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Minutes for City Council Regular Meeting


City Council Regular Meeting
City Hall - Council Chambers
1900 N. Civic Square
Goodyear, AZ 85395
Monday, March 24, 2025 5:00 p.m. Meeting Minutes
 
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pizzillo called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
 
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Joe Pizzillo; Vice Mayor Wally Campbell; Councilmember Brannon Hampton; Councilmember Laura Kaino; Councilwoman Vicki Gillis; Councilmember Benita Beckles; Councilmember Trey Terry
Staff Present:
City Manager Wynette Reed; City Attorney Roric Massey; Acting City Clerk Jasmine Pernicano
 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION BY COUNCILMEMBER BECKLES
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS/APPEARANCES FROM THE FLOOR
Danna Kiracofe, Goodyear resident, spoke regarding the subsidy for the Ballpark. 

Jeff Redmon, Goodyear resident, spoke regarding expansion of notification for zoning changes. 

Solomon Jedidi, Goodyear resident, expressed concerns about noise coming from a nearby residence. 

Lacy Mason, Goodyear resident, expressed safety concerns related to speeding in the area near GSQ. 
 
CONSENT
 

MOTION BY Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, SECONDED BY Councilmember Laura Kaino to APPROVE Consent Agenda items 1 through 8. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:
Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Councilmember Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry

Passed - Unanimously

 
1.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve the March 3, 2025 Regular Meeting draft minutes. (Jasmine Pernicano, Acting City Clerk)
 
2.
APPROVAL OF NEW SERIES 12 (RESTAURANT) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SHAKE SHACK #1515
 
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Application No. 328352 to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for a New Series 12 (Restaurant) liquor license for Shake Shack #1515 located at 1675 N Globe Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85395. (Jasmine Pernicano, Acting City Clerk)
 
3.
APPROVAL OF NEW SERIES 12 (RESTAURANT) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE BREAKAWAY BAR & GRILL
 
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Application No. 333735 to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for a New Series 12 (Restaurant) liquor license for The Breakaway Bar & Grill located at 633 S Estrella Parkway, #105, Goodyear, AZ 85338. (Jasmine Pernicano, Acting City Clerk)
 
4.
PERMANENT EXTENSION OF PREMISES/PATIO PERMIT FOR SIP AT THE RANCH
 
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of the Permanent Extension of Premises/Patio Permit application to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for Sip At The Ranch located at 17650 W Elliott Rd. Ste A-105, Goodyear, AZ 85338. (Jasmine Pernicano, Acting City Clerk)
 
5.
APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENTS & RELATED EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY
 
RECOMMENDATION
Approve budget amendments and related expenditure authority. (Ryan Bittle, Finance Manager) 
In response to Council inquiry, Finance Director Jared Askelson explained the meaning of budget authority. 
 
6.
AUTHORIZING THE MODIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT NUMBER 11-01-008 WITHIN THE MCDOWELL ROAD COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (“MRCCID”)
 
RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-2454 APPROVING THE MODIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT NUMBER 11-01-008 WITHIN THE MCDOWELL ROAD COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. (Jared Askelson, Finance Director)
 
7.
2025 LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) GRANT APPLICATION TO RELOCATE THE DOG PARK AT GOODYEAR COMMUNITY PARK
 
RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-2455 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS (LWCF)  TO ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND TRAILS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SAID APPLICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT (IF GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED), AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE REQUIRED BUDGET TRANSFER. (IF GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED). (Christina Panaitescu, Community Partnerships Program Manager)
In response to Council inquiry, Parks & Recreation Director Nathan Torres clarified the location of the dog park and funding for the project. 
 
8.
FY2026 ARIZONA SPORTS & TOURISM AUTHORITY (AZSTA) BIENNIAL GRANT APPLICATION
 
RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-2456 AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR FY2026 ARIZONA SPORTS & TOURISM AUTHORITY BIENNIAL GRANT FUNDS TO THE ARIZONA SPORTS & TOURISM AUTHORITY, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SAID APPLICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT (IF GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED), AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE REQUIRED BUDGET TRANSFER (IF GRANT FUNDS ARE AWARDED). (Christina Panaitescu, Community Partnerships Program Manager)
 
PUBLIC HEARINGS
 
9.
FY2025-2026 ACTION PLAN FOR HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
Mayor Pizzillo opened the Public Hearing at 5:19 p.m.

Christina Panaitescu, Community Partnership Program Manager, presented an overview of past program performance and the FY26 CDBG Action Plan for public comment. She stated that the allocated funds would support the expansion of the Southwest Valley YMCA Early Learning Center program and CDBG administration.

There being no speakers, Mayor Pizzillo closed the Public Hearing at 5:25 p.m.

No action was necessary and no further discussion occurred.

 
 
10.
REZONE OF APPROXIMATELY 66.6 ACRES LOCATED NORTHWEST OF WEST CELEBRATE LIFE WAY AND NORTH LITCHFIELD ROAD, KNOWN AS CELEBRATION PLAZA
Mayor Pizzillo opened the Public Hearing at 5:26 p.m. 

Justin Gabrielson, Senior Planner, presented information on the proposed amended previously approved Planned Area Development (PAD) for the Goodyear Celebration Plaza rezone located northwest corner of Celebrate Life Way and north Litchfield Road. He provided information on the property location, neighborhood, and current commercial zoning designations, and the current restrictions that have been placed on drive through establishments.

There being no speakers, Mayor Pizzillo closed the Public Hearing at 5:28 p.m.

