City - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon. Regular session mayor and city council meeting 6 pm Wednesday, May 6, 2026. City Hall council chambers call this meeting to order. Would you please rise for the pledge of allegiance? Mr. This the other flag of the stands one nation under God indivisibley and justice for

Thank you. We continue with the call to the public. Uh Mr. Raymond Corey, would you please come up and uh say your name and address? We got three minutes, please. Sure.

Turn on your mic, sir, please.

Thank you. Go ahead.

Good evening. My name is Raymond Corey. I live in Meadow Hills. Um, I'm here representing Corey Enterprises this evening. Um, the reason I come to the city council now is because I started out with uh, David Calvo back in December and I proposed to him. What I'm going to propose to you tonight is a land swap of property in Meadow Hills. I give the city land and you give me some land. So I started with David Calvo and that was back in December and a month later I checked back with him and he had quit and then I got tried to get a hold of Mr. Kramer and now Mr. Kramer's not here. So here I am going right to the top. What I'm proposing is a land swap. We have a parcel which is located here on this this drawing of lot F. Corey Enterprises owns lot F, but I'd like to trade it to the city for 20,000 square feet adjacent to lot A. And that 20,000 square feet is right at the end of the driving range. It's way to the north end of the driving range, a little farther north than the than my backyard. And there's 33,000 square feet in lot F. and we're only asking for 20,000 square feet in order to make lot a 1 acre. Hopefully, it's a win-win for both Ory Enterprises and the city of Ngalis. Right now, the city is maintaining the 20,000 square feet and there's really nothing going on there. It's kind of no man's land. And lot F is loaded with mature trees. They're beautiful trees

that have been there for many years. If the city were to own that, they could, you know, make a picnic area. It's right close to the dog park and a lot of people go to the dog park. So, that's that's my proposition. I'll leave it with you. I know you can't do anything tonight. If you have any questions, I could answer them. Thank you. But, we're we're excluded from asking questions. Yes. From a call to the public. We'll look into it. Thank you. Okay. Hopefully I can get on the agenda for next month.

Okay. Yes, we'll look at Thank you. He left. I had I had had him twice. Um now we go to uh Adam Dalton. Will you please rise and state your name and address please? Three minutes.

Francisco. So the same. So yes, my name is Adam Dalton. I live at 520 West Crawford Street and I am here as a Nogalas representative for the Ngalas International Film Festival. And my name is uh Francisco Landin. Uh I'm operating out of International Street Holler and Sanders. uh uh and I am the founder of Southern Arizona Film Society which hosts the Nagalas International Film Festival.

So today our time in front of you is two uh has two distinct purposes. The first of which is basically to in uh to kind of come before you before our meeting on next Monday at 11 am where we are going to ask for inind support for um toilets as well as chairs for the event um on international street for the film on the fence which is basically if you guys are familiar with last year's event where the film is on uh in noa and also on our side same same film both sides uniting the community and Francisco can also speak more to the details of the the festival.

Yeah. Uh thank you so much. Yeah, the festival will be uh from Wednesday the 13th uh to Sunday uh the 17th. Screenings in the morning are at the Oasis Theater as well as the Gawk building. Uh and on Holler and Sanders on Wednesday evening and then the film and defense days are going to be Thursday uh evening, Friday evening, and Saturday evening. We're bringing in a lot of filmmakers from from Mexico City, from LA, from New York, from Miami. Uh they're coming with their films. We have directors, we have actors. Uh and we're having events at at Holler and Sanders every day, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the afternoon between 3 and 6 p.m. before we go over to the to the border wall for the screening.

And something something else I wanted to mention as well is that the film festival uh both on the Sonora side as well as on the Arizona side is free for the community to attend. So, we also would love to see you all there and we'd be honored if you would consider uh attending as well. So, we look forward to seeing you next Monday when we ask for inkind support and um really appreciate the time tonight. Thank you very much. Thank you both. Uh appreciate it. We're looking.

That is it for a call to public. Uh before I go to uh proclamations, I'd like to uh congratulate uh this is uh municipal clerk week. So Mr. McIn, congratulations on your week.

Next week will be municipal attorneys week. So

no, there is no such week. Next we get uh proclamations. Uh a mental health awareness month. Um proclamation mental health awareness. Whereas mental health is essential to the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. And whereas mental health conditions affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of lives. and early support, prevention, and access to care can significantly improve outcomes. And whereas stigma and misunderstanding continue to be barriers preventing individuals from seeking help, support, and treatment. And whereas communities play a vital role in promoting mental wellness, fostering resilience, and supporting recovery through education, compassion, and access to services. And whereas local organizations and the Mental Health Awareness Alliance of Santa Cruz County are working collaboratively to provide education, prevention, and treatment that strengthen individual and families. And whereas the city of Ngalas is committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging all residents to prioritize mental health, and seek support when needed. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the city of Ngal's mayor and council do hereby proclaim the month of May as mental health awareness month in the city of Ngalas. And we urge all citizens to participate in the activities that promote mental health awareness, support those in need and build stronger healthier communities for all. I in

witness of we have un here unto set my hands on cause and be fixed by great sear seal of city of Ngalas, Santa Cruz County, Mayor Jorge Maldonado. Thank you and congratulations on being mental health awareness month. She's not here.

Come on up. Next we move to presentations uh persons experiencing homeless and nollas. Mr. Jimenez. Thank you mayor, members of the council. Uh a few months back uh excuse me mayor if I may please

go ahead sir. A few months back I was asked by uh Mr. Pockin to uh bring a presentation on a person's experience in business and how the police department uh reacts and responds to this. I do have a co-present pres presentator with me which is Mrs. click from the Mariposa Clinic that's part of that coalition to end homelessness. I'm going to give a quick uh presentation on my part and then she'll segue in at the end of what what they do. Go ahead.

First, I'm going to uh get into the description of what homelessness is really is. Uh it's a person that lacks a fixed regular or adequate nighttime residence or a primary residence that is a place not meant for human habitation. uh which could be in the streets, cars, abandoned vehicles, or in some cases emergency uh shelter or transitional housing. Um a lot of these places are aren't meant for people and they do what they do and as best they can. Included in certain individuals are uh these homelessness are people that are are sometimes fleeing some type of situation they're in. And this includes people that are victims of domestic violence, uh, stalking, uh, other types of criminal acts that are forcing these individuals to seek some type of shelter somewhere else. Bottom line, there isn't a single cause for experiencing homelessness in the United States, i.e. also here in Santa Cruz County and Ngalas. This is usually the result of several factors overlapping, but the main driver of of is the lacking of affordable housing. Statistics, excuse me. Statist statistics show that the biggest factor is the gap between what people earn and what housing costs. When rent goes up, when wages stay the same, people struggle living paycheck to paycheck. And sometimes that even includes their loss of a job. Sometimes they have high medical bills that causes this unexpected expenses. And in some case, even full-time workers experience homelessness. Um, so it's not just people that aren't having secure job or or or funding that's available to them. Another thing is poverty and economic instability. Low wages, as I mentioned, unstable employment and limited savings makes it hard for people to recover from financial setbacks, which like I mentioned includes like

medical bills or other costs that takes them, you know, beyond their capacity. Mental illness and substance abuse are a a big factor and that's something that we see here in our area of Ngalas. Conditions like depression, schizophrenia or addiction can make it difficult to maintain employment or stable housing especially when access to treatment is limited. However, these are contributing factors not the root cause for most people. Like mentioned earlier, domestic violence. Many individuals, especially women and children, experience homelessness while escaping unsafe or abusing living situations. Another factor is lack of support system. People without family or community support are more vulnerable if they lose housing. This includes youth leave living in uh foster care, veterans transitioning to civilian life, and people exiting from incarceration. and basically the systematic issues. Broader structural programs also play a big role such as limited availability of lowincome housing, gaps in healthcare and mental health services and historical inequalities and discrimination. So now the police department, I'm going to get into what the police department uh handles this issue. First of all and foremost, the Dallas Police Department does not maintain general orders, which are the policies specifically directed at individuals experiencing homelessness as doing so can be perceived as targeting, profiling or discriminatory discriminatory. Instead, the department follows best practices adopted by other law enforcement agencies by enforcing laws and and ordinances that apply uniformly to all individuals regardless of housing status. So we're basically saying we don't have rules that specifically apply to them. It's encompasses all the community. Most jurisdictions have established or

instances that address the behavior such as trespassing, illegal dumping or illegal camping I should say or public safety concerns rather than focusing on particular population which in this case I'm talking about homelessness. This approach ensures equitable enforcement while respecting the rights and dignity of all members of the community. The Ngal Police Department responds to persons experiencing homelessness. We do not provide shelter housing programs. Instead, our role is is more about public safety, outreach, and connecting people to services. And this is how we help. We respond to calls for service and welfare checks. Officers respond when someone reports a person experiencing homelessness or in distress. There are safety concerns with the person being uh attended to. We could be medical issues, exposure to heat and cold, especially in this community when it comes to the heat in the summertime. Um, our priority is making sure the person is safe, but we're not just enforcing the laws when we get there. We we check on their welfare, too. Another thing is we connect people to local services, as will be described by my co-presenter. officers often refer to individuals to local resources such as if you guys all familiar with the crossroads mission that's has that maintains a homeless shelter in this area and also the the the group I mentioned which is the Santa Cruz County Local Coalition to end homelessness. These organizations parise but are not limited to to shelter, meals and showers, recovery program and support services. Police may transport or guide individuals there when appropriate, which basically means we give them rides to to the facilities when it's appropriate and they are accepted. We do community policing and outreach which we do to the whole community. The department emphasizes community oriented policing meaning officers build relationship with residents which includes the vulnerable communities. Officers do foot patrols and engage

directly with people in need. Officers attempt to connect people with the with help rather than just going there to enforce the laws. Enforcement is is applicable when necessary. If there's an issue such as trespassing or theft or drug use or any type of public safety risks, officers will and may take enforcement action, but we aim to balance this with offering help and resources first. So, we just don't show up and arrest people or take enforcement action. We make sure that we can uh mitigate it as best as possible. I didn't know there was an effect there. So I was surprised to

Yeah. The big picture is person's experience in homelessness isn't handled by the police alone. It's a shared effort between police, nonprofits and shelters, city and county services. Persons experiencing homelessness did not have one single solution. It requires a coordinated approach that addresses both immediate needs and the root issues or causes. The most effect effective strategies combine housing services and prevention. Now, mind you, not everyone will accept help when it comes to homelessness. And we experience this all the time. We offer help and they basically ignore us and just walk away. And it's not one of these and it's one of the hardest realities to accept that when you do offer help to these people that we perceive need assistance and they just walk away from us. So, you know, it is frustrating at times, but we understand that sometimes they just don't want the help. A common misconception is the homeless can be solved by offering help. That's not true. But in practice, it's more complicated. Some people decline sources for the reasons that are often very rational from their perspectives. They see it different than when we approach them and let them know we can help. What happened? Something Miguel, that was Miguel's fault. Okay. So much for for city clerk week.

Okay.

And some and getting back to the topic, past negative experiences with shelters, law enforcement, social workers have these population also decline services because of those past experiences. Mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or severe anxiety also makes it hard for them to accept help. Substance use disorder that makes structured programs difficult to follow. But sometimes we the shelters don't allow them if they have this uh issue. Lack of lack of trust in the institutions or fear of losing autonomy is something that they feel that they're going to lose their control over how they live their life. And then some of these shelters do have rules which includes curfew, sobrieties, and separation for partners and pets. And I'm going to touch a little bit on pets. Uh I know some of you seen homeless people with pets. And we're we do get calls of concern saying that you know what, can you go check on the pets? And not usually on the persons, but we do both. And we reached out to animal control center and they do come and do welfare checks. They provide water, they provide food, they provide vet services. when accepted by the the persons. So the pets are taken care of as best as possible. Um but you know sometimes it's it just doesn't look like they they're taking care of them. But in my experience sometimes they take care of them better than most people and that's really you know the truth. Because of this effective strategies don't rely on one time offer for help. They focus on persistence and flexibility which basically means is we keep trying as best we can and see what they can do. So that ends my portion of the presentation. If you do have questions at this point, I can answer them. But if not, I'll bring Mr. Quick up here to talk to you about what the coalition does.

Mr. Do you had a comment? I had a question. Mike, I I just want to know roughly how how big is this population here in Ogalas?

We did uh um I guess you can call it a population check locally. And you got to understand it also fluctuates with the time of the year, the season, if it's hot or cold. So, when it's cold, it seems to diminish a little bit. And she might correct me if I'm wrong, but when it's it's uh when it's um warm, they seem to be around. So, we have a floating population that we've seen that fluctuates. And also understand, we do have border crossers that come across that are able to cross, but are also homeless. And uh it goes somewhere between 10 to 20 that we've seen in this community and they come and go. They're uh both male and female with pets and uh we try to address the best we can. But I know the coalition is doing a good job trying to find them services or help that can either get them to a different location if they so desire. But it it is a task in itself. But we're we're trying our best. Uh the the other question is uh on the shelter that we have the uh crossroad missions uh how many people do they handle and uh I imagine they have rules and regulations that probably leave some people out.

Yes. Um uh I don't know the exact number that they can house. I know they have different areas where they house women by themselves, males, women with children. Um and they have a an area where they house women that have been victims of domestic violence. Um they can't allow their pets there, but they do have rules. One, the most important one is their sobriety. They make sure that they haven't been consuming alcohol or any type of elicit drug and also the curfew that they need to be there at certain times in the morning and they have to help out. They do give them uh some type of task to help out whether it be cleaning or doing stuff of that nature that helps support the the mission's efforts.

Okay. Thank you, Vice Mayor. is chief. One question. Do you do do you get any complaints from the merchants, from the property owners with people staying at their properties?

Yes, we do. Not that often because a lot of the times um these uh people experienced homeless understand that they could be causing a problem. So, they'll go there and they'll ask uh if they can get some uh food given to them or they're just taking a break there. And uh when we show up, we just tell them, you know what, the business here prefers that you go find some other place else. We tell them, you know, there is city parks, but there is a a time limit that you can be there until. And then they cooperate. They they they leave. Some of them set up camp overnight and sleep in places. And that's when our officers do make welfare checks on them to make sure they're okay and they're they're not having any problems. We do recommend they go to places to get shelter, but like I said, some of them have those rules where they won't take them because they have pets or they like to do stuff that violates the the rules that they have there. So, we do get uh calls, but I won't say they're very constant. They But when we do um you know, we address them like explained where we try to balance the the the support with enforcement.

Okay. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay. Now you can go.

All right. Hello everyone. My name is Ryan Quick. I'm the health and social services manager at Maraposa Community Health Center and I'm also the chair for the Santa Cruz County Local Coalition and Homelessness. So I'm going to talk first about the uh coalition. We received a grant through the Arizona Department of Housing for us to have um different community groups come together. We meet monthly to talk about shared initi initiatives around homelessness. So that's pulling together resources trying to understand what other agencies in the community or regionally do and offer. For example, um New Police Department attends our meetings, Hope Incorporated, Crossroads Mission, Catholic Community Services, um Kanderlet Hospital and other organizations. That's just to name a few. So we meet, we try to figure out different initiatives. We also have a case conferencing for coordinated entry which means that individuals who are HUD definition homeless. They're able to um take a vulner vulnerability assessment which is an intake survey. It gets them on a list for when and if there is um available vouchers for certain types of housing programs. We don't see that many vouchers coming through Santa Cruz County at the moment, but if there is a voucher and they are on that list, then there is a group of members from the coalition. We're able to vote based on a scoring um and everything is anonymous. So, we're not it's not based on who we know or anything like that. And we can select someone for that voucher. Um recently we did have one voucher available and we were able to house a gentleman who had been homeless uh due to a medical uh condition and he was homeless for a year and he's now living in an apartment. So that was a huge success of ours. Something else that we do as a coalition is our point in time count which is an official count of

homelessness. So we survey the community and for uh this past year we counted 17 homeless individuals which means living in uh a car, an unhabitable space or on the streets. Um and then other things that we do in general is that we're trying to uh coordinate those referrals and get people in touch to different resources. So within Mariposa um we have a housing and homeless support coordinator position and they're helping individuals who are homeless or who are facing homelessness. We work closely with Crossroads Mission and Hope uh because we know that the mission can provide some of that shelter depending on the situation and then hope can help provide that peer support and recovery initiative for anyone that has mental health or substance issues. But in general, I did look at our 2025 numbers and through the Mariposa program in conjunction with working with our partners, of course, we were able to provide four bus tickets to individuals who are not from our community and wanted to get back to where they were from. And we were able to assist 358 people who were facing homelessness or were homeless. So, we did reach out to quite a few. We had six individuals complete that uh vulnerability survey to get onto that voucher list and we made 217 outgoing referrals to community agencies. So, we do work hard. Um there is a lot of need in our community. There's a lot of people who are one paycheck away um from losing their homes, right? And there we know that rent is going up. Um people are getting kicked off food stamps. there's a lot of changes in that landscape and people are kind of trying to navigate that themselves. So we have budget worksheets, we have tip sheets and different things of that nature. And we work closely with MPD, especially through the MPD cares project, which

helps kind of streamline those referrals to include domestic violence, homelessness, and um mental health and peer support recovery questions. Miss Chief, thank you for the presentation. And Miss Ryan Quick, you're amazing. I personally want to thank you for the hard work that you and your team do and uh working with you was a pleasure. Thank you for having that uh gentleman have an apartment and not live out of his vehicle anymore. Thank you so much. Thank you. Appreciate it.

Thank you. There there is one that I've seen um coming down Grand Avenue on the turn. Um, basically it's u the entrance I think it's to a door entrance to the back of where O'Reilly's is. Um, but but uh facing Grand Avenue. He's living in that I don't know the 4x6 uh entrance to the door. I don't know if you guys have addressed him. Um I actually stopped and gave him a couple hamburgers the other day, but he I said, "Have you talked to my He wouldn't talk. He wouldn't say no, no, no.

Yeah, we were able to do outreach. Um, we usually work closely with Hope in terms of street outreach um to provide one just information and then water and then letting them know where meals are. Crossroads Mission does provide free lunch and dinners every day and Hope uh Inc. provides free lunch. But we have made a connection with that person. I know he has a nice white dog. Two dogs. Okay, that's our one. Okay, thank you. Go ahead, Rice.

Yes, you you mentioned that uh you're funded by the Arizona Department of Housing. Is there any other uh resource that you can can uh apply for like in the federal level?

We're looking at we're always looking at grants. So, my I work through the community health services department of Maripona. So, we're always looking at different grant initiatives. Um the housing landscape is kind of a a big monster. that's that that's hard to to work with. But um we're kind of like I said slowly but surely getting um our feet wet with with this initiative. We also look at other grants and opportunities that might look at more direct assistance and if someone needs a help with a utility bill or a rent. So we do look at those and we we are able to assist those that have a sustainable plan. Have you have you run into any veterans that are homeless here in town?

Yeah. So, we also have um the veterans as part of our LCH um our coalition. So, we have the VA um as part of the program and anyone that is marked as someone who is a veteran, we're able to connect them with the VA and they can do um same process but specific for veterans. Okay, good. Thank you. Of course. more questions. Thank you and great job. Keep on doing it. Thanks.

Next be progress at public safety operation center BSCA. Uh Mr. Jimenez. Mayor, if I may again, um, what I'm going to do right now is I'm going to give you a quick recap until I get more into in depth with uh the progress of the public operation, public safety operations center. So, I'm going to skim quickly through the um past here. In 2023, the city of Ngalas/ MPD was awarded 10.7 million grant from the border fence technology program which is uh originated by Arizona Department of Emergency Military Affairs. Um and this was to basically upgrade our communication systems that we had down here. Um uh inoperability and communications is a key factor that needs to be addressed. It goes back all the way back to 911 when they found out that inoperability was a big uh task to to overcome during that emergency. So, a lot of money and funding has been awarded to a lot of uh areas. So, like I said, we were lucky enough to get that 10.7 million. The point of this grant uh in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety was in in essence was basically to improve uh the communications in this region which involves Arizona winds um and also to establish uh a better communication center for us, the PAP which is our 911 center. And this was to provide uh this grant was to provide all the law enforcement personnel with modern communication equipments which means radio equipment for the police department's vehicles and our portable radios that we carry on our on our on our persons and that once again will make them compatible with Arizona winch which is the the backbone of the communications center for the

state. So in essence, we were going to be able to talk to not only each other as police officers, but to county, state, and federal agencies once this project is finalized. And this also meant upgrading the communication sites, which is where the towers are where, you know, the phone our phone connections are up there. And it's three sites that we we have in in this area, which is Crawford Hill, Mount Benedict, which is in the uh the sale area, and Red Mountain, which is located out in the eastern county area. And the point with this was also to uh modernize and upgrade our 911 center but also find a facility that allows us to have multi- agency collaborations which means with the future of it growing to include other agencies within that center. Uh and also uh the the cherry on top was actually to pay for all the services that was going to be charged yearly for at least up to 10 years for the not only the NAS police department but all partner agencies in this area. At that point, uh, police administration engaged city management and a few of the elected officials that are here present over the course of 20 and 24 regarding our POG plan and hopefully finding a facility that doesn't exist at this point, but is underway uh, in the county and hopefully, you know, you'll see here in a in a short minute where we're at with that. So, in in January 2024, as some of you recall, the former Arizona National Guard Armory was reverted back to the city ownership after the the National Guard relinquished the property. In March of 2024, police administration was directed to evaluate the facil facility for establishing possibly the the peace there. Um, police administration briefed city management management and the mayor about the facility's current conditions to include the efficiencies and it was lacking some up uh badly needed upgrades. And we also worked with the

department of public safety to see if that facility met the requirements that they had set for uh establishing uh public safety operations center which it did at that time. Uh we also facilit facilit facilitated tours of the facilities for various elected officials and also other parties of stakeholders to familiarize them with the problems the facilities had after it was uh reverted back to the city while still explaining the vision that we had for the future peace out there. At that point, police administration was directed to look for funding because at that point, the city did not have the funding to uh establish the peace hawk and I'm talking the bricks and mortar part. The initial grant was mostly more the communication structure that needed to be built, but the actual building uh there was no funding to uh improve that facility. So, uh, we were lucky enough that in 20 in February 2025, Syrial PD was successful in obtaining an additional 2.7 million dollars from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Local Border Support Grant to upgrade and modernize the public safety operations building that I'm going to call it from here on. U, this grant funding expired of June expires June of 2026, but we did ask for an extension and was warded. So, it will be now June of 2027. So, we're good there so far. At that point, uh, February 2025, knowing that we had to partner with local utility company, in this case, Unisur, to explain to them what we our plans were and what electrical upgrades were needed. They explained to us that they needed at least a six to eight month what they call lead. So their their in can cover the the requirements

that are provided electricity for this building. So on April 25th of 2025, unfortunately, city manager at the time issued a memorandum to police administration giving police administration um a stop order basically and giving himself direct authority over the building. May of 2027, uh the contractor project company Mckinstry was invited to an initial design review meeting by the former city manager. On May 8th, exterior fence upgrades were completed. And this is some thing that we at the police department started before we were told to to stop uh uh getting involved in in this project. On May 13, window replacement codes were obtained and provided to the former city manager in hope of uh having this project move forward as quick as possible with the deadlines in mind. Uh we also provided quotes on June of 2025 for the upgrades of the HVAC system that was provided by local vendors. This information was also shared with the city manager just for future reference so he can have it in hand. So when that need was was needed at the building, it was there and ready and available. Uh September 25th, the best baitment was started and completed. I'm sorry, I skipped one. Let's backtrack. July 2024 when Kit Street Company received signed contracts to begin design services for the building, which was, you know, we felt good about that. Now we're moving forward and getting this project underway. September 25th uh 2025 I should say a bestus abatement was completed and started October 7th. Mckenry gave a presentation

of the first initial floor plans to police administration's former city manager at that point veto the plans and directed to change the floor plans to include a warehouse within the building. November 21st, more floor floor plans changes were directed to be made to the design by the former city manager. December 10th, 2025, more floor plan changes to the design were directed to be made by the former city manager. And now we're in March of 2026. Um during that week, the police administration met with representatives Tibs from McKinstry to refocus the project's efforts on developing a public safety operation center. Proposed revisions to the floor floor plans were discussed aligning to the design that was the original intent of the Pock which will house the public safety answering point the 911 center as approved by Arizona DPS local border support grant. So basically we're getting back online what these grants were were provided for. And then on April of 2026, police administration interim city manager Mr. Pocket representatives of one of our communication vendors met with representatives from Mcken Street to finalize efforts related to development of the public safety operations center POC. This this bidding focused on finalizing the facilities floor plan operational and technical requirements that had not been addressed and points of emphasis addressing incoming upcoming project deadlines. So at this point um that's where we're at. Uh are we able to answer any questions?

Mr. though these setbacks or change of plans are are how far did they set back the the project? Possibly I could say between 10 to 12 months

and and and all these uh change orders were made by the former city manager. Well, what he did is he basically asked for changes to be done on the floor plans, which McKenry followed direction and went back to the drawing board and provided new plans and then another set of plans and then eventually another set of plans which not only included a delay but also incurring cost. Uh I'm I'm thinking this is more law enforcement and that that's going to bring in it's a communication center and the issues here have to do more with input maybe from your department or even the state department uh the Arizona or uh law enforcement groups or somebody that would give a little more expertise on the matter and local somebody that never has never had any experience with it. I don't know how much experience McKenzie as a builder has. I know they're they're doing a bank building, but this is totally different. And I thought that we were getting rid of the change orders because one of the road construction companies was always setting con. But anyway, why why all these change orders from somebody that seems like they didn't know what they were doing?

You know, Mr. Doyle, I cannot answer that because we were excluded from a lot of these uh meetings and when these uh ideas and changes occurred. I do know that, you know, we were more than ready and available to provide any information as needed and as well as we did have initially set up a small committee that included, you know, the police department, city administration, and our contractors that were all going to be part of this uh group to make decisions and move forward as a group. And uh but that uh did not occur and I mean, we're here now. But but are we on the right track now?

Yes, sir. We met with McKenzie, like I said, the last time was in April, and they are going to be providing the final floor plans for council approval. Um, I know it's an agenda item down the in the the agenda here, but yeah, we're on the right track now. We just have to play a lot of catchup and and move as quickly as possible because we do have some deadlines to meet. Thank you. Thank you.

What is Mr. Mayor? The deadline for the $2.7 million grant is June of 2027. It was June of 2026. And the deadline for the 10.7 million is actually December of 2026, but a majority of that infrastructure has occurred like I mentioned on the on the on the sites. Now, it's really basically focused on the 911 center once that building is able to house that center and the communication project will jump into there and get it done by December 2026. But I know there's a a sixmonth um window after that that will allow us to put that into role into into play. So, if we're okay as far as if we proceed as we have planned.

Thank you, Mr. Ber. Go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, uh just a couple of thoughts um on where we are at the present time and how we got here. Um this is actually my second POC in the last five years. Um we did one in the county next door uh about five years ago. Um, so, uh, when I came on board here, I got together with McKinstry and with the chief and his folks to, uh, look at where we were because there was still some question as to what you were going to what your final product was going to be. Um, and, uh, a couple things that occurred to me uh, with the the the the use that had received all the grants and the use that was being proposed. In addition to that are not compatible uses. Okay. For a variety of reasons. Uh one is security, one is noise. Uh one is uh interaction between people in the same building. Um it really needed to focus on the public safety aspect. Um secondly, there's a real good opportunity here uh for other agencies in Santa Cruz County uh to come into our center for communications. And uh so this has a very realistic opportunity over time uh to become more of a regional center than just a Mgala center. And lastly, uh I held the uh the chief's feet to the fire uh to make sure that um between the two grants that he received and the the match that we're providing uh stay within the original budget. And uh so far that's where we are. So uh we don't expect to be coming back to you in six months for a whole lot more money.

Okay. Thank you. I don't I don't have to be. I've never broken that promise. Okay. And it it is on the on the agenda, gentlemen and and ladies, uh on discussion items to move forward. Correct. Thank you, Chief. Next uh item is uh item C, the half marathon post event. Gardo and Melissa.

First of all, want to say thank you for having us. Uh again, uh today I don't have a script. I just we're here just to say thank you for the support. I know it was a little bit uh difficult for you uh because you already change policies or I'm not a politician but I know it was a little bit hard decision but uh hopefully uh this past two weeks you were able to attend. I know the mayor was was there and it was a beautiful event again once again the fifth edition that we learned lots of things and that we want to be and we we want to let you know in name of all my uh uh representing all the members from Cres and volunteers uh the around 50 volunteers that uh you know give their time to put this beautiful event together and we want to we prepare again for next year. So once again, thank you very much and I invite you to see this beautiful video that we put together and it's a Tik Tok video but so hopefully you can enjoy it. Pakistan.

in the last video.

So, some points there. So again, I want to say thank you uh to all the city city of Ngales departments uh public works. You know that we gather uh two weeks or a week before the event. the Ngales Police Department. They also, you know, very uh they reach out to us. We we gather again to plan everything and and mostly to receive people from out of town, make them feel safe and also enjoy our city when what better to to do a a half marathon. So once again, thank you. And with me is Melissa Gayos, our uh program director that will present you a couple of things and say a few words in Spanish. City clerk work. That's it.

works. Thank you. Thank you, Melissa.

I want to thank uh Terres for all your hard work. I know it was a uh very intense. You know, we had some some details, unexpected details. uh parking issues, the train, you know, record an hour 46 minutes stopped the tracks completely. So, those are some challenges. Hey, you know, we could only try to fix them when they're when we have them. Uh but we can prepare for those issues. But uh you know I want to thank everybody you know public works, parks and work uh parks and wreck police and everybody paramedics, fire. Um I know we had one issue with one uh participant falling down but uh and everybody thank council. Thank you for your support. Uh cuz it takes uh the whole team and your staff and everybody to make this a successful event. So thank you. Thank you for all you do. Next, we move to financial report. Good evening, mayor and council. Today I bring to you the March 2026 financial report. It focuses on the general fund, her fund, overweight fees, and our three enterprise funds, which is sewer, water, and sanitation. At this time for March we should be the revenue should be above 75%

and expenditure should be at or below 75% during this nine months for March. In table A we have the general fund. Uh the revenues total are 23,42,506 which is 81.7%. The expenditures total 22,799,482 which is 52.5%. General fund revenues exceed expenditures by 603,024 year to date. The revenues are 1.9 million above the year-to-ate budget and the expenditures are 9,764,413 below the year-to-day expenditure, which is good. In table B, we have the sales tax. And March, we got 1,696,764, which is 255,996 lower than March of last year. And we're at uh 701, 137 below the same point last year. for the general fund expenditures and departments as of March spending is at 52.5% of the budget which is below 75% uh straight line benchmark all the departments are below the 75% threshold for the HERF and overweight funds the revenues for HERF are2 459,975 which is 84.5%. Expenditures total 1,673,454

which is at 49.8%. Revenues exceed expenditures by 786,521 yearto date. Revenues are 277,277 above the year-to- date budget and expenditures are 848,200 below the year-to- date. For overweight overweight fees, uh revenues total 277,172, which is at 92.4% of the budget. Expenditures total 67,483, which is 7.3% of the budget. Revenues exceed expenditures by 29,689 year to date. The revenues are 52,72 above the year-to-ate uh year-to-ate budget and expenditures are 621,27 below. Now to the enterprise funds for sewer revenues total 3,39,238 which is 92.9% of the budget. Expenditures total 1,617554 which is 45.7% of the budget. Revenues exceed expenditures by 1,421,684. Now revenues are 586,588 above the year-to- date budget and expenditures are 1,224,944 below the year-to- date budget. Water fund revenues total 2,67,743

which is 77.6% of the budget. Expenditures total 2,637,820 which is 63.3%. Expenditures exceed revenues by 30,077 year to date. Revenues are 87,293 above the year-to-ate budget and expenditures are 487,598 below the year-to-ate budget. Although the water fund shows slightly higher expenditures than the revenues at this point, both revenues and expenditures are tracking better than the respective year-to- date budgets. For sanitation fund, the revenues total 2,363,45 which is 84.3% of the budget. Expenditures total 2,336,471 which is 62.1%. Revenues exceed expenditures by 26,934 year to date. Revenues are 259,655 above year to date and expenditures are 483,954 below the year to date. In April for business licenses, we had 2,946 active business license, 18 new licenses, four licenses were cancelled or suspended, and there was no special event uh one day licenses. That concludes the March financial report.

Yeah, go ahead. Yes, Sio. Um, just one quick question. Thank you for supplying the check register to the members of the council. And you know, I I don't want to be micromanaging, but I I just uh looked at something that uh caught my attention is uh you made a check out to uh to Oasis Theater for $3,000 some $800, something like that. Uh I don't know what the expense was for if I don't recall. It's It's a police uh event I think for Derek. But if that's a lot of movies. Okay. Mayor, if I may. Go ahead. Ch.

Uh Councilman, um we receive donations throughout the year from different uh entities. And this uh is for the their graduation and it's used uh for paying for the entry and a a small snack for all the participants from all the local schools that we provided their program. This funding that we used this year originated from the White Elephant from the Green Valley area and the fees like I said were to pay for the children's uh entrance and they get a little snack pack. Thank you. Thank you for doing that, too. Thank you, Chief. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Thank you, Sio.

Council I I want to bring up uh Mr. Hector, you know. So, uh had called that he was going to be doing a a call to the public. It's our choice if we could allow him. he's here. If not, we could push him to Monday, but uh would you agree? Go ahead. It's called the public. So, we're we'll go three minutes. Okay. Go ahead. Thank you.

Uh good evening, uh city council. You know, I've never been here before, but I think this matter is pretty important. I'm a resident of of Meadow Hills. I live on 30 3253 North Sue Drive. I couldn't print this 10 times. So, whoever would like to grab a copy and maybe share.

So, basically this is a matter as a father of two, right? Back in August of uh 2025 25, there was an incident in my house where I was doing a little bit of landscape renovation and one of the CD employees without any authorization, without any permission, without even making himself uh um get noticed or knocking on the door or anything, decided to walk into my backyard. It's a fenced yard. walked throughout the entire property, took pictures. Um, when I tried to confront him, not him specifically, I went to uh his supervisor back in the day was Hector Tapia. Didn't do anything about it. Went around the subject. Um, I was building a twoft wall, two foot high wall and putting some papers basically. I tried reaching out to other members of of the city and still got no answer. I tried making a formal complaint, no action on it. You know, I just don't feel that it's fair for us to go through a violation of our fourth amendment. You know, privacy is something very serious, especially when I'm outside of my house and my wife is alone with my 2-year-old. You know, I feel uh I feel a little um I feel like there's not enough things that we can do to feel safe even in our home. You know, if you go to page 28 on those copies, you can see that this uh uh inspector went into my house without wearing a uniform, without wearing any proper identification.

He looks exactly like a Mexican cartel personnel. I mean, I'm I know it sounds like a joke, but if you look at him, that's what exactly what what he looks like. So, um, why am I concerned about this? Because, you know, the safety of our families, our privacy, not having any response to something like this, you know, it shouldn't it shouldn't be happening any day of the week. Uh, what do I what do I want out of this? I want proper education to the people that work for the city. uh some kind of rules that make them, you know, always be presentable with their uniforms and whatever IDs, you know, um protocols where they need to knock on the door. They shouldn't be able to walk into somebody's house just just like that. Uh I even requested for a report on the supposed complaint that they had upon upon what I was doing. Never got that. Um, what else? I'm a little nervous because I've never been in front of such elegant uh personnel here, but uh I know the identity of the inspector and I still see him driving around. I just don't think that that's fit for a city like this. So, I would like to have this on record officially. I would like to set up a formal complaint against the inspector and whoever I have to do it. You know, I don't I don't know what else to do. According to, you know, this subject that's

mayor, if if I could, since we're allowed to address criticisms, go ahead, sir. Just like to point out some some key issues here. You met with me, correct? Yes, I did. And and we initiated an investigation, correct? And you were contacted by Rodney States with the city attorney's office. That is correct. And question, investigated. So the city did look into this issue. Correct. That is correct.

So okay and there is a report and I can provide it to council if council would like to see it. But this issue was taken very seriously and it was looked into and it was investigated and I I believe Mr. States spent close to 40 hours doing the investigation and doing the interviews on these issues. in my evidence uh booklet there. You can see that the gentleman that he's mentioning is is there. And because I I told him, "Hey, be aware that I have cameras. You're going to sit here so that I can you're going to record me. I'm going to record you." So, yes, somebody went there and investigated. Did a little bit of investigation. He took pictures of the property, took pictures of everything that you know where the gentleman, the inspector walked in. Then again, yeah, he did a little bit of investigation. yet there hasn't been any results and that cannot be tolerated. You know, it's still a violation of my rights and I I don't know who else got that violation. You know, things like this should have consequences. You don't think so? I think so. That's and and the person that you're mentioning is actually on the first page.

Yes, that's Rodney States. Correct. Yes. He called me from the city of Ngalas. He invest in investigated. I never got I never got a report. My complaint is not on him. My complaint is on the city employee.

He shouldn't be driving around. He shouldn't be working for the city anymore. It's not that I want to I want to do him any harm. But we need people that are uh capable of of doing a a job the correct way. Right. So, and and we can discuss this again and you're more than welcome to come to my office, but when you came into my office, I asked you what you wanted out of this and you said what you said tonight. You wanted to make sure that this didn't happen again and that there was going to be education, properly trained, and all of those issues have been addressed. I have no proof that they have been addressed. Okay. But you haven't followed up with my office either, have you? You have. You haven't followed up with me either.

Okay. And and that's I I followed up I followed up with Kramer and now he's gone. I I can't I'm I'm not responsible. I can't I can't help what other people may or may not do, but we we did we we spent a a significant amount of time doing the investigation. I'm not aware of that. Okay. You were because Mr. States met with you and you had his contact information. He said he's I I don't have his contact information. I don't I will provide that to you again. But he did provide that to you. He did not provide that to me. So yes,

but again we we took this very very serious and I take it very serious and I I appreciate it on your end. I appreciate on your end, but I still I still I just still feel that you know that it's un unless there's some some kind of official response to this, this could happen to anybody else still because he's still employed by the city. He hasn't had any any serious consequences. I mean, this is I don't think that this is something to take lightly. Yes, there was an investigation like it should be. There should be an an investigation every time something like this happens.

I totally understand. But when when you made your your comments, you you stated to the council that nothing had been done, that nobody had responded, that nothing was done. I just wanted to be very clear that yes, this was looked at, this was investigated. It is a personnel matter. Those things are not made public, but if you would like some details, we can meet and I can go over the issues with you. Yes. Well, that's absolutely that's a good that's a good start. That's a good start. Uh if I if I neglected to mention that that there wasn't that that there was an invest in investigation that got done.

I'm sorry, but it's in the in the booklet. You know, I'm I'm a little nervous. I've never been in front of so many people talking publicly on on this matter. You know, if if I didn't think that I that it was too serious, I wouldn't be here. When I was in your office, I told you, "Hey, I want this just to get resolved as as quickly and quietly as possible. This just I don't want this to happen to anybody again." Did I Did I not say that?

And that and I took it very seriously and we started the investigation and and that's why we went that route and that's why Mr. States met with you. That's why he investigated it. That's why he met with your your landscapers, the individuals who were involved. He did, I want to say, 10 or 15 interviews. May I ask you something? What was the result of that investigation? Like I said, I can talk to you about that. We don't share employee investigations. Okay. In in a public setting like this, but if if you wanted followup or additional information,

you had my contact information. We met. We talked. I mean, more than and I'm not saying that you it's not improper for you to come to council and express your concerns and stuff. I just want it to be very clear that these issues were looked at. They were investigated. Actions were taken. There were consequences.

Okay. I was uh sitting blind. I was not aware that there were any consequences. Uh that's the reason why I'm here with all the evidence. I still hold on to every single email that I exchanged. Especially that something that kind of made it a little bit es escalate a little bit was the fact that I start I started another thing at the same property and there was there were certain things where certain process weren't kind of advancing. I don't know if I'm making myself clear and I figured that this had something to do with it.

Yeah. And again we can talk about that but we're at the call the public. I just wanted to respond to the the the criticism issue that that that no action was taken, but again, we can have that conversation and you're more than welcome to to set up another appointment. So, but we we can't get into too much detail if I call the public. I hear I I I understand. So, thank you for bringing it up and you know, let's just follow up with legal and uh I'll I'll set up an appointment with you, sir. Thank you, sir. Thank you for your time. Appreciate it.

Thank you, Mr. Es. Thank you, council. Uh, next we move to number seven, liquor licenses. A court consideration possible action on liquor license number 2026-9 consideration and of the recommendation to approve a insurance of a special event liquor license submitted by Reverend Jorge Ricardo Faras on behalf of Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Parish for the that mom son daughter dance event scheduled on May 29, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Motion passes. B. Consideration possible action on liquor license number 2026-10. consideration of the recommendation to approve the insurance of a special event liquor license submitted by Francisco Sanchez on behalf of the city of Ngalos for the 4th of July event scheduled on 4th of July 2026 from 400 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Second. Any discussion? Is mayor, go ahead.

Question on this. Um, this liquor license for the 4th of July, it's it's it's either for police or or or fire, right? Yeah, that's correct. Right. It's got to be uh previously it's always been uh the revenue department that requests. Oh, okay. Who was requesting it? Uh revenue revenue manager. So the previous revenue man sorry previous revenue manager would would put the order in uh same as Francisco is okay so this is this is for yeah one of the other operation who's who's this here Mr. few minutes.

But whose turn is it to do the beer sale at the 4th of July? Fire or or chief or police? Okay. But it's always when either for for police or fire. Why are we deviating from that? When did when did that change? As far as I know, it's always been either police or fire. No, that's never been that way. It's either police or or fire. And

yes, Mr. No, turn on your mic. Who who changed that? We don't know. We We'll work it out. Um we do have to approve it, but the definition of the of of the beneficiary of who's going to do the sales, we'll we'll work it out. Uh Mr. Bucket. Okay. Thank you. All right. So, all in favor?

I oppose. Motion passes. C consideration possible action of liquor license number 2026-1 consideration of the recommendation to approve an insurance of a special event liquor license submitted by Reverend Jorge Ricardo Farios on behalf of Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Parish for the Sagunda no deuos absence event special as scheduled for June 13, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Any discussion? All in favor? I. All oppose. Motion passes. Next, we move to discussion items. Number eight, a discussion and possible action approval of changes in scope of the PSC remodeling project. Old Mr. Himemenz, come on down.

Thank you, mayor. Um, mayor, if I may.

Go ahead, sir. There's been a change order submitted um and it ties in to my earlier presentation that involves the the timeline. Uh McKinstry has entered change order in the amount of uh $178,713. And this will include for architectural, structural and civil um work, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. And I'm not talking physical work. I'm talking more that is related to their uh forming of floor plans. Uh and then some construction cost estimating. It also includes um construction management, includes travel. Uh there's a section that is highlighted that's performance and payment. Um and there's a added amount for 52,000 for McKenry services which once again totals up to that $178,713. Mr. Himemenz on this um change order. Um anybody from Mckenzie here?

I know that there was an email that was uh circulated that involved Mr. Parkin, myself and uh the representatives of McKinstry and I know that they were asked if they wanted to attend but their response if I recall if I'm mistaken Mr. pocket please correct me saying they could be here if they were so required or they can do it uh virtually u but that never uh came to fruition. So at this point it's just uh myself and Mr. Puck and basically presenting this uh this change order and like I said this change order is really the result of of our the changing that we

just explained.

I I I understand I talked to Mr. pocket on this, but my my concern and Mr. Pocket is my concern is okay. Uh I know all the hiccups we had uh in the past 10 months and you know I I just want to make sure that we have the a guarantee for uh McKinsky that this is going to make it work. this is going to finalize it and you know we're not going to come back with change orders again and you know uh to obviously um you know we got 14 close to $14 million on the line of of losing if we don't do it I know understand that and you know just have they given us you know conf confirmation guarantee that this is what it's going to I think with no more change orders.

Um, okay. So, just to make it clear, uh, change orders are initiated by the owner, not by the contractor. Okay. This change order is a result of the changes that were made in the scope of the project. That brought us to the presentation that the chief gave uh about an hour ago um on how we had uh gone from a POC to a POC in a warehouse and now back to a POC. Okay. So that's the result of the city's request, not the contractor's request. So they basically provide provided that change order to represent uh what those changes back would be in scope for the for the project that was presented to you earlier tonight. Now as I mentioned before um that's that figure added to the existing construction agreement uh still results in coming in within the amount of money that we have to do the project. So, it's it's you're being asked to change the scope of the project, and that's the price tag, but what you're not being asked to do is to appropriate more money than you already have.

Yes. But I you know I've seen that we've had expenses on the project uh you know where we had quotes for 30 30 35,000 and it cost they charged us 90 you know that I don't you know I don't think that's right. Um you know they came was here and and very honestly said we're going to use local. You know I don't hear that being done. So, you know, that's that's my questions. You know, where are we? But, you know, local was discussed at some considerable length at that last meeting we had. Correct.

And uh so we we're still dedicated to bringing local contractors where they are available and qualified. So, that's still part of the the the scope, if you will. And uh you know, I I think we're now in a position where you're going to start seeing stuff happening over there like you haven't had for the last year. We are in a position to move with this approval, you know, and I'm not in here to to get in front of you or the chief cuz you guys are the ones taking care of it. I just, you know, my my main concern is it gets done. We expected questions and and that's totally appropriate. Anybody go ahead, Miss

So, Mr. Pockin, just to be clear, the approximate 180,000 is not going to be extra. It's already included in the um budget. Right. Right. We we're still operating within the approved amounts of money that you've already set. Yeah. It's it's extra from what they had they had quoted. This request doesn't ask for more money.

