Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

Wednesday, September 2, 2026Official site

The Board of Supervisors denied a permit for a trucking operation in a rural residential area due to intense use and existing zoning violations. They approved two mixed-use rezonings in Tonopah despite public concerns about water and traffic, and reallocated ARPA funds to expand down payment assistance for affordable housing. The board also approved additional legal funds to continue efforts to end federal oversight of the Sheriff's Department.

About this meeting

Government Body
Board of Supervisors
Meeting Type
Board Of Supervisors
Location
Maricopa County, AZ
Meeting Date
September 2, 2026

Published excerpts

Only published remarks appear here. The full transcript is not published.

182 sections (from 193 segments)

0:08•Kate Brophy McGee

September 2nd, 2026. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll? Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.

0:30 – 0:42•Kate Brophy McGee

Our next item on the agenda is the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor Galvin, would you please introduce us to your guest who will lead us in the invocation and pledge?

0:42 – 1:00•Thomas Galvin

Madam Chair, it is my true honor and privilege to have invited Congressman Matt Salmon to deliver the invocation and pledge of allegiance for us today, and I ask that I have a couple of minutes for remarks afterwards. Okay, we can go there. All right, everyone please rise.

3:41•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Congressman. Supervisor Galvin.

3:44 – 6:41•Thomas Galvin

Madam Chair, thank you. First of all, Congressman Salmon, thank you so much for that beautiful prayer. and for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. I'm going to read some prepared remarks I have, Madam Chair, but also going to make a few comments of personal observation about Congressman Salmon and his considerable service to our state and to our country. Matt Samet, former Congressman of Arizona, is now serving as Vice President of Government Affairs and Professor of Practice at Arizona State University. He oversees the university's international, federal, state, local, tribal,

6:42 – 7:13•Kate Brophy McGee

And thank you, Supervisor Galvin. Thank you, Congressman. That was quite the beginning. We will now proceed to the Pet Showcase. And I would like to bring up animal care and control representatives to tell us about this event. Darling little dog. I didn't get the chance for my pet therapy this morning, but hang on just a second.

8:24 – 8:59•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Kim. Thank you, Magnolia. May you find the best owner ever. Okay. May, I'm sorry. Madam Clerk, are there any announcements or corrections to today's agenda? Madam Chair, I do not have any announcements or corrections this morning. Thank you very much. We will proceed to planning and zoning. Consent hearings items five six seven and eight supervisors. Do you wish to remove any item from consent madam chair?

9:01•Thomas Galvin

Mr. Gallant, I will recuse from this consent item for the zoning agenda From from the agenda for consent.

9:08 – 9:20•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, sir The whole agenda, so please let it note that supervisor Galvin has recused for planning and zoning consent agenda

9:21•Debbie Lesko

Vice Chair, let's go. Thank you, Madam Chair. I make a motion that we remove number seven from the consent agenda because I understand there's a speaker signed up.

9:31 – 9:46•Kate Brophy McGee

Well, you don't even need to move it. We'll just remove it. So that being said, is there a motion, Madam Vice Chair, on items five, six, and eight?

9:47•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items five, six, and eight.

9:53 – 10:11•Kate Brophy McGee

It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor and present will say aye. Aye. Are there any opposed? None opposed. That passes. Now we go back to item number seven. Madam Vice Chair and Madam Clerk, we have a speaker on this item.

10:26•Kate Brophy McGee

My apologies. Let's hear the testimony. And if we need to reconsider, we will.

14:05 – 14:34•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you very much. May I ask Mr. Darren Gerard to please come forward and Vice Chair, it's my understanding that the Wendy Riddell is here on behalf of the applicant and the owner. Can we start with any questions from board members for our staff? Would you introduce your staff, please?

14:48•Debbie Lesko

Madam vice chair, please madam chair. Could you please give a summary of what this planning and zoning?

16:28 – 16:39•Kate Brophy McGee

OK. If you would remain there, please, and I would ask Wendy Riddell to come forward. Can you get the presentation complete in four minutes?

21:07 – 23:22•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Ms. Riddell. Vice Chair? Thank you. Mr. Stewart? Thank you. No questions. We will now proceed to... vote on the final agenda item number seven madam vice chair madam chair I move that we approve item number seven thank you is there a second second it's been moved and seconded hearing no further discussion we will proceed to a vote all those in favor will say aye aye aye any opposed motion passes we will now proceed to the planning and zoning hearings regular agenda I neglected to read the rules of decorum, which I usually start out the business portion of the meeting doing, but I'm

23:36•Kate Brophy McGee

If those speakers would please come forward. Could you read the name again, please?

23:49 – 24:07•Kate Brophy McGee

And will you be giving them a time limit? Yes, I will. Thank you. Three minutes. And also, if you would please state your name for the record, and we welcome you to the meeting. Thank you, Madam Chair. You need to move the microphone closer. Sorry.

26:16•Kate Brophy McGee

Welcome. Please state your name for the record. Good morning. You have three minutes.

31:00 – 31:22•Debbie Lesko

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. I do have a question. One of the items that was brought up by one of the speakers was their concern about the roads. And if this is developed, depending on what is developed there, can you kind of lay out what is usually expected on developments as far as roads?

32:00 – 32:12•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. If you, Mr. Gerard, Ms. Applegate, if you'd stay seated and Ms. Riddell, come forward. Do you have four minutes? Yep, we're going to get it done. Thank you.

37:04•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Any questions? Madam Vice Chair.

37:09 – 37:49•Debbie Lesko

Yes, thank you, Ms. Riddell. In most of the opposition letters that we received, I'm just going to read part of it, and you've addressed it, but if you could address it again. Sure. It says, as a rural resident who relies on a domestic well, I'm concerned that this rezoning would allow large-scale warehouse and data center development without adequate public information regarding water supply, groundwater impacts. I know you just went through that, but could you reiterate again why you do not believe their domestic well will be affected by any projects that you do on this site?

38:57 – 39:11•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Any questions? Supervisor Stewart or Gelbin? No. Madam Vice Chair, are you prepared to go forward with the motions?

39:11•Debbie Lesko

Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items number 9 and 10.

39:15 – 39:57•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. It's been moved and seconded. Hearing no further discussion, we will proceed to a vote. All those in favor will say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes unanimously. I want to thank very much the public who came forward to speak on these items. And hopefully your questions were answered. If not, please reach out to Ms. Riddell and she will be available. Excuse me. We will proceed then to planning and zoning regular agenda item number 11, Glengal Logistic. Madam Clerk, do we have any speaker forms?

40:07•Kate Brophy McGee

Please proceed. Hold on for just a second.

40:30•Kate Brophy McGee

Mr. Watson. Please state your name for the record.

43:41•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Could you stand for a question from the vice chair? Just stay at the microphone, please.

43:46 – 44:05•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to clarify, you're in opposition to the item. You're in support of the women that are opposed. Yes, I am. Okay, because you said a couple times, I support. I just want to make sure we're clear and if you're in opposition to the item.

44:08 – 44:28•Debbie Lesko

All right, thank you very much, sir. And also, stay there a second. Mr. Girard, if he has other, it sounds like he had other complaints about other businesses going on that shouldn't be there. What can he do about that?

45:00•Debbie Lesko

Great. Thank you very much. So sir, if there's other things going on, we have done that. He's the guy.

45:09•Debbie Lesko

Make sure you get it. He's the main guy.

45:31•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Please state your name for the record.

48:47•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you very much. Your time is up. Yes. We have some other speakers. Madam Clerk.

51:14•Kate Brophy McGee

Welcome and please state your name for the record. You have three minutes.

54:19 – 54:36•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Before we proceed for board questions, is the applicant owner Jack Gilmore here? Welcome, sir. Please state your name for the record, and you have four minutes.

55:01•Kate Brophy McGee

Pause the time. There we go. Please proceed.

58:23•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Mr. Gilmore, are there questions from the board?

58:29•Mark Stewart

Madam Chair. Mr. Stewart. Are you asking the board to continue this item? Yes. Okay.

59:01•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Vice Chair. This is in your district.

59:08•Debbie Lesko

I don't have questions at this time, but I would like to hear from Mr. Girard when we're done.

59:14 – 59:26•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Mr. Gilmore. Stand by in case more questions will be asked. I have a question for you, sir. Continuance for how long and for what purpose?

1:00:06 – 1:00:18•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. In the meantime... What will be the conduct of business on the site? Are you going to stop conducting business and stop the trucks, or what's your plan?

1:01:02 – 1:01:18•Kate Brophy McGee

That's really not what I'm looking for. I'm just trying to figure out, well, you cease operations until such time as approval might be warranted or gained. It's really a yes or no question.

1:01:30 – 1:01:41•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. If I could ask Mr. Girard to give a summary of this project and What were the concerns, and what did planning and zoning recommend?

1:06:13•Kate Brophy McGee

May I have a nice share of questions? I do not.

1:06:19 – 1:06:33•Thomas Galvin

Darren, quick question for you regarding this compliance agreement. Mr. Gilmore laid out how he sees it. Does that differ from how you see it and how you would describe it to the board?

1:07:00 – 1:07:19•Thomas Galvin

Okay, thank you. Madam Chair, one more question. Mr. Gerard, you said there were four letters in support and four letters in opposition from the community. What is the location of the folks who signed the four letters of support, and do they say why they support this application?

1:07:46 – 1:08:04•Kate Brophy McGee

Mr. Stewart? No, thank you. Okay. So, Mr. Gerard, if the board votes today to accept the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation to deny, does that then require that these operations cease and desist?

1:08:24•Kate Brophy McGee

Madam Vice Chair, are you prepared to go forward with the motion?

1:08:29•Debbie Lesko

I am. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to make a few comments before I make the motion, if you would permit.

1:08:40 – 1:10:00•Debbie Lesko

There has been a compatibility determination with regard to the military Air Force operations. However, we must also consider if the proposed land use is appropriate for this four acre site surrounded by rural residential community to the east, north, and west. The staff has recommended denial. Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to deny. There is opposition from neighbors directly adjacent to the site. There's also support from neighbors directly next to the site. I believe the site is too small to properly host a truck terminal for parking and maintenance. And as Mr. Gerard said

1:10:02 – 1:10:17•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. It's been moved. Is there a second? Second. It's been moved and seconded. In the interest of board members wishing to explain their vote, I will ask Madam Clerk to conduct a roll call. Supervisor Stewart?

1:10:17•Mark Stewart

No. Excuse me. Yes, in support of denial. Thank you.

1:10:39 – 1:11:23•Kate Brophy McGee

Aye. Thank you, Mr. Gilmore. Thank you, those who spoke. The motion to deny passes unanimously. We will now proceed to statutory hearings. Clerk of the board, items 12 and 13, and transportation, a road file. Madam Clerk, have we received any speaker forms? Yes, Mr. Gerard and Rosalie, you are released. Do we have any speaker forms? Madam Chair, none on these items. Thank you. The board will now consider items 12 through 14. Madam Vice Chair, is there a motion, please? Thank you, Madam Chair.

1:11:23•Debbie Lesko

I move that we approve items number 12 through 14.

1:11:29 – 1:11:57•Kate Brophy McGee

It's been moved and seconded. Hearing no discussion, all those in favor will say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion passes unanimously. We will move to the Board of Supervisors Consent Agenda. First items 15 through 71. Supervisors, do you wish to remove any items from consent agenda items 15 through 71?

1:11:59•Mark Stewart

Thank you. I'd like to remove items number 24, 25, 41, and 44 and 45.

1:12:08•Mark Stewart

Sure. Item number 24 and 25, item number 41, item number 44 and 45. Thank you.

1:12:20•Kate Brophy McGee

Madam Vice Chair, on the remaining consent agenda items, would you introduce a motion when you get there?

1:12:29 – 1:13:00•Debbie Lesko

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items number 15 through 23, 26 through 40, 42 and 43, and 46 through 71. I think it almost got us there. 26 through what? No, 46 through 71. So 15 through 23, 26 to 40, 42 and 43, and then 46 through 71.

1:13:06 – 1:13:36•Kate Brophy McGee

The board will now proceed to a vote. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We will now proceed to consideration of item number 24 separately. And that is replacement warrants victim compensation program. Mr. Stewart, this was your item. Would you be so kind as to ask your questions?

1:13:36•Mark Stewart

Thank you, Madam Chair. As a matter of fact, I'd like a presentation on 24 and 25 together, if that would be okay. Thank you. Thank you.

1:13:45•Kate Brophy McGee

I appreciate your coming forward, and please state your name and your job duties for the record.

1:18:28 – 1:19:06•Mark Stewart

Mr. Stewart. Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate the background on this. You know, there's things that come across our desk in these agendas from time to time where I recognize the great work that our departments are doing, and this is a tremendous program. One, from a cost savings perspective, but more importantly, for the victims, right? And for your office to be as diligent as you are in making sure there's restitution and follow-up, and hopefully lowering the burden on the community for... incarceration and things like that through these programs, it's tremendous. And I just wanted the co

1:19:06 – 1:19:17•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Any other questions from board members? Thank you, sir. Thank you, Madam Chair. I will assume, Mr. Stewart, that takes care of both 24 and 25?

1:19:20•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Madam Vice Chair, motion on said items?

1:19:23•Debbie Lesko

Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items number 24 and 25.

1:19:31 – 1:19:50•Kate Brophy McGee

It's been moved and seconded. Hearing no further discussion, we will proceed to a vote. All those in favor will say aye. Aye. Those opposed? Motion passes unanimously. We will now proceed to item number 41, the adoption of a resolution for the 2026 general election. Mr. Stewart, you pulled this item.

1:19:51•Mark Stewart

Madam Chair, thank you. I'd like a brief presentation on the plan for where our locations will be, and I've got a couple questions. Thank you.

1:20:02•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Please introduce yourselves for the record and the audience.

1:26:10•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Mr. Jarrett. Mr. Stewart, questions.

1:26:14 – 1:27:23•Mark Stewart

Thank you, Madam Chair. And again, well, there's two things. One, you probably couldn't see it up here, but the elation that I'm feeling over a one-page ballot is tremendous because we know what a long jam that creates on Election Day when people drop off their early ballots at the last minute. So a couple of things. One, kudos on the primary. Again, I want to be able to share that. And I appreciate you working with the Recorder's Office on these locations. I like how you guys are working together and getting these things done. A couple questions that I've got relates to alleviating pressure.

1:29:11•Mark Stewart

Scott, that's fantastic. I appreciate that. Madam Chair, are you guys still looking for locations or are we good?

1:29:38 – 1:30:26•Mark Stewart

That's great. And then I like that you brought up the PR, the social media, encouraging folks to vote early if they have that option or get their ballot in the mail. As we've talked about several times on this, and for those that have not heard about this, but the biggest logjam that we have is those late early ballots that show up on election night at 7 p.m. There's a physical aspect to it where We have to pick it up from the voting location, take it to the MEXTEC or the voting tabulation center. We have to verify signatures. That takes time. Then we have to open up the envelope. That takes t

1:31:10 – 1:31:23•Mark Stewart

Well, that's fantastic, Scott. Madam Chair, I just want to thank you guys for what you're doing. You and your team, along with the Recorders team, are really putting a best-in-class project out there, and I appreciate the information. Thank you, Madam Chair.

1:31:27 – 1:31:50•Thomas Galvin

Thank you, Madam Chair. And first of all, I want to echo what Supervisor Stewart had to say with kudos for the last primary election and the kudos that he gave for you today in your presentation. So I have a couple of questions. Scott, I hate to put you on the spot, but you said 254 voting sites for Election Day this year, correct? That's correct. Do you recall, and if you don't, that's okay, but do you recall how many you had on Election Day for 2024 and for 2022?

1:32:11 – 1:33:25•Thomas Galvin

But this is a reflection that you guys have increased it along every cycle for these important statewide races. And you've done it in compatibility with the growth that we're seeing. So there's a purpose in it. There's a method to the madness, so to speak, where you're seeing significant growth where Supervisor Gallardo and Supervisor Lesko are located. I think kudos to Supervisor Lesko for speaking up on behalf of her area, including Peoria and Sun City. And I know that Supervisor Stewart and I are happy to see extra in Mesa as well. I think what is different this year in terms of operational

1:34:31 – 1:34:51•Thomas Galvin

Okay. So, um, madam chair to follow up. So the recorder's office will have their own equipment and then they will remove that equipment. And then the election team reports to the board of supervisors has its own equipment and we'll move in their equipment. That's correct. And we'll jointly go to the vote center together to recorder's office.

1:35:28 – 1:35:49•Thomas Galvin

Yep. And everything I've heard is that things have gone smoothly between the recorder's office and your team. Madam Chair, as a follow up, those 46 sites, how did the recorder's office and your elections team have either input or collaboration or was it exclusively one or the other? for those 46 sites that were chosen for early in-person voting?

1:36:19 – 1:36:31•Thomas Galvin

Okay, so I'm just asking out of curiosity. So the Recorder's Office signed off on these 46 locations. These were acceptable to them? Madam Chair, Supervisor Galvin, that's correct. Okay. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

1:36:32 – 1:39:03•Debbie Lesko

Madam Vice Chair. Yes, thank you very much, Madam Chair. You know, I've served now, I don't know, 17 and a half, I think more than 17 and a half years in public service. But until this job, I did not realize how complicated elections were. And so it's been really quite interesting to me. And I know one of the things that is very difficult that people don't understand, and I didn't understand before I got into this job, is how difficult it is to get voting centers. Because I know a lot of folks think, hey, we should have tons of these things. But it's my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong,

1:39:41 – 1:39:57•Debbie Lesko

OK. And Madam Chair, if you could just do me a favor, when he makes it public, could you alert me to it so I can see where the locations are? Also, how many drop boxes, do you know how many drop boxes the recorder has approved now? Because that's under him now, correct?

1:40:23 – 1:40:45•Debbie Lesko

Well good, it would just be good to know so that we can publicize it or maybe the recorder will publicize it when he gets it. But now ours are public, correct? Ours are public as soon as we, well it's already public and if we approve it, it will probably go out on our website, correct? That's correct. All right, good. Well good job, thank you. Thank you.

1:40:48 – 1:42:16•Thomas Galvin

Yes. Madam Chair, thank you. Sorry, I forgot to ask you this one question. And this is very specific for an item in my district. It was two years ago. The location was Indian School Park and Tennis Center. It was on Indian School Road. It's a very well-trafficked road. I actually voted there in person. I believe it was the Friday before Election Day. The lines were pretty long because I know what happens. People drive by Indian School all the time. They see it. It's a very popular park. But the location that actually hosts polling sites itself is very small. It was just a small little room. Wh

1:43:50•Debbie Lesko

Perhaps it's possible to put a sign at that one, so you know there's another location right next door.

1:43:57•Thomas Galvin

That was my suggestion, Madam Chair, two years ago. And as always with these guys, the conversation turns into a lot of unintended consequences.

1:44:07 – 1:44:21•Kate Brophy McGee

I call it tinkering. At any rate, it's not exactly governing, but we try. So is the item before us today in conformity with the settlement that was reached with the recorder?

1:44:24 – 1:44:40•Kate Brophy McGee

And it only involves Election Day and emergency voting centers? Yes, Madam Chair. We do not have information about early voting sites or drop boxes as of this point. So yes or no?

1:44:43•Kate Brophy McGee

Are we required to approve these sites or is that an additional gesture of transparency at a public hearing?