In response to Council's inquiry, Planning Manager, Christian Williams, provided background on the rezoning, originally planned for high-density multifamily development with limited drive through, and clarified that any changes would require a stipulation approval.

Tom Blake, representing the owner, stated they remain committed to maintaining connectivity and walkability while ensuring a successful development. Mr. Blake added that their goal is to enhance the project, but they face challenges competing with other unrestricted sites.

Council emphasized the importance of preserving the project’s original vision as a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use area and raised concerns about the increasing number of drive throughs establishments, citing constituent preferences for sit-down dining options.

Katie Wilken, Director of Development Services, stated that the applicant requested a continuance, as a denial would require a one-year wait before resubmission.

The proposed rezone was continued to a future meeting to address Council's concerns regarding the 1st Amendment to Celebration Life PAD.
 

MOTION BY Councilmember Brannon Hampton, SECONDED BY Councilmember Trey Terry to CONTINUE this item for future meeting. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:
Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Councilmember Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry

Passed - Unanimously

 
11.
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE AUDIT
Mayor Pizzillo opened the Public Hearing at 5:53 p.m.

Jared Askelson, Finance Director, presented the biennial certified audit of the city's land use assumptions, infrastructure plan, and development fees for July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024. He highlighted a growth projection variance and miscalculated fees, both of which were corrected.

In response to a Council inquiry, Mr. Askelson explained that the audit focuses on state statutes requirements and identifies opportunities to improve processes and correct errors.

There being no speakers, Mayor Pizzillo closed the Public Hearing at 5:56 p.m. 

No action was taken.
 
BUSINESS
 
12.
DISCRETIONARY FUND POLICY UPDATE AND AUTHORIZATION FOR BUDGET AMENDMENT
Jared Askelson, Finance Director, presented updates to the Discretionary Fund Policy, allowing unspent funds to carry forward for one year and adjusting allocations. Mr Askelson added this amendment reallocates contingency funds and increases discretionary fund amounts, aligning with policy guidelines and prior discussions from the February 18, 2025, Council Retreat, and will also be included in the current budget.
 

MOTION BY Councilmember Trey Terry, SECONDED BY Councilmember Laura Kaino to APPROVE the Discretionary Fund Policy update and budget amendment. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:
Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Councilmember Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry
NAY:
Vice Mayor Wally Campbell

Passed

 
13.
FISCAL YEAR 2026 ANNUAL PUBLIC ART PLAN
Guylene Ozlanski, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation, and Layne Ruiz, Arts & Culture Coordinator, with support from Lisa Paulos, Chairman of the Arts & Culture Commission presented highlights from the FY 2026 Public Art Plan, focusing on public art’s impact, goals, and key projects such as artwork at Fire Station 189, Pop Ups in the Park, new murals, expanded traffic cabinet art, and art along the Bullard Wash Trail Extension. Ms. Ruiz also mentioned future projects, including one for GSQ.

William Edmond, Goodyear resident, spoke about the possibility of organizing a Public Art Gallery for the community. 

Council expressed support and appreciation to city staff, especially for the Veteran's Tribute and the committee for their innovation and enhancement of arts and culture in the community. 
 

MOTION BY Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, SECONDED BY Councilmember Brannon Hampton to APPROVE the FY2026 Annual Public Art Plan. Motion carried as follows:

AYE:
Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Councilmember Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry

Passed - Unanimously

 
INFORMATION ITEMS
Councilmember Hampton announced the Chamber of Commerce's brand reveal and its new name, West Valley Regional Chambers.
 
FUTURE MEETINGS
Future meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
April 7, 2025 Council Meeting 5:00 p.m.
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A VOTE MAY BE HELD TO CALL AN EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE FOLLOWING:
 
14.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (5): Discussion and consultation with City Attorney for legal advice regarding the Meet and Confer Ordinance and Memorandums of Understanding with employee organizations and for discussion and consultation with the City’s designated representatives in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations with employee organizations regarding salaries, salary schedules or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits for employees of the City.
 
15.
Pursuant to ARS 38-431.03(A)(3)(4) & (7) for discussion and consultation for legal advice with the city’s attorney; for discussion or consultation with the attorneys of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its attorneys regarding the public body's position regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations; and for discussions or consultations with designated representatives of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase, sale or lease of real property involving the acquisition of land for a future park site.
 
16.
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3) & (4) for discussion and consultation for legal advice with the city’s attorney, for discussion or consultation with the attorneys for the public body to consider its position and instruct its attorneys regarding the public body’s position in pending or contemplated litigation or in settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid or resolve litigation regarding contracts related to the collection of ambulance billing matters.
 
17.
Pursuant to ARS 38-431.03(A)(3)& (4) for discussion and consultation for legal advice with the city’s attorney; for discussion or consultation with the attorneys of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its attorneys regarding the public body's position regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations regarding a possible intergovernmental agreement related to a joint public safety training facility.
 

MOTION BY Councilmember Laura Kaino, SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Wally Campbell to CONVENE an Executive Session. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:
Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Councilmember Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry

Passed - Unanimously

Council moved into Executive Session at 6:37 p.m.
 
ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Executive Session at 7:15 p.m.
 
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Pizzillo reconvened the Regular Meeting at 7:15 p.m.
 
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:16 p.m.


 
______________________________
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk
__________________________
Joe Pizzillo, Mayor

Date:___________________
 
 


CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING of the city of Goodyear, Arizona, held on March 24, 2025.  I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.

Dated this ____ day of ______________, 2025.                            SEAL:


______________________________
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk