses, public servants, young people with bright futures
[50:01] and residents who care deeply about where they live, but potential alone is not enough.
[50:06] Potential has to be matched with leadership, discipline, transparency, and a real commitment
[50:11] to the people. Every decision made in this chamber should begin and end with one question.
[50:16] Does this decision serve the people of Glendale?
[50:20] Not special interests, not political agendas, not convenience, the people.
[50:26] Every conversation in this chamber should be about the betterment of Glendale.
[50:30] Conversations about economic development focusing on more than building going up.
[50:35] It must mean good paying jobs, stronger wages, opportunities for small businesses,
[50:40] and a city where working families can afford to live, grow, and succeed.
[50:45] Every zoning decision should be made with economic conditions of residents in
[50:50] mind, not just the financial position of the city. Our young families and our
[50:55] children deserve clean parks, safe neighborhoods, strong communities, and a
[51:00] city government that plans for their future, not just the next meeting
[51:03] agenda item. Transparency in government is not optional. It is the
[51:08] foundation of public trust. Residents should know what is being decided, why
[51:14] it is being decided and how these decisions affect their daily lives.
[51:19] Representation matters, but it only means something when the voices of the people are
[51:23] actually respected and put into action.
[51:26] Decisions must reflect real priorities of all the people of Glendale, not just the
[51:31] handful.
[51:33] For me, that means making sure our police officers and our firefighters have the
[51:37] training, tools and resources they need to serve the public with professionalism
[51:41] and accountability.
[51:42] It means making sure basic city services are done well, trash picked up on time,
[51:48] streets maintained, parks kept clean, and residents treated with respect when they reach out for help.
[51:54] At the end of the day, the city government is not supposed to be distant from the people.
[51:59] It's supposed to be closest to the people.
[52:01] I would love to see a survey of the people of Glendale asking when the last time they had been contacted by their council member.
[52:08] Every vote, every dollar, every project, every policy should reflect the will and needs of the residents who call Glendale home.
[52:18] Thank you.
[52:18] Thank you.
[52:19] Okay, there being no further business before the council tonight, I'd like to thank everyone for attending. Please have a safe, safe summer.
[52:27] There's no objection from the council. Meetings adjourned.