1:45:01 – 1:46:12•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. I would invite Recorder Heap when he makes his decisions to please present the early voting sites and drop box locations in the interests of transparency and cooperativeness. And I've been able to observe firsthand the level of cooperation that is going on between both offices. I continue to thank Judge Christopher Curry for figuring out these details, and I want to commend election staff for their work in this area. Last thing is a comment for housekeeping. Board members should have received, or actually their chief should have received an email with all the information that was ju

1:46:13•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve item number 41.

1:46:17 – 1:46:46•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. It's been moved and seconded. Hearing no further discussion, we will proceed to a vote. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? Motion passes unanimously. We proceed on to item 44, amendment to contract with Newton Community Development Corporation. Mr. Stewart, you pulled this item.

1:46:47•Mark Stewart

Madam Chair, I'd like a little bit more background on this amendment and what we're trying to accomplish here.

1:46:54•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Welcome, please introduce yourself and your job responsibilities for the audience.

1:49:29 – 1:50:32•Mark Stewart

Thank you. Thank you for that background. So if I'm understanding this, and I appreciate you explaining it, so when was this first, like, kicked off? In 22? Or was this in, what year did we make this agreement with Newtown? sorry i don't have the exact year in my head but i do have the contracts here i know that this was part of arpa funding isn't it may 18 2022 yes thank you thank you so so in may 18 2022 we put out an rfp to to launch this project did we were we planning on using arpa funds at that time yes okay And so we're in 2026, and in that timeframe, building costs have gone up. And wh

1:51:01 – 1:52:13•Mark Stewart

Okay. So if I understand this correctly, we had ARPA dollars, 22 RFP, four years before we get to build for whatever, you know, regulatory reasons or whatever. In that timeframe, costs have gone up, what, maybe 40, 50%. And the reduction in homes is nearly 50%, assuming that those numbers math out on my napkin here. But I guess my biggest concern is like, and I applaud the chairman's effort on affordable housing initiatives. The challenge is that we're trying to build more homes quickly in order to, it's an inventory issue, not necessarily a subsidy issue. So I get what we're trying to accompl

1:52:48 – 1:53:06•Kate Brophy McGee

And to that point of correction further, this is not my program. It preceded me and will go on long after I do. It's something Maricopa County does, has done for a long time, and does exceptionally well, unlike many government entities.

1:53:07 – 1:53:21•Mark Stewart

Madam Chair, thank you for that. It was an attempt to compliment on the work that you're doing currently, and this factors into that portfolio. So I appreciate the background on this. I don't have any further questions, Madam Chair. Madam Vice Chair.

1:53:22•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thanks, Tamara, for the summary. Can you tell me who's eligible to get these down payments? Like how much money can they make?

1:53:38•Debbie Lesko

And can you tell me, I don't know what the median area income is.

1:53:51•Debbie Lesko

And Madam Chair and Tamara, and how do people apply for this? Because there's only a limited amount of money. So how do they even know about it?

1:54:15 – 1:54:29•Debbie Lesko

And Madam Chair Tamara, can you tell me what do these people have to have legal status, be citizens in order to qualify? Madam Chair, Vice Chair Lesko,

1:54:47•Debbie Lesko

And when you say a lawful resident, is that a green card holder? Who is that?

1:55:11 – 1:55:30•Debbie Lesko

And Madam Chair and Tamara, do you know, I heard that there was some type of attempt to perhaps ban legal residents from getting it. Was there a court action that said we needed to offer this to legal residents?

1:56:09 – 1:56:21•Debbie Lesko

Thank you. So I think what that means is that we are doing the county's requirements are the same as the Supreme Court's requirements. Is that correct?

1:56:35 – 1:56:53•Thomas Galvin

Thank you for that presentation. I have a couple of questions for you. So when they say they're going from 16 residential units to 10, if you take that universe of 16, does that mean they're still building 16, but now six are going to be sold basically under free market principles, and then 10 will be through assistance?

1:57:13 – 1:57:45•Thomas Galvin

Okay, so I've been a proponent, especially during this ARPA's discussion, of having as many projects as possible reflect the free market. There was a lot of projects that I remember that were being debated and deliberated on at the previous board, that I spoke up and said that I believe it would be much better if we just let the market dictate and decide. So now that we're moving six more units subject to market conditions, I think is a lot better. Casa del Sol, what is that program and can you explain to me why it says here that it's being decreased in funding?

1:58:16 – 1:58:42•Thomas Galvin

OK. $702,000 in reduced funding means we're going away from that, I would say, protocol that I was not a fan of, where you're just saying, hey, we're just going to do subsidized housing. But now we're going to do what I see. It seems to me we're doing more targeted programming, where we're addressing people who need the help immediately and more obviously. Is that how it's working?

1:59:01 – 1:59:37•Thomas Galvin

Okay. So I think you know that the county board has always tried to be flexible with taxpayer money, try to be flexible with taxpayer money and also efficient. These are monies that were provided to us by the federal government that were provided to all different states and counties throughout the country. So technically it's either our money or we lose it because otherwise in different programs we'd have to find it probably from our general fund. This question before the board, if we vote this down, does that mean that these programs continue unchanged but would be less efficient in how we're

1:59:54•Thomas Galvin

Right. Okay. Um, and Madam chair, I want to see if the County manager can provide me analysis. If we voted down, what are the effects?

2:00:16•Thomas Galvin

But is that, and Madam chair, is that in essence, like we're, would be wasting the $700,000 that we think would be better spent in other ways?

2:00:33 – 2:00:53•Mark Stewart

Thank you. Supervisor Galvin brings up a really good point. If we are not able to use ARPA dollars for this RFP that we went out for and for this program that we've committed to, where does the funding come to Newtown to be able to support this? Does it come from our general fund or does it come from another vehicle?

2:01:03•Mark Stewart

I'm asking about all of it, but that you could start with that.

2:01:45 – 2:02:23•Mark Stewart

Okay. Thank you. And Madam Chair, I'm trying to get to... a deeper understanding so that I can support this project. The nation's $40 trillion in debt. ARPA dollars now are five years removed from that particular initiative. And I know that some cities and some counties are returning that money to the Treasury. I just want to understand how this impacts. Do we already have families that are waiting for these? Homes or, because this money goes to the bank, right, the down payment assistance. I'm just curious, do we already have people that are in line for this and families slotted for this fund

2:02:28•Mark Stewart

Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

2:02:30 – 2:02:50•Thomas Galvin

Mr. Galvin. Madam Chair, two questions that are now have arisen. Number one, you're working with HUD currently, right? Yes. Overseen by President Trump? Yes. Okay, so what are the policies and mission of President Trump's HUD vis-a-vis working with Maricopa County? What direction have they provided to you on what they want to see?

2:02:58 – 2:03:43•Thomas Galvin

Okay, so this presidential administration's HUD has been supportive of our efforts? Correct. Your efforts? Yes. Okay. Second question, Madam Chair. So if we don't reallocate the $700,000, we're under contract with Newtown, correct? So that means if we don't make this amendment to the contract today, that we still have to spend that $700,000 under the terms of the contract with Newtown, but it wouldn't be a wise investment of the money because it's just not going to go as far, and so basically we would be throwing good money after bad. Is that how you see it? Okay, so we don't want to spend the $700,000 just to waste it. We'd rather, if we're going to spend $700,000, reallocate it and directly help people per President Trump's HUD policies.

2:03:46•Thomas Galvin

Okay, thank you. That's very convincing. Thank you, Madam Chair.

2:03:49 – 2:04:05•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Mr. Stewart, as long as we're on the subject and have Ms. Bridwell here, do you have any questions about the other item you pulled, number 45? I believe your presentation encompassed both, but would you have, first of all, Ms. Bridwell, do you have some follow-up comments?

2:04:10•Mark Stewart

Thank you. I was speaking about them both as well, Madam Chair.

2:04:14 – 2:05:30•Kate Brophy McGee

That was my assumption, but we were only working off 144. What I hope are closing comments, no guarantees. The issue with ARPA funds is sending them back, even for a county our size, is the equivalent of spitting into the ocean and saying you got it done. It creates a lot of internal and problems with county budgets and our contracts and agreements. The issue with ARPA funds is when government entities, and many of them have, commit those funds to ongoing needed services, overhead, whatever, where when those funds go away, there's true need and hurt. I don't want to pick on school districts, b

2:05:30 – 2:05:46•Debbie Lesko

Madam Chair, would you like me to make a motion on just 44 or 44 and 45? 44 and 45, please. Thank you. Madam Chair, I move that we approve items number 44 and 45. Thank you. I'd like to explain my vote, Madam Chair.

2:05:52•Mark Stewart

Madam Chair, I'd like to explain my vote after the board votes. Thank you. I'll defer.

2:06:03•Kate Brophy McGee

I'm asking for your vote. It's a roll call vote and you certainly can have comments after the vote.

2:06:10 – 2:07:34•Mark Stewart

I'd like to vote after. Okay, thank you. So I'll make some comments first, Madam Chair. I appreciate the background on this. If more information would have been provided to my office, which we talked about in our last meeting, we could have gotten through this meeting today and discuss this in a little bit more detail with your office. I appreciate you sharing with me about the families that will be affected by this. As somebody that is a fiscal hawk, if you will, I'm also compassionate, and I understand that there's families waiting on this, and this is a plan that's been put into place long

2:07:37 – 2:08:31•Thomas Galvin

Madam chair if I can explain my vote please I vote aye Actually, I think supervisor Stewart explained it really really well So I'm not gonna speak as much as I thought I would because I think he did a great job of explaining it I too hate to see wasting of taxpayer money So if there's a plan presented to us by staff of how to better allocate in one instance here $700,000 I'm going to be happy to do it and I'm open to doing it I think supervisor Stewart EXPLAINED IT PERFECTLY WHILE WE'RE DOING THIS. THESE ITEMS ARE IN LINE WITH WHAT WE HEARD FROM STAFF REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL TRUMP'S HUD ADMINIS

2:08:40 – 2:09:07•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. A little bit of housekeeping here. Board members have these agenda items well in advance. A week in advance. And they are truly invited to reach out to any and all staff through the county manager to ask questions, clarify as needed. And with that, I vote aye.

