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

Council discussed resource allocation, the role of IT in city operations, and specific concerns such as cellular at Fire Stations. Ms. Faison explained how ITIL certification is used to prioritize projects and emphasized collaboration with departments on project timelines. She noted that repeaters have been installed at Fire Stations to improve cellular service, and the IT department budgets for both new personnel and the routine replacement of equipment through an asset management program.

Council emphasized the urgency of addressing HHW storage, requested a Fire Marshal evaluation for fire safety, and inquired about current disposal methods. In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Mohan explained that the city contracts with a hazardous waste company for pickup and hosts two disposal events annually for residents.

Council discussed funding options—including user fees, enterprise funds, potential bond capacity, and interim solutions such as larger trailers and temporary HHW storage—as well as proposed site constraints. There was Council consensus to move forward with the design phase of the Municipal Operations Complex.

Finance Director Jared Askelson and Water Services Director Barbara Chappell presented an update on a potential stormwater fee to be considered as part of the 2026 utility rate adjustment, which was included as an action item in the city's FY2025-2028 Strategic Plan. Mr. Askelson explained that Goodyear’s stormwater system protects against flooding and pollution, noting that maintenance and expansion must keep pace with growth. He reviewed prior actions, including a 2020 proposal that was deferred during the pandemic, and provided an overview of the process to establish a stormwater fee, which could be considered with the upcoming utility rate discussions. He further explained that while Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste are funded through enterprise fees, the stormwater program currently relies on the General Fund, creating competition with other priorities. He added that establishing a dedicated fee would provide a stable funding source and free up General Fund capacity.

Mr. Askelson outlined options for full cost recovery by 2027 or a phased approach through 2029, noting the Citizen Water Advisory Committee's recommendation to phase in the fee while acknowledging committee members concerns about residential impacts.

Council inquired about stormwater maintenance, which Ms. Chappell said relies heavily on contractors, and asked about fee applicability, with Mr. Askelson clarifying it would apply to all city accounts, with Liberty assisting in collections. Council discussed the proposed fees, expressing concerns about the potential monthly impact. Mr. Askelson emphasized that no action is being taken at this time. There was Council consensus to direct staff to include a phased stormwater fee in the notice of intention scheduled for action at the September 22, 2025, Council Meeting.