City Council Regular Meeting City Hall - Council Chambers 1900 N. Civic Square Goodyear, AZ 85395 |
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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pizzillo called the Regular Meeting 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION BY COUNCILMEMBER BECKLES
PUBLIC COMMENTS/APPEARANCES FROM THE FLOOR
Bob Raya, Goodyear resident, requested the establishment of a city pickleball league.
Chris McLaughlin, Goodyear resident, expressed concerns regarding Flock cameras and requested the matter be placed on a future meeting agenda.
Jason Chavez expressed concerns with Flock cameras.
Chris McLaughlin, Goodyear resident, expressed concerns regarding Flock cameras and requested the matter be placed on a future meeting agenda.
Jason Chavez expressed concerns with Flock cameras.
COMMUNICATIONS
1.
RECOGNITION OF BATTALION CHIEF DARRIN GREEN'S RETIREMENT AND 24 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOODYEAR FIRE DEPARTMENT
Paul Luizzi, Fire Chief, recognized Battalion Chief Darrin Green for 24 years of service and highlighted his career accomplishments and contributions to the Goodyear Fire Department.
Darrin Green, Battalion Chief, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities to serve the City.
Council thanked Battalion Chief Green for his service and wished him well in retirement.
No action was taken.
Darrin Green, Battalion Chief, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities to serve the City.
Council thanked Battalion Chief Green for his service and wished him well in retirement.
No action was taken.
2.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING GOODYEAR LITTLE LEAGUE 11U WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Bruce Kessman, Ballpark General Manager, recognized the Goodyear Little League 11U All-Star team for winning the Arizona State Championship. Mr. Kessman highlighted the team was undefeated during the state championship, recognized the team for its determination, teamwork, and representation of Goodyear. A video showcasing the team's highlights was shown to the public.
Janet Hidalgo, Assistant to the Mayor, read a proclamation recognizing the team.
Mayor Pizzillo presented the proclamation.
No action was taken.
Janet Hidalgo, Assistant to the Mayor, read a proclamation recognizing the team.
Mayor Pizzillo presented the proclamation.
No action was taken.
| CONSENT |
MOTION BY Councilmember Laura Kaino, SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton to APPROVE Consent Agenda items 3 through 12. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Wally Campbell, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry
Passed - Unanimously
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the July 6, 2026 Regular Meeting draft minutes and August 4, 2026 Special Meeting draft minutes. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the July 6, 2026 Regular Meeting draft minutes and August 4, 2026 Special Meeting draft minutes. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
4.
APPROVAL OF NEW SERIES 12 (RESTAURANT) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR ROCK N ROLL SUSHI
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Application No. 404248 for a Series 12 (Restaurant) liquor license and Application No. 404257 for an Interim Permit to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, for Rock N Roll Sushi located at 15611 W. McDowell Road, Suite 110, Goodyear, AZ 85395. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Application No. 404248 for a Series 12 (Restaurant) liquor license and Application No. 404257 for an Interim Permit to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, for Rock N Roll Sushi located at 15611 W. McDowell Road, Suite 110, Goodyear, AZ 85395. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
5.
APPROVAL OF SERIES 12 (RESTAURANT) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR FEDERICO'S MEXICAN FOOD
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Application No. 406216 to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Series 12 (Restaurant) liquor license for Federico's Mexican Food located at 2455 N. Pebblecreek Parkway, Goodyear, AZ 85395. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of Application No. 406216 to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Series 12 (Restaurant) liquor license for Federico's Mexican Food located at 2455 N. Pebblecreek Parkway, Goodyear, AZ 85395. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
6.
PERMANENT EXTENSION OF PREMISES/PATIO PERMIT FOR LAKESIDE GRILL ESTRELLA
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of a Permanent Extension of Premises/Patio Permit application to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for Lakeside Grill Estrella, liquor license No. 012070002030, located at 17665 W. Elliot Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85338. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of a Permanent Extension of Premises/Patio Permit application to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for Lakeside Grill Estrella, liquor license No. 012070002030, located at 17665 W. Elliot Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85338. (Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk)
7.
APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENTS AND RELATED EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of budget amendments and related expenditure authority (administrative award) for expenditures exceeding $500,000. (Ryan Bittle, Deputy Finance Director)
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of budget amendments and related expenditure authority (administrative award) for expenditures exceeding $500,000. (Ryan Bittle, Deputy Finance Director)
8.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT ONE TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) WITH MARICOPA COUNTY FOR THE GOODYEAR POLICE DEPARTMENT (GYPD) RECRUIT TRAINING
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Amendment One to the IGA with Maricopa County, and provide authorization and direction to the Mayor, or their designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. (Brian Issitt, Chief of Police)
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Amendment One to the IGA with Maricopa County, and provide authorization and direction to the Mayor, or their designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. (Brian Issitt, Chief of Police)
9.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACQUISITIONS OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY INTERESTS NEEDED FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) #30014 - FIRE STATION 187 (MOBILE) REMODEL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-2534 Authorizing the acquisition of Real and Personal property interests needed for CIP #30014 - Fire Station 187 (Mobile) Remodel Improvements Project. (Colton Blyle, Real Estate Specialist)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-2534 Authorizing the acquisition of Real and Personal property interests needed for CIP #30014 - Fire Station 187 (Mobile) Remodel Improvements Project. (Colton Blyle, Real Estate Specialist)
10.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER FOR ANNUAL EXPENDITURE LIMITATION REPORTS FOR FISCAL YEARS (FY) 2026 AND 2027
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-2535 Designating the Chief Fiscal Officer for officially submitting the Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Annual Expenditure Limitation Report to the Arizona Auditor General. (Laura Calder, Director of Finance)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-2535 Designating the Chief Fiscal Officer for officially submitting the Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Annual Expenditure Limitation Report to the Arizona Auditor General. (Laura Calder, Director of Finance)
11.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) WITH THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR MUTUAL AID
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-2536 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Gila River Indian Community for Mutual Aid Response for Fire Protection and Other Emergency Services. (Paul Luizzi, Fire Chief)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-2536 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Gila River Indian Community for Mutual Aid Response for Fire Protection and Other Emergency Services. (Paul Luizzi, Fire Chief)
12.
ORDINANCE CREATING A CUSTOMER SERVICE & INNOVATION DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-1653 Amending Goodyear City Code Section 3-1-5 (Department Heads) creating a Customer Service & Innovation Department; providing for corrections, severability and declaring an emergency. (Bryan Langley, City Manager)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-1653 Amending Goodyear City Code Section 3-1-5 (Department Heads) creating a Customer Service & Innovation Department; providing for corrections, severability and declaring an emergency. (Bryan Langley, City Manager)
| PUBLIC HEARINGS |
13.
RESOLUTION APPROVING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DESERT RAINBOW SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION FACILITY
Mayor Pizzillo opened the public hearing at 5:33 p.m.
Ann Dolmage, Principal Planner, presented a request for a Special Use Permit for Desert Rainbow, a solar energy generation facility, on approximately 5,050 acres in South Goodyear. Ms. Dolmage reviewed the project layout, solar generation, battery energy storage components and notated the preservation of approximately 730 acres associated with Waterman Wash. She provided details on the screening and setbacks, access to the site, including emergency response, utility needs, hazard mitigation, and biological study results. She reviewed the project lifespan, decommissioning plan and provided the results of an economic study.
Ms. Dolmage summarized the public notification process and noted that 14 resident comments had been received. She also reviewed staff’s recommendation, which was consistent with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation.
Andrew Yancey, attorney with Bergin, Frakes, Smalley and Oberholtzer, on behalf of the applicant, presented information regarding the utility grid, project details, site plan and economic and community benefits.
Anna Smith, representing Arizona Public Service, spoke in support of the added value the SRP project will provide.
Kristiana Faddoul-Pepper, expressed support for the project.
Manuel Gutierrez, on behalf of Veteran Power America, and Ashley Carroll did not wish to speak, but supported the project.
There being no other speakers present, Mayor Pizzillo closed the public hearing at 5:58 p.m.
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk, read Resolution No. 2026-2537 by title only.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Dolmage clarified that the project would not change the existing General Plan designation and provided information regarding open space, zoning, public notification, a letter of support from Arizona Public Service, and the anticipated project timeline.
Mr. Yancey provided information on the privately owned parcels located within the project site, decommissioning plan, current cattle leases, land ownership, and fire safety in response to Council inquiry.
Paul Luizzi, Fire Chief, responded to Council inquiry regarding the emergency and fire response, and a project-specific risk assessment would be completed when the applicant develops an emergency response plan.
