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

Sumeet Mohan, Public Works Director, introduced two items for discussion: the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Pavement Management Projects and the city’s Pavement Management Philosophy. Mr. Mohan noted that the projects are already funded in the approved FY2026 budget, which included a budget increase for pavement projects. He then introduced Brian Harvel, Streets Superintendent, who presented on the pavement projects.

Mr. Harvel reported that the approved budget provides for treatment of 55 lane miles using liquid road, micro seal, or mill and overlay. He noted that a full condition assessment of the city’s paved road network will be conducted, along with an inventory of ADA ramps. He briefly reviewed treatment types and their benefits and presented a map showing project locations throughout the city.

Mr. Mohan then reviewed the city’s pavement management philosophy, noting assets such as paved and unpaved roadways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, ramps, and bridges. Mr. Harvel explained the use of the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to evaluate the city’s streets, presented data reflecting ten years of continuous improvement, and outlined the rating cycle: arterial and collector roads every three years, residential roads every six years, with a full network assessment scheduled for FY2026. He also compared cost projections from FY2020 to FY 2026, noting that level funding combined with rising material costs has resulted in fewer lane miles being treated each year.

In response to Council's inquiry, Mr. Harvel stated that micro seal projects typically take about three weeks, are completed one lane at a time, and are coordinated with school breaks to minimize traffic impacts. He added that roads are assessed every three to six years for PCI, with interim annual inspections.

Council emphasized the importance of investing in roadway infrastructure, noting it is “paid for now or paid for later,” and requested follow-up information on what would be required to achieve 100 miles of pavement projects.

Steve Scinto, Director of Engineering, provided an overview of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Strategic Plan update on public transit, noting the evaluation of funding and service levels, and introduced Christine McMurdy, Project Management Coordinator, to present. 

Ms. McMurdy reviewed the transit services available in Goodyear, funding sources, and the WeRIDE microtransit program. She reported that local and express bus service is funded through regional transportation sales tax revenues, while paratransit is supported by regional sales tax, federal funding, Arizona Lottery funds, and the city’s General Fund. She further explained that WeRIDE is funded by the city’s General Fund and digital marquee revenues. 

She highlighted key transit facilities, including the Goodyear Park-and-Ride, bus shelters, and digital marquees, and noted revenues generated through advertising agreements. She indicated high satisfaction with WeRIDE, with most riders using the service for work and shopping, and many relying on it due to limited access to a personal vehicle.

Ms. McMurdy stated that Goodyear and Avondale are in the fourth year of a five-year contract with TransDev for WeRIDE operations and that staff are exploring a potential partnership with Valley Metro after the contract concludes in FY2027 to reduce costs. She added that additional information will be provided to Council in Spring 2026 to support budget discussions.

Council inquired about fare payment and the need for exact change. Ms. McMurdy responded that the WeRIDE operators are allowed to give passengers a one-time pass but enforce the fare on subsequent trips. She also noted the transition from Proposition 400 to Proposition 479, which is being managed by MAG, stating that the 479 plan will be in place before any major service changes are considered. Council requested ridership metrics, statistics, and the number of unique Goodyear residents using the services. Council also asked about potential integration of WeRIDE with Valley Metro. Ms. McMurdy stated that integration is under review by a Valley Metro consultant at this time but emphasized maintaining service quality while monitoring costs. In response to a question about age requirements, Ms. McMurdy explained that children 12 and under must be accompanied by a guardian. She added that staff are analyzing possible areas for future service expansion. Council further asked about the ADA eligibility process. Ms. McMurdy stated that Valley Metro is working on a west valley facility and also conducts remote eligibility assessments.