Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

City Manager Wynette Reed introduced the item and explained that the study was approved in FY2024 budget and staff is seeking Council direction on whether to pursue research on acquiring right-of-way and explore public private partnership opportunities.

Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Torres gave a presentation on the results of the Sports Complex Feasiblity Study. He noted that the development of the project is not currently funded and discussed the need for soccer fields and the sports complex in the community. Mr. Torres identified 129 acres of retention basins located on the north side of I-10, between Dysart Road and Bullard Avenue, that was acquired by the city for recreational purposes. Mr. Torres presented a three-phased approach and spoke about the potential costs for the development of a Goodyear Sports Complex. He then spoke about site constraints and the flood control and mitigation that would impact future development. 

Council discussed ongoing funds for operations, the number of soccer fields included in the study and expressed concern with Liberty Utilities supplying water for the fields. Council also discussed expected revenue and requested information on revenue generated from spring training.

Council expressed support for pursuing research and gathering more information including on right-of-way acquisition and potential public private partnerships. Staff is expected to bring information back to Council during the fall retreat.

City Manager Wynette Reed introduced the item. 

Human Resources Director Lyman Locket outlined the process for implementing the retiree healthcare program, detailing eligibility requirements such as disability scenarios and loss of coverage. Mr. Locket requested Council's guidance on the criteria to be included in the policy. He also presented the next steps, which included Council adopting the formal policy, approving City Manager administrative guidelines, and holding an open enrollment period to transition plan retirees, with the program set to begin on July 1, 2024.

In response to a Council inquiry, Ms. Reed explained that the disability timeframes are designed to allow individuals sufficient time to apply for Social Security benefits. She also clarified that non-work-related disabilities were included following discussions with public safety labor groups which would assist in the transition for individuals with non-work-related cancer. Ms. Reed added that work-related coverage for beneficiaries would continue until Medicare takes over, or until the beneficiary remarries or the child turns 26-years-old. Ms. Reed continued that non-work-related coverage provides beneficiaries with coverage for 36 months. Mr. Locket confirmed that the cost of coverage is shared equally between the employee and the employer, with each contributing 50%. 

Council expressed support for staff's recommendations and emphasized the importance of continuing to take care of our employees.

Finance Director Jared Askelson discussed Council discretionary funding, presenting information on the rules governing its use, current utilization, and practices in other municipalities. Mr. Askelson stated that staff is seeking Council's direction on the amount to allocate for discretionary funding. 

The Council discussed the community funding program, comparing the current funding amount to the possibility of increasing discretionary funding, and defining community outreach. They also expressed a desire for the ability to use their discretionary funds at their own discretion and requested an annual report on discretionary funding.

Mayor Pizzillo noted that there was consensus to maintain the current funding level.