2:09:13 – 2:09:45•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. We will now proceed to the Board of Supervisors addendum, item 72, competition impracticable procurement for Greenberg, Trowig, and Melendrez et al. versus Sheridan et al. Number 73, initiate special action regarding tax court decision in Shealy v. Maricopa County. Number 74, chief deputy county superintendent of school salary. And 75, settlement in Green v. Maricopa County et al. Madam Clerk, do we have any speaker forms?

2:09:57 – 2:10:09•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Mr. Tai, please come forward. Good morning, board members.

2:12:00 – 2:12:14•Thomas Galvin

Madam Chair. Mr. Calvin, I have a question for the speaker. Do you oppose or in favor of us hiring an attorney to end? What we think is an overdue too long oversight over the sheriff's office.

2:12:28 – 2:12:56•Thomas Galvin

State that again, please. Madam Chair, sir, I'm asking, do you believe that this process with the federal monitor that costs at least $2 million a year and total cost for the sheriff's office that costs $34 million a year should continue? No, I don't think it should, but. Okay, that's what we're trying to do here, Madam Chair, is we're spending money on attorney to save the $34 million that you and your fellow taxpayers pay every single year for this. Thank you, Madam Chair.

2:13:07•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, and please state your name for the record.

2:14:18 – 2:14:30•Kate Brophy McGee

Excuse me, are you complete with your comments? Yes. Thank you. Mr. Liddy, from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, would you come forward and speak to these objections?

2:15:51•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Any questions from board members?

2:15:55 – 2:17:04•Thomas Galvin

I don't have a question, but I have a statement I want to ask Mr. Liddy. Ms. McCarty, thank you so much for coming down here with your question, and I hope this is edifying for you. Because Mr. Liddy, as I pointed out earlier to the previous speaker, Maricopa County taxpayers have to pay $2 million to a federal monitor, which was court ordered by a federal judge. Maricopa County has to pay about $34 million a year in outlays to the sheriff's office even before one sheriff deputy even hits the street. We have been subject to this federal oversight for over 15 years. We have asserted that this h

2:17:27 – 2:17:39•Thomas Galvin

And Mr. Liddy, do lawyers who are retained for federal court cases like this require a specialty and experience and education? Very much so. OK. Not any lawyer off the street can do this.

2:17:45•Thomas Galvin

OK. So asking for a budget max of up to $750,000 in an effort to save the taxpayers from spending any more than $300 million so far is a wise investment?

2:18:06 – 2:18:18•Thomas Galvin

I do think it's a wise investment, and I think all five supervisors here have been working really hard over the last two years to save the taxpayer money paid for by Mr. Tide and Ms. McCarty. Thank you, Madam Chair.

2:18:29•Kate Brophy McGee

Madam Vice Chair, would you put forward a motion on 72 through 75?

2:18:35•Debbie Lesko

Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items 72 through 75.

2:18:40•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second?

2:18:44•Mark Stewart

Madam Chair, I'd like to second that and make a comment for my vote.

2:18:48 – 2:18:59•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. It's been moved and seconded, Madam Clerk roll call. Supervisor Stewart.

2:18:59 – 2:20:23•Mark Stewart

Thank you, Madam Chair. When you think about all the moving parts with elections, this Melendrez case has almost as many. We have gotten farther in the past couple years in hopefully relieving the taxpayer and the sheriff's office from this burdensome that seems to be moving goalposts every time we have a meeting. That being said, Supervisor Galvin outlined this perfectly. This is an investment. From this board and we've been very immersed in this subject for quite some time to help Support the constitutional police force. Well, I think it's one of the best police forces sheriff's departments

2:20:39 – 2:20:57•Kate Brophy McGee

Chair Brophy-McGee. I have said from the start that I would rather see those precious taxpayer dollars that are going out of state to a monitor that is hardly here ever be really reinvested back in the community to public safety. With that, I vote aye.

2:21:11 – 2:21:26•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. With specific comments to public participation and thanks on 72. Okay, thank you, Madam Clerk. We will recess as the Board of Supervisors and convene as the Improvement District. Madam Clerk, any speaker forms?

2:21:29•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. The Board will now consider Item 76. Madam Vice Chair.

2:21:34•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve Item 76. Is there a second?

2:21:38 – 2:22:00•Kate Brophy McGee

Second. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor will say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes unanimously. We will adjourn as the Improvement District and convene as the Flood Control District Board of Directors. Madam Clerk, are there any speaker forms for 77 through 79?

2:22:24•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. And Mr. Poffman, this is you. Please come forward. Mr. Mabe.

2:24:50 – 2:25:06•Kate Brophy McGee

Ms. McCarty, I am going to rule your comments out of order. They do not reflect to the agenda item, amend and determination of relocation benefits. So direct your comments to item number 77, or I will ask you to be seated.

