City Council Work Session City Hall - Canyon Trails Room 1 & 2 1900 N. Civic Square Goodyear, AZ 85395 |
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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Mayor Joe Pizzillo; Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton; Councilmember Wally Campbell; Councilmember Laura Kaino; Councilwoman Vicki Gillis; Councilmember Benita Beckles; Councilmember Trey Terry
- Staff Present:
- City Manager Bryan Langley; City Attorney Roric Massey; City Clerk Jasmine Pernicano
| AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION |
1.
FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN PROJECT UPDATE: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CENTER OPTIMIZATION
Kini Knudson, Deputy City Manager, introduced the item and expanded on leveraging use of technology to optimize traffic management and introduced Steve Scinto, City Engineer and Logan Hopp, Deputy City Engineer.
Mr. Scinto provided an overview of the city’s current traffic signal network, traffic management technology enhancements, and the adaptive signal timing technology pilot program.
Mr. Hopp reviewed the goals of the adaptive signal pilot program, including reducing congestion impacts, mitigating traffic delays, improving recovery time, reducing wait times, and clearing traffic more efficiently. He also reviewed current data related to the pilot program and stated that the program will be evaluated through December 2026, and during the evaluation, staff will bring forward recommendations to expand adaptive signal technology to additional intersections using funds budgeted in Fiscal Year 2027.
Council discussed the importance of continuing to use technology and working to improve traffic in the city, including fully-actuated signals and vehicle detection.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Scinto stated that Indian School Road is a coordinated corridor in the city and may be considered for adaptive signal technology after completion of the pilot program. He also provided information regarding current and future traffic detection and coordinated adaptive signal technology.
Council requested information on radar locations and traffic counts on Bullard Avenue and Indian School Road.
Mr. Scinto provided an overview of the city’s current traffic signal network, traffic management technology enhancements, and the adaptive signal timing technology pilot program.
Mr. Hopp reviewed the goals of the adaptive signal pilot program, including reducing congestion impacts, mitigating traffic delays, improving recovery time, reducing wait times, and clearing traffic more efficiently. He also reviewed current data related to the pilot program and stated that the program will be evaluated through December 2026, and during the evaluation, staff will bring forward recommendations to expand adaptive signal technology to additional intersections using funds budgeted in Fiscal Year 2027.
Council discussed the importance of continuing to use technology and working to improve traffic in the city, including fully-actuated signals and vehicle detection.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Scinto stated that Indian School Road is a coordinated corridor in the city and may be considered for adaptive signal technology after completion of the pilot program. He also provided information regarding current and future traffic detection and coordinated adaptive signal technology.
Council requested information on radar locations and traffic counts on Bullard Avenue and Indian School Road.
2.
ZONING ORDINANCE COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE
Kini Knudson, Deputy City Manager, introduced the item and spoke to the process of updating the Zoning Ordinance to modernize the code since it was last updated in 1999, and turned the presentation over to Christian Williams, Planning Manager and Kim Bradford, Deputy Development Services Director.
Mr. Williams provided an overview of the project timeline and stated that the draft plan was made available for public comment, with feedback incorporated into the final draft. He summarized proposed modifications related to battery energy storage systems, data centers, distancing requirements, noise provisions, noticing requirements, and codifying current practices. He highlighted proposed updates related to housing options, temporary signage, off-street parking standards, convenience uses, industrial and multi-family building heights, and next steps, including public hearings and Council action.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Williams provided information regarding battery energy storage system plume studies and distance requirements for industrial, commercial, and residential areas. He stated that existing users are in compliance with the proposed Zoning Ordinance changes and that Development Services is working with existing data center stakeholders. He also discussed noise studies, guidelines, and notification requirements related to backup generators, and confirmed that approved projects would not be impacted by the new ordinance.
Mr. Williams further stated that some prospective residents near entertainment areas receive disclosures regarding potential noise impacts. He clarified that manufactured homes must meet applicable design standards and underlying zoning district requirements. He also explained that the noticing distance for Planned Area Developments is 1,200 feet, or approximately one-quarter mile. He noted that the city’s consultant also worked with the County, helping ensure consistent stakeholder engagement across the region and that feedback on the draft remains current.
Council discussed touring the Pluto project, continued stakeholder engagement, temporary signage flexibility, renewable energy, community partnerships, and housing diversity.
Council thanked staff for incorporating Council comments into the draft and aligning the proposed updates with industry standards.
Mr. Williams provided an overview of the project timeline and stated that the draft plan was made available for public comment, with feedback incorporated into the final draft. He summarized proposed modifications related to battery energy storage systems, data centers, distancing requirements, noise provisions, noticing requirements, and codifying current practices. He highlighted proposed updates related to housing options, temporary signage, off-street parking standards, convenience uses, industrial and multi-family building heights, and next steps, including public hearings and Council action.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Williams provided information regarding battery energy storage system plume studies and distance requirements for industrial, commercial, and residential areas. He stated that existing users are in compliance with the proposed Zoning Ordinance changes and that Development Services is working with existing data center stakeholders. He also discussed noise studies, guidelines, and notification requirements related to backup generators, and confirmed that approved projects would not be impacted by the new ordinance.
Mr. Williams further stated that some prospective residents near entertainment areas receive disclosures regarding potential noise impacts. He clarified that manufactured homes must meet applicable design standards and underlying zoning district requirements. He also explained that the noticing distance for Planned Area Developments is 1,200 feet, or approximately one-quarter mile. He noted that the city’s consultant also worked with the County, helping ensure consistent stakeholder engagement across the region and that feedback on the draft remains current.
Council discussed touring the Pluto project, continued stakeholder engagement, temporary signage flexibility, renewable energy, community partnerships, and housing diversity.
Council thanked staff for incorporating Council comments into the draft and aligning the proposed updates with industry standards.
3.
WATER RESOURCE ALLOCATION POLICY - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE GOODYEAR CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES; CHAPTERS 1, 14, AND 18 UPDATE
Kini Knudson, Deputy City Manager, introduced the item and gave an overview of the ordinance that allows the city the ability to enact the water resources allocation policy. Mr. Knudson introduced Barbara Chappell, Water Services Director, to present and Michele Van Quathem, Water Counsel, to present.
Ms. Chappell discussed the importance of addressing potential reductions to the Colorado River and impacts to the city’s access to water resources. She stated that Council adopted the Water Resources Allocation Policy in May 2025, and the proposed ordinance would provide the mechanism to enforce the policy.
Ms. Van Quathem highlighted key provisions of the proposed ordinance, including the definition of large water users, grandfathering of existing users, the application process, and the analysis required for requests to increase water use beyond an allocation.
Ms. Chappell provided an overview of the outreach process and noted that current development agreements are not impacted as they relate to committed water use. She reviewed next steps and stated that the ordinance is scheduled to be brought forward for Council adoption on July 6, 2026.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Chappell provided an update on the city’s one-hundred-year assured water supply, stating that the city continues to work with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and is nearing a draft decision that will initiate a public comment period. She also stated that information regarding Colorado River allocations remains pending as post-2026 operating guidelines are still being developed.
Ms. Chappell explained that the city’s water policy is intended to protect existing residents and avoid over-allocating water resources for future growth. She reviewed the differences between the Water Resources Allocation Policy, Integrated Water Master Plan, the proposed ordinance, and the Comprehensive Water Strategy. She also provided information regarding existing users, redevelopment, multifamily allocations, and the new customer application process.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Van Quathem stated that stakeholder responses were considered in the policy updates and provided information regarding water sharing between parcels.
Council discussed continued stakeholder engagement, assurances for current water users, and discretion and flexibility within the guidelines. Council expressed support for the proposed ordinance, but suggested postponing adoption and requested additional information regarding small group meetings with developers, and thanked staff for their work.
Ms. Chappell discussed the importance of addressing potential reductions to the Colorado River and impacts to the city’s access to water resources. She stated that Council adopted the Water Resources Allocation Policy in May 2025, and the proposed ordinance would provide the mechanism to enforce the policy.
Ms. Van Quathem highlighted key provisions of the proposed ordinance, including the definition of large water users, grandfathering of existing users, the application process, and the analysis required for requests to increase water use beyond an allocation.
Ms. Chappell provided an overview of the outreach process and noted that current development agreements are not impacted as they relate to committed water use. She reviewed next steps and stated that the ordinance is scheduled to be brought forward for Council adoption on July 6, 2026.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Chappell provided an update on the city’s one-hundred-year assured water supply, stating that the city continues to work with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and is nearing a draft decision that will initiate a public comment period. She also stated that information regarding Colorado River allocations remains pending as post-2026 operating guidelines are still being developed.
Ms. Chappell explained that the city’s water policy is intended to protect existing residents and avoid over-allocating water resources for future growth. She reviewed the differences between the Water Resources Allocation Policy, Integrated Water Master Plan, the proposed ordinance, and the Comprehensive Water Strategy. She also provided information regarding existing users, redevelopment, multifamily allocations, and the new customer application process.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Van Quathem stated that stakeholder responses were considered in the policy updates and provided information regarding water sharing between parcels.
Council discussed continued stakeholder engagement, assurances for current water users, and discretion and flexibility within the guidelines. Council expressed support for the proposed ordinance, but suggested postponing adoption and requested additional information regarding small group meetings with developers, and thanked staff for their work.
| FUTURE MEETINGS |
Future meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
| June 22, 2026 | Council Meeting | 5:00 p.m. |
| ADJOURNMENT |
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Work Session at 6:37 p.m.
| __________________________ Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk |
__________________________ Joe Pizzillo, Mayor |
Date:___________________ |