Council - Regular Meeting

To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Roll call. Mayor Herardaya, present. Vice Mayor Juan Castillo, present. Council member Lorena Deado, present. Council member Jesus Raldan, present. Council member Luis Galindo, member Miguel Velpando, present. Council member Martha Gonzalez, present. Mayor, you have a quorum. Thank you. We're going to move on and call to the public. Anybody from the public want to address council?

Alexis Leette. Hello, mayor and city council. My name is Alexis Liot and I reside at 16500 South Avenue half in Summerton, Arizona. As I was reviewing tonight's agenda, I noticed several significant investments being considered, including a Summerton sign that's nearly $50,000, the proposed pickle ball courts over $157,000, and the $20,000 towards a partial museum conceptual design that will guide a multi-million dollar project. These are meaningful investments in our community, and I think they highlight an important question about how we prioritize funding across all residents. I want to respectfully emphasize that accessibility under the ADA is not an enhancement. It is the minimum legal baseline. It is the foundation for equal access in our community. We teach our children to follow the laws. Let's lead by example. When we see projects funded in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars with even larger investments on the horizon, but accessibility is missing or delayed, it raises a serious concern not about resources but about priorities. It becomes difficult to reconcile how we are prioritizing investments, especially when it comes to meeting legal obligations that ensure equal access. This results in real exclusion, meaning some members of our community simply cannot participate in some spaces. I also notice on the agenda materials that the city is moving forward with pickle ball courts based on growing demand. I think it's fair to ask what data is being used to define that demand because demand for accessibility is not

speculative. It is established in federal law. These protections were put in place because people with disabilities were historically excluded. And yet more than 30 years later, many communities are still working to meet even that baseline. So if demand is being used to guide spending, I would ask that legally recognized needs like accessibility are given at least the same, if not greater consideration. I also want to acknowledge that this month is recognized as autism awareness month. Children with autism face significantly higher risks around water, including 160 times more likely to drown. That's right, not 5, 10, 15, but 160 times more likely to drown. I would like to ask how we as a community are working to address that whether through inclusive swim programs, water safety education, or lifesaving resources that are accessible to all families but targeted towards the most vulnerable population. This is where I believe we should be investing along with inclusive projects meant for all. I'd like to respectfully ask that you consider this and really give a thought to the um spending that's being proposed. Lastly, I want to sincerely thank the city for committing to move forward with an inclusive play project. I've got several interested parties ready to go, so I'm looking forward to meeting at the end of the month or sooner if you're available. I'm truly excited about what will become, a space where everyone can participate and no one is left on the sidelines. Thank you for your time and as always, please feel free to reach out to me. Thank you.

Thank you. Anybody else from the public?

Alexa. Hello, Summerton Mayor and City Council members. My name is Alexa Liot and I live at 16500 South Avenue, a half Summerton, Arizona. I'm glad we are building and growing Summerton. And I think we should make the things we already have accessible for people with disabilities, too. And when we do have accessibility, everyone who has a disability, uses a mobility device, will come and see all of Summerton's amazing places. Having accessibility will also include people with disabilities so we can have all enjoy so we can all enjoy life together. Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you. Anybody else from the public? There's none. We have two proclamations. The first one is sexual assault crime victim's rights. Whereas communities across the nation observe sexual assault awareness month each April to raise awareness about sexual violence, promote prevention, and support survivors. And whereas communities also recognize National Crime Victim's Right Week, April 19th to the 25th, 2026 to honor victims and survivors of crime, acknowledge the progress of the victim's right movement, and reaffirm the commitment to ensuring victims voices are heard and their rights protected. And whereas the 2026 National Crime Victims Right Week theme, listen, act, advocate, protect victims, serve communities, highlight the importance of listening to survivors, taking action to support them, and advocating for their rights and recovery. And whereas thousands of individuals across Arizona experience sexual assault and other violent crimes each year with many incidents going unreported, demonstrating the continued need for awareness, prevention, and community support. And whereas local data from Yuma County reflect ongoing incidents of violent crime, including sexual assault, underscoring the importance of community awareness and coordinated support services for victims. And whereas the Summerton Police Department along with advocacy organizations, medical professionals, and community partners play a vital role in protecting victims, investigating crimes, and providing resources that support healing and justice. And whereas it is essential that communities work together to recognize the impact of crime, support victims and survivors, and promote efforts that prevent violence and strengthen protections for those affected. Now therefore, I, Herardo