Councilmember Terry requested additional information on the decommissioning and emergency response plan as it is finalized.
Vice Mayor Hampton inquired about the access to the Quartz Peak trailhead.
In response to Council inquiry, Brendan Cuffe, Senior Manager, AES Corporation, provided details of the large scale fire tests that are performed during the certification process to minimize risks.
Councilmember Beckles stated the benefits and concerns associated with the proposed project, including renewable energy.
Katie Wilken, Director of Development Services, provided information regarding the location of a future roadway extending south toward Mobile.
Council discussed property access, decommissioning, wildlife, fire mitigation, lighting, renewable energy, financial assurances, and community benefits.
Ann Dolmage, Principal Planner, presented a request for a Special Use Permit for Desert Rainbow, a solar energy generation facility, on approximately 5,050 acres in South Goodyear. Ms. Dolmage reviewed the project layout, solar generation, battery energy storage components and notated the preservation of approximately 730 acres associated with Waterman Wash. She provided details on the screening and setbacks, access to the site, including emergency response, utility needs, hazard mitigation, and biological study results. She reviewed the project lifespan, decommissioning plan and provided the results of an economic study.
Ms. Dolmage summarized the public notification process and noted that 14 resident comments had been received. She also reviewed staff’s recommendation, which was consistent with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation.
Andrew Yancey, attorney with Bergin, Frakes, Smalley and Oberholtzer, on behalf of the applicant, presented information regarding the utility grid, project details, site plan and economic and community benefits.
Anna Smith, representing Arizona Public Service, spoke in support of the added value the SRP project will provide.
Kristiana Faddoul-Pepper, expressed support for the project.
Manuel Gutierrez, on behalf of Veteran Power America, and Ashley Carroll did not wish to speak, but supported the project.
There being no other speakers present, Mayor Pizzillo closed the public hearing at 5:58 p.m.
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk, read Resolution No. 2026-2537 by title only.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Dolmage clarified that the project would not change the existing General Plan designation and provided information regarding open space, zoning, public notification, a letter of support from Arizona Public Service, and the anticipated project timeline.
Mr. Yancey provided information on the privately owned parcels located within the project site, decommissioning plan, current cattle leases, land ownership, and fire safety in response to Council inquiry.
Paul Luizzi, Fire Chief, responded to Council inquiry regarding the emergency and fire response, and a project-specific risk assessment would be completed when the applicant develops an emergency response plan.
Councilmember Terry requested additional information on the decommissioning and emergency response plan as it is finalized.
Vice Mayor Hampton inquired about the access to the Quartz Peak trailhead.
In response to Council inquiry, Brendan Cuffe, Senior Manager, AES Corporation, provided details of the large scale fire tests that are performed during the certification process to minimize risks.
Councilmember Beckles stated the benefits and concerns associated with the proposed project, including renewable energy.
Katie Wilken, Director of Development Services, provided information regarding the location of a future roadway extending south toward Mobile.
Council discussed property access, decommissioning, wildlife, fire mitigation, lighting, renewable energy, financial assurances, and community benefits.
MOTION BY Councilmember Trey Terry, SECONDED BY Councilmember Laura Kaino to ADOPT Resolution No. 2026-2537 Approving the Special Use Permit for an Energy Generation Facility with an accessory use of a battery energy storage system located on approximately 5,050 acres generally extending north to south from the Queen Creek Road alignment to the Patterson Road alignment, and west to east from Waterman Wash to the 139th Avenue alignment. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Wally Campbell, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Trey Terry
- NAY:
- Councilmember Benita Beckles
Passed
14.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AREA AND AUTHORIZING COST RECOVERY FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) PROJECT #42026 - ESTRELLA PARKWAY: VINEYARD ROAD TO MC85 (ESTRELLA BRIDGE)
Mayor Pizzillo opened the Public Hearing at 6:42 p.m.
Logan Hopp, Deputy Director of Engineering - Transportation, presented a request to establish a Special Public Improvement Cost Recovery Area for the Estrella Parkway widening project. Mr. Hopp reviewed the purpose and process for cost recovery, the proposed roadway and Estrella bridge improvements, property and utility requirements, construction timing, and the allocation of costs among eight undeveloped parcels owned by three property owners. The total project cost was estimated at approximately $114 million, with proposed maximum cost recovery across the eight parcels of $20,845,000.