Yeah. But okay. Yes. Uh Mr. What what we we don't have a repeat is they're following a pattern here on what we used to have from one of the local companies that we don't hire anymore because they were always having change orders in construction and doing shoddy work like at the high school. Uh I think uh councilman Bonas would always bring that up and we don't want companies like this that that are always doing change orders because then they set a pattern. So, we need to be a little more firm in that. That's

Well, like I mentioned right at the beginning, change orders are initiated by the owner, not by the contractor. Yeah. But but not Okay. Yeah. You know, here here it seems like if we follow the history of this, apparently they did some stuff that that they didn't have to do that created more expense. Well, fortunately I wasn't a part of that history. No, no, actually that that's a joke, John.

But this is what we we don't want to, you know, we thought, we we had talked not only a few months back, maybe six, state or whatever it was that we were getting tired of these change orders from this construction outfit and now they just switched over to a different form and and it's still the same policy. We need to be on top of it, you know, where it where it is. Wherever it is.

Absolutely. and and council member Doyle, mayor and councel. So, yes, we are staying on top of those issues and we stayed on top of those with the last project, which isn't something that's part of this agenda item. But the the reason this is coming back to council for this request isn't because of what Mckinstry did. It's because of what? Okay, we want to go this direction, but then we're changing direction on Mckin Street and it's causing them to do extra work to to do that and we're trying to bring this back and get it back to the to

to the right path to to where it is what was the intended project and keeping that going. But yes, absolutely. We are staying on top of those issues and those concerns. We know that council's is very concerned with, you know, contractors coming in and and thinking they have an open checkbook and and that's not the case. This isn't this is a completely different situation here where the the city has, you know, we're going this way. No, we want to go this way now. We got to come back this way. It wasn't the chief. Yeah, it was totally the chief's fault. No, I would I didn't want to clarify.

No, I didn't say that. I I just said this this city. Otherwise, you're going to have to cuff him and keep him right on it. He's going to cuff me after that comment. No, I just wanted to clarify that you had nothing to do with the with the change order or or the No, sir. And nobody here that's present. Okay. So, all right.

Mayor, I have a comment. So, one of the things that caught my attention with all this issue uh is that everyone but the person indicated to input was placed to the side was set aside. And so I I can see how this got out of out of control. It got out of hand and we fell behind. But it was interesting to see that um that the people that knew what the project entailed were set aside. their input was not valued. And so now this is where we're at. And and I'm glad uh uh chief that you have taken us and and and on tour of that building. I think it's a great project. And uh I I I commend you for for for educating us and bringing this back to where it's supposed to be because we were supposed to be ribbon cutting in June and that's not going to happen. It's going to happen till next year. But um it is interesting how how this why we're this is where we're at. Um not your fault, but it is it was interesting to see how people that are not law enforcement were decide making the these decisions and at the end we had to go back and well do new have a new design. So thank thank you for that.

Thank you. Any more discussion? Well, that's it. All in favor? I all oppose. You got the Thank you. amount. Correct. Yes, sir. That chamber with you. I sure did. You need it, please.

Thank you. Next, we move to item B. Thank you, She. Let's let's get it done. Thank you. Next B discussion possible action to cons consider donation and or loan of equipment to support an emergency medical technician EMT certification program. Uh Mr. Lucero and Mr. Lariva Chief.

Good evening. Mayor and Council, my name is Greg Rousero. I'm the CEO for the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College. Uh uh thank you for allowing me to speak uh to you this evening on this topic. It was also uh an honor to uh meet with an old friend, Mr. Pin. Uh I call him Mr. because he's older than me, so out of respect. So had had a lot of catching up to do. We were sharing old war stories and he's you guys are in good hands with Steve. So um what I want to do is give you a little bit of background what we're doing at at the community college which will lead into this whole EMT program. Uh we've been moving at the college towards workforce uh development training program. So it was started because South 32 uh they started last uh August with the implementation of electrician certification program. They invested about uh 470,000 into equipment and scholarships for the students. So, it's 100% paid for by South 32. It was a three semester program. They're going to graduate in August. Uh 16 students. Uh they next uh wanted us to introduce an industrial um uh instrumentation uh an automated industrial tech technician program. Uh that's going to be about another $450,000 investment by South 32. That's going to be for 10 students and that's going to be a two semester program. Uh I went back to uh Puma College who is our service provider and I said give us a proposal to do uh a medical assistant training program uh an EMT training program and a plumbing uh certification program. Uh they came back and gave us proposals and in the meantime south 32 said why don't we do another electrician certification program. So that's also going to start up again uh this fall. Uh so we're looking at all these programs to start uh this fall. So we'll have

another electrician certification program. Uh the cost for that program uh to to South 32 is going to be roughly about uh uh about 80,000. Uh the medical assistant training program that's going to cost us about uh 100,000. Uh but we are looking at a rural health uh grant uh and indications are that we're probably going to get it. So it should set offset a lot of that cost. Uh part of that grant will also go to offset some of the EMT costs which we're looking at. The biggest cost is going to be equipment and and and Puma Colleg's proposal. They were looking at all new equipment and it was estimated to be somewhere in the range of about 200,000. Uh we had a meeting uh myself uh the fire chief uh NUSD uh Santa Cruz County at work to look at how we could kind of cut down that equipment cost. And uh the chief said, "Hey, you know, we're in the process of of auctioning off a lot of equipment that could be used for this program." And he said, "Greg, you need to get for mayor and counsel and ask them to to make this donation." So, I quickly wrote a letter to to your city clerk and said, "How do I get this done?" And he says, "This is what you need to do." And that's what got me to to this point. So, um, I gave the the the equipment list that Puma College gave me to the fire chief and said, "I don't know what's being auctioned off. You're the best person to tell us or the council what could be donated. So, all I'm here to do is is say whatever you guys could donate to us to offset this cost would be greatly appreciated. And I'll be happy to answer any questions after. Chief talks.

Chief, do you have a list or Yeah, we we kind of submitted that list on that letter which is in your agenda package. The the biggest thing that's going to the only thing that's going to auction would be that ambulance. The ambulance is kind of an out of service ambulance that's not useful anymore within the Ngal Fire Department. I think we have two that we never used.

We had two. We auctioned one off last year which that data has been supplied as well, but this year would be one which is the second one that was never used and it ran through its life expectancy. It's out of service. It's sitting at the fleet department now waiting for auction. That's that's a prop that would be able to be very useful and offset a bunch of costs that that the program would need to give them a real life experience in that classroom. The other items that we're considering donating that go to waste is basically the supplies that expire before they're used and that stuff goes to the garbage. So we use it as internal training on ourselves, but as far as the classroom setting, it would be instrumental for them to be able to use expired equipment, not on a live patient, nothing that's qualified to use on the field, but it would go to a use for training. And that that supply list is also in that letter there. And that's going to be an ongoing availability as they expire and they're not being used. our inventory is pretty managed and we're pretty down to the tea that we don't have too much extra, but in a good day we have less calls and that stuff kind of expires. So, it's a it's a fantastic opportunity to put it to some use.

Yes. Thank Thank you for bringing it up. Uh are we putting a little hook on the on on the students um must come and work at Noguel's uh EMT like the you know to get the training. Are we doing any scholarships with them or how is it being worked?

There's a couple things that are a few things that are going on. uh how how this whole thing kind of got started was uh the CTE uh director for Ngalas Unified had sort of brought us together because uh they are tapping into Arizona at work dollars for youth. Uh and so the discussion is uh they can use this funding for up to age 24. But I said, well, if we move this program into the college, we can also look at at adult learners and go above the age uh 24. So, it'll be a combination of uh Arizona at work dollars uh along with other funding. So, obviously, our goal is to reduce uh whatever impact to to uh students and and we'll look at all funds possible to do that. and and it's kind of unique that that you see governments actually working together instead of opposed to each other. So, you know, this partnership is going to be uh ourselves uh uh fire hopefully uh PD we're we're working with the sheriff's office uh Arizona at work from the county and uh Miposa Clinic is also interested in participating in this program because a lot of their medical staff want to be EMT certified. So, we're trying to create an environment where everybody in the region can come in into a training center. So, that that's our goal.

Well, I appreciate for you guys taking the time and getting together and all that. And I hope we we continue um you know, I wish we could bring that that uh CPR certifications and all that uh to the community. The more the more uh community members that we have uh certified for CPR and first aid and all that makes us a safer community. Thank you. Yes, sir. I just had a quick question for Chief. How much did that ambulance that you sold at auction sell for last year? I believe it's over 800 ambulances. I'm kind of an auction expert. I have auction addiction. Everybody knows.

That's dollars, right?

Yeah. $800. Yes. I'll drive across country for auction purchases and used ambulances don't sell for much. at auction. This is a great opportunity uh to be able to provide that collaboration and there are no gift and loan clause issues because it's from one government entity to another government entity. Um you know so and I I've got speaking of auctions I' I've got a case of 10,000 uh expired face masks that I I can bring down if you want those for your program as well. uh because those kind of things go unused and they end up at auctions and uh I won't talk about the the auction purchase that I bought from No Gallas at a online city auction that went for pennies on the dollar. Um but this is a great uh reuse for the for that type of equipment.

Mr. Mayor, go ahead.

Yes, thank you. Just a couple of additional comments. Um the uh this is uh a really good thing for um Ngala and Santa Cruz County as you know um Greg's been standing up a pro provisional college here where there wasn't one u and uh because there are uh like 13 other community colleges uh in the state of Arizona uh almost all of them have been picking up uh these kinds of programs for public safety training training. Um, I think you all can remember a few years back you were probably sending police recruits to all different kinds of places around the state of Arizona costing you thousands of dollars just to facilitate their education. Um and now uh you know we have paramedic programs close by hopefully someday here and uh uh the the what makes them go and what keeps the price low is what Greg is asking for tonight because uh you know over in my county we we've been donating because we've got both a a police training academy and a fire academy there and uh it It keeps our costs to for training very low uh by donating uh equipment just like what we're talking about here tonight. Uh so it uh Greg, thank you for coming up u with that. And uh I I think this is just the beginning of some bigger things

and and and the other thing to point out is it it uh it reduces the cost to the students and the families of Nogala. So instead of having to folks up north or over to Coochis County, they can stay here. Yes. Thank you. Go ahead. Uh Mr. D, turn on your mic, please. Thank you, Mayor. Uh I'd like to make a a motion to approve this agenda item uh to donate the equipment to support the AMT certification program. Thank you. All in favor? I I. All oppose. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, guys. Item C, discussion, possible action, consideration of ink kind support for American Legion Post 23 for Veteran State Parade event to be held on November 11th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. U American Legion. Go ahead, Miss Po. I put in for the EN kind request uh for Veterans Day. We had last year over 300 people for our event. So that's what I'm requesting.

See 300 300 people plus you have a question. No, I can make a motion to approve motion to approve these uh this ink kind donation. I have I have a question. Go ahead. Uh Mr. Bas

um um um there's two agenda items here. One is for 1,800 in kind and I know the next one is for another I guess a thousand 1,800 also. Um we've we in the past is this event has been made done by the VFW. Am I correct? Not last year. Last year was was supported by the city. Was it supported by the city? supported by the city because it's America. It's an American holiday.

Yeah. Well, I know. But why why do we have BFW and then the American Legion here asking for any kind for for the same? Because we're two different entities. The BFW has their own post and the American Legion, we have our own. But I never recall having two entities uh doing this event. I don't ever recall the city or two ent separate entities. I from what I remember it was either or um BFW or American Legion. Now we have both. So the incind is is doubled.

Councilman Bonita. Yes. Uh last year we did fund separately the American Legion and the theater. I think they got $1,500 each. Mhm. Because they they held a the VFW held an event up at the VFW hall and the American Legion held a So for clarification, this was not this was not a city of Ngalas event then. I'm sorry. It's an American holiday for all the all the citizens of Ngalas, Arizona knowing this is an actual city. You just said it was a city of Ngalas event. So, is it or is it not a city? It's an American holiday for all. Okay. So, I guess that's a no.

No, cuz you didn't let me speak. Do you are you not aware what Veterans Day? No, I am aware. Perfectly fine. But I just don't ever remember uh having both entities for this one event. Before you cut off Mr. Bhoras, he was explaining that last year the VFW held their event, we held ours. I understand. So, we're we're still going above our threshold anyways. No, if you look closely, for Memorial Day, it's under threshold. Okay. But we're on the we're on the uh

Memorial Day, we we don't get as many people as we do on Veterans Day. When on Veterans, like I said, we had over 300 people because all the public schools and everyone's invited. Um we have a lot more people on Veterans Day. On Memorial Day, we have maybe 200, 150, but we still have to an event for, you know, celebration of life on Memorial Day and everyone is invited to that. So, wipe the smirk off your face. Go ahead, Vice Mayor.

You know, we we do inkind support for a lot of entities here in Noales, and it's only fair that we treat our our veterans the same way. you know, they they deserve to be supportive for the community and and we've done it before and I don't see a problem with that. So, who's going to the the event that you have on Veterans Day? Uh the VFW is going to Yes. We're talking on the Memorial Day right now. Oh, okay. Excuse me. Veterans parade. Sorry.

Veterans Day right now. Go ahead. Right. Council member Prada, do you know who did the submission and calculated out the $1,800?

Based on what we spent last year on food and sodas and water and everything that was free for the public, we were under $300 and some dollars. So that's why we had to go up a little higher than 1500 because it wasn't enough to for So the confusion councilwoman uh parada is is it there's two agenda items and one is for the American Legion and then there's another one for for the BFW. So is it one 1800 and then plus another 1,800? Is that the way it's might just so that I understand this correctly?

That's correct. If if I if I understand well, the commander from the VFW submitted the one for the VFW and Councilwoman Par submitted the one for American Legion. So, you know, if uh I think uh the VFW one is coming up uh the commander of the VFW is here present. So, but I guess the question is is are you asking for an $1,800 financial contribution or you're asking for the podium speakers the the inind both the inind and the financial support.

So maybe if if we could separate these out and because veterans the Veterans Day events not until November. So, if we could probably bring that back with some clarification as to what's being specifically asked for with regard to the inind contribution the because I don't think that there's $1,800 worth in, you know, podium speakers, chairs, and stuff like that. I don't I don't think it's that high. So, the So, if we could just do that, clarify that and then just go forward with the approval for the Memorial Day service. Okay. And then I think that would clear up some of I think the question

the main question Mr. is both it's both events and I got no problem supporting both events. However, they're they're asking for 1,800, which is normally, you know, was normally, as far as I knew, it was alternated that one one entity would would do it one year, another entity would do it another year. But they're asking for the same amount for the for the event to happen at the same hour, at the same hall, and everything. That's I think that's Mr. Bonia's question,

right? And I think that's why we can we've got plenty of time to Oh, yeah. to bring the November one back so we can get that clarification and and make sure that everybody understands what's what the events being,

what the inind contributions are are for and and stuff like that. just so there's not any, you know, concern over uh, you know, the the amounts and stuff because council set the the $1500 in uh, contribution amount, but that way we can farit that out because I think the the city definitely wants to support the the Memorial Day service and the Veterans Day service. It's just a matter of of getting those clarifications as to what what that amount was estimated off of. Okay.

So then um we'll I'll put the November the Veterans Day in October for the in kind and such and it can it could be you know uh June or July u miss but uh you know we don't have to wait we don't have till October you know. So would you table C and D which is the veterans? Mr. Mayor, is there a motion? I make a motion to table. Wait, there's a motion

so Mr. We're talking about tableabling and and uh clarifying C and D.