Naya, mayor of the city of Summerton, do hereby proclaim April 2026 a sexual assault awareness month in April 19 to the 25th, 2026 as National Crimes Victim's Right Week in the city of Summerton, Arizona, and urge all residents to listen, act, and advocate for survivors, support victims, and work together to prevent sexual violence and uphold of uphold the rights of all victims of crime. like to invite uh Gabriela Sanchez and um members of the Catholic community service safe house to come up Thank you. Um, do I have to say my address? Gabriella Sanchez.

Does she? No. I'm like up the hill. Um, I look at the attorney. So, like

So, I'm Gabriella Sanchez. I'm the facilitator of the domestic violence um task force here in Summerton. Um, and one of the biggest things is we try to bring a different agencies and us and us the police department that they're not alone, that there's agencies and people to help. They shouldn't do this alone. So, um, we're doing a walk denim day um on the 29th. Um, and wearing denim is so important because you're taking a stand against domestic violence. I mean sexual assault. Um it doesn't matter what you're wearing. It does not invite sexual assault or consent. And that's one of the biggest things that when I educate um the teenagers or or uh college, it does if she said yes, but then she said no, then it's no. And that's one of the biggest things. And please share uh we're going to have a walk at Bush Masters on the 29th from 5 to 8. Um and I'm Gabriella from Catholic Community Services. Um so if anybody from here wants to attend and support, you're more than welcome.

Thank you.

We have the second proclamation, autism awareness. Whereas autism, the fastest growing development disability in the United States affecting more than three million people, is an urgent public health crisis that demands a national, state, and local response. And whereas autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the human brain and can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background. And whereas symptoms and characteristics of autism may present themselves in a variety of combinations and can result in significant lifelong impairment of individuals ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors and understand verbal as well as non-verbal communication. And whereas as an effort as the effort to address a autism continues, doctors, therapists, and educators can help persons with autism overcome and adjust or adjust to its challenges and provide early accurate diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education, intervention, and therapy that are vital to future growth and development. And whereas all are encouraged to ensure that persons living with autism have access to the lifelong care and services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential. And whereas the city of Summerton is honored to take part in the annual observance of autism awareness month in the hope that it will lead to a better understanding of this disorder. Now therefore, I, Herardo Naya, mayor of the city of Summerton, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month and join the nation and other local governments in recognizing April as a Autism Awareness Month as a symbol of our commitment to creating a culture of disability awareness and inclusion for all members of our community.

would like to invite exception student services booster club and Omar Duron superintendent for summer school district to come up and receive the proclamation. The booster club come up.

That was one, two, three. Thank you. Can I have anybody else? Can I have Can I have

nice hat?

Thank you. Um, good evening everyone. My name is Gabel Guzman. Um, and I'm here representing ESS booster club and many families in our community. First, thank you for inviting us to be part of autism awareness. Our booster club was created by seven moms who came together with one goal to support our children in schools and in our community. for our families. Autism is part of every day. It comes with challenges, learning, learning, growth and also many beautiful moments. And while it's true that for us autism awareness is not just April 2nd, we truly appreciate the openness and support that the city and this community are showing to all children. Moments like this help us create understanding, inclusion, and acceptance.

and that makes a real difference in in the lives of of our um families. On behalf of the ESS booster club and the families we represent, thank you for giving us a voice and standing with our children. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council members. Thank you uh for having us. Uh it is a pleasure to be here uh representing the Summerton School District in such an honorable day. I just want to express my gratitude to the support of the city, to the support of everyone who's involved in our ESS uh departments and also um this amazing group of moms came to me with an idea, the energy, the enthusiasm to um be advocates for their own children. and I got really excited and so I've been meeting with them uh regularly listening to them and out of those conversations we've had amazing amazing uh events workshops that we planned and many things that we have planned out for our students in in our district and in our community. So thank you so much. I just wanted to express my gratitude to everyone. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. We have a presentation uh presentation recognition of individual student athletes at the first wrestling state champions and the Summerton High School girls wrestling team as state runnerups at the Arizona State Wrestling Championships. Both representing historic achievements in Summerton High School history. So yeah, we have um this uh recognitions for the student athletes. Um normally um we wait till the end of the year to recognize outstanding athletic achievements but this one's special. This is the first uh state uh championships from uh Summerton and also placements at the after only three years of existence. So the city is very proud of the student athletes. First I'm going to ask uh the individual state champions to come up. Uh, first is uh Jaden Preston.

Uh, Kenny Garcia. and Annette Preston. Mary, you have a little gift for them?

Yes. Congratulations.

Congratul And I would like to call the uh the the ladies. They uh won their sectional. So that was the first uh banner they're going to hang on on the gym. and also um they were runnerups at the state. So I'm going to call them up if uh Danella Ramirez is here. Ariana Vafana, Jordan Isla Reynoso, Yah Verduo, S Pñena, Annette Preston, and Jana if you can come up. And also the coaches,

coach Nunes, Bolano, Crab, superintendent. No, the the principal and coach coach Isla too. And if I miss anybody from the high school, come up. I ask the boys up. Give me one second.

The photoshop of you. So, we'll just take one final picture. We'll One like this and one with the Taurus sign. Okay, we'll photoshop you.

Okay. And then at one, two, three, can I get the coral sign?

Thank you. Banana, I know you want to say a few words.

Amongst my peers is the only time you'll see me shy. Um, I'm super proud of the uh team we put together. It's been a long uh tough road. Some of these girls have been wrestling since uh middle school. Um, and we've um been able to have a great uh group of uh just kids in general. Um, I'm not from the Summerton uh community, but I fell in love with the community. Um, and I've been here almost uh 10 years. Um, and I'm super proud uh to represent uh Summerton uh and uh it's a legacy and I look forward to bringing home more next year. Hopefully, we'll uh we'll bring her first place. Thank you. Anybody else want to say a few words? You better move on.

What coach Paka say? No, probably gonna repeat what he's saying. Um, amazing job by the ladies and the guys uh for being such a young program. Um, it's just a testament of the hard work they do. You know, they they come in and they put in the work and they do it consistently and with times the results have shown and uh it's just like uh it's a testament to the culture in the room like they don't want to miss practice. Like they don't they're they're missing out on little things like this because they want to be in practice, right? they're staying focused on the on the ultimate goal and um they're doing the right stuff to get there and just real proud of the whole, you know, the wrestling team and the community because a lot of the moving pieces too involves the community, the parents um and without those then the opportunities for the kids are are more restricted and and harder to get where they want to be at. So, uh real great job by the whole community in general, the parents and the kids and everybody. So, real proud of the whole moving pieces. Thank you. And everybody's welcome to stay, but if you leave, we we're not going to be mad. Okay? It's We have a long meeting. We have at least hour, an hour and a half. We have uh three items in consent agenda. Approval of the purchase and authorization of

comments construction of city of Summerton welcome sign CNS signs in the amount of 49,945. Approval of the request for qualifications to Maya Construction for design build services of municipal pickle ball courts at council park in an amount not to exceed $157,250 and approve the use of cap project savings to cover the budget difference. Approval of lease agreement with option to purchase between the city of Summerton and Labodega Kitchen and Bar LLC owned by Ruben Walsh for city-owned property located at 346 Main Street pursuant to request for proposals and authorizing the city manager to execute all necessary documents. Does any member of council want to remove an item from consent agenda?

Mayor, I would like to remove 7.2 for discussion. Okay, 7.2 is removed. Um any any other item? Is there a motion? Make a motion to approve consent agenda as stated. A motion by Vice Mayor Castillo. Second. Second by Councilman Rodan. All in favor? I. I. Any oppose? Motion carries. Um, so this one, do we discuss it right away or can it be done or or can it be uh down to the end of the line? It's up to you, mayor. However you

prefer. So, I'm going to we're going to discuss this uh later on. The first one, uh, we're going to move on to new business. discussion of possible direction regarding the renaming of Cesa Chavis Avenue and the reassignment of Cesa Chavis Day as city holiday. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Saul, Community Development Director. And the item before you on the agenda is um it's a two-part item actually that's going to be co-presented by myself and by the HR manager, Terry Dru. Um the the topic is Cesar Chavez roadway and the Cesar Chavez holiday. Um mayor and council, as you're aware, there's been national discourse regarding Cesar Chavez. So staff was tasked to look into the possible renaming of Caesar Chavez Avenue. Um, renaming Cesar Chaveis Avenue, of course, would involve several logistical and financial considerations, including but not limited to updating city records, updating city maps, and GIS systems, coordination with emergency services, police, fire, ambulance, address changes for affected residents and business businesses, notifications to utility provide pro providers, the postal post office, government agencies, and of course, renaming all the street signage. So it's it's not a small task to rename the roadway, but there is a process and we have an addressing policy in place that covers the process on how to do this. Um we did a roadway renaming last year or the year before and we renamed uh Parkview Avenue to Toro Avenue. So the process would be similar to that. And um at this time we have no um recommendations for a possible renaming but are rather asking for direction from council uh on how to proceed with this renaming. If you scroll down a little bit Andrea please. Um so the two options right now at the

moment mayor and council are to option one is to maintain the existing street name which would of course have no impact to any of the uh factors to consider that I just mentioned and uh number two would be to direct staff to begin the roadway renaming process which the first step would be to come back with you with some options and I would like to inform the council that our addressing policy does not have any specific naming guidelines. lines for this road. Actually, it falls outside of the area of the city that you have to name it after either a president or a tree. This one has no limitations. So, it could be whatever council decides.

Okay. Uh I think we'll we'll hear your presentation and then HRs and then we'll discuss both options or fantastic. Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, members of city council. Terry Trillo, HR manager. Um, just a little bit of information. Caesar Chavez um, holiday was approved on May 17th of 2022 with resolution number 2022-005, which originally replaced the Good Friday half-day holiday for the full day of Caesar Chavez. Um, the personnel committee meeting, the personnel policy committee has met and discussed potential updates to the city's holiday schedule within the employee personnel handbook. As part of these discussions, the committee evaluated the current observance of Caesar Chavez Day and considered possible adjustments. One option explored was exchanging Caesar Chavez from a full day holiday to a design to designating Christmas Eve as a full day holiday instead of its current status as half day. While these discussions have not yet uh resulted in a formal recommendation to the city council, the matters have been actively reviewed by the committee. Uh this evening staff presents the following options for council's uh consideration for the holiday is that keeping the holiday date but renaming the holiday replace Caesar Travis Day with a full day of on Christmas Eve as discussed by the personnel policy committee making it a full day holiday instead of its current half day. um taking no a immediate action and wait for the personnel policy committee to present formal recommendations as part of the proposed update to the employee personnel handbook including recognized holidays. Uh staff respectfully requests

direction from city council on how to proceed. Mr. Ho, you you mentioned that item option two was the one recommended by the committee. Yes, sir. Okay. which is um replace Caesar Chavez day with a full day on Christmas Eve. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any questions or comments, Mayor? Yes. And just for the record, uh this discussion was already held the swapping out was held prior to any of the uh any of the allegations. Is that correct, Mr. Hill?

Oh, we did. Yes, that is correct. We discussed this during the pressing committee meeting. Um it started last year in March of 2025. Okay. So, mayor, I'm I'm okay I'm okay with that option since quite honestly the committee was headed that direction. And as far as the naming of the of the street, uh, we should consider Avenue F just because it falls in place with county all the way to to San Louise, the way it used to be named prior. Yeah, thank you. Thank you.

You know, I'm good with the option. Uh, one thing that, you know, was just thinking still honoring, uh, you know, the the the movement and what our community represents, uh, you know, you know, an appropriate name would be a farm worker avenue. And, you know, I've seen other communities are doing are doing the same and and it's just uh, we are a farm worker, community of farm workers. most of our families come from that u the trade. So, I would feel that it would represent Summerton well and uh and that that would be something. But I do agree that that that we need to take uh the name out, you know, as it is. Um council knows that I've always have uh my um reservations of naming uh stuff after people. You know, unless you die in the line of duty, that's probably something that we'll consider. But just naming something after a people is just uh something that that but a farm worker that that represents our community. But leave it up to council.

Yes. Go ahead. I you know what I I I kind of agree. uh you know just something that still represents you know the the farm workers uh you know I personally like compes drive or you know I know mayor said farm workers compes just something along those lines to to to still honor the movement uh you know because I think a lot of individuals did uh you know you know provided a lot of support um and and they did change you know the course of history when it comes to to agriculture and everything. So I I I feel naming it u something that still honors the movement would be adequate. Question.

No,

I have a comment. Um I am in the personnel committee and and we did as um Miguel asked we did consider um exchanging the CSR Chavis day to a full day Christmas Eve since they already have half day and so in reality they're only gaining half a day off. Um so that was our recommendation way before all these allegations began. But my uh recommendation would also be is to just name it back to what it originally was. um Avenue F. I do understand what you're saying. Um you know, my family comes farm farm workers and that's where I grew up and and you know, we were a migrant family as well. But um just just to keep it as normal, I guess, or or as what it was in the past for all these years that I grew up here in Summerton was Avenue F, and I still consider it as Avenue F. My recommendation would be to just rem leave leave it at Avenue F. Thank you,

Mayor. Um, I also agree reverting it back to Avenue F if we have signs still available. Um, cost savings, I don't know. Um, but I would want to get the cost of all that you mentioned, Saul. um just to have that information available. Um regarding the uh replace Caesar Travis Day with a full Christmas Eve. I'm I'm also on the committee and that's one of our recommendations. Any other questions or comments? Yes.

Um Saul, you had mentioned and Andre, can you can you just go down a little? I know that part of um you had to do some finding out as far as updating records and maps and and um address changes affected the residents and businesses. And I drove down the street from point A to point B and I think there's only like a couple of um businesses um that face a Cesar Chavez Avenue F um no homes face the street. So I think in reality it shouldn't have a major impact if I'm assuming that's correct. I mean if if I understand if there were many homes facing the facing that street then yeah I would understand but um there's only two if I recall correctly two two businesses that that face the street that would be impacted that we just have to change the name.

Is that correct? I I would agree with that that it's uh it's going to be a small number of properties. Uh I don't know the exact number, but it's not very many. Not it's it's certainly less than the last time we we changed the name of the uh the other street um the interiors of GCO subdivision. That was more properties. No, but I would agree with that statement, council. Okay. So, do you expect to for it to be costly? I I would think the costliest thing out of all this would be the replacement of the street signage. Everything else is mostly administrative and it just takes time.

Council, so if it would be costly, you would leave it at Cesar Chavez Avenue or or is it so because the question is if we're going to change it to leave it at Cesar Chavez or and and change the holiday but or is that cost also? No, it was just a simple question. Yeah. Any other questions? Just going to ask that question. So, what's the timely process to do the the you know the changing or the renaming of the street? Um the time would probably be anywhere between six week six to eight weeks and the impact is minimum too, right?

Correct. And I also on the uh on the holiday I think that's you know I came here what a year or two years ago to Christmas and literally there was nobody here. So I think that's a good uh you know welld deserved to the employees except fire.

