Mayor Pizzillo called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

Mayor Pizzillo introduced City Manager Wynette Reed who kicked off the retreat and introduced Jenna Goad, Strategic Planning & Organizational Performance Manager.

Ms. Goad reviewed the objectives of the meeting, which included an overview of the strategic planning process and discussion of the Strategic Plan projects and proposed changes. She noted that all FY2025 action items have been completed, and current items remain on track for completion. Ms. Goad also explained that Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects were removed from the Strategic Plan and are now reported quarterly and reviewed and approved separately through the budget process.

City Council discussed the proposed changes to the Strategic Plan and the Draft FY2026–FY2029 Action Items.

Council reviewed and supported the additions to the Plan, with minor clarifications related to project descriptions, departmental responsibilities, and timeframes. Council also requested to hold work sessions specific to the city's tax rate policy and discuss a future special election.

Ms. Goad concluded by noting that the next steps include incorporating Council’s feedback into the updated Strategic Plan and returning it for formal adoption.

Council recessed at 2:24 p.m.

Mayor Pizzillo reconvened the Retreat at 2:37 p.m.

Ryan Bittle, Finance Manager, presented an overview of the proposed updates to utility rates for water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater services. He reviewed the rate-setting process, and provided information on cost drivers, debt service, fund balance, ongoing solvency, and rate comparisons with Valley Benchmark Cities.

Mr. Bittle explained the proposed rate adjustments include a 6.75% annual increase for water, 5.5% annual increase for wastewater, and 8.0% annual increase for solid waste for residential customers. He noted that the City does not provide commercial solid waste service. He further explained that the City’s stormwater program is currently funded by the General Fund, and the proposed fee would establish a new enterprise fee to support the program, which is proposed as a flat fee per month for residential and commercial customers. 

Council discussed Liberty Utilities' proposed rate increases, the Salt River Project (SRP) versus Central Arizona Project (CAP) water resources, the geographic differences between Goodyear and neighboring jurisdictions, and the number of lift stations and water reclamation facilities within the City's service area. 

In response to Council inquiry, Barbara Chappell, Water Services Director, explained that the proposed stormwater fees would fund current staffing, pipe cleaning and inspection, and other ongoing maintenance needs. There was consensus from Council to defer stormwater fees to the FY2028 budget discussion.  

Council requested additional information and data on the proposed rate increases, including the consultant's report and recommendations from the Citizen Water Advisory Committee.

Council thanked everyone for their time, and expressed support for the Strategic Planning process.