We were on C. Yeah. But but basically D is the same. So would you withdraw your motion? No, I don't know what what's a motion really. Okay. I want to table it for the in that we requested. He needs to withdraw his motion first. Yes, we have a we have a motion and a second on the table. So, before we do anything, you got to withdraw your motion. Are you going to withdraw the motion? Motion so we get clarification. You'll withdraw your motion. So, the motion's withdrawn. So, okay. So, now we can get some clar to the table. Let's do one item at a time. So, we're at

8 C and that's for the Veterans Day. So then there there would be a motion to table that to the next meeting. I make a motion to table it till the next meeting. 8 Z. Okay. All in favor? All right. All oppose. Now Miss D and the same thing 8 D. Okay. So just the same thing with D. So motion by council member Parad at the table. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All in favor?

I. All oppose. Motion passes. Both C and D are are tabled. Now we Now we go to E. discussion and possible action consideration of any kind for American Legion Post 23 for the Memorial Day services event to be held May 25th starting at 10 10:00 a.m. I make a motion to pass this second. I have a question. Go ahead. on this. It's the request is 2,000 in total.

It's two different. No, there's two different requests. They're they're considered separately. They're two different agenda items. Okay.

Just Yeah, we're just on on E with regard to the request from the American Legion Post 23. Yes. Okay. So you made a motion. Motion second. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I I oppose.

All right. Four four ice. Did everybody vote? Yes. No. Yeah. I You're an I, Mr. D. If they don't vote, it's still okay. All oppose. Motion passes. Item F. Discussion possible act consideration of incind support for VF post 2066 for the memorial day services event being held on May 25th 20 26 starting at 10:00 a.m. second.

Any discussion? I I just have a question. Go ahead, sir. And again, it's just the way these things were written up. What is this $1,000? And it says here at the Ngala Cemetery. So, what is uh because you asked for it on the previous agenda item for a certain amount, but what are these additional $1,000? Uh, council member Parada for the memorial service and for afterwards we're going to have a celebration of life at the BFW. Yes, we are going to have it at the BFW. And the reason is we are different entities but they welcomed us to use their hall because the American Legion will usually have it at Hokam outside so we're having it indoors.

Go ahead. Mr. D. Uh I thought one event was for now Memorial Day. No and then the next one is the one that's going to be uh brought later. It was table. Okay, we tabled veterans and

there's there's four separate agenda items. There were two separate items for the Veterans Day that were tabled and now we're on the two items. There's there was one for the American Legion for Memorial Day and there's a separate one for the VFW for Memorial Day. And so we're on the second one which is the VFW request for inind or sorry the American Legion sorry the VFW ININD for Memorial Day. That's what's on the table. That's the motion and the second in the discussion. My question is, sir, you know, on the request, it says, you know, from the VFW uh for the memorial event on the 25th at 10:00 a.m. at the cemetery. Correct. 100 people, $1,000 in correct.

Correct. Now, now here, uh, we're they're saying it's going not going to be at the cemetery. It's going to be at another place. I think the request is not correct. Okay. It is uh mayor if I can interject. Um the American Legion is requesting the the chairs the that one was approved already vice mayor. Yeah. Okay. So the VFW, they're just asking for the for the funding for the for the for the food and they're not requesting any chairs or canopies or anything like that because they're they're going to share the share the the the same equipment at the cemetery with the American.

So I I think what you have is you have a a an activity that's going to be starting at the cemetery, right? And then it's going to conclude at the VFW hall. Yes, sir. So, it's going to be in two locations. Correct. So, we can address that. That as long as council understands that that's clear that both organizations are working together for these for the Memorial Day service that has two parts. One part's going to be at the cemetery and then the second part's going to be at the uh the VFW hall. Yes. And that's what this second one is for the financial support for the

and and I understand that Mr. I just, you know, let's make sure we get these uh in kind events uh applications like we've had before um corrected, you know, and with with the correct uh notification that it's not going to be at the cemetery, that it's going to be at the at the VFW hall and all that. Yes. and we'll I think we can do a better job with doing a more detailed application for inind support and and stuff like that. So

I have a question for legal mayor if I may this is for legal. Uh so do because this is uh uh campaign season and there are certain rules that candidates have to run by. So the the request here is is by Mr. Ree. He is running for for mayor. So is is is it okay to to because he is a candidate that has nothing to do with the request shouldn't be addressing that raising that question kind of makes it more of a political Well I need to know because that's I'm asking the question yes no that has nothing if it doesn't have anything to do that doesn't

it has nothing to do with a political campaign it has nothing to do with with the with the elections so that wouldn't be an issue that just because somebody may be running for a position doesn't mean that they they lose the ability or don't have the ability to to do income requests or do other activities and things during the same season. So yes, that no issues there from a legal perspective. And besides that, Mr. Estes, uh Councilwoman Parada is a council man council member and she's making the request for American Legion. So I don't see any difference, but she's not running. Request was done by Mr. Jose Casares.

Yeah, she's not she's not running. And even if she did it, well, we wouldn't have a problem because she's not running for anything. So that's that's my question for clarification. That's it. But one doesn't have to do with the other. Yeah. Both both American Legion requests were done by Mr. Jose Casares. So now we're we're good. So you're clear. Item F. Uh do we have any more discussion? All in favor? I I

All oppose. Motion passes. Uh item D uh excuse me, item G. Mr. Bonz, you said you were going to remove this one. I need to read it. That's correct. Mayor, I would just read it and then So, okay. discussion, possible action, clarification regarding the city planning and sworning community development and the Ngal Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce. U Mr. Bonia, uh I want to offic uh officially pull this from the agenda. Any objections? Okay.

Okay. Item G is removed. It's No, it doesn't have to have a doesn't have to go through if it's being pulled by the sponsor discussion and possible action of use of personnel vehicles during work hours by the city of Ngal's directors. Councilman Bonz going to pull this one. I'm just trying to do my under on the uh We'll get out here by by 12. I said I said 8:30. Come on, Mr. B.

Um I have a question. This is more for legal. uh when directors get to use city vehicles or they're either I don't know if they're assigned a certain vehicle if you're a director, but my question is uh if you're working as a director and you're using your personal vehicle uh what what what if they're involved in an accident or something, is it okay for them to use their personal vehicle while they are on city time while they are working? Let me take a look at the policy. So personal in it states in the policies employees using their personal vehicles to conduct city business will are paid are supposed to be paid mileage and necessary expenses incurred. Personal vehicle used in the conduct of city business must have liability insurance and the minimum amounts and employees using uh that's just personal use. So if if a position has an assigned vehicle for that position, then that vehicle should be used when that position is outdoing city city business. So yes, we we should avoid and limit the use of personal vehicles for city use during city work days. if there is a uh vehicle available, assigned vehicle, for example, if the city engineer has an assigned vehicle because he's out and about doing inspections and things, then he should be using the assigned vehicle as opposed to a personal vehicle because that does avoid the issues of insurance and liability issues because uh you know, if there is an accident, then the

question becomes, well, was that individual out doing a uh doing city business or were they on their own personal time, different things like that. So to answer the question in short, yes, if whether it's a director or any other position, if there is an assigned vehicle for that position, then that assigned vehicle should be used when doing city business during city work hours. Thank you. Go ahead. Go ahead, Mr. D.

You covered a good point with the insurance liability and all, but you know, it's uh that's also goes both ways. uh if the employee is using his own personal vehicle and he's paying insurance not to be used in work, you know, just for personal uh whether it's recreation or driving around town or whatever. I don't know what kind of my insurance uh company, if you use your own personal vehicle for business, then you got to pay a higher rate for using it for that business. And if he somebody like an employee here uses us for the city and has an accident, he's going to be in trouble with his insurance company. I just wanted to mention that that so that you know in case somebody is doing that, well, be careful because if they're not aware that not only is it a a city issue with with insurance, it's also a personal issue with their insurance company.

So, and like I said, the You didn't follow me? I I I follow you. There there are plenty of times where city employees go and do city business in their own personal vehicles. Just for example, like when you guys go up to a league conference or travel and use your own vehicle, you get paid mileage and you're going on behalf of the city, but you're using your personal vehicle. So there are times when that does happen, but yes, the employee should know there shouldn't be an issue when it's a it's an ancillary. But but you use the example of the engineer driving around the city. That's why it stuck to me, you know, if you're using it for city business,

right? Because in that circumstance, if the engineer has an assigned vehicle and should have an assigned vehicle, those those vehicles should be used. But if, for example, somebody has to run over to Staples to buy supplies or something like that and drives their own personal vehicle, that's that's a, you know, it's not a regular use of a personal vehicle for city business type thing. Thank you for that clarification. Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Yes. and and we can try to avoid we just had a person here, you know, complaining that there was an employee with no no city signal on his shirt and god forbid he shows up in an unmarked car, you know, if I shoot at him. We don't want cartel looking employees showing up in unmarked vehicles and you know, I think that was the the lawyer. I think that was Randy who was calling It wasn't me. No, but we we've made sure that employees have appropriate uniforms and identification and so that those things don't happen and that they're driving city vehicles. That's right.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Yeah. Um just to put an a period on the discussion. Um we will fashion a memo in the next few days and make sure all city employees are aware of of the policy. It's it's a policy that everybody gets when they're employed here. Sure. But you know after a while people forget but we'll remind them. Thank you. And mayor if I could use one example Miguel if I could have permission.

Oh he wants a car now. I know. So, for example, I'll use Miguel as an example. Miguel 90% of the time works from an office, right? Every once in a while he has to go out and he has to do formal he has to publish the agendas in certain locations throughout the city. That's an ancillary part of his job, but he doesn't have an assigned vehicle because he's not out and about doing city business and needing a vehicle uh and the cost and expense of a city vehicle. So, he uses his personal vehicle to go and do those postings. So, that would be an example of an appropriate use of somebody using their personal vehicle because he doesn't have an assigned vehicle and it's not a position that would require an assigned vehicle, but every once in a while he has to go out for his official duties as the clerk to post those publications. So, that's just an example of of a circumstance where that would occur.

Okay. Thank Thank you. But from now on, he's going to use the mayor's vehicle to go do that, right? Yep. It's It's on the budget. Open the wound. All right. Uh, next we go. Uh, item I discussion possible action approving partnership with Miss between city of Noguel and Clever International Solutions for Economic Development. Mr. Verdusco, thank you for your patience. on the bottom. There you go.

Thank you.

Okay, mayor, vice mayor, and member of the council. Thank you for the opportunity for me to present tonight. My name is Cesuso. As many of you already know me, I represent Clever International Solutions and I'm here to share proposal design to move the city's economic development forward. Ngales has always been more than a border city. It's a gateway to the economy linking two nations to markets and thousands of jobs. Tonight, we respectfully request consideration to engage clever international solutions as a strategic partner to support the city's economic development objectives. Uh, next slide. There you go. Um, Clever International Solutions partners with cities like Ngales to convert a strategic location into real economic growth. Ngales holds a unique position as a gateway for the North America trade. That position geographic is a strategic clever international solutions specializes in helping cities converting the strategic position into measurable outcome outcomes, job creations, expanded tax base and long-term economic resilience. Our approach combines investment attraction, crossber coordination and targeted implementation, not just planning but execution. Our team our team brings proven bational public sector experience. I provide regional leadership and strategy supported by supported by years of crossber collaborations in institutional

and private partners. My colleague Kaliko Mateos, former CEO Natbank brings deep experience in international trade insuring and crossber investment and Roberto de laant ensures discipline execution timeless and accountability. Together we operate as extinction of the city's economic development capacity. Our vision is clear and results oriented. We help cities to turn into opportunities into outcomes. Moving beyond plans and into execution. Real progress can happens when a strategy is executed consistently and measurably effectively. Everything we do is guided by four core values. Integrity, doing what we commit. innovation, identifying better solutions, sustainability, building the long-term collaborations, working with the true partnership. Our mission is to provide expert consulting that drives investment, foster crossber partnerships and create lasting impact impact. Our commitment is accountability through measurable results and strategic growth in the entire bational region. We focus on four clear objectives. Increase investment, enhance crossber trade, promote sustainability and foster bational collaborations. Each one direct tied to jobs and revenue and resilience. Our approach integrate innovative innovative strategies to attract investment, streamline crossber operations and enhance Nalis competitiveness. We don't bring theory. We execute. We provide comprehensive consulting services tailored specifically to the unique needs of the city of Ngales,

Arizona. No generic solutions, one only strategies that fit this region. Ngali is already a critical gateway for North America. Trade like I mentioned it before is access to a skilled bicultural workforce and strong logistic infrastructure to address the complex economic challenges. We deliver target high impact solutions from industrial development to corporate relations, economic impact analysis and government relationship. Five strategic our five strategic crossber strategy is to build the national partnerships business recruitment sport tourism education and cultural and change and sustainability. Every pillar as you notice are really connected to to attract investment, job creation and community revenue growth. We integrate circular economy systems to improve efficiency to res and resource recovery. At this point I would like to share a video if you allow me the the work we have done with other cities. This videos I'm going to present with you is our first uh microactory thanks to the support of the city of Phoenix in in the city of Phoenix. I'm going to play this this

I want to thank everybody for coming here this morning to celebrate this monumentous event through Goodwill retail operations and human services program. Please welcome this partnership was with the university my client Arizona and Goodwill other my clients. Before I get into the painting partners two people in the room very special that made this happen for us. This microactory was all over the news nationwide is the first in kind. And

we collecting all the waste the plastic waste from the goodwill stores and we making tables for the city and also benches. So weizing the same material I don't want to bore you more with this. So basically this is a concept you know we collect the the feed stock we and we convert it to materials. A few months ago, I mean a month ago, I was here and also a few months ago, I brought a potential client that currently supplies to Walmart with under the brand of smart. So he's looking into really um collaborate with those with the mayor to open the first plant here to do this basic uh cleaning um um uh cleaning supplies you know that we believe there's a market and no make is a a great um place to to also to to do it. you know, we're going to start the pilot, I have to be honest, in in the city of Douglas and we would like to to to continue with the city of Ngales. Um because we we need to meet meet the demand and we need the feed stock and you have the neighbor here, Mexico. they can, you know, we can collect the feed stock and all the products going to be made here in America with a name brand of Walmart and be able to supply that demand. So, I'm going to pass this to a few of you. I don't know the last time you had the opportunity to see this Great Value brand is the Walmart brand. So, we that's made of all recycle

image bucket and this. So the plan is to to to bring the man to bring the manufacturer here and start distributing from here to make a point of distribution. And I'm going to pass you the bucket because that's even the brushes. All these are made of recycle.

Yeah. Also, you know, I took the initiative of um to do sport items collectible. And I'm going to show you the next slide. Oops. Um here's another case for one other client that we have a professional soccer organization in Mexico, those pumas. Many of you know this pumas of the university. The president asked us to to to really do a collectible item, you know, and redo his mascot, a Goyo. He said, "Can you do me the Goyo?" And and I say, "Yeah, sure." But I didn't know what was a Goyo to be honest in the beginning. Just say, "Yeah, sure." Find out that was a mascot. So, we were able to to work with them and develop the develop the marketing plan for them and send the the message. I'm gonna pay a little bit the the commercial we made for him. ask me be true. As you can see, we developed the campaign, too. And we designed the mascot. This is specs, you know, but that's the end product that you see in the picture.

I just sent into you some articles that can be done. Many of you probably know we can't hear you over the sound.

Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry. Yeah. Um this is just an example what we can can be done to for uh sports items you know articles collectibles. Um I was lucky enough to be part of this boot the Leonel Messi booth. Uh it's all made of plastic. Having uh Leon Messi as ambassador gives you more credibility to what you Why you does that Messi sign with a certificate? It's a collectible item. That's his food. His

cup and he designed it and it's all made of recyclable. It's all made of recycling. You're taking home agenda item. So, I'm just giving you examples what we can it can be done here. Thank you. Uh the the city clerk will need that for the file to archive it.