Noel Carter, representing Pioneer 2005 LLC, expressed concerns regarding the cost should the owners sell the property for future development.
There being no other speakers present, Mayor Pizzillo closed the public hearing at 6:51 p.m.
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk, read Resolution No. 2026-2538 by title only.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Hopp, explained that cost recovery allows the City to advance roadway improvements before adjacent properties develop. He also discussed communication with affected property owners, the 15-year cost recovery period, parcel zoning, and the proposed separated bike lane on Estrella Bridge.
Roric Massey, City Attorney, responded to Mayor Pizzillo’s inquiry that a road adjacent to a property is a condition of development and different from impact fees.
In response to Council's inquiry, Laura Calder, Director of Finance, explained that recovered funds would be returned to the city budget.
Council expressed support for the proposed cost recovery and discussed its purpose and timing, impacts on undeveloped properties, and anticipated project benefits.
Logan Hopp, Deputy Director of Engineering - Transportation, presented a request to establish a Special Public Improvement Cost Recovery Area for the Estrella Parkway widening project. Mr. Hopp reviewed the purpose and process for cost recovery, the proposed roadway and Estrella bridge improvements, property and utility requirements, construction timing, and the allocation of costs among eight undeveloped parcels owned by three property owners. The total project cost was estimated at approximately $114 million, with proposed maximum cost recovery across the eight parcels of $20,845,000.
Noel Carter, representing Pioneer 2005 LLC, expressed concerns regarding the cost should the owners sell the property for future development.
There being no other speakers present, Mayor Pizzillo closed the public hearing at 6:51 p.m.
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk, read Resolution No. 2026-2538 by title only.
In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Hopp, explained that cost recovery allows the City to advance roadway improvements before adjacent properties develop. He also discussed communication with affected property owners, the 15-year cost recovery period, parcel zoning, and the proposed separated bike lane on Estrella Bridge.
Roric Massey, City Attorney, responded to Mayor Pizzillo’s inquiry that a road adjacent to a property is a condition of development and different from impact fees.
In response to Council's inquiry, Laura Calder, Director of Finance, explained that recovered funds would be returned to the city budget.
Council expressed support for the proposed cost recovery and discussed its purpose and timing, impacts on undeveloped properties, and anticipated project benefits.
MOTION BY Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton, SECONDED BY Councilmember Trey Terry to ADOPT Resolution No. 2026-2538 Approving and establishing a Special Public Improvement Project Area that includes properties receiving special benefits from improvements to widen Estrella Parkway and authorizing the City to recover an allocated share of the costs of the special public improvements from the owners of the specially benefited properties. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Wally Campbell, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry
Passed - Unanimously
| INFORMATION ITEMS |
Council provided updates on events and thanked staff for the work associated with the Goodyear Little League championship and other community activities, promoted upcoming 9/11 events and showed appreciation to the Goodyear Police and Fire response following a recent traffic accident.
Bryan Langley, City Manager, welcomed Council back following the summer break and introduced James Smith, Director of Economic Development. Mr. Langley noted that additional recruitment updates would be provided to Council in the near future.
Bryan Langley, City Manager, welcomed Council back following the summer break and introduced James Smith, Director of Economic Development. Mr. Langley noted that additional recruitment updates would be provided to Council in the near future.
| FUTURE MEETINGS |
Future meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
| September 14, 2026 | Council Meeting | 5:00 p.m. |
| EXECUTIVE SESSION |
A VOTE MAY BE HELD TO CALL AN EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE FOLLOWING:
15.
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3) & (4): For legal advice and consultation and to consider its position and to provide instruction/direction to City Attorney and City Manager regarding city's position in connection with contracts that are the subject of negotiations associated with Spring Training facilities.
MOTION BY Councilmember Laura Kaino, SECONDED BY Councilmember Benita Beckles to CONVENE an Executive Session. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Wally Campbell, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry
Passed - Unanimously
Council moved into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m
ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Executive Session at 8:05 p.m.
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Pizzillo reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8:05 p.m.
| ADJOURNMENT |
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:05 p.m.
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 August 31, 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this ____ day of ______________, 2026. SEAL:
______________________________
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk
| ______________________________ 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 August 31, 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this ____ day of ______________, 2026. SEAL:
______________________________
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk