Town Council - Regular Meeting

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Call order regular town council meeting April 23rd. 2026 clerk, please call the role. Council member Lopez, present. Council member Kio, present. Council member Finne, Council Member Greer, here. Council member Schumacher, present. Vice Mayor Searcher, here. Mayor Poden, here. We have a quorum. Thank you, ma'am. This time, I'd like to welcome down Pastor Cheetah for invocation and our pledge of allegiance. Please stand if you can.

Welcome, ma'am. Thank you, council. I would just like take to take a moment um to acknowledge Karm Staker and K9 Mack who we both lost last week. And if we could just for a moment just take a moment of silence please. Thank you. Karm Staker was uh from my understanding was an amazing mayor that served here for a long time and uh she brought a lot to this community. So we just want to honor her service to this town and to this community. Uh K9 Mack was also an amazing servant and so today we want to remember just what he has done for his family and for the lives that he has touched in this area as well. So tonight I just want to read these scriptures. Um, Philippians 1:3 says, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, says Psalm 34:18." And Revelation 21:4 says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." So tonight, Lord, we thank you for Karm's life, for all she that she contributed to our community, for being an example of a faithful servant. We ask that you'd comfort her family and that we would not forget her legacy. Thank you for K9 Mack that that you created creatures that became like family to us that work alongside our officers to protect our communities. Be with Officer Ellison and his family as they grieve and be with our police members also as they remember the accomplishments of Mac's uh service to us. Finally, Lord, we ask that you'd be with us this evening. bring order, fill this place with your peace, and give our leaders wisdom. We thank you for your presence here tonight in your name. Amen.

And if you could join me for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, ma'am. Next up, item three. Can I get approval of the agenda as presented or get a motion, please? So moved. Can I second? I'll second. Please call a vote.

Council member Schumanker. Yes, that passes unanimously. Mayor,

thanks, ma'am. Next up, proclamations. First one up is administrative professionals day. Whereas administrative professionals day provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedicated administrative professionals who play a vital role in the success of municipal operations. And whereas the administrative professionals of the town of Presca Valley serve as a cornerstone of organizational excellence by providing critical support to all departments. And whereas these professionals demonstrate exceptional skill in coordinating meetings and events, managing complex schedules, preparing official communications and records, and delivering responsive and curious of service to residents and stakeholders. And whereas their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to public service ensure the efficient and effective delivery of town services. And whereas administrative professionals consistently embody the town of Presca Valley's core values of fun, integrity, respect, service excellence, and teamwork, contributing to a positive workplace culture and strong community relationships. And whereas their willingness to go above and beyond their daily responsibilities reflects their dedication to supporting colleagues, leadership, and the community they proudly serve. Now therefore, I kea mayor of the town of Prrisca Valley to hereby proclaim April 22nd, 2026 as administrative professionals day. Thank you. On behalf of the administrative team here at the town of Prescuit Valley, we are honored to accept this proclamation. The work we do is often behind the scenes, yet it plays a vital role in keeping our organization running smoothly and supporting the services of our community. Uh, every day we are

proud to serve with professionalism, integrity, service excellence, and teamwork, the values that reflect those of the town of Presca Valley. Thank you for recognizing and celebrating the contributions of the town of Presca Valley Administrative Professionals team. picture. We'll just work our way over this way this way. And while we're setting up for a picture, let there be no doubt that these ladies are the true glue that holds the town of Presca Valley together when it comes to operations. So, they truly are amazing with what they do. And uh we're so lucky to have them. Come on, ladies. Awesome.

Thank you. Next up, National Volunteers Week, Dignity Health YMC Proclamation. Come on up, everyone.

Whereas the health and well-being of our community depend not only on the dedication of health care professionals, but also on the generosity and compassion of volunteers who give their time and talents to serve others. And whereas the volunteers of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, both human and K-9, play a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and healing environment for patients, families, visitors, and hospital staff. And whereas volunteers generously contribute countless hours assisting patients, guiding visitors, offering prayers, supporting hospital teams, and providing comfort during moments when kindness and reassurance matter most. And we're a certified therapy dogs and their handlers provide a special form of healing by bringing comfort, calm, and joy to patients and caregivers alike, reminding us that compassion can come on both two legs and four. And whereas in a small community hospital setting, these volunteers represent the very best of our community spirit. Neighbors helping neighbors and demonstrating the power of service, empathy, and connection. And whereas through their dedication and selfless service, these volunteers help ensure that patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time, delivered with warmth and humanity. Now, therefore, I, Mayor Kpagur, on behalf of the town of Presca Valley, do hereby recognize and honor the remarkable volunteers of Dignity Health Yabapai Regional Medical Center for their compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Thank you.

I want to first off by uh start by acknowledging Paul Mayor Paul Guda for wearing purple. Thank you for rocking purple for us today. Very fashionable. On behalf of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, we're so thankful for this opportunity to spotlight our amazing volunteers. I have always believed that there is one currency that is much more valuable than money and that is time. You could always make money, but you could never make time back. and our volunteers here. That's what they commit every single time. They commit their time, their gifts and talents to our ministry and to our community. And we're just so grateful for that. And thank you to our mayor and council members for giving us this acknowledgement. And we're so blessed to have um this recognition today. Okay.

Okay. Ready? Good. One, two, three. Next up, Rotary World Immunization Week Proclamation.

Whereas Rotary International and its global partners have worked for decades to protect the world's children from vaccinereventable diseases through education, advocacy, and access to life-saving immunizations. And whereas immunizations are recognized as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions in history, preventing millions of deaths and long-term illnesses each year. And whereas Rotary's unwavering commitment to global health has played a central role in the dramatic reduction of polio worldwide and continues to strengthen health systems that protect communities from emerging and existing infectious diseases. And whereas Rotary clubs across our community contribute to their time, skills, and resources to support immunization campaigns, raise awareness, and promote equitable access to vaccines for all people, regardless of geography or circumstance. And whereas Rotary World Immunization Week, observed annually in April, highlights the ongoing need for public engagement, education, and collaborative action to protect vulnerable populations and promote a healthier future for all. Now, therefore, I, Kel Pelguda, mayor of the town of Prescuit Valley, Arizona, do hereby proclaim the week of April 24th through 30th, 2026 as Rotary World Immunization Week in the town of Prescat Valley. And I encourage all residents to recognize the vital important importance of immunizations and to support the efforts of Rotary and other organizations working to keep our communities safe and healthy.

One minute.

Good evening, mayor, council members, and members of the public. Thank you for this recognition and for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Prescuit Valley. For more than 35 years, Rotary has led one of the most successful humanitarian efforts in modern history. Through our Polio Plus program, we've helped push polio to the brink of eradication, more than 99% worldwide production. What was once a global crisis is now confined to just a handful of hard-to-reach areas, primarily in Pakistan. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because ordinary people chose to show up, organize, and stay committed for decades. That success proves something important. When people come together with discipline and purpose, even the biggest problems can be solved. And now, Rotary is applying the same model to our next mission, fighting malaria, it remains one of the deadliest diseases in the world, but it's entirely preventable. Through simple, scalable efforts like bed nets, education, and local engagement, we are working to reduce its impact and save lives. This is what Rotary does. We take on problems that seem too big, and we solve them step by step through service, persistence, and community. Here in Prescuit Valley, we're proud to be part of that effort, providing that local action can drive global results. And here's the bottom line. Polio didn't disappear because of talk. It disappeared because people took responsibility and acted. Malaria is next and the only question is whether more people like you all will step forward and be part of finishing the job. Thank you very much.

Next up, Arbor Day Proclamation.

Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees. And whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. And whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious top soils by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees, wherever planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now therefore, I, Kel Pelguda, mayor of the town of Prescat Valley, Arizona, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the town of Prescat Valley. And I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day, and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. And further, I encourage all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.

Thank you, Mayor, Council. Um, we are excited to be hosting our annual Arbor Day event at Quailwood Park tomorrow. That'll be at 10:00 a.m. We'll be hosting 25 students from Bradshaw Mountain Middle School. Teach them the proper planting techniques. We'll be planting five trees out there. Um, also have some fun earth week related activities that Ryan's hosting. So, really excited for that. 10:00 a.m. to noon tomorrow at Quailwood Park. Next up, National Travel and Tourism Week. Whereas travel and tourism plays a vital role in Prescuit Valley's economy, supporting local businesses, generating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. And whereas Prescuit Valley is a welcoming and vibrant community that values connection, opportunity, and a strong sense of place, making it an attractive destination for visitors and a source of pride for residents. And whereas our community's parks, trails, events, arts, and recreational amenities reflect Prescat Valley's commitment to healthy living, family-friendly experiences, and lifelong enjoyment. And whereas tourism strengthens our local economy by supporting small businesses, restaurants, lodging establishments, and community partners while also contributing to essential public services and infrastructure. And whereas the town of Prescat Valley embraces collaboration, innovation, and stewardship in promoting sustainable tourism that preserves our natural beauty and enhances community well-being. And whereas National Travel and Tourism Week provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of those

who work in and support the tourism and hospitality industry and to celebrate the positive impact visitors have on our community. Now therefore, I, Kel Pelguda, mayor of the town of Prescuit Valley, do here proclaim the week of May 3rd through 9th, 2026 as National Travel and Tourism Week in the town of Prescuit Valley and encourage residents, businesses, and visitor visitors alike to recognize and celebrate the importance of tourism and enriching our community, strengthening our economy, and showcasing the spirit of Presca Valley.

I just want to say a couple of things. First of all, it's a team effort. Thank you to everybody that contributes to the tourism vitality of this town. We want to encourage it to be a live, work, play community and have have some fun. So, thank you and thank you Diana Sodto for leading the charge. We appreciate you.

Thank you. Thank you. One more time. And finally, 57th annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week proclamation.

Mr. Mayor, I appreciate the opportunity to read this one for the 57th annual professional municipal clerk's week. Whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk, a timehonored and vital part of local government, exists throughout the world. And whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants. And whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels. And whereas professional municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all. And whereas the professional municipal clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. And whereas professional municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the office of the professional m municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county, and international professional organizations. And whereas it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the office of the professional municipal clerk. Now therefore, I, Kell Palguda, mayor of the town of Presca Valley, do recognize the week of May 3 through 9, 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerk's Week, and further extend appreciation to all professional municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, council members, members of the public, and thank you, Ivan, for showing off your

clerk skill and reading the proclamation. Um, uh, we, uh, want to, uh, thank you guys for the recognition. I want to thank my staff. Um we have our admin Emily um and our record specialist Sarah and my right-hand uh deputy Marissa Greenwood um who you know are hard workers and show dedication um to you know clerk related duties. Um I also did notice that um tourism and travel week is the same week as clerk week. So maybe we should combine that and like go visit other clerk's offices in the state. Um and so yeah, just want to thank you guys for the proclamation. Thank you.

Next up, call the public. At this time, members of the public may comment on matters listed on the agenda or solely on matters within the jurisdiction of the town. Any persons wishing to address the council must register their name with the town clerk prior to the commencement of the meeting. At the conclusion of call to the public, the council may respond to criticism, ask staff to review a matter commented upon, or ask that a matter be put on a future agenda. Such remarks shall be limited to three minutes unless additional time is granted by the mayor. Clerk, mayor, we have two people register for call to the public. We have Karen Losano and Joe Colossimo.

Karen, ladies first. There Karen out there. Doesn't appear to be. And the second name I see you waving that off as well. No. All right, moving on. Item six. Let me let me just say this is a first, folks, that we have not had pull the public in a long time. Next up, council communications. starting on my end.

I just wanted to let you know that um the police station just uh started a a Prescat Valley dog walker program uh like a neighborhood watch for dog walkers and so if anybody wants more information uh reach out there. They had a training session today and it it was pretty cool. Vice Mayor, Councilwoman,

um I just want to address some of the uh comments that I've seen on social medias about MAC and what we plan on doing, what council plans on doing, what the police department plans on doing. Um I just want to assure the public that as soon as we find out any information, we will pass that on. They are looking into it and they're trying to figure out exactly what they're going to be doing. So, we're going to follow the lead of the police department and as soon as we know, we will let everybody else know.

Thank you, ma'am. Moving on to item eight, consent agenda. All matters. No, he doesn't have anything. All matters listed under consent agenda are considered routine by the town council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered separately. Council, we've had a chance to review item 8, A, and B. Can I get a motion to approve? Mr. May, I'll make a motion to approve all items listed under consent agenda by electronic vote. A second. Please call vote. That passes items. The mayor.

Thank you, ma'am. Next up, item 9A, ordinance number 2026-978 amending town code chapter 6, animals to prohibit outdoor feeding of wildlife. This is a second reading. Do we have any council? Do we have any questions or comments for staff?

Seeing none, clerk. Ordinance number 2026978, an ordinance of the mayor and common council of the town of Presca Valley, a municipal corporation of Arizona, repealing and reenacting section 6-2-40 reserved in article 6-2 special animal regulations and chapter 6 animals of the town code to prohibit the unlawful feeding of wildlife providing that all other chapters, articles, and sections of the town code not here and repeal or amended shall remain in full force and effect. Providing that if any provision in this ordinance is held in valid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provision shall not be effective shall continue in full force and effect. And providing that this ordinance shall be effective 30 days after its passage and approval according to law.

Thank you, ma'am. Shall this ordinance pass? Mayor, that passes unanimously. Thank you, ma'am. Next up, resolution number 2026-2450 approving amendment to Arizona Water Infrastruct Infrastructure Finance Authority loan agreement 942036-26 and grant for storm water recharge and field trials project. Mr. Wadsworth.

Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. I thought this was going to be really straightforward, but it just got a little bit um messy. So, bear with me for a second. Um so this um amendment to this loan agreement for WHIPA as you're aware this is for the storm water field trial projects and a little it's a little bit different from what normally loans money for. Normally it's a construction project. It has to be on your own property. It has to be for a physical asset that you're going to have. In this case it's not on our own property. It's going to be temporary and once it's over this this everything goes away. Um, and so there were some provisions in the original agreement that were specifically not related to what we were doing, but were related to a real construction project. And we were working with WIFFA to eliminate those provisions, which was in section 2.9 of the agreement. And we thought we had agreement, an email saying, "Okay, we're going to get rid of section 2.9." Uh the amendment that they sent to us and that's in your packet specifically says section 2.9.5 which is only one part of the whole section that needs to get removed. I believe so with the concurrence of our attorney um what we'd like you to do is approve the amendment to eliminate section 2.9 in its entirety. Okay? And then we'll get a revised document from so that we can get that signed. Um if it's only if they tell us no, it's only two 2.9.5 and that's what it has to be, then we're going to have a different issue. But um we think they meant all of 2.9 and that's what we would like for your motion to include.

Thank you, sir. Council, any questions for staff? Not I'll entertain a motion to approve. Mr. Mayor, I'd like Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make an auth motion to authorize the mayor to sign resolution number 2026-2450 approving an amendment to the WHIFA loan agreement 942036-26 for the Stonewater Recharge and Field Trials Project by electronic vote. Can I have a second? Second. Please call the vote.

Mayor, that passes unanimously. Thank you, ma'am. Moving on to item 10A, viewpoint drive, Manley to roundup multi-use path project CIP number CP2604, AOT intergovernment agreement. Miss Rutder, welcome.

Thank you, mayor and council. Good evening. Uh this evening staff is requesting approval to move forward with the transportation al alternative grant funding award to support the planning and the 30% design of the viewpoint drive multiuse path project. Um on your screen you'll see the section that we were referring to. This project became a top priority for town following the tragic bicycle fatality in 2024 involving Gabrielle Grande. Along this stretch of Viewpoint Drive, since that date, staff has been seeking alternative funding sources to move this project forward. This heartbreaking event underscored the critical need to enhance safety for all pedestrians, in particular bicyclists and walkers along this stretch of viewpoint. As part of that project, staff will continue w to work with the Grande family to thoughtfully design and incorporate a memorial feature along the multi-use pathway. The intent of the memorial is to provide a respectful and meaningful space for the family, friends, and community to gather. Advancing this project through 30% design will position the town to efficiently move into full 100% design and construction. Staff will be coming back during fiscal year 27 budget cycle to request to fund the remaining phases of this project. So staff respectfully requests council's consideration to approve the IGA with AOT to receive the transportation alternative f fund grant that we were awarded and I'm here to answer any questions you may have.