Okay. So, oops. Okay. Another um uh approach or deliverable that we working is the the the the call it the ashes or the the mold that is left in the water. was

that that that um uh slush can be converted to to to for payment for the sidewalks, you know. So that's another uh item that we working right now. Um we talked to the mayor. This approach stretching strengthen aquifier protection and reduces pressure in critical water resources. It also lower public works cost by improving material efficiency and reuse. In parallel, it supports local infrastructure development through the production of durable locally sourced materials. The result is practical environmental and economy improvement integrated into human development. So like I said, this slush and ash can be turned into products here. We can take advantage of that and take that stress from the aquifier aquifer and the like I say this uh this resource practical environmental and economic improvement and will create jobs. And now we going to the fun part sports tourism. I know uh many um uh cities recognize the power of doing the sport tourism. No, one of the most opportunities for Ngales is the development of a national sports tourism events. We just have um almost a month ago an event in Douglas that the mayor had the opportunity to to be present and he witnessed the the impact of that event, you know, brought people from

Mexico, Mexico City, from Mosio, from Awap Prieta, uh Ganana and as well from Las Vegas to Phoenix, El Paso, Texas. So, um, that has a an economic impact. Um, the three hotels the city of Douglas have, they were sold out. The restaurants were packed. Even I witnessed I went to a restaurant and I see people saying we only had tacos dorados and this you want to this is the only option from the menu. So, they didn't expect it. They turn turn around. So this is something that really um can position you know the city of Ngales because you are neighbor with with Mexico so we can do more international events. We were thankful that Senator Ggo sponsor us and believe in our project and he sent a message for our um

sorry I couldn't be there in person for fighters or all the fighters participating

I heard about this I just thought this is awesome and I'm jealous bringing together young boxers from southern Arizona and Mexico what a border communities are really about no matter which side of the border you're from our culture the fighters step into the ring today where your friends have been no matter the work you put us and more than that this event shows what's possible to come together and invest in the next generation that's why I'm very proud that my office is supporting this event I'm a huge fan myself I grew up watching all the fights I still watch them today actually got to see back and met David in Phoenix and growing up I came in the ring with my friends too I know how important outlets like this are for young Boxing pushes you, keeps you focused, and gives you something to be proud of. That's exactly the I want to give a big shout out to the clever international jail.

So, I want to thank Mayor Jose. We also did um an event for the city of Phoenix with the previous mayor. You know, he asked us to do the WBC uh mature event. It was a huge success too. Uh I know my colleague Marco Lopez last week has another event of basketball huge sus 150 kids were impacted which is you know is it teaches kids discipline and get them out of trouble out of drugs creates healthy communities and this is part of the event that we we have in Douglas. It was broadcasted to um a lot I say viewers through the stream.

He position cities you know internationally for the sporting uh fans. So,

so the impact of sports is can be it can foster u opportunities too. In my experience, I have brought individuals from Mexico to enjoy um a good sporting event and they discover the potential or expanding the businesses in in Arizona. They never even have sometimes in the mind in the rider uh in the rather Arizona when you invite them and they see the opportunity is they they they start thinking about what can we do in Arizona. So that's what we can do with the sports. So can I can I jump in?

Yes. Um I know we we kind of saw this presentation last month too. Yeah. And uh thank you. Um and and I think I saw a lot of enthusiasm along the the dis for it. Uh when when I called you last week and asked you to come, uh I guess what we're more interested in in today is the business end. Uh what what is Ngalas's commitment going to be? Uh are there going to be dollars involved? Uh who do we have to partner with? Are there contracts we have to enter into? Uh I think we need to move to the business side of this because uh you know we need to go.

So if we if you have something in your going that's where I'd like to go the next step.

Yeah the the liver was is right there in the next street. We have this company liver in Puebla that they already have initial talks with the mayor. They show interest. They want to expand the plastic factory here. Uh the mayor was very kind to give us a tour potential you know sites or where we can collect the feed stock that's one of them uh the other one is uh um creating a signature event on sports like I was talking you know uh maybe soccer boxing the other business um we're looking into it that we exploring and we working with uh Joe Bustios is the slush and how can we uh create hard uh products with that. We in the process working with the University of Puebla to create the products to see is durable and we can uh take advantage of that waste to to make the product. The other ones um it can be to be determined on based on the city uh you city managers what the areas opportunities or what you need from my services uh we more open that's the way I work currently with the city of Douglas you know uh right now also we can uh look into the grant I mentioned it last time from that bank the the cap grant that say $750,000 dollars uh can can we can bring using these uh projects.

So and so basically that's what uh I put it there uh deliverables urban development circular economy and u business recruitment initiatives. Okay. So, in the interest of time, um, what I'm going to suggest is, um, I mean, we need to start drilling down to the details. Okay. U, and, and that's really at the staff level. Now, that's not at council level until we have something to bring back for them to approve. Mhm.

So, what I would suggest is um that we schedule some time and it's going to be real limited for me um to start working on the details that are involved so that we know all of those things I mentioned before plus any funding opportunities uh from grant agencies that that you and I discussed oh month or so ago with the mayor. So, that's where I'd like to go with this. Okay. And so if we can start scheduling some time to deal with that and of course we're going to need legal at some point because of any contractual agreements will need to be reviewed.

Right. My question and concern is going to be with regard to the city has to follow its procurement rules and requirements for consulting services. And so we need to be able to know what what the proposed details are because any procurements with a total combined over $100,000, it's not just this year, but if it's a multi-year deal, if it goes over 100,000, we have to do a formal RFP process like what Douglas did. So we'd have to do a formal RFP and ask for proposals uh from anybody who

is open. Yeah. So yes. Yeah, I I went through that process and I was happy to to be uh raise my hand and and I was uh honored to to win the contract and it was under 100, right? And I've been delivering to them that are talking about even the renewing my contract because um Oh, I thought you were talking about your boxing match in Douglas a couple weeks ago. No. Yes, but they also Did you win? Yeah, I won. Yeah, you know. So, could you um in the interest of time um could could you reach out to me uh sometime in the next couple of days and

we'll set aside a time. We I mean I don't I don't have to bring you down here. We can do Zoom or something like that. We'll get all the right people in the room and start start drilling down on the detail on the numbers. Yeah, they know

because we need to know all that for council to make a decision. Excellent. And yes and one of the charact characteristic that the that on me is that I like to deliver. If I'm committed with something, I don't rest. I'm stubborn until I make it happen. So that's something that that's my personality. I'm not any average consultant. Okay. That Thank you, sir. You had a question, Mr. No, I I'll ask Mr. Pen to pass or certain information when no necessary. No, never mind. Okay. Thank you.

Your time. Have a good night.

Next, we move J discussion possible action considering of activating additional street lights throughout the city. activating, excuse me, additional street lights throughout the city to improve visual and public safety. Mr. The reason uh I I placed this. It's uh I' I've had some complaints of different areas in the city of residents that feel insecure in the darkness of night. In other words, there's you can go five poles, city poles that have lights on them, but they're off and then you run into one and and one of their main thearish is here in Western uh as a matter of fact in that project that they're working right there by the armory at night you go through it's total darkness, you know, once you pass the Circle K that kind of lights up that area there. But there's other areas in the city that I don't know why so many lights are off considering that I think they unisurse charges for all the lights that are on the poles and and when one of them is off we need to have it called in before it was the police department. Uh I don't know if uh if our chief remembers, but but uh whenever night patrols were out there and they saw lights up, they would get that cuckoo number and report it, you know, uh after they collected a few to letting them know that the lights were off. And so we need to address that because it's becoming a safety issue here in the city and and it's bothering a lot of our residents. And I don't

blame him because an accident can happen. One of them told me there on Western that she almost ran into about 9:00 at night into a kid that was riding his bike wearing all dark and no lights and and there was no lights in the the poles and he just cut in right in front of her and she barely was able to kind of swerve and break.

Mr. Doyle, um, thank you if I could interject. Um this uh conversation started for me a couple of weeks ago uh when somebody reported that there were half a dozen uh street lights out on um on Grand Avenue a little further south. Uh we have already now of course those particular lights are in state they're probably state but uh Eric Stewart if you haven't met Eric yet there's Eric Stewart he's the interim uh public works director doing a bangup job uh he's already been in touch with ADOT with regard to that

they've already responded to him uh they are going to um they're they're going to be walking the street if you will uh to do two things. number one determine which luminers are not lit and number two who owns that particular light post because some of them will be city light. Yeah.

Some of them will be uh ADOT lights. So um you know since we uh since you've mentioned that there might be other places where street lights are out. Um um Eric can uh interface with now our lights we have to interface with Unisource I believe and and because I'm from an APS community I'm not as familiar with their procedures but there is a procedure and uh public works can contact UNISource and we can do the same thing with them. Um, now what I what I need from you and anybody else on council, uh, the the the electric utility will always come back and say, "I need the poll number."

Okay. So, you need poll number. Yeah. There's a there's a cuckoo number. There's identifying poll number. A little yellow tag that has an whatever Unisource uses, that's what they need.

Okay. um consistently uh throughout the years regardless of the electric provider u unless we have the poll number we can't really identify it. So if you get say uh one of your constituents calls you or sees you at the grocery store ask them to pull the poll number off and and then report it to public works and then they can have Unisur come out and relight the fixture. Okay. Okay. Now, as far as whether or not certain areas of the town need more light, um I have found out nine times out of 10 throughout my career, it's because lights are out and that's what they really want.

Right. Yeah. Okay. So, let's relight the ones that are out and then we can go around and determine if there's areas that actually do need more light. So, the process has already started. Uh we're we're we're still working on it. We're happy to continue uh Eric just heard this discussion so he'll expand it to Unisource tomorrow and uh and we'll report on on it from time to time.

Yes. And and and you know if you if you notice uh the agenda item it kind of consideration of activating additional street lighting throughout the city not not to include it's just the lights that are off. In other words, those are the additional lights that are off. What I just said was we can't determine that until we relight all the lights. Well, you know, it's you're going to get a lot of cuckoo numbers. I I'll guarantee you that. I I Well, the tag number that's where we start with the with the light pole and and and that way you can turn it in and see what they have to say about Y. Okay. All right. That sounds fair enough. But that I just felt that needed to be addressed because issue of safety. Yeah, we've already started.

Thank you. Thank you. And and uh and I'm glad I don't think I've met your uh interim uh Eric Stewart, public works director. Yes, public. Nice to meet you. You'll be seeing me. I'll be turning in your number. Doing a great He's doing a great job for us. So, okay. Good. Good. He He looks like an honest person just looking at it. Mr. Wood, we need we need a lot of honest people around here.

Mr. Bin, we uh former assistant deputy uh city manager, Mr. Kissinger and I uh we he had a a a spreadsheet uh with the cuckoo numbers and the addresses. Uh but and so what we would do um with the cuckoo numbers, we would either I would give them to them or the police officers that were patrolling at night would gather the cuckoo numbers and hand in hand them in to the assistant deputy city manager. Mhm.

And there's there it must be somewhere in that computer where there's a huge spreadsheet of all the cuckoo numbers plus the addresses because it's not only cuckoo numbers that they will ask. They will ask for the actual address. Um but one of the issues that I remember is is that there was a confusion uh because they would turn around and say, "Well, that's not a that's not our that's not our light. That's the city's light." So it was that the the big list was never finished on what belongs to the city, what belongs to to Unisur. Yeah.

Um that that's one of the things that we have to fix. As far as more lighting for the city, I don't think we need more lighting. We I believe the city of Ngalas is the city that has more lighting per capita in the state. So we have enough lighting. We have enough.

I have a map that I can see each city and how how well they're lit from a satellite. You can't fool an astronomer. He knows where the light pollution is. But uh now uh like I say, I'm not from a unisur community. Um I don't know what the relationship is. We will find that out. Uh because you know, in some cities, this the city maintains their own street lights. In some cities, they have a contract with the local electric provider to to provide uh the the replacement lights. So, we just have to find out what that is and go with it. It's pretty simple and

and I understand Mr. Doyle's comment because uh I think we pay like $375,000 of of public lighting. So, and if it doesn't do us any good if these lights are are off because they keep charging us regard if they're on or off, they charge us. Yeah. Well understood. Thank you. Uh but may I um also comment even though they ask sometimes for addresses there's no reason why Unisur can't doesn't have on file like like uh

well they should if they know where their their cuckoo poles are you know because they know they have them if they don't they're really a utility company and I don't think they are you know they have everything up they have the information they have those polls to the nearest address. So, it should be on file. You know, all you do is turn in that that number and you should be able to align it with the nearest address. I got it. I've been doing this for 100 years. And I and I know you know you talked with Mark yesterday from Ad. I talked to him yesterday and this morning also. Yes. And I know uh the more the morning ones have already been reported. They're on top of it.

Yeah. He was in my office yesterday. Yes, he told me. Right. Thank you, Mr. D. We move to the next item. K. Discussion possible action regarding the status and circumstances surrounding the downtown arch, including a termination of finance responsibility for the reconstruction of the arch base. Mr. Doyle, turn on your mic.

Okay. So, you know, uh we uh we've been waiting um for this arc that was approved and I believe uh the vice mayor was in charge of that project and supposedly there was even funding to to be able to place those the base I guess for to to I guess to install uh the ark. But then I heard uh that nobody knew anything about the ark. We're here to go. So hopefully I'm like to shed some have some light shed on this on this project of where where is the project? Where where is the ark and who's funding the base and how far are we away from having that ark downtown set up? That's basically why I put it in place because uh there's too many things going around that are

contro. Say no more. I got it. All right. Thank you. Um okay, the the arch is uh pretty much complete. Um and uh we have paid for most of it. Um there's still some uh 28 25,000

$25,000 that we haven't paid and uh and and I guess that's so that they will deliver it to us. Um and it should be able to be delivered soon. Now, uh and and I've talked with Eric about this as well. Um the bases still have to be constructed, okay, at the appropriate places. And I know that at least at one location, uh the u uh public works staff have identified a spot that uh we were going to place one of those bases that may be over a tunnel. Uh so they may have to move that someplace else. Um my understanding also is that the um um that that there has been a a donation to help put those bases in. And so um I think of the last news I got was that they were going to be bringing them over bringing the arches across soon. And then uh we'll have I my my brothers would be to fabricate the bases. So we just have to set the arches. But I don't think we're going to be able to do that. I think they're going to get over here before that because I think they want to the fabricator wants the rest of his money and I don't blame him for that. So, so yes, it is moving. It it might be moving a little faster than we can find and locate and fabricate um the really the foundations uh which are going to be a you know concrete and steel structure. Uh so first the engineers have to determine if those locations are appropriate and safe and then the next thing we do is that we bring the arches over and and fabricate and install them. Well, well, I I I have a question.

That's why why why uh why, you know, if you're going to build something, you go with the base first, you know, where you're going to install it, how much it's going to cost, and and and besides where where was the ark? It's almost been a year that's been missing. And who and who who's building it? Who how much are how much is it costing overall? I hear what's left, but do we have to pay more than what it was? And and to who? That's Well, well, I mean, those are good. We don't those are reasonable questions. Well, they're reasonable questions, but the the u the arches themselves or arch itself. Okay. That was a known figure and that's the figure we're paying.

