[9:43] Murder victims.
[9:47] Whereas the death
[9:48] of a murdered loved one is a difficult experience
[9:51] that robs immediate and extended family members
[9:54] and creates overwhelming challenges to fill the void
[9:56] that their absence creates.
[9:59] And whereas the friends
[10:00] and families of murder victims cope with grief
[10:03] through a variety of support services, including counseling,
[10:06] crisis prevention, professional referrals
[10:09] and assistance in dealing with the criminal justice system.
[10:13] And whereas the City of Yuma joins
[10:15] with Yuma County Victims Rights Committee, as well
[10:17] as the victim service programs, criminal justice officials
[10:21] and concerned citizens throughout the county,
[10:24] to remember the anguish caused by homicide
[10:27] to honor the courage of survivors
[10:29] and to strive to help the survivors rebuild their lives.
[10:33] Now therefore, I Douglas J. Nichols do hereby proclaim
[10:36] September 25th, 2026 as the National Day of Remembrance
[10:40] for murder victims in the city of Yuma.
[10:42] And in doing so, I encourage all citizens
[10:45] to join me in remembering the victims who have been murdered
[10:47] and their families and to support programs that help those
[10:51] who have been devastated through these violent tragedies.
[10:54] It's a very important thing for us to, as a community,
[10:56] to make sure we're staying sensitive to.
[10:58] So I appreciate this proclamation coming forward.
[11:01] And I think there's some people I'm presenting this to.
[11:04] Do we have a group here today?
[11:08] The chairman? No. Okay.
[11:10] You're the chairman or am I presenting this to you?
[11:12] Yes, sir. Okay.
[11:14] I dunno if there's any other advocates. Okay.
[11:18] You wanna just do it right here? Sure. Okay. We can do that.
[11:23] Does that work with pictures? Yes, please. Okay.
[11:28] I'd appreciate, that'd be great.
[11:49] Thank you.
[11:56] All right. Our second proclamation, I'm sorry.
[11:59] Presentation this evening is our Forefront Ed update
[12:02] and I turn the meeting over to Dr.
[12:04] Remy Martiz Ktu, our executive director. Thank
[12:07] You.
[12:16] Thank you. Good evening. Good evening Mayor.
[12:19] Members of the Council City leadership.
[12:23] Thank you for having me.
[12:25] I want to begin with a, with an idea.
[12:28] Mayor Nichols wants share with me
[12:31] because it frames everything I have to say.
[12:34] He observed that nothing, that nothing
[12:38] because nothing significant is ever built without first
[12:42] holding a positive vision of it.
[12:44] That the things we're doing are
[12:47] by definition not just real when we decide to pursue them.
[12:51] A region like a city becomes what its leadership has
[12:55] to the confidence to imagine forefront ED exists
[12:59] because some years ago that kind of vision was applied
[13:02] to a simple question, what does it mean
[13:05] that Juma sits precisely where two nations
[13:08] and two states meet?
[13:11] I'm here tonight not to sell you anything,
[13:13] but to report on what has become of that vision plainly,
[13:16] because you are right to ask, allow me a moment.
[13:20] As a researcher rather than an advocate,
[13:22] every city has an economic nature determined
[13:25] by geo geography.
[13:27] Juba's nature is by national, the daily life of the city,
[13:31] the jobs, the tax base, the commerce that fan source, street
[13:35] or police or fire service
[13:37] is inseparable from the constant movements of good
[13:40] and people among California, Sonora and Juma.
[13:43] This is not a matter of policy.
[13:45] Preference is simply what Juma is.
[13:49] Let me offer a single figure.
[13:51] Arizona and Mexico trade more than $20 billion a
[13:54] year across this border.
[13:56] And Yuma sits on the corridor that carries.
[14:00] There is not this commerce, this is daily movement
[14:03] that helps fund the various service this council is towards.
[14:07] The fuller pictures is on the screen,
[14:09] but that one number makes the point.
[14:12] And that facts carry an obligation.
[14:14] A city whose prosperity depends on cross-border flows must
[14:18] tend to the relationship that keeps those flows open
[14:21] or it leaves its own economic foundation to chance.
[14:26] Our region's economy runs on three distinct engines.
[14:30] Now non duplicating another
[14:33] greater jum Economic development corporation
[14:35] recruits employers and creates jobs.
[14:38] Greater juma poor authority builds, builds sports
[14:41] and freights infrastructure.
[14:43] And for four 80 tends to devi national
[14:46] and federal relationship
[14:47] that keep the corridor stable enough for the order
[14:50] to to, to succeed.
[14:52] Here's the simplest ways I can put it.
[14:55] GDE, the C brings investment GPA build the crossing
[14:59] that moves it and forefront Ed keeps the border those
[15:02] crossing the pen open, stable, and predictable.
[15:05] We do sell industrial land. We do not package initiatives.
[15:09] We do not operate port gates.
[15:11] The lanes are separate by design and
[15:14] because they're separate, they train one another.
[15:17] We're not a Ford engine competing for the same work.
[15:20] We keep the road that the other two drive unclear.
[15:24] This is where the mayor's vision becomes
[15:26] the daily discipline.
[15:28] A border location is not by itself an advantage.
[15:32] It becomes one only
[15:33] through good neighborhoods, through the patient.
[15:37] Permanent work of keeping open, productive channels
[15:40] of communications where our counterparts across the line,
[15:45] a project that needs coordinated
[15:46] and event a signature that needs to happen, a matter
[15:50] that needs an answer quickly.
[15:52] A region that sits in the delta of the Colorado River shared
[15:55] by two nations cannot afford to to channel to those channels
[15:59] to go quiet.
[16:01] And what I want to be candid with you,
[16:03] even in a complex political climate,
[16:06] perhaps especially in one, those ties have a stay active.
[16:11] You can see it in the details.
[16:13] Invitations answer, ator attended agreements,
[16:18] signed request to collaborate in tourism culture in regions.
[16:22] Larger projects meet on both sides of the line.
[16:27] That is not luck is maintained deliberately.
[16:30] So the relationship are already there
[16:33] the moment we need them.
[16:35] Let me offer a few concrete example, not as a list
[16:39] of accomplishment, but as a evidence of a principle
[16:42] that diplomacy
[16:43] or paradi diplomacy done well is
[16:46] what makes large things possible.
[16:48] Before there are in individual
[16:51] the human space board is the clearest case is not yet
[16:54] as finished reality.
[16:56] And that is precisely the point.
[16:58] Air space coordination by national consensus,
[17:01] cross-border regulatory understanding,
[17:04] this is the groundwork that must exceed
[17:05] before such a project can ever touch ground.
[17:09] And the groundwork is moving.
[17:11] This past June at the Arizona Mexico Commission plenary
[17:14] Mayor Nichols sign a joint statement of intent
[17:16] that put this region at this Sonora
[17:18] counterpart on the same page.
[17:21] Next month on October 14th in Mexico City,
[17:24] we take the next step, the signing of A MOU
[17:27] with this Department of Science of technology
[17:29] with the Mexican Pharaoh government
[17:31] and an instrument built for project of long-term vision
[17:35] and grow anchor in regional research institutions.
[17:39] The mayor and human delegation will represent for the,
[17:42] will be present for the signing.
[17:46] The same logic runs through the rest
[17:47] of our work high level advocacy to modernize our port
[17:51] of entry, positioning our foreign trade zone
[17:54] with cross border supply chains, alongside with G-D-Y-D-C
[17:58] and regular executive briefings on the U-S-M-C-A
[18:01] review and trade policy.
[18:03] So these region leaders are never cut unprepared
[18:05] by chiefs far beyond our borders.
[18:10] And there's one more effort I want to name
[18:12] because it's about people rather than infrastructure.
[18:17] We're not forming what we all call, we,
[18:19] we call the forefront academic circuit for this purpose.
[18:23] We may say the ED becomes AC
[18:26] anor at Arizona Western College
[18:29] and joined by regional universities
[18:31] on both sides of the line.
[18:33] It aligns talent and research so that the workforce is ready
[18:36] before the industries arrive.
[18:38] It is one more way of building this regional, socially,
[18:41] this region, socially the quiet work that led us grow
[18:44] and grow with security.
[18:48] And now one last note on this vein, which I share
[18:51] with some pride on that re on on, on the region's behalf.
[18:55] Even the mayor's international bike ride together
[18:58] with the forefront it is regional model has now been
[19:01] accepted into the academic record
[19:04] in work producing collaboration with Mayor Nichols
[19:06] and publish by Aire, Mexico National Association
[19:10] for the Science of Regional Development.
[19:12] What we practice here is being a study
[19:17] our structure costs, let me be precise
[19:19] because Jews steward of public money
[19:22] and the question is a fair one.
[19:25] I will not stand here. I argue that forefront Ed is cheap.
[19:29] I will argue something different
[19:31] that every dollar this region
[19:33] and trust to us is treated as valuable
[19:35] because every dollar counts for front ed is a small ag
[19:41] that works in person on both sides of the line.
[19:44] And it's built to make each
[19:45] of those dollar reach further than it otherwise will.
[19:49] The truer measure is not what we cost,
[19:53] but what we protect for fronted is what allows this region
[19:57] to speak with one coordinated voice
[19:59] to work California Sonora, Baja, California
[20:01] and the me Mexican federal government as a whole,
[20:05] rather than in fragments,
[20:08] a dollar spent keeping the co stable
[20:10] and the region aligned is a dollar
[20:12] that protects every other dollar.
[20:13] You mean best in infrastructure and economic development?
[20:17] It does not compete with city services.
[20:19] This council rightly prioritize.
[20:22] It helps protect the tax base that funds them.
[20:27] So I will end where I began.
[20:30] This organization is the product
[20:33] of a vision this council leadership had the confidence
[20:35] to hold before it was proven.
[20:38] The vision to look at where Yuma sits
[20:41] and to see in that location an opportunity
[20:45] that only good neighbors can unlock.
[20:48] I'm grateful to be part of seeing it true and it's junior.
[20:52] It's a junior privilege to report to you tonight on
[20:56] what the vision has built
[20:58] and on what is still building a region that prosper
[21:02] and prosper with security.
[21:05] Thank you.
[21:08] Thank you very much. And apologize for interrupted
[21:10] by storm warning, but
[21:13] There you go.
[21:14] Part of part of what happens, that's the
[21:16] Forefront of the Region, right?
[21:18] Throughout the region, right? Yes. No problem.
[21:20] Thank you very much for your presentations.
[21:21] Council, have any comments or questions
[21:23] or thoughts to share?
[21:27] I I'll just say I appreciated when we went
[21:30] to her herma seal, your, your diplomacy
[21:34] and your your connectedness was extremely apparent
[21:37] everywhere we went from the, the governor's meetings to the,
[21:42] to the conference, to city hall.
[21:46] I don't know if you planted everybody everywhere
[21:48] that we ran into maybe,
[21:49] but every corner we took there was somebody else
[21:52] that you knew and that you knew well that held,
[21:54] that held some very strong position.
[21:56] So it's, to your point in your presentation,
[22:00] diplomacy is relationships
[22:02] and your relationships really help build and in
[22:05] and in my estimation is the reason why the,
[22:08] the Spaceport MOUs went as fast as they did, I think.
[22:12] And, and I walked in to Mexico City, Herman Seal by myself.
[22:16] I think we'd still be waiting.
[22:19] So I appreciate your, your leadership
[22:21] and your commitment to our, our region
[22:24] and really looking forward to the, a good bike ride,
[22:26] but also a good trip to Mexico City to, to sign the the MOU
[22:32] and move the space port forward.
[22:33] Yeah, thank you mayor for your words
[22:35] and your confidence in in the work the forefront Ed,
[22:38] because thinking in terms of the region is always complex,
[22:44] but I think that the commitment
[22:47] that the leadership here in the city
[22:49] is, is, is great for it.
[22:50] And I'm looking forward for seeing you all on in Mexico City
[22:53] and always on the bike ride.
[22:55] And we're expecting record breaking this, this, this,
[22:58] this 10 edition.
[23:01] Thank you very much. Appreciate your presentation.
[23:04] All right. We are on to our rest of our agenda.