Council, we have questions, comments. Councilwoman Heather, as you know, I've been really pushing for this and so I'm just so pleased to see you here this evening. Uh it was brought out in our safety the safe streets plan that this needs to be addressed. Absolutely. And I currently see so many bicycles in the middle of the road on viewpoint and um I can't wait to see an MUP path next to it and honoring um the Grande family. Absolutely. Thank you, council member.

Anything else, Miss R? Yes. It's unfortunate that usually through government it takes a tragedy for something to happen and that's what unfortunately happened here and hopefully we can write a wrong and make sure that we've never have anything else happen again on any of our streets let alone this portion of town has been recognized as a challenging location for motorists uh bicyclists joggers dog walkers all that so looking forward to the completion of this although it will take some time at least we're going in the right direction thank you

thank you ma'am entertain a motion Mayor, I'll make a motion to authorize the mayor to sign the intergovernmental agreement with the state of Arizona for the viewpoint drive Manley Drive to Roundup Drive project CIP number CPT 2604 in the amount of $62,000. Second. Clerk, please hold up. Mayor, that passes unanimously. Thank you, ma'am. Next up, item 10B, CDBG annual action plan. This is a public hearing which I'll open now. Welcome, ma'am.

Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council. Before you tonight is the public hearing and consideration of the town's program year 2026 community development block grant or CDBG annual action plan. As a reminder, program year 2025 was the town's first year participating in CDBG program and this plan represents our second year. One advantage of the program is that funds can be combined across program years, which allows the town to take a more strategic approach and implement higher impact projects. Around this time last year, council approved the town's 5-year consolidation plan, which identified infrastructure improvements for year 1 and year two. This annual plan is consistent with that direction and focuses on projects that improve accessibility, safety, and overall quality of life for our low and moderate income residents. Staff has completed the required public outreach, including a public hearing held on March 22nd and is requesting council open public hearing and um receive additional input and consider approval of this plan.

Thank you, ma'am. As I mentioned, this is a public hearing which is open. Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to speak about this item? Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing council. We have any comments or questions for staff? Anything else to add, ma'am? Nope. Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion. Mayor, I'll make a motion to authorize community development block grant CDDG 2026 annual action plan and authorize its submission to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD. I have a second. A second. Please call a vote. Mayor, that passes unanimously.

Thank you, ma'am. Final item, resolution number 2026-2449 with the loan agreement 920412-26 Old Black Canyon Pipeline. Mr. Wadsworth, welcome back.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. We've talked about this project uh quite a few times in the past, so I don't have a presentation for you today. Um but again this is for a whiff loan um previous similar to previous ones that we've received in the past. Um this is for a little over $5.5 million related to making our infrastructure more resilient and reliable for um the PAS issues that we're facing down in the lower part of our system and interconnecting our system better. Um so the the the loan that they're giving us has 90% principal forgiveness associated with it. So, of the $5.5 million, we will only be paying back 551,000 of it. Um, and so, um, this will be the second project similar where we where we had similar, um, funding from them. So, it's pretty awesome. Um, but that's what's in front of you today. And so, if you'll if you want to pass that resolution, then we'll move forward with uh, this loan as well.

Thank you, sir. That sounds like excellent terms that I would love to have on my mortgage at my house. Any questions or comments for staff? Go ahead. Uh thank thank you Neil. Uh this is a related question because of the PAS. Um is is that situation uh getting worse, better or the same with the the readings that we're getting on PAS contamination?

It's pretty much staying static. Yeah, there's not really been any change up or down. We still have the three wells down in the Quailwood system that are out of service. Um, one of the projects that we're working on that you're aware of is uh installing ion exchange treatment system at one of the wells down there. That was what the other $5 million was for. Um, but we're not really seeing any change on any of our other other wells. Thank you. No other questions. Can I get a motion to approve?

Mr. Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to authorize the mayor to sign resolution number 2026-2449 appro approving the agreement and related documents for WIFA loan number 920412-26 for the old Black Canyon pipeline project by electronic vote. I'll second clerk, please call the vote. Mayor, that passes unanimously. Thank you, ma'am. Anything for the good of the order? Seeing none. Motion to a motion is to adjourn. Have a great night everyone.