City Council Special Meeting 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 Special Meeting to order at 1:00 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:
- Interim City Manager Kini Knudson; City Attorney Roric Massey; City Clerk Jasmine Pernicano
[Councilwoman Gills participated by telephone.]
| BUSINESS |
1.
APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER APPOINTMENT AND CONTRACT
Roric Massey, City Attorney, presented the item, providing an overview of the recruitment process for the City Manager, introducing Bryan Langley, and summarizing the terms of the proposed employment agreement.
MOTION BY Councilmember Wally Campbell, SECONDED BY Councilmember Laura Kaino to APPROVE the appointment of Larry Bryan Langley as the new City Manager and authorize the Mayor, or their designee, to execute the related employment agreement. The motion carried by a ROLL CALL vote 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
Mayor Pizzillo recognized Kini Knudson for his service and contributions while serving as Interim City Manager.
| WORK SESSION |
ALL ITEMS LISTED ARE FOR DISCUSSION ONLY. NO ACTION CAN NOR WILL BE TAKEN.
2.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2027 ANNUAL BUDGET AND FY2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Kini Knudson, Interim City Manager, introduced the FY2027 Recommended Budget emphasizing the city's strategic plan and conservative financial policies.
Finance Manager Ryan Bittle presented the FY2027 City Manager's Recommended Budget totaling $855.2 million, providing an overview of economic indicators, financial policies, five-year forecasts, and assumptions previously reviewed during the February 17, 2026 Council Retreat. Mr. Bittle discussed personnel recommendations which included 57.5 new full-time equivalent positions and a 5% pay increase for all non-represented employees, and associated increases for represented public safety employees per the adopted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He then reviewed supplemental requests from the City Manager's Office, Legal Services, Municipal Court, City Clerk's Office, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Digital Communications, Fire, and Police.
Council discussed supplemental staffing requests, expressed support for the Management Assistant for the City Clerk's Office but requested an evaluation of the administrative positions. Mr. Knudson explained the timing of recruiting for the Management Assistant position will be held until the new City Manager has an opportunity to review administrative positions citywide.
Council discussed the class and compensation study and reviewed internal equity, benchmarking and comprehensive study of all job descriptions.
Council inquired about leasing versus purchasing equipment, and a follow-up discussion on the supplemental process for requests not brought forward for recommendation. Brian Issitt, Chief of Police, explained the potential to utilize grant and RICO funding to support equipment purchases. Council requested additional information regarding the implementation of a drone program in coordination with the Real-Time Crime Center.
Council discussed community growth, resource needs, and the importance of retaining and supporting public safety personnel, and emphasized the need to continue pursuing funding for the drone program. Council also expressed support for body-worn camera software enhancements, including the use of artificial intelligence to streamline and expedite video review, and public safety initiatives.
Mayor Pizzillo recessed the Work Session at 2:39 p.m. and reconvened it at 2:53 p.m.
Mr. Bittle continued the review of supplemental funding requests for Development Services, Economic Development, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Water Services.
In response to Council discussion, Wendy Bridges, Economic Development Director, explained the Business Attraction Program encourages new business development within the city, while the Business Retention and Expansion Program supports the successful growth of existing businesses. Ms. Bridges also described the Innovation Center, which provides resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, noting a 29% increase in interactions attributed to a partnership with Arizona State University. Council discussed the potential for increasing requested funding for business attraction and retention efforts. Mr. Knudson indicated that a work session with the incoming City Manager would be scheduled to review the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Steve Scinto, Director of Engineering, in response to Council inquiry, reported that recent traffic counts had been completed on all major arterial roads and addressed one-time funding requests for staffing to support ongoing construction activity throughout the city. Council requested additional information from the traffic counts performed.
Council discussed staffing needs at the Ballpark and Recreation Center, as well as soccer fields to retain recreational opportunities in Goodyear. David Seid, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, provided information on staffing levels and noted that grant funding was being utilized to install shade structures at baseball fields, community parks, and pickleball courts. Mr. Knudson added that partnership opportunities for soccer fields were being explored.
Council discussed the Bullard Wash and Goodyear Recreation Campus (GRC) Phase II projects, expressing concerns related to design and requested an update at a future meeting.
Mr. Bittle presented an overview of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including updates on current projects and the five-year CIP consisting of 68 projects totaling $706.6 million across transportation, enterprise, general government, parks and ballpark, and public safety categories. He also highlighted Fiscal Year 2026 CIP accomplishments.
Council discussed project timelines, scopes, and coordination efforts to limit disruptions and maintain traffic flow during roadway improvement projects, in addition to concerns regarding congestion at the intersections of Indian School Road at Perryville Road and Indian School Road at Citrus Road. In response, Mr. Scinto described phased approaches for various projects to allow for earlier initiation.
In response to Council concerns on the timing of projects along Bullard Avenue in relation to the opening of Buc-ee’s, Mr. Knudson responded that roadway improvements associated with Buc-ee’s would be completed prior to its opening.
Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
In response to Council inquiry regarding fire station remodels, Tim Wayne, Interim Fire Chief, reported that all stations except one met current standards, and that plans were underway for improvements to the remaining station as well as a new station in Mobile.
Council discussed unfunded CIP projects and the process outlined on page 120 of the budget document. Mr. Knudson noted that staff would return to Council in future fiscal years with updated budget proposals and CIP recommendations, and he also referenced a potential policy change related to art funding.
Council discussed the ability of the new City Manager to make amendments to the recommended budget.
Mr. Bittle concluded the discussion on the FY2027 Recommended Budget highlighting next steps in the budget process.
Finance Manager Ryan Bittle presented the FY2027 City Manager's Recommended Budget totaling $855.2 million, providing an overview of economic indicators, financial policies, five-year forecasts, and assumptions previously reviewed during the February 17, 2026 Council Retreat. Mr. Bittle discussed personnel recommendations which included 57.5 new full-time equivalent positions and a 5% pay increase for all non-represented employees, and associated increases for represented public safety employees per the adopted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He then reviewed supplemental requests from the City Manager's Office, Legal Services, Municipal Court, City Clerk's Office, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Digital Communications, Fire, and Police.
Council discussed supplemental staffing requests, expressed support for the Management Assistant for the City Clerk's Office but requested an evaluation of the administrative positions. Mr. Knudson explained the timing of recruiting for the Management Assistant position will be held until the new City Manager has an opportunity to review administrative positions citywide.
Council discussed the class and compensation study and reviewed internal equity, benchmarking and comprehensive study of all job descriptions.
Council inquired about leasing versus purchasing equipment, and a follow-up discussion on the supplemental process for requests not brought forward for recommendation. Brian Issitt, Chief of Police, explained the potential to utilize grant and RICO funding to support equipment purchases. Council requested additional information regarding the implementation of a drone program in coordination with the Real-Time Crime Center.
Council discussed community growth, resource needs, and the importance of retaining and supporting public safety personnel, and emphasized the need to continue pursuing funding for the drone program. Council also expressed support for body-worn camera software enhancements, including the use of artificial intelligence to streamline and expedite video review, and public safety initiatives.
Mayor Pizzillo recessed the Work Session at 2:39 p.m. and reconvened it at 2:53 p.m.
Mr. Bittle continued the review of supplemental funding requests for Development Services, Economic Development, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Water Services.
In response to Council discussion, Wendy Bridges, Economic Development Director, explained the Business Attraction Program encourages new business development within the city, while the Business Retention and Expansion Program supports the successful growth of existing businesses. Ms. Bridges also described the Innovation Center, which provides resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, noting a 29% increase in interactions attributed to a partnership with Arizona State University. Council discussed the potential for increasing requested funding for business attraction and retention efforts. Mr. Knudson indicated that a work session with the incoming City Manager would be scheduled to review the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Steve Scinto, Director of Engineering, in response to Council inquiry, reported that recent traffic counts had been completed on all major arterial roads and addressed one-time funding requests for staffing to support ongoing construction activity throughout the city. Council requested additional information from the traffic counts performed.
Council discussed staffing needs at the Ballpark and Recreation Center, as well as soccer fields to retain recreational opportunities in Goodyear. David Seid, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, provided information on staffing levels and noted that grant funding was being utilized to install shade structures at baseball fields, community parks, and pickleball courts. Mr. Knudson added that partnership opportunities for soccer fields were being explored.
Council discussed the Bullard Wash and Goodyear Recreation Campus (GRC) Phase II projects, expressing concerns related to design and requested an update at a future meeting.
Mr. Bittle presented an overview of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including updates on current projects and the five-year CIP consisting of 68 projects totaling $706.6 million across transportation, enterprise, general government, parks and ballpark, and public safety categories. He also highlighted Fiscal Year 2026 CIP accomplishments.
Council discussed project timelines, scopes, and coordination efforts to limit disruptions and maintain traffic flow during roadway improvement projects, in addition to concerns regarding congestion at the intersections of Indian School Road at Perryville Road and Indian School Road at Citrus Road. In response, Mr. Scinto described phased approaches for various projects to allow for earlier initiation.
In response to Council concerns on the timing of projects along Bullard Avenue in relation to the opening of Buc-ee’s, Mr. Knudson responded that roadway improvements associated with Buc-ee’s would be completed prior to its opening.
Councilmember Campbell left the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
In response to Council inquiry regarding fire station remodels, Tim Wayne, Interim Fire Chief, reported that all stations except one met current standards, and that plans were underway for improvements to the remaining station as well as a new station in Mobile.
Council discussed unfunded CIP projects and the process outlined on page 120 of the budget document. Mr. Knudson noted that staff would return to Council in future fiscal years with updated budget proposals and CIP recommendations, and he also referenced a potential policy change related to art funding.
Council discussed the ability of the new City Manager to make amendments to the recommended budget.
Mr. Bittle concluded the discussion on the FY2027 Recommended Budget highlighting next steps in the budget process.
| FUTURE MEETINGS |
Future meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
| April 13, 2026 | Council Meeting | 5:00 p.m |
| EXECUTIVE SESSION |
A VOTE MAY BE HELD TO CALL AN EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE FOLLOWING:
3.
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 the city's position in connection with contracts that are the subject of negotiations associated with the GSQ district parking garage project.
MOTION BY Councilmember Laura Kaino, SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton to CONVENE an Executive Session. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Vice Mayor Brannon Hampton, Councilmember Laura Kaino, Councilwoman Vicki Gillis, Councilmember Benita Beckles, Councilmember Trey Terry
- Other:
- Councilmember Wally Campbell (Absent)
Passed - Unanimously
Council moved into Executive Session at 4:37 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Executive Session at 5:02 p.m.
RECONVENE SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Pizzillo reconvened the Special Meeting at 5:02 p.m.
| ADJOURNMENT |
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Pizzillo adjourned the Special Meeting at 5:02 p.m.
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING of the city of Goodyear, Arizona, held on April 6, 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 SPECIAL MEETING of the city of Goodyear, Arizona, held on April 6, 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