[23:07] We have eight items on our motion
[23:10] consent agenda this evening.
[23:11] As council have any comments, questions,
[23:12] or conflicts on these items?
[23:16] All right. Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion
[23:19] to approve Ms. Council member Smith.
[23:22] I move to approve the motion consent
[23:24] agenda as recommended.
[23:26] Second, I have a motion by council member Smith, a second
[23:30] by council member Morris to approve the motion
[23:32] consent agenda as presented.
[23:34] All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Those opposed nay.
[23:38] And the motion carries.
[23:40] We have a new, new section of our agenda this evening.
[23:42] The motion action agenda.
[23:44] And this is due to a recent legislative change.
[23:48] And so we will handle each item independently.
[23:51] We will not handle them collectively.
[23:54] So we have two items on tonight's motion.
[23:56] Action agenda and council have any conflicts
[23:59] to declare on the very first
[24:02] MC 20 26, 1 72 or any questions?
[24:07] Alright, hearing, I'll entertain a motion
[24:09] to approve MC 20 26 1 72.
[24:15] Mr. Mayor Council Smith, I move
[24:16] to approve MC 20 26 1 72.
[24:21] Second Before we get there, is there,
[24:26] is there anything we need to say legally about this emotion?
[24:30] Or does this pretty much stand on its own?
[24:33] Pretty much stands on its own. Mayor.
[24:35] Okay. Thank you very much. So I have a motion
[24:36] by council member Smith, a second by council member Watts
[24:39] to approve MC 2026 dash 1 72.
[24:43] All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Those opposed nay.
[24:47] The motion carries. We're on to
[24:50] mc 2026 dash 1 73.
[24:52] Does council have any comments or conflicts?
[24:55] Mr. Mayor, council Member Smith, I
[24:57] Just have a question for this item in particular.
[25:01] If, I know that Rodney gave a great update last night,
[25:05] but if you could just kind of review
[25:08] what this means moving forward.
[25:11] If this is to be approved, please
[25:12] Glad to.
[25:14] Mr. Merrick City council is Rodney
[25:16] Short, deputy City Attorney.
[25:17] This is the motion in front of you.
[25:20] Tonight's motion's really about direction.
[25:22] It's about direction that you guys are gonna give you
[25:25] control, litigation, you control the policies for the city
[25:29] that the administration
[25:30] and your city attorneys must, must go through.
[25:34] This is the first step of, of it could be two
[25:36] or three steps kind of depending on the strategies
[25:40] that we develop for you.
[25:42] You guys develop and give us input on for other stuff.
[25:45] And this has to do with the record of decision
[25:47] for the Colorado River Operating Plan for the next 10 years.
[25:50] And specifically in the next two years.
[25:52] As stated in the motion,
[25:54] there's already litigation pending from the state of Nevada
[25:57] that is challenging this some of our other
[26:02] colleague type boards across the state,
[26:05] namely the Arizona RECONSULTATION Committee
[26:08] and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District,
[26:12] which is operates the cap, the Central Arizona project,
[26:16] have authorized very similar things to investigate.
[26:20] And it kind of looks like
[26:22] what we're doing is we're gotta look at the possibilities
[26:24] of, of how to handle this situation.
[26:26] 'cause it's not very good from Arizona.
[26:28] We're only a couple
[26:29] of priorities away from this affecting not only city of Yuma
[26:33] but the region as a whole.
[26:34] So we think, we know the water districts are also
[26:37] contemplating this at their boards.
[26:38] Very similar to you guys.
[26:39] And we know that you talk
[26:41] to water District board members all the time.
[26:43] So you know, the first thing you're sort of looking at,
[26:45] there's many pathways here.
[26:46] First one could be a litigation, it could be
[26:49] that we're gonna go this way, you're gonna give direction.
[26:51] We're gonna go out and look to see if
[26:53] that's the best strategy of maybe filing an independent
[26:55] lawsuit, maybe joining an existing litigation, maybe joining
[27:00] as amicus.
[27:02] Or we could just seek intervention in,
[27:04] in a different related cases there.
[27:06] Alternatively, you could say, you know,
[27:09] let's look at the administrative
[27:10] and let's go through the administrative record
[27:12] to see if there's anything we can do
[27:14] to do an administrative challenge in Washington
[27:16] DC over this one.
[27:18] And kind of look to see if there's some
[27:20] sort of intervention we could do.
[27:22] Or you could do 'em all, you know,
[27:24] and it may be all hands on deck.
[27:26] And I know that this is pretty broad. It's broad by design.
[27:28] 'cause frankly we just don't
[27:29] know which way this thing will go.
[27:31] We weren't expecting the record of decision
[27:32] to kind of come out this way.
[27:34] You guys have all been in water meetings.
[27:36] We've all talked about it, you know, on the hallway
[27:38] or at the DAAs here.
[27:40] And it, it was, it's, it, it went away that kind of Arizona,
[27:44] California and Nevada didn't think it was gonna go.
[27:47] And the, our upper basin colleagues were extremely
[27:50] excited it went the way it went.
[27:52] So that's kind of what we're doing.
[27:53] We're stepping front because as city council always says,
[27:57] if we are not at the table, we're on the menu
[28:00] and we don't wanna be on the menu on this one.
[28:02] Okay, thank you. I was, you know, as I'm reviewing this,
[28:06] it's just kind of a push, like let's get going,
[28:08] let's start doing something.
[28:11] And then even where it talks about exploring legal action
[28:14] and retaining attorneys, it's such a complex issue
[28:18] and very specific.
[28:20] I know certain lawyers spend a lifetime dedicated to water.
[28:24] So just at least looking at that section specifically,
[28:28] that might be a possibility.
[28:29] Potentially entering litigation, like you said.
[28:31] Yes. And, and thank you council members.
[28:34] That was a really good question. I know you were And I, yes.
[28:38] If, if, if litigation is going to be the key,
[28:41] this is coming back in front of you.
[28:43] When we go and retain, we look for things.
[28:45] We're engaging with somebody to be our champion.
[28:47] And you're absolutely right. The lawyers
[28:49] that are gonna be involved in this
[28:52] probably couldn't defend a car accident,
[28:54] but they sure as heck can defend water rights.
[28:57] It is a very specialized portion of the law
[29:00] that it's, and it's not intrinsic.
[29:02] And they have to also be good
[29:03] because usually the judges
[29:04] don't understand water law either.
[29:06] I think there's only one Supreme Court justice right now,
[29:09] justice Gorsuch.
[29:10] It's ever touched a water law case in their career.
[29:13] So it's kind of exciting and scary, isn't it? Yeah.
[29:17] But we'll see more
[29:19] of these things come back in front of us.
[29:20] We're just right now like, let's get going, let's get ready.
[29:23] You're telling, you're telling your city administrator
[29:26] and your city attorneys get on the
[29:28] stick and get us some work. Alright,
[29:30] Thank you Rodney. Thank you
[29:31] Mayor.
[29:32] Thank you Mr. Short,
[29:33] before you leave, I, I assume this is gonna probably mostly
[29:38] be a lot of discussions with our peers, a lot, lot
[29:41] of their councils
[29:42] because we don't wanna go off in a direction
[29:45] and then counterman, whatever they're trying to do, we want
[29:48] to coordinate regionally, right?
[29:49] Is that, tell me about that a little bit.
[29:51] Yeah, yeah. That thank you Mr. Ram Mayor.
[29:53] That, that's a really good question.
[29:54] And one of the things that this city council has been for,
[29:57] you know, you guys have been locked up
[29:59] and making sure that not only our peers in Yuma County,
[30:03] but ones that could be in California as well,
[30:05] that are similarly situated with water rights
[30:08] and interests in both agriculture
[30:11] and just sustainability along the river.
[30:13] I this is one you don't go out alone.
[30:16] I, I gave you that first choice about, oh,
[30:18] do we wanna file an in independent lawsuit?
[30:20] I, I, that's gonna be a really hard
[30:22] recommendation for us to make.
[30:23] It's gonna be one that we jump in with other folks and,
[30:26] and it's gonna be one that we're gonna have to give a lot
[30:29] of information so you're well informed.
[30:32] Much of it's gonna be, you know, in, in the public vote.
[30:35] It'll probably be a, a discussion
[30:36] with everybody in the public too to do that.
[30:39] We can kind of do and make the best step
[30:41] that's gonna be best for our citizens
[30:43] and the best for regionally as well.
[30:45] I mean, we, we, we have a Section five contract.
[30:49] The only other folks that have section five contracts like
[30:51] ours are entitlement holders
[30:53] that are our water districts. So,
[30:56] Very good.
[30:57] Does council have any other comments
[30:58] or questions for Mr. Short?
[31:01] Thank you very much. Okay.
[31:02] Appreciate it. Alright,
[31:04] if we have nothing else on this item,
[31:05] we'll entertain a motion to approve
[31:07] Mr. Mayor Councilor
[31:08] Smith, I move to approve MC 2026 dash 1 73.
[31:13] Second, I have a motion by council member Smith the second
[31:16] by council member Watts to approve MC 2026 dash 1 73.
[31:21] All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Those opposed nay.
[31:25] The motion carries. Alright, we're on to two
[31:29] proposed resolutions for adoption this evening.
[31:32] Does council have any conflicts or comments
[31:34] or questions on either item?
[31:38] Alright, do we have any speakers signed up for either item?
[31:41] There are no speakers.
[31:43] Very good. I'll entertain a motion for the adoption
[31:45] of the resolution consent agenda.
[31:47] Mr. Mayor, Council member Morris.
[31:49] Thank you Mayor. I move
[31:50] to adopt the resolution consent agenda as presented.
[31:54] Second, I have a motion by council member Morris,
[31:57] a second by council member Smith
[31:59] to adopt the resolution consent agenda as presented.
[32:01] Will the clerk please display the
[32:03] titles and call a rule vote
[32:06] Resolution R 2026 dash 0 45 Adopt the city
[32:11] of Yuma Emergency Operations Plan 2026
[32:14] and repeal resolution R 2019 dash 0 34
[32:20] and resolution R 2026 dash 0 46 Intent
[32:24] to create municipal improvement District number
[32:27] 1 36 Livingston Ranch, number four.
[32:31] Council member Martinez Aye. Council member Morris Aye.
[32:36] Council member Smith Aye.
[32:38] Council member Watts Aye. And Mayor Nichols. Aye.
[32:43] Thank you. Those resolutions have been adopted.
[32:46] Thank you very much. We are now on the ADOPTIN adoption
[32:49] of ordinances consent agenda where we have two
[32:52] proposed ordinances that were presented for adoption.
[32:55] However, we do need to split these apart.
[32:59] Proposed ordinance, oh, 2026 dash 0 2 5,
[33:02] which is the rezoning for in the southeast, southeast corner
[33:05] of Arabee Road and 26th Street for the, the gas station.
[33:11] The applicant wants to, to pull the
[33:19] application, but the property owner wants to continue it.
[33:22] So Mr. Symington, you wanna give us a little bit of
[33:24] Heads up?
[33:25] Yeah, yeah. Mr. Mayor, as you know,
[33:27] QT was looking at this site they, they've elected to,
[33:30] to pull this application,
[33:31] but the owner is interested in pursuing the, going
[33:34] and moving forward with the rezone.
[33:36] They think this might enhance the value of their property,
[33:38] but they want a, a week or two to look at that
[33:40] and see what those impacts are
[33:42] and then bring this back to you guys.
[33:43] The first meeting in October.
[33:45] Okay. So we need to
[33:47] continue this at the request of the owner.
[33:50] So we do have a green sheet to make that motion.
[33:52] If council has any questions, we can do questions.
[33:55] Otherwise we'll just do that motion.
[33:57] Mr. Mayor, council member Smith.
[33:58] So thank you.
[34:00] So my understanding is that the QT
[34:04] is no longer interested. They told
[34:06] Yes.
[34:07] Mr. Mayor, council member Smith? That's correct.
[34:09] I think the, the, the representative QT at the last meeting
[34:12] got the message that, that
[34:15] and he, it indicated to you
[34:16] that they needed the diesel fuel,
[34:17] the commercial diesel items to make this project viable
[34:20] and knowing that you were not going to prove that
[34:23] they elected to, to withdraw their,
[34:25] their pursuit of this, this site.
[34:28] Okay, thank you. I'd had several residents reach out
[34:32] in opposition to the semi-truck fueling,
[34:34] so I just wanna be able
[34:35] to share the correct message with them. Thank you.
[34:38] Thank you Mr. Mayor. Any council member? Morris?
[34:41] Thank you Mayor. A question for our administrator.
[34:44] Does this change anything as far as
[34:47] additional public neighborhood meetings needing to be held
[34:51] or with the change of the applicant?
[34:53] Does, does any of the prior process that occurred have
[34:57] to be redone or is it still
[35:00] continue at the same point where we were
[35:02] Mr.
[35:03] Mayor, council member Morris, I I believe
[35:06] if we continue this and then,
[35:07] and the conditions stay the same as that are proposed and,
[35:10] and what the staff has recommended
[35:12] that this could be voted on at the next council meeting and
[35:15] and approved the zoning would be approved
[35:17] with the conditions as, as outlined.
[35:19] Okay. Thank you sir. Thank, thank you mayor.
[35:21] Very good. Any other comments or questions?
[35:23] Alright, I entertain a motion
[35:26] to continue this per the green sheet.
[35:28] Mr. Mayor, Councilor Smith,
[35:30] I move that ordinance, oh 2026 dash 0 25 rezoning
[35:35] of property southeast corner of EE Road
[35:38] and the 26th street alignment be continued
[35:41] to the October 7th, 2026 regular city council meeting
[35:44] at the owner's request.
[35:46] Second, The motion by council member Smith the second
[35:49] by council member Watts to continue
[35:52] ordinance oh 20 26 0 2 5.
[35:56] All those in favor say aye.
[35:58] Aye. Aye. Aye. Those opposed nay.
[36:00] And the motion carries.
[36:02] I did want to take a minute while we still have the record
[36:04] open, if there's anybody that signed up
[36:07] to speak on this item
[36:08] that we could hear them. Do we have any speakers?
[36:10] We did not. Okay. Very good.
[36:12] Alright, so that leaves one item on our adoption
[36:15] of ordinances consent agenda.
[36:17] So does council have any comments, questions,
[36:19] or conflicts to declare on that item?
[36:22] All right. Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion
[36:24] for adoption of the remainder of the motion
[36:27] ordinance consent agenda.
[36:28] Mr. Mayor. Councilor Remorse.
[36:30] Thank you, mayor. I move to, for the adoption
[36:32] of the remainder of the ordinance consent
[36:35] agenda as presented.
[36:37] Second, I have a motion by council member Morris,
[36:40] a second by council member Smith to adopt the remainder
[36:44] of the, of the ordinance consent agenda
[36:46] where the clerk please display the
[36:47] title and call the roll vote.
[36:49] Okay.
[36:52] Ordinance oh, 2026 dash 0 24, text Amendment
[36:57] Residential care Homes council member Martinez Aye.
[37:01] Council member Morris Aye. Council member Smith Aye.
[37:05] Council member Watts
[37:07] Aye.
[37:08] And Mayor Nichols. Aye. Thank you.
[37:09] That ordinance has been adopted.
[37:11] Very good. We are onto our introduction of ordinances
[37:14] where we have one proposed ordinance
[37:16] being introduced this evening.
[37:17] Council, have any conflicts, questions, or comments?
[37:21] Very good. Do we have any sign up?
[37:22] Do we have any speakers signed up for this item? No
[37:24] Speakers.
[37:25] Very good. Will you please display the
[37:26] play display, the title
[37:28] Ordinance O 2026 dash 0 26, conveyance
[37:33] of Los Palmera Subdivision Right of way
[37:35] to Yuma County. Thank you.
[37:37] Thank you very much. We are on
[37:39] to announcements and scheduling.
[37:40] Council have reports for the last oh two weeks of activity.
[37:47] Mr. Mayor, Council member Smith.
[37:48] Thank you. On September 9th,
[37:52] I was on the Jennifer Blackwell show doing our last water
[37:55] safety Wednesday of the season.
[37:58] But the message remains all year to keep your family safe
[38:01] around water as we work
[38:03] to prevent drownings in our community.
[38:05] All year on the 11th, along with Mayor Nichols,
[38:09] we did the stair climb at the Pancras building,
[38:14] climbed 110 stairs along with many
[38:16] of our first responders in the community,
[38:19] and then went
[38:20] to the nine 11 Remembrance ceremony at Fire Station one
[38:23] along I think most of council, if not all council was there.
[38:28] 25 years is hard to believe,
[38:31] but it was a beautiful memorial service to
[38:36] remember not only the victims,
[38:38] but honor the courage of all of our first responders.
[38:42] On the 12th I attended the Humane Society Furball, along
[38:46] with several members of our council in Mayor Nichols.
[38:49] And on the 12th, the same day that morning, I went
[38:53] to the Chamber of Commerce,
[38:56] their big event at the Civic Center
[38:58] and did a CPR presentation and demonstration
[39:02] and talked about water safety again
[39:04] with people in our community.
[39:05] And that is the end of my report.
[39:07] Very good. Anyone else? Mr. Mayor? Councilor Watts.
[39:11] Thank you. On the well, September 10th,
[39:16] I attended the Yuma Coalition to End Homelessness.
[39:19] They will be having a conference that they do
[39:22] that they do annually on November 18th.
[39:25] And what's gonna be interesting for that're going to have a
[39:29] homeless simulation activity.
[39:30] So it should be interesting.
[39:33] On the 11th, I also attended the nine 11 Remembrance,
[39:38] the 12th as mentioned, the Fur Ball
[39:42] that was a fundraiser for the Humane Society.
[39:45] On the 15th, I attended the Dean Circle
[39:49] for NAU at Sunkist, and this is their first meeting.
[39:53] It, it involved the NAU College of Nursing,
[39:57] the dean administration staff instructors,
[40:01] and there was leaders in the community,
[40:03] nursing and non-nursing.
[40:04] And the goal is to advance NAU College of Nursing
[40:09] Education here in Yuma.
[40:10] So it's, we wanna train our nurses here in Yuma
[40:13] and keep them here in Yuma.
[40:16] Also today I met with Alyssa
[40:18] to talk about the heat preparedness for the city of Yuma.
[40:22] We'll have more information coming towards the end
[40:25] of the year, and I'm looking forward to the heat map
[40:28] for Yuma that is in development.
[40:30] And that concludes my activities. Thank you.
[40:32] Thank you. Councillor Morse.
[40:34] Thank you, mayor. Okay, starting on the ninth,
[40:39] I attended the Residential
[40:42] Residential Advisory Board meeting.
[40:45] And so this is for, for building codes.
[40:48] And we reviewed a couple of potential concerns
[40:52] that have come up in the construction industry locally
[40:55] and looking at some potential amendments to the code that
[41:01] may or may not be coming to the council soon
[41:04] to be presented for adoption.
[41:06] And on the 11th, along with all of council mayor,
[41:11] attended the, the remembrance ceremony
[41:12] for nine 11 at fire station one.
[41:15] Great, great service there.
[41:17] And then today attended the
[41:20] Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation meeting
[41:24] where we had an update on some of our collaboration
[41:27] that we have had occurring with our neighbors in Mexico
[41:31] and how some of that has been progressing.
[41:34] And earlier today, as part of a subcommittee of GYDC
[41:40] had a meeting on the Greater Yuma Talent Alliance committee
[41:43] where we're working on some new things with GYDC
[41:48] and to share a little bit of the, of that, what we're hoping
[41:51] to do is put together a regional resource
[41:56] for companies here locally in Yuma
[41:58] and throughout the greater Yuma area that are gonna,
[42:01] that will allow companies
[42:04] and organizations to attract talent from outside of Yuma.
[42:09] And the idea is a website that that could be shared
[42:13] for recruitment efforts that a person could go in and,
[42:16] and look up where they're coming from and Yuma
[42:19] and make comparisons as to what the cost of living is,
[42:23] what the comparables are, a lot of the amenities
[42:26] that we have throughout the region.
[42:29] And along with that, creating a toolkit that would
[42:33] be very specific to recruitment efforts on the type
[42:36] of golf courses we have, hiking trails
[42:39] and really become a regional tool to help attract a lot
[42:43] of the talent that Yuma deserves.
[42:46] And that Mr. Mayor concludes my report. Thank you.
[42:49] Very good,
[42:51] Mr.
[42:52] Mayor. Councilman Martinez. Thank you, sir.
[42:54] As with the other council members, I attended the
[42:56] nine 11 memorial service
[42:58] that was our generation's Pearl Harbor.
[43:01] And it's, it is very, it's always a, an emotional time.
[43:05] 'cause we all remember when
[43:06] and where we, where we were when,
[43:08] when we heard about this attack
[43:10] and we had the opportunity,
[43:11] many Americans joined the military
[43:13] and supported in, in defense of this great country of ours,
[43:16] I was able to assist in training soldiers to go down range.
[43:21] And then I was fortunate enough to go and,
[43:22] and actually get engaged myself in, in Iraq.
[43:26] So it's always an honor, it's always emotional.
[43:29] On the 14th, I attended the victim rights committee meeting
[43:33] where we discussed the homicide vigil
[43:35] and the, the community is invited.
[43:37] It's homicides not only affect the, the family,
[43:40] but also the, the first responders, the law enforcement
[43:43] that have to investigate the crimes, the county attorneys
[43:45] that have to prosecute it.
[43:47] So we offer this vigil as a, as a way to help heal some
[43:52] of the, some of the wounds that they'll never be
[43:54] healed and never forget.
[43:56] But we offer some resources
[43:57] and I've gave the counsel some swag bags
[44:00] and the personal invitation to attend,
[44:03] but the public is also invited.
[44:07] I was out in the hallway Monday or Tuesday
[44:10] and I was approached by a citizen
[44:12] and he asked why our flag has a gold fringe around it.
[44:16] And we, we discussed it for a second.
[44:17] I said, I don't know, he didn't know either.
[44:19] He wasn't sure what it was all about.
[44:21] I said I would get back to him. So I hope he is watching.
[44:24] The gold fringe is a formal flag.
[44:26] The, the United States Army adopted in 1895.
[44:29] It doesn't affect the, the flag code
[44:31] because the fringe doesn't touch the flag
[44:33] in or outside of it.
[44:34] So it is appropriate in formal settings to have a,
[44:38] the United States flag with code fringe.
[44:40] So I thought that was pretty cool that he stopped to ask
[44:42] and I, I, I told him I'd, I'd explain it
[44:44] and I hope he is watching.
[44:46] Also. One last thing, Jamal's my wife's birthday.
[44:49] I hope she's watching, I can't tell you
[44:52] what anniversary it is for her 29th birthday,
[44:55] but it, it is an anniversary of it.
[44:56] So happy birthday and thank you Mr. Mayor. Thank
[44:59] You.
[45:01] I guess that just leaves me, right?
[45:03] So on the eighth
[45:07] I attended the Elevate Southwest Board meeting
[45:10] where we went over the success of the Moonshot
[45:15] Pitch competition
[45:16] and looked forward to our, our next competition
[45:19] that should be announced here in the next next few weeks.
[45:22] Those are great opportunities for us to showcase,
[45:26] showcase our local talent
[45:29] that are being ingenu, they're being creative
[45:32] and really looking for answers to technical answers.
[45:36] Elevate Southwest focuses on businesses being created
[45:39] and that are more of STEM focused.
[45:42] And so those are kind of interesting from my perspective.
[45:46] We also went over the budget.
[45:48] Currently there is not a lot of funding,
[45:51] but the, the tenants that do occupy the innovation hub
[45:56] as it sits, do pay for the operation of the hub.
[46:00] So our director and staff right now are all volunteering.
[46:04] They are very passionate about the, the activity
[46:08] and about the effort.
[46:10] And so while, you know, everyone likes to get paid,
[46:13] that's not their motivation.
[46:15] And so they're, they're sticking around until,
[46:17] and we're talking about other ways
[46:18] to get some private dollars into help.
[46:20] The, the Elevate Southwest effort on the ninth,
[46:24] I attended virtually the Arizona Space Commission.
[46:27] Our strategic plan is coming together quite well.
[46:31] We will be presenting that here to the state legislature,
[46:36] I believe in early November in, in time for
[46:40] the next session and legislative session
[46:43] coming up next year.
[46:45] And Arizona has
[46:49] struck a very strong position on where we like to see our,
[46:54] our aerospace industry go in the next 20, 30 years.
[46:59] And Yuma and Sierra Vista are both
[47:02] with their spaceport opportunities, both
[47:06] represented strongly in those positions.
[47:07] Sierra Vista has a,
[47:09] essentially the catching side of a spaceport.
[47:12] They do not launch, they just receive
[47:15] and we don't really have the receiving option.
[47:17] So from a statewide system and asset, we work extremely well
[47:21] and have had several conversations with Sierra Vista to make
[47:25] that a complete system here in the state of Arizona.
[47:30] And later that day, I met with the cons from Mexico Cons va,
[47:36] and we talked about a lot of events coming up,
[47:38] including the bike ride, the international bike ride,
[47:42] and the Mexican Independence Day celebration.
[47:45] That was yesterday while we were here in chambers.
[47:50] So we continually have a, a strong relationship with them
[47:53] as things continue to move forward.
[47:56] On the 10th, I attended Good Morning Yuma,
[47:58] where they recognized the new director
[48:01] for Arizona Western College Tika, Dr.
[48:05] Dewan had, it was a very well attended event out at a WC
[48:10] and on the 11th I did attend or attend.
[48:13] I, it wasn't attending,
[48:15] it was actually walking all, all those stairs.
[48:20] That was a good event.
[48:21] I didn't feel it till two or three days later,
[48:23] but felt it anyway.
[48:26] And as well as that evening attended the Chamber mega mixer,
[48:30] which I read a proclamation for Patriot Day and,
[48:32] and in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of nine 11.
[48:38] All right, with that, we are on to request council request
[48:41] for future agenda items
[48:45] and I don't see a need for additional scheduling.
[48:49] So we're on summary of current events
[48:50] by our city administrator, Mr. Symington.
[48:52] Thank you Mr. Mayor. I've got a couple things tonight.
[48:54] The U March Center is gonna be kicking off.
[48:56] New exhibit has several artists there at the, the,
[48:59] it's a free open house this Friday from six to 8:00 PM
[49:04] so there'll be hor d'oeuvres there and, and a cash cash bar.
[49:08] Please get out there and check out the, the artwork.
[49:11] And we're kicking off our event season on October 3rd.
[49:13] Tacos and toons, again is at the stadium
[49:16] that opens up at three o'clock to 11 o'clock.
[49:20] A lot of vendors out there, a lot of taco vendors out there,
[49:22] merchandise and a lot of great music.
[49:25] So please and that's a free, free event to attend.
[49:27] And I do wanna let let everybody know Aqua Vivo is
[49:30] back up on AP PS Power.
[49:31] We were able to transition
[49:32] to a PS power earlier this morning.
[49:34] So still got some work to do to make some other repairs,
[49:37] but we are back up in
[49:39] and running on, on normal power. Very good.
[49:41] Thank you Mr. Mayor. That's great news.
[49:42] Now I do need a backup to the, my report since
[49:47] I was unaware that Councilman Martinez's wife
[49:50] and my wife share the same birthday, so happy birthday
[49:53] to my wife tomorrow.
[49:54] Two, I don't know what what that means,
[49:58] but happy birthday to both of them.
[50:00] I look forward to celebrating those for the,
[50:02] I I think those are birthday weeks or months.
[50:05] I can't remember, whatever. Yeah, very good.
[50:09] Alright, we're on to call to the public.
[50:11] How many speakers do we have signed up for this evening? I
[50:13] Have four speakers. Please
[50:14] Call the first speaker Commander, Matthew Evans, MCAS.
[50:18] Yuma,
[50:29] It's my first time. Do I just start going here?
[50:31] You need to state your name and your address
[50:33] and office address is just as fine as a personal address.
[50:35] Sounds great. So Commander Matthew Evans Marine
[50:38] Corps Air Station, Yuma.
[50:40] I'll give that as my address for now. Okay. Alright.
[50:41] Alright. Good evening.
[50:43] Council members, members of the community, I'm here
[50:46] to provide information about our upcoming testing.
[50:49] The, the Marine Corps is conducting on groundwater for per
[50:54] and polyflor alcohol substances, commonly known as PFAS.
[50:58] The main source of military related PFAS releases
[51:01] were from firefighting foam previously used in our
[51:04] lifesaving e equipment.
[51:06] Our testing effort has the full cooperation of the U-S-E-P-A
[51:09] as well as state of Arizona Environmental
[51:11] and Public Health Services.
[51:13] And we've been doing this testing since 2023.
[51:16] In 2023, the Navy Marine Corps
[51:18] began monitoring PAS levels in the groundwater in, in
[51:21] and around Mc a huma.
[51:23] Our initial round of drinking water well testing in 2023
[51:26] included five public wells, all of which were
[51:29] below the Department of Wars Interim action levels in 2024.
[51:34] As you may know, the EPA reduced the level level
[51:36] for certain PFAS in public drinking water.
[51:40] And the Department of War has now lowered our interim action
[51:44] levels for private drinking water wells.
[51:47] Additionally, groundwater moves over time, so there's need
[51:49] to evaluate changes in the PFAS in the groundwater
[51:53] as it continues to flow down gradient in a response.
[51:57] We are conducting a second round of drinking water testing
[52:01] this year across a slightly larger sampling radius than the
[52:05] last time the Navy Marine Corps are requesting permission
[52:08] from property owners within the sampling radius
[52:10] to test their private drinking water wells.
[52:13] Notifications have already been sent
[52:14] to property owners within the area.
[52:17] While our goal is to notify all property owners
[52:20] and the sampling radius in case we, there's a,
[52:23] well we are not aware of, only properties
[52:25] with drinking water wells within
[52:27] that radius are eligible for the program.
