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

Mayor Pizzillo turned the meeting over to City Manager Wynette Reed. Ms. Reed briefly went over the Agenda, and introduced Ryan Bittle, Finance Manager to start the FY2027 Budget Forecast presentation. 

Mr. Bittle reviewed current economic trends on a national and statewide level, and highlighted potential risks stemming from legislative changes such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, food tax impacts, and the incorporation of San Tan Valley. He also provided an overview of the economic landscape, noting Goodyear’s population growth, affordability, and building permit activity. Mr. Bittle outlined the budget process, emphasizing prioritization of the Strategic Plan, sustaining current service levels, and maintaining conservative forecasting practices. He reviewed the General Fund forecast, including ongoing and one-time revenue projections for FY2027 and their respective sources.

In response to Council inquiry regarding economic drivers related to Arizona data centers, Mr. Bittle noted that additional revenue projections will be shared with Council, including information on the city’s top sales tax revenue producers.

Council discussed programmed general obligation bonds, General Fund debt service related to the ballpark, ongoing negotiations with the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds for new contracts, and efficiency efforts related to pavement and street maintenance.

In response to Council inquiry, Wynette Reed, City Manager, recommended adding a small business loan program in the next update to the city's Strategic Plan. 

Mr. Bittle also provided information regarding a request from Councilmember Terry to reduce the secondary property tax rate by $0.01. Council expressed concerns about considering a decrease at this time due to factors such as rising costs, the commitment to expand public safety, the recent increase in water rates, and the need to remain conservative in financial planning.

Councilmember Terry stated he intends to revisit this initiative during next year’s budget review process.

Mr. Bittle concluded the presentation with an overview of the upcoming budget timeline.

Brian Issitt, Chief of Police, introduced the item and Jose Gonzales, Deputy Chief of Police, presented information regarding electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters).

Deputy Chief Gonzales provided an overview of statutory definitions, classifications, and current City Code regulations, as well as potential opportunities for local regulation. He shared information on regulations adopted by surrounding municipalities, including prohibitions, enforcement approaches, and operational provisions. He explained that staff is recommending to develop and implement a City ordinance establishing parameters for safe operation, including age restrictions, prohibiting use on sidewalks and in City parks, and requiring the use of a helmet. 

In response to Council inquiry, Kini Knudson, Deputy City Manager, explained that the Road Safety Action Plan being presented to Council will discuss widening of bike lanes. In response to Council inquiry, Deputy Chief Gonzales clarified that bicycles may use roadways when bike lanes are not present and must follow the same roadway regulations as vehicles.

Council discussed education and outreach, particularly for youth, and the importance of communicating safe riding practices and yielding to pedestrians. Council expressed interest in public education efforts, including the use of social media, and noted the growing role of e-bikes and e-scooters as a form of microtransit. Council also discussed safety concerns such as double riding on scooters, adherence to rules of the road, and whether citations could be issued by police assistants.

Council inquired about enforcement in private or gated communities, use on City trails and sidewalks, and the need to clearly define where use would be permitted or restricted, including potential updates to park rules.

Council expressed support for proceeding with a city ordinance establishing parameters for e-bikes and e-scooters to be safely operated in the city. In response to Council inquiry, Roric Massey, City Attorney, stated that further evaluation and research regarding enforcement and driving under the influence (DUI) will be conducted and, if applicable, incorporated into the ordinance.

Mayor Pizzillo recessed the Retreat at 2:59 p.m.

Mayor Pizzillo reconvened the Retreat at 3:13 p.m.

Jenna Goad, Strategic Planning and Organizational Performance Manager, presented an update on the Strategic Plan related to the Continuous Improvement Strategy. She highlighted prior recognitions and awards received by the City and explained that the strategy is intended to support a high-performing, sustainable municipal government through a maturity-based process. Ms. Goad reviewed tools and program components, including roles for senior leaders, department staff, and managers and supervisors. She also outlined the Continuous Improvement Program, which will include quarterly meetings to review performance measures and department strategic plans, monthly meetings of designated change agents, data collection and reporting, training facilitation, and coordination of rapid improvement events.

Council expressed support for the plan and discussed the value of a train-the-trainer approach, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for technology improvements. In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Goad noted that the impact of each Continuous Improvement event will be evaluated and that criteria for the training are still being developed.

Council also discussed change management and expressed concerns regarding the estimated cost of training. Ms. Goad explained that the program could move forward without additional funding; however, training represents the primary program cost. Wynette Reed, City Manager, noted the funding request would be for one-time funding.

Rachel Garcia, Deputy City Manager, introduced Christina Panaitescu, who presented an overview of the City’s grant strategy and the process for prioritizing grant opportunities for calendar year 2026.

Ms. Panaitescu reviewed the definition of a grant as outlined in the Council-adopted 2020 grant policy and highlighted guiding principles, including diversifying the City’s financial plan, relieving pressure on the General Fund, and weighing potential risks. She also reviewed the 2020 policy and recommended that the 2026 priorities focus on sustainable and attainable housing, transportation infrastructure, and water infrastructure and conservation programs.

Council discussed the ability to continue pursuing additional funding opportunities and expressed interest in expanding the priorities to include park infrastructure, economic development, small business support, and infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks and lighting. Council also discussed opportunities to pursue grant funding for public safety needs, including staffing, supplies, vehicles, and related infrastructure.

Council reached consensus to include economic development, public safety, and parks as additional focus areas within the City’s grant priorities.