2:25:11 – 2:25:34•Kate Brophy McGee

No, ma'am. It has to do with relocation benefits due in a flood control district project. Thank you. Mr. Boffman, I don't think there were any comments made to which you need to respond. Please be seated, and thank you for coming up. Alex Smith, too.

2:27:36•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you for your question. Specific to the agenda item, Mr. Tai, do you have any other questions before you are seated?

2:27:48•Kate Brophy McGee

Please be seated. And Mr. Boffman, can you speak to the questions on the Whitman Area Drainage Master Study Plan Update?

2:30:59 – 2:31:10•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Are there any questions for Mr. Botham? No? Excellent. You finally got there, but it sounds like a very complicated project.

2:31:13•Debbie Lesko

Madam Vice Chair? Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items 77 through 79. Second.

2:31:20 – 2:31:41•Kate Brophy McGee

It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor will say aye. Aye. Hearing none opposed, motion carries unanimously. We will adjourn as the Flood Control District Board of Directors and convene as the Library District Board of Directors. Madam Clerk, are there any speaker forms received for items 80, 81, or 82? Madam Chair, yes.

2:33:12 – 2:33:24•Kate Brophy McGee

But I'm questioning, this is a capital project, sir. And would you please confine your comments to the capital project, which you are opposing?

2:33:34•Kate Brophy McGee

Sir, your comments are to that item only, not to general library concerns. If you are complete in commission.

2:33:51•Kate Brophy McGee

You are excused. The topic is the Anthem Library Capital Project. Thank you. Ms. Corcoran.

2:34:48•Kate Brophy McGee

Your comments need to be to the Anthem Library Capital Project.

2:35:02•Kate Brophy McGee

I'm sorry, this is a capital project. It's specific to building out the Anthem Library. My question is...

2:35:33•Kate Brophy McGee

If you would like then to proceed to item 82, Ms. Corcoran, you are signed in to speak on the library minutes.

2:37:47 – 2:38:08•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, Ms. Corcoran. I think what I can tell you is that Minutes are required to show action, who moved, who seconded, what actions were adopted. That's it. Madam Vice Chair.

2:38:09•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we approve items 80 through 82.

2:38:14 – 2:38:44•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor of the library items will vote aye. Any opposed? Motion passes unanimously. We will adjourn as the Library District Board of Directors and reconvene as the Board of Supervisors for public comment. Madam Clerk, do we have any speakers signed up? Madam Chair, yes, we do have 10 speaker forms.

2:39:10•Kate Brophy McGee

Welcome, Ms. Venable. Please state your name for the record. You have two minutes.

2:41:25•Kate Brophy McGee

Welcome, Mr. Harris. Please state your name for the record, and you have two minutes.

2:43:12•Kate Brophy McGee

Welcome, Mr. Morgan. State your name for the record.

2:50:16•Kate Brophy McGee

Please have a seat. Please. Madam Clerk.

2:52:44•Kate Brophy McGee

We'll figure that out when we get there. Mr. Tai.

2:56:49•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you. Madam Clerk, our last speaker.

2:57:00•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, sir. And please state your name for the record.

2:57:24 – 2:57:39•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, sir. Madam Clerk? Madam Chair, there are no other speakers. Okay, that concludes the public comment section of the agenda. We will move on to Supervisor's Summary of Current Events. But first, Madam County Manager.

2:57:44 – 3:01:45•Mark Stewart

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for a great meeting. You know, we've been out in the public, it's been a few weeks since we've been here, but always out in the community. We attended a Sun Lakes Procedure and Educational Forum where I was able to moderate a panel with the wonderful Helen Purcell, J.D. Mesner, who's a state senator, Dana Lewis, the Pinal County recorder, and Andrew Gould, a former Supreme Court justice. Incredible conversation centered around how we can continue to improve what we do here underneath state law. It was quite eye-opening for me. A lot of historical reference

3:01:45•Kate Brophy McGee

It's insane. No, I eat hot dogs year-round.

3:01:59 – 3:03:01•Debbie Lesko

Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work being done by the Maricopa County employees. This year, Maricopa County received an incredible 78 national achievement awards from the National Association of Counties, recognizing innovative programs and services across our departments, elected offices, and judicial agencies. These awards are reflective of the dedicated employees who come to work every day here. And as I've said it before, I've always been impressed by the staff here at Maricopa County. So congratulations to all the employees, all the department

3:03:04 – 3:03:30•Kate Brophy McGee

Thank you, board members. Thank you, county manager. And thank you, staff, for your exemplary and Madam Clerk, your office for the exemplary preparation and presentation of this meeting. Please check my newsletter. You can see our D3 team is out and about and doing many wonderful things. We very much appreciate it. There being no further business before the board, this meeting is adjourned.

These excerpts are remarks by officials whose identity a person confirmed, from a transcript generated automatically from the official public meeting video and presented unedited. Accuracy may vary; view the original recording for reference.