Well, who built it? Okay. A fabricator in Mexico. That's all I can tell. In Mexico? Yes. You're telling me that it was built in Mexico? It was for American product for a city that's supposed to pay for American products. Well, do you want us to cancel the order? It was brought to council and council approved it. I don't remember approving that be able to Yes, it was brought to council and council approved it. That would be illegal. Why would he even bring it up to Mr. I think we approved but it don't know how you I don't think the the production of the arch was never disclosed that it was going to be done in where did we get the funds to pay for that it was never discussed where it was fabricated at least I don't I thought those were the

it was approved with the ARCA funds ara no we we approved the AR that was left over there hold on it was vice mayor project let me talk it was approved with a fabricator from the US. Uh but to the knowledge of it being constructed in Mexico was never mentioned. Huh. So they didn't tell us it's another word. Yes. They did not tell us. But but now I want to know payments have been an American company, right? Or person.

I know. But he's we have you know we don't do it to a company in Mexico our payments as far as I know it's a vendor it's a it's a US vendor yes that's what I'm saying yeah because we would have Mr. Bhorus did did the funding you asked on the outside was it was it go ahead Mr. Pocket Mr. The name the name of the firm is AJML Contractors. Yeah. Okay. Fine. So So then he took it to Mexico to get it built over there. Is that what happened?

But but again, we're not supposed to be paying for stuff that, you know, the city uh that being built in Mexico and there. We're supposed to be Americanmade. Well, I mean, what we're talking about right now, we can't change no matter how long we talk about it. And so, if you want to get it done, fine. If you want to cancel it, that's fine, too. I thought it was already built. Well, it's it's built, but it's going to be brought across soon. Still in Mexico. So, I'd like to respectfully request like an an invoice of what was paid, how much was paid, and that's possible from the builder. Okay. Yeah, please.

Yeah, there could be something legal going on here and and we're being accompllices to it. I don't like that. Hope it will get if you could take Mr. Doyle into custody cuz he just admitted to

I was just looking through some trying to find some additional information. I was looking through some This would have gone to council was approved by council back in I want to say it was in January January or February of 2025. Um and the contract was with AJML Builders uh for I want to say it was $171,000 uh for the uh construction of the arch. Yeah. Yeah. And and there was a fund of about 200,000 or something like that to do that project.

At the beginning, uh when we started the the Morty project, we had $250,000. First it was $500,000. It was from the ARPA funds. ARPA.

And then they took half of that to finish the project up on uh Rancho, what's it called? Royal Road and Rancho Grande project. They took half of that. So they left us with 150,000. Then they took they took another chunk and they left the the Mley project with 120,000 and that's what we were supposed to use for that arch and Mr. Tapia was in charge of uh of doing the procurement. I I don't know maybe you know maybe we should uh check on the procurement uh uh regulations see if we know if Mr. Doyle is right that we're doing in you know that that that was uh inappropriately done or purchasing something in Mexico. I don't know if it's an American company and they just do the assembly in Mexico just like like Ford Motor Company and all those makilas. They bring all their material and they assemble in Mexico. I know bring it back.

But but these are federal funds that you're talking about that paid for the ark on the Yeah. Well, the AR because they're from the ARPA of them. Yeah, they are. So, they're federal. We're spending we're spending money in Mexico for a product that was supposed to be done here with federal funds. Okay. I I can you know that can bring the FBI down on as far as that. So, Mr. Attorney, you were aware of that, weren't you? I was aware of what? Of of being sent to Mexico. No, you weren't. Okay. No. involved in the details of construction of arches. Okay. Well, you're in details of you're in charge of a lot of details of how the money spends spent in the city.

Absolutely not. Okay. Well, Mr. Mayor, somebody's going to have to explain. I don't think we can litigate this thing tonight. Yeah. Um there was another public records request made uh recently and Miguel can provide you all with what uh he supplied tomorrow if you want it. Um that'd be a good idea. we get at least for the next meeting. And what's that? It'd be nice if we got more information on that for the next meeting. You can have it tomorrow if you want. Hey, thank you. I'll stop by. And uh as far as the rest of us concerned, I mean, what's done is done.

Oh, no. I know. I know. But what I'm trying to say is let's be more careful of how we spend our federal funds that that we get funded from the federal government. They don't give it to us to spend it in Mexico. So, we got to be we got to cut that process out. Well, and and you're talking to a bunch of people who weren't involved in that part. Okay. Okay. No, no, not fine. But let's find out who did it because it's it's really over. You keep saying that it was funded in Mexico, but the contract is with a company. We don't control where they make and fabricate the the product.

And I, as the attorney, don't have any say in that either. So, I don't appreciate the in insinuation that I should know the details of an arch being built in Mexico under a contract that council approved. So, but not not to be built over there. And and again, I understand and I and I and I and I understand that that you weren't aware of that. So, but the what I'm saying is we need to be very careful with that because those were federal funds that that paid for that for that arc. And there and and f and federal funds say don't spend it in Mexico and you don't know if it was spent in Mexico.

Well, the art is over there being somebody got paid for that. Okay, that's fine. I we'll leave it at that. Well, I'd like more information on that. Thank you. Just don't be surprised, Mr. Doyle, that you find out that the contractor's address is a home address. It's a residential address. No, just FYI. No, no, no. It's probably just a broker then. It's, you know, Yeah, there you go. Okay. Thank you. It's a Yeah, we move to the next item. I just have one more question for Mr. Horus. Mr. Horus, Mr. where you got the the additional uh funding for the base. Was that was that ever

as as far as the base and the and the foundation of this arch, we we were short. Uh, I think it was $80,000 that was going to cost to do the foundation. So, what we did is uh I told Hector Tapia to submit a grant through the South 32 and we were awarded the $80,000. It's in the city coffers right now. So, you were on board with Mr. and myself when we talked to South 32 and we presented that and they told you to just fill in the application. We did Mr. So, Mr. Topia didn't really have except that he did the formal but but you you were part of getting the approval of South 32.

Well, yes, but I I you know, as a as an elected official, I didn't want to get involved in the the actual funding of the grant. That's why I had I had Hector Tapia do the the grant, submit the grant. Uh, no. It was back then it was something that South 32 asked if they could help us out in something in the city and that's how when we we just mentioned that and they were kind enough. We were at that meeting. They said it could be a possibility that they could fund that. Yeah. So, we just they just need some uh some details and process. Yeah. And and and the person that was more qualified to to make those uh uh specifications stuff like that was was Mr. stop you from zoning,

right? Yeah. You were working together. So, so I let him apply for the grant. Okay. Well, at least we got a lot of more light on sh on it and and hopefully with the the rest of the information, at least we'll have a better idea of what's going on with the Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. So, we move next to item L, discussion, possible action inquiring into the status of use of 300,000 previously approved by the city council for the purchase of a digital welcome sign, including an update on expenditures and project progress. Mr. Can I go in? Go ahead, sir.

Thank you. Um that $300,000 uh was taken away from that project by a council order that was adopted by council and the money was redirected redirected to the bank building project. I don't remember that. Well, but there's an ordinance on file. Okay. Well, I'd like give me a copy of that cuz uh cuz uh come and see clerk tomorrow and he will provide see if I can get some light why we rerouted that. It was discussed in a council meeting, Mr. Doyle. Unless this was that council me wasn't here was adopted by this council

look back but anyway uh that's that's another another detour and and uh and so the money wasn't used at all for the for the digital sign. It went it went to what project? It was reallocated to the to the bank remodel. I know I would have made a lot of noise because we're that thing's way over budget and why are we sticking all that's not that's not on the agenda tonight. Okay. All right. That's fine. But but but this is and you're saying it went over there and I'm saying well because that's what happened. Well, that's the tie in anyway. But that all right. Thank you very much. At least we got that out of the way. Um go ahead, Mayor.

Thank you, Mr. market for clearing that up and discussion and possible action consideration of counseling proposition 415 from the ballot. Mr. D.

Yes, mayor. Uh the reason I I place that is because I want the council to reconsider that you know uh there's line there's reasons we have lines district lines and you know boundaries set up for different governmental entities. And one of the things is that, you know, even going back to to the old days with uh with our city charter, uh people knew knew better that if somebody became a city manager, they have to live within the city to keep a pulse on it. And now we're we're we're saying, let's put it 15 miles out where they don't even know what's going on in the city most of the time. city man should have high visibility should be able to get you know if he's going to be here and now I know that your situation is different when you're you know for for a while but when they're going to be here I believe that since we have this list and we're going to be choosing from a city manager that we don't know yet where where he's coming from could be out of state could be somebody within state but irregardless I think the first way of of of them to getting to know the city that they're getting the reigns on is to live within the city limits and I think that's why uh they they have that in our city charter so that they'll be living within the district of the city and not where where we're extending uh almost to Patagonia and Pastor Rio Rico almost to Tim Macakiri uh the the where a city manager can live where nothing that happens here in the city uh they're going to feel the impact of it because a lot of a lot of our our that we get impacted from comes from down south of the border. Uh whether it be stench, whether it be flooding, whether it be whatever it is that comes down through the air. Uh and when you're living in

the city, you're more aware and you're more tuned in to the business people to different entities within the city that that they need to see who's running the city. And and so that's the reason I placed it. I think I think our our forefathers knew what they were doing when they put it on the city charter that whoever is a city manager needs to live in the city because he's getting paid quite a bit of money especially nowadays and housing there is I've already checked with uh real estate there's there's plenty of housing uh it's a little little sometimes a little more steep for the Norman normal uh person but we're getting a city man is going to be getting paid over $150,000 So, you know, he's not getting peanuts and he should be able to quite well afford anything within the city. Uh, so these are my issues and and again, I mostly I believe that he should breathe the same air while while he's at home. He should be able to smell the same air. He should be able to be right on top of of whatever is happening in the city without having his underlings report to him. uh we should be calling him and hopefully he'll respond to our calls and uh if if there's some kind of a you know uh something out out of the norm but but that's my reason that I think we shouldn't even put it on the people uh or that proposition because it affects the residents of this of the city uh that if a is a city manager lives out away from the city hall you know it's taken you a while to get start getting the hang and you're still, you know, so the sooner they that that somebody sets up shop here, the more informed he's going to be and and especially if he's going to be here for a for a longer time, uh he needs to establish

relationships with his community, with the leaders of this community. And that and that's that's basically what I'm the reason I placed that I don't think 415 is a good idea. I I'll argue the point with any anybody in in the council about it.

Mayor, if I could address the the legal aspects of doing a a mo This is essentially you're asking for reconsideration of a council action that was taken already and reconsideration is is only appropriate at the next council meeting following that council action. This was an action that was done by council back in I believe it was September. Council voted unanimously to move this forward to the ballot. This isn't a council decision on whether or not to amend the charter. This is a ballot question for the voters of the city of Ngalas to make that decision on whether they not they want to amend the charter to allow for this change. We are now less than a month away or about a month away before the county has to provide the provisional early ballots with all of the ballot questions. So trying to make a change to the ballot at this point would be very very difficult and is something that one procedurally a motion for reconsideration wouldn't be appropriate. And if and absolutely if if you're not no if you're no longer in favor of of the proposition that you voted for then you had the opportunity to provide a statement for or against that proposition that would go on the ballot as well. the the the legal argument, I guess,

right? But, you know, right now, this is it's very very one, it it doesn't follow the the rules for a motion for reconsideration. Two, it's very late in in the sense of the ballots are going out in less than a month. And well, I' I've seen a lot of propositions of pass that get scratched out at the last moment. I don't know why you're saying it's like almost like you're almost saying it's illegal to do that. I'm not saying it's okay. Did I say it was illegal? No. No. But almost you you lead us to believe that I'm explaining the process to you, Mr. Doyle. This is a council decision.

This isn't a Joe decision. I'm here to explain the process. Nobody consulted me before this was placed on the agenda and asked any legal questions with regard to it. And I get that if you don't want to vote and you don't want to support it, that's totally your choice. Right. Right. But the the only reason they placed it back then we voted on is because the city manager that was there was living in Rio Rico and he wanted it to stay over there. So most of the council supported that. So isn't the bottom line let the people vote on it when it comes out in election? Amendment has to go to the voters city of Ngalas. The city voters the voters of the city of Ngalas would be the ones to say yes or no,

not the council. Okay, that's fine. That's uh but but it was the council that placed it there. Yes, the council voted to Yes, the council voted unanimously to place this on the ballot for the consideration of the voters. Well, at least we brought some light onto it and hopefully uh the people in the community are listening that, you know, they have a choice to make and it might not be the best choice just because we're the the council endorsed it. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you. Next move to item N, discussion, possible action and consideration of reviewing and revising travel allowances and related expenditures for city employees and city council members.

Again, uh I I noticed that this was visited again by our former city manager back uh he changed it. We didn't approve it, but he changed it. uh he tried to change ours uh and we voted against that, but he did change it for the city employees. And I think city employees should be lined up pretty much with how we're treated and uh the council. And the thing is, most city employees can't afford to pay upfront their fees. Maybe you guys make a lot of money, they don't, you know. Most directors make money, they don't, you know. So whenever they have to go out of town for training or whatever, they're expected to pay for their expenses up front and and then they get reimbured. But a lot of times they don't probably don't go to those trainings because they have to consider now putting food on the table, especially with the raising cost of our economy, the way uh inflation is going and everything is increasing. They can barely put groceries on on the shelves of their homes. and you expect them to pay uh for training sessions or other things that they undertake while working for the city or for training purposes and that's that's the reason I placed it. We should be a little more considerate about the lower echelons. Uh even supervisors probably don't make that much money to be able to pay out the you know so so you give me a reason to show why I'm wrong. Well, I don't care. I don't care whether you're wrong or not.

Okay, I'm looking at the policy right now and it says, and I quote,

upon determination of the city manager that a situation exists which makes compliance with the above maximums impractical, then actual costs of lodging, non- selected, conference, convention, and meeting sites may be reimbursed. Essentially, essentially what we're saying here is, and this is, believe me, I've seen a lot of travel policies. This is this is boilerplate text. You can find this in every city. There's always a provision for the city manager to wave that in the case of hardship. Okay? This provides the opportunity for an employee to attend a conference if they can't afford to pay in advance and get reimbursed. It's still there. Yeah. Let me respond.

Uh this former city manager we had, if somebody approached him, he didn't like it, he'd get him fired, you know. Why would somebody go to the city manager? That's not on the agenda. He's gone. Okay. You're talking to this city manager. All right. How long are you I'm telling you the policies. How long are you going to be here? How come Patrick is the next city manager like he or I got a feeling you're going to let him know when he gets here? I'm sure I'm sure we'll have our conversation. But but that's but that the point is I'm the policy exists. The policy is good. You should just let it be. And and do this workers know that they have that that right? Yes. It's the city manager's responsibility to know and it's the employees responsibility to know all

all the employees are required and have a copy of the city policies and they're they're responsible for knowing what the city policies are and those are in the city policy. They sign they sign a document saying they've read it and understand it. Yes. And a lot and a lot of them were living in fear in the past. So, you know, uh that's not on the somebody's got to look after their their their rights and and and their their their status or situation. And that's what we're here for. We're here to represent the community and the employees taken care of. But that policy was in place before the last city manager was here. Okay.

And the policy with regard to the council's travels, that was part of the council's adopted code of conduct that the council chose. and adopted and then the council amended that. So that had nothing to do with Joel either. But there there is the provisions and the ability to have those amendments made and done uh for those circumstances. Absolutely. Well, I' I'd uh I'd still like to I think there was be a voice for the employees. This We hear you. No. Okay.

We hear you. But but I want I want to again I'd like to make a motion to to approve uh this change in in favor of the employees. What is the change? The change is that we go to the old policy where they would get is the old one in place. Oh, so so police just left and they got a check up front recently. They're starting to get up checks up front. They weren't they weren't a while ago. They're the chief asking. Okay. Well, if it's in place already and it's being carried out, fine. Thank you very much. Thank you for clearing that.

Thank you for clarifying that. All right, Mr. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Peris. Okay,

one more. Oh, last question. direction and possible action consideration of establishing policy and procedures governing the collection of cash by city departments from members of the public. Mr. and and basically again uh I I just want for for uh transparency clarity and and that we're not uh in violation of anything uh or we have set procedures uh to accept I know like here they have a good policy accepting cash for payments on on water bill and the utilities and stuff like that. Uh I'm more concerned about the outer the outer branches like like uh like our new uh public works director is in charge. Hopefully maybe he's going to put things and make sure in place. Uh I'm concerned about departments that that we don't have as closed that there may be collecting uh also getting cash. I want to make sure that those guidelines that we have here are are also in place in the different uh departments of public works. Give me a specific

pardon. Give me a specific instance. Well, uh there's uh some areas there that were in some departments like uh there was planning and zoning for a while that they were saying that they just wanted everything paid up front in cash. Um that would be illegal, sir. Well, then accordance with our policy. Okay, then then good. That means that be keeping an eye on that to me. That's a criminal offense. Sure, that doesn't happen. He does that and that needs to be reported to the police. Okay. So, the policyy's in place. Okay. Thank you very much. Then we'll I'll take it from there. Uh that's good enough for me. As long as we can report it to

a responsible agency, uh that that's not going to be going on. Uh I don't know. You want me to check with you first before I go and talk to since you're the you're the real uh the one that gives us the legal opinion. I'm just I'm I'm just curious uh Mr. Mayor uh to just to put an exclamation point on on this and all of the other items that Mr. Doyle brought uh to the meeting tonight. Um almost every single one of these items could have been handled in my office with the conversation. Well, thank you for opening the door

instead of taking an hour of the public's time. Well, I think I think the public al No, we I don't think we're taking the public's time. I think they they like to know uh that we're on top of things. A lot of times these conversations that go behind closed doors uh don't mean anything to the public. Well, but but they know that the courts of business and administrating the the government, that's what you hire a city manager for. Well, I'll I'll uh I'll knock on your door. I'll give them to you and when I don't, I'll bring in guys like Eric and we'll have a we'll have a meeting. Okay, that sounds that sounds fair enough.

All been handled without having to bring them to the point of an agenda item. And judging from the heads I see bobbing up and down, there's a lot of agree. I'll be honest with you, I didn't like really the response I got from all of you about that uh about that arc that was uh that was that's still in Mexico, I guess. Uh and and again, why? because it was uh federal funds involved. That's not on the agenda right now. The art's not okay. We've talked about it, but again, okay, but but okay. But uh again, you're you're talking Yes, you brought it in saying that I that I lost uh uh time from the public because I brought these items out. I'm just telling you no, I apologize. I apologize.

All right, I'm done. But I think you know you know uh with more time and everything I think we got to look into uh you know the agenda items you know and and Mr. pocket. You know, um in fairness, you know, basically we have we were instructed that we couldn't say no to agenda items. So, so we'll we'll we'll talk that. Okay. So, let's we'll look at that um off off the record here. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Go.

Thank you. Then we go to item nine, orders. A consideration possible action of orders number 2026-05-017 an order of the mayor and the council of the city of Nal approving a subreient agreement reallocation with the Arizona department of homeland security for an operation stone garden grant in the amount of $137,136 in reimbursement equipment purchase NPD Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I

I. All oppose. Motion passes. B. In consideration possible action of order number 2026-05-018 an order of the mayor and the council of the city of Ngalos, Arizona notifying the Arizona Department of Transportation and intent to terminate lease agreement CR988 for Noguel's port of entry facility site number 2-51- A. Second. Any discussion? This is the blind center. Oh, that's what I was correct. That's the blind center, mayor. Go ahead, Mr.

Just to let the general public know that that building's not being used anymore and it can be more of a I guess liability for the city of Ngales and and uh just so you know that we're not just letting it go because you know, but it's mostly because it's not used. It's in kind of lapidated uh uh you know the structure itself and and so it it belongs to the state of Arizona so we might as well just give it back to them. Actually to do uh was this you know I'm not sure who put this on the agenda but uh was was this thoroughly talked with Adat or

Yes. And in fact, we went over and and met with them uh because there was a question because somebody had had been residing in the property as a residential uh property. That individual had was squatting, had passed away. Uh they they yes, they asked for us to to address this because either the property needs to be improved and maintained or we need to allow it to go back to to AOT so that they can uh figure out what the the state wants to do with it. But no, no hard fees. Everything would No, absolutely not. Okay. They're they're in support of this.

Okay. All right. Just want to clear it up. Thank you, sir. So, all in favor with motion in a second.

All in favor? I. All oppose. Motion passes. In consideration possible action of order number 2025-05-019 and order of the mayor and council of the city of Nalis approving an employment service agreement with Robert Gillan Gillan. There you go. For continuing service as a presiding magistrate. If we could have the judge come up and give a nice twohour presentation as to I could really two hours. I'm gonna come in.

I do just want to say um that there are three members of the council tonight that made me a judge four years ago. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to serve the people and the community of Ngalas, Arizona. I love it here. Um if I don't win the election in in November, I'm going to look forward to the next four years with you all. Thank you so much. Thank you, sir. Go ahead, Mr. Do. Yes. I I want to thank you for your service. Uh, as far as I've heard, you've done a great job, and I'm glad that you're continuing. I I don't want to wish you. Uh, but I but I hope you're still around next year.

No, keep up the good work, Dudge. Thank you. Thank you, sir. With that said, all in favor?

I. All oppose? Motion passes. Congratulations, sir. Next, we move consider action consideration and possible action of order number 2026-05-020 and order that the mayor and council of the city of Nuel's authorized Arizona authorizing the city manager to award a contract with Sunland Asphalt and Construction LLC for the industrial park uh drive rehab project aiga25-0011. 1197- I for an amount not exceeding 2,769,412.

Go ahead, Miss Pa. I just have a question. Has this uh construction company been vetted so we don't have the same problems that we did with the other construction company? Oh, hi. Sorry, I didn't see you. Eric Stewart with Public Works. Thank you, sir.

Yes. So um we chose to utilize um the GOC contract method which is under title 34 in the ARS and the reason is because we don't have completed sealed plans by an engineer. Our previous city engineer started it left it and so we picked it up six weeks ago. We looked at it we said you know let's talk to a contractor that we've had success with in the past. Uh the team chose Sunland asphalt con in construction. Um I don't know what project they did here before, but the team w was happy with their work they had done and we asked for a proposal under a um one GPA um contract and they presented it. It was under our budget and uh we were delighted about that because it's it's over a year and a half below the budget. So um the estimate that is so um it was vetted and this process is um they go through a procurement um a low bid process through the this one GPA program and so we don't have to go out to bid because it's already been bid through their process and approved by the state.

Does that answer your question? It's this the same way we buy cars a lot of times that's the state's already bid it and and so and and just to answer your question directly product it this is an American company I wasn't going to say that

I think that was the question they're not located in Mexico so yes just for clarification cooperative purchase contracts if their contract has cooperative purchase use language which allows other municipalities or government entities to piggyback off of their bid process, then we're able to do that. And that could either be a state contract, it could be the one GPA uh cooperative group that does that. There are many different organizations and and contracts that are out there for use for cooperative use. But again, that saves the city quite a bit of time and money from having to go out and do the specific bids, especially when you don't have the sign and sealed uh uh construction plans. Right.

My question was, Eric, you know, Mr. is surprising that it wouldn't have the site in sealed if it went through all the process and was awarded through the state. Is that normal? Sure. cuz normally I would figure to apply for it and everything you had to send all the from A to Z make with with already like what they call it um um what is what's the word uh

bid process or or ready shovel ready uh stuff like that and so you know this is the first time I I hear that the engineering was not uh finalized So how did ADOT approve it without a final or you know they had to have some type of a engineered project in front of them. So ADOT had two requirements and they were um they were very um vague. They were basically um I can read what they were but they had nothing to do with procurement of it. It just had to do with there was no um boycott of Israel and some other things like that in China. Yeah,

but those only requirements from ADOT for the contractor. Now for the GOC um process um now state contract is one thing but the one GPA is um it's kind of a a cooperative um use program that many government agencies are part of in school districts and it's not necessarily governed by ADOT but it's meets the ADOT title 34 procurement laws and so to answer your question um for if we go out to bid with project. It should be sealed by an engineer the plans and specifications. Uh something of this size we would hope it would have been um because we have a tight timeline start spending this money. We thought do we finish the plans or do we move forward with looking at GOC the um this contractor is good at looking at the plans that were finished. They just weren't sealed.

I can't tell you why they weren't sealed, but they weren't. Yeah. However, they said they have enough to um deliver us a proposal for that. The way the plans existed and the team inhouse, we decided Tony Santa Cruz, our new uh engineer in training, uh David Burrell, we looked at it and said, you know, this does meet our requirements for our standards. And so based on that, we we felt comfortable asking for a proposal on unsealed plans, but it's not typical. Okay,

the next ones will likely not be done this way. It was just a matter of getting the uh most urgent project done as soon as we could um in a in a legal manner. Okay. You know, there is three projects uh that are stepping our toes, you know, with with state approval and stuff like that. I know it's not on the item in in the agenda, but you know that we you know we need to get on the Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir.

Just uh a couple of additional comments that uh um when Eric came in a few weeks ago uh he recognized right away uh that that we were under the gun timewise uh because that's like a 6.2 or 6.3 million grant, something like that. 6.2. Yeah, I think so. Yeah. and uh he he understood the urgency and he jumped on it and his employees helped him to get to the finish line and uh in addition to that um I have confidence in his decision on this because he's also a PE so public education you you can make fun of it all you want I don't care

I can seal the record drawings but uh so anyway But, you know, thank you, Eric, for jumping on this one because it could have been trouble if we hadn't. You're welcome. Yes, we we need to get them. Thank you. Thank you. Well, that's with that's it. All in favor? I all oppose? Motion passes. Thank you. Let's get started tomorrow. Next, we go to item 10, mayor and council reports on current events. Uh, Mr. Bonas, I attended this uh past Friday. uh got an opportunity to uh judge the senior projects at Ngalas High School.

Mr. D.

Well, I enjoyed the patrio. That's right. Down the road. Uh but the Fiesta de Mayos were really, you know, a lot of uh a lot of beautiful young ladies wearing beautiful dresses and even the children were wearing those colorful, you know, outfits, I guess we call them, and and and and it all brought uh a lot of joy and and party atmosphere, I guess, and and kind of draws uh draws us a little more closer to to our culture down the border. uh that that we can identify with and and that uh even even for the people that that have just moved in or were just visiting, it it it kind of it gives them a little something more to bond in to feel they belong to because the the Mexican culture is very open. It's very friendly and and it's very uh uh festive. So, uh, they had a lot of good a lot of good food there on site and a lot of people and everybody was enjoying the music and the dance and everything else that was going on. So, uh, I want to thank I know always has a a part in and in and and in in the fiestas and every year she seems to guide it in the right direction with the rest of the people that work with her and improving it and and bringing more people to the event. Thank you. appreciate that's a another ambassador of for tourism and and goodwill. Thank you very much. And for culture, of course,

Miss Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Doyle. And I want to say happy birthday. Today is Mr. Doyle birthday. Oh my goodness. 21, huh? 50 years. 21 younger.

Happy birthday, Mr. Door. We we already started uh with a fiesta patrias that's going to be on September 5th. And I want to take the opportunity to thank the parks and w Mr. Opesa. Your crew was unbelievable. I mean, thank you really for all you do. Thank you the police department also for what you did. And I want to thank all the members of the city council that they were there. It's really a pleasure to have you there. Thank you. That's all. Miss Par,

I just want to invite everyone to our Memorial Day service um at 10 a.m. at the Nogal Cemetery by the VFW Post 2066 and American Legion Post 23. Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Okay. Okay. Uh basically remember we had the autism awareness at at the movies. We had uh basically you know Dominguez uh event here at uh at the bank building across u attended the high school senior projects taekwond do project or taekwond do event in at uh no high school gym uh opening ceremony for the veterans veterans uh baseball. The marathon was a great uh event. Uh thank everybody, you know, city workers and and everybody for all your help, the police, uh parks and wreck and everybody um attended uh with Miguel Lopez uh his uh legal free center uh for the community. I think a lot of people are going to be happy on on having that services available. uh you know today I attended the uh spring summit uh on the for the produce association down down in uh Tubec which is you know a lot of uh information for our produce industry uh u USDA and crossings. Um, next we have u future agenda items. Uh,

announce the special session. Okay. Oh, future agenda items. Before I forget, remember we have uh I'll start it off with we have uh uh work sections on Monday and Tuesday. Then we also have Monday uh prior to the work session at 11 we're going to have a short meeting because there's an in kind actually for the film festival uh that we got to address. Correct. Okay. And then uh besides that uh any future agenda items?

Mr. Mayor, I just uh want to notify you that I won't be here on Monday because I'll be out of town, but I'll be calling in. Yes, sir. Thank you. Miss Par agenda items. None sir. Miss Mendez. No sir. Mr. Doyle. No sir. Mr. Ronas. Not as not 8:30 but an hour later. With that said I move to adjourn this meeting. Yes sir. You have something Mr. Pucket. Yeah. Okay. Go ahead.

You already reminded on the budget meeting. Sorry. already reminded everybody on the budget meeting. So, we'll look forward to seeing you there. Um, and uh, you know, let the guys know. We'll get you hooked up. Hector, I'm going to talk to me now.

Okay. Great. Great. Um, the, uh, uh, on Friday, um, mayor and I will be meeting with the, uh, governor's, uh, senior water adviser. uh he's coming down here to meet with us and he wants to visit the IOI and also meet with IBWC personnel and I understand he's got a couple of other places that he wants to go while he's down in southern Arizona. So, uh, we're going to be there ready to, um, let him know, uh, what our projects are and what we're, uh, what our challenges are, uh, as far as funding is concerned. Uh, um, uh, Mr. Delgado from public works is going to join us for the meeting.

I will be joining you too, Mr. P. So that uh, yeah. Um, okay. So, I I don't want to offend anybody, but it's it's it's not a meeting for council, but it's a public meeting in a public building and your public officials. So, if you want to stop by um and and and meet the senior water advisor, that's fine. Uh I already had it posted as a potential quorum, so there's no problems with open meeting law. And uh I I I believe Stephanie Stall Hamilton will also be there. But as with all legislators, it's if she's here, she's here. And uh that's all I have, sir. Thank you. And we're walking because we all have a city vehicle.

You're walking all the way to the conference room. Just real quick so I can address the next agenda item for the Yes, sir. I'm trying to get most of my clients to to move on to the the correct way of doing an adjournment. You don't have to do a motion to adjurnn. The mayor can adjourn the meeting simply by saying having no further business, we are hereby adjourned because you don't want somebody to vote against an adjournment and be stuck here all night. Right. In in my book, I give them I give them the opportunity if they want to stay here till 2 in the morning. I

I got no problem. That's I I do it as re I you've told me before I I do it as respect and that's why I continue to do it. So with that said move to adjourn. Okay, Mr. We got one a we got ice. I All right. All right. We move motion pass. Move to maybe adjourn. Thank you.