[52:30] Sampling will be conducted from September 30th
[52:34] through October 7th
[52:35] and is conducted at no cost to the owners.
[52:38] If PFAS is detected then above the action levels,
[52:42] then we will work to discuss enduring solutions
[52:45] that would reduce the property owner's continued exposure.
[52:50] Eligible property owners may schedule an appointment.
[52:51] They have a phone number here, 1-800-THROUGH 7 4 7 8 4 3.
[52:55] There's also a website best found by searching Yuma PFAS and
[53:00] and should be the first thing that shows up.
[53:02] We're also hosting an open house September 29th from five
[53:06] to 7:00 PM at the Civic Center.
[53:08] And we invite all public interested as well
[53:11] as city leadership to attend,
[53:12] to learn about our ongoing efforts to be good stewards
[53:15] of the environment and our drinking water.
[53:17] Our representatives of the Navy Marine Corps EPA
[53:21] Arizona State Agencies will be there to answer questions
[53:23] and we appreciate the city's partnership
[53:26] and the community's partner participation
[53:28] as we carry out this work. Thank you very much.
[53:31] Thank you very much. Commander Evans,
[53:35] Pedro Suna
[53:42] I,
[53:48] My name is Pedro Una.
[53:50] It's 4 0 5 South 16th Avenue, Arizona 85 3 6 4.
[53:54] I just submitted an an official request for an investigation
[53:58] for Butler states in regards to conflict
[54:02] of interest within Mr. Jonathan Lyons right behind me
[54:05] as well with Douglas Nichols and Danette Garcia Nichols.
[54:09] Everybody in the planning
[54:10] and zoning commissions needs
[54:11] to be actually requesting a formal investigation on it
[54:15] for conflict of interest and gift clause as well.
[54:18] If you can look it up.
[54:20] I also have the proofs
[54:21] and I've submitted this information
[54:22] to four different agencies.
[54:24] I have not received any response, but it's okay.
[54:26] From the pa from the previous one. That's it.
[54:32] Irma, Felix,
[54:40] Good evening, Irma, Felix, 9 1 5 South eighth Avenue.
[54:44] My name is Irma Felix. I'm speaking today
[54:46] as a concerned citizen of Yuma
[54:47] to address critical oversight gaps
[54:49] and civic transparency in our community.
[54:52] Over the past year, throughout involvement
[54:54] with the Carver PTO
[54:55] and local district policy,
[54:56] severe systemic issues were uncovered,
[54:58] including financial mismanagement from the prior Carver PTO
[55:03] non-compliance with required title one parent involvement
[55:07] structures and district acknowledged financial
[55:09] miscalculations totaling near $2 million.
[55:12] When concerns were raised locally,
[55:13] administrative accountability was repeatedly deflected.
[55:17] When citizens attempt to report these systemic failures
[55:21] through municipal platforms,
[55:22] the response is often a simple disclaim of jurisdiction.
[55:25] While I acknowledge the formal jurisdiction separation
[55:29] between city government, school boards,
[55:31] and county judicial system,
[55:33] elected leadership cannot remain completely detached from
[55:36] severe governance breakdowns affecting our children tax
[55:39] dollars and indigent citizens needing competent legal
[55:42] representation, it is essential
[55:45] that these gaps are looked at.
[55:47] I'm thankful that Mr. Adams has taken the initiative
[55:49] and mobilizing community led transparency,
[55:51] transparency initiatives
[55:53] through the Human Transparency Club.
[55:55] It is vital that we establish school board
[55:57] and policy oversight, investigating district compliance,
[56:01] ensuring federal and local funding,
[56:03] directly support classroom educators and students,
[56:05] and verifying that special needs students are
[56:08] protected from discrimination.
[56:09] It is also imperative to form a local court watch, counsel
[56:13] for Judicial Accountability
[56:14] to monitor court appointed legal representation for citizens
[56:18] and ensure for access to justice.
[56:20] I thank Mr. Adams again
[56:22] for supporting citizen led initiatives
[56:23] that foster community improvement and accountability.
[56:27] I invite all concerned citizens
[56:28] and residents to join the YTC in advocating for compliance,
[56:32] transparency, and integrity across all public institutions
[56:35] serving our city.
[56:37] Thank you, Carlos Adams.
[56:53] Carlos Adams, 1410 East Palo Street.
[56:58] This Tuesday, September 22nd,
[57:00] I will be finalizing two proposals
[57:02] that I believe deserve serious consideration
[57:05] by our city council and our community.
[57:07] Number one, a city charter amendment addressing elected
[57:10] officials doing a private business
[57:12] with the city while holding office.
[57:13] Number two, the framework
[57:15] for an independent ethics commission.
[57:17] The principle behind the charter amendment is simple.
[57:20] If you are elected to serve the city,
[57:22] your public position should not create private business
[57:24] opportunities with the same city you represent.
[57:31] Sorry. Elected officials have
[57:36] access to relationships, information, influence,
[57:39] and decision makers that ordinary businesses do not
[57:43] even when conduct, even when conduct may technically comply
[57:46] with existing rules, that situation can create serious
[57:50] conflicts of interest and undermine public confidence.
[57:54] I will be emailing every member of the city council,
[57:57] the finalized charter amendment
[57:58] and Ethics Commission framework.
[58:01] I expect a response from each of you, support it, oppose it,
[58:05] propose changes, or explain your position publicly.
[58:08] If the council does not want to advance these reforms,
[58:11] then I'm prepared to use the lawful citizen initiative
[58:14] process, collect the required signatures,
[58:17] and take the question directly to the human voters.
[58:20] Either way, this issue is going
[58:21] to receive public discussion.
[58:23] Ethics should not depend on who holds office.
[58:28] The rule should protect taxpayers, elected officials,
[58:31] city employees, businesses, and the public.
[58:34] Equally, I want to bring ethics back to Yuma
[58:37] and I need your help to get there.
[58:39] So let's bring ethics back together.
[58:44] And that's all I had to say.
[58:48] That's our last speaker. Thank you very much.
[58:51] We do not have a need for an executive session. Not tonight.
[58:55] No, thank you. Very good. We've concluded our business
[58:57] so we are adjourned.