Yes. I you know it's it's difficult times with what's happened with Cesar Chavez. I know he did something wrong and you know we have to do whatever we have to do but at the same time we have to honor those people that work the fields that work the you know the farm workers and I feel yes it's been Avenue F and sometimes I get confused Avenue F chavez but I think we have to honor those people that are still here that are loyal you know maybe not to that person loyal to the the movement he did even though he did horrible things but he did good things that it made a difference in the agriculture personnel. So I think uh honoring those people will be you know it's simple of changing it. You know there's like um Loren and the Mara were saying you know we were been here 20 30 years and but there's 20,000 not even 20,000 maybe 10,000 people more than with back in the day. So you know for them it's not symbolic avenue F or nothing. So I think it's a time changes are changed things times are changing. I think it'll be nice to recognize those farm workers. I I agree with mayor point farm workers but it's up to not just

farm workers of compass. It still represents the uh the same uh that that that that movement did for a lot of our families of taking breaks. Uh yeah, having the the long hose lasson, you know, bathroom breaks, everything that that I still hear I used to hear from my grandparents, from my parents. They were not members of the union, but they benefited um in in some way. So I feel it's very important at least for Summerton that um here in South County the Cesar Chavez was recognized but at least that that movement is recognized. So I'm good with compes or or farm workers. So you know I'll entertain a motion. Whoever wants to make a motion it's up to you. I'll make a motion to uh rename Uzer Chavez to Compinos Avenue

and uh what about the holiday and um and the holiday as well? I'll second the There's a motion by Vice Mayor, second by Councilman Ron. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Nay. Nay. There's two naysay Alpo and Gonzalez. And uh and just for the record, it's only on the name of the the street mayor. Yes. I rather go with farm workers and compass. Okay. Motion carries. Uh we'll come back because I think we have to do a resolution everything to formally adopt it. Okay.

Yes. So I think the action tonight's binding, but for example, we're going to need to update the personal handbook. So just know we'll take that action. and we'll prepare any documents and we'll we'll bring those back if there's anything formally needed to to get that into effect. Okay. Thank you. Item 8.3, discussion and possible action to approve the proposed amendments to the Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws.

Oh yeah. Okay. I'll go to 8.3 and then go back to remind me. Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. James Jones, parks and recck director, under the direction of uh admin, he would like he'd like to discuss a couple changes to the bylaws moving forward. Just to kind of solidify some items. Um tonight I have uh vice chair of the parks and rec commission here to uh kind of present them again to you and just those changes that we made. There's only two of them.

Uh good evening, mayor and council. Jesus Cvantes, vice chairman for the parks and rec commission. Uh before you are two changes to the existing bylaws. Uh one is moving our internal officer elections to from December to the first of the year and the second one is adding a remote uh authorization for members that can't attend our meetings in person. Uh it does uh stipulate that it's only available for two first come first serve but uh it does allow us to uh have a better attendance in our meetings especially those commission members who travel lengthy distances to attend our meetings uh because everybody does have uh different careers that take them all over the county and sometimes it is impossible to have them attend our uh regularly scheduled meetings. I also want to note that there is a clarification between uh elected and appointed. All commission members are appointed by council and we do serve at your guys's leisure. Elections uh or elected means uh being elected internally as the commission itself. So it's our governing officers. It's not the actual commission member itself. I am here to answer any questions or uh provide any additional information as needed.

Any questions or comments?

Is there a motion? So move mayor. It's a motion by council Apo. Second, mayor. Second by council Galindo. Those in favor. I oppose. Motion carries. Go back to item 8.2. Discussion and possible action to approve the transition from yard of the month program to quarterly yard of the month recognition program.

Good evening, mayor, council. This item was also um brought to me by the city administration that this was a program that was used to be in a uh used and um well well kind of done. Um and so I brought it back to council because or commission to talk about it and see what why it failed, what can we do to kind of make it better and bring it back. Um, this was approved by you, but I'll yet again I'll have vice chair commission uh CVantes come up here and give you the history as it was before me and the changes we made.

Uh, good evening, mayor and council. Um, once again, Jesus Svantes, vice chair for the parks commission. Uh, before you is a, uh, reorganization of the yard of the month program. It was initially designed to encourage citizens to beautify their yards, uh, maintain, keep it up, and kind of be proud of their properties. Uh, it was initially slated to be monthly, uh, throughout the year. Uh, participation was high initially, but then it dwindled down uh, for lots of reasons. Uh, because of that, we're recommending that we move to a quarterly yard of the month to make it easier as far as uh, both logistically, administratively. Uh this would also work in conjunction with the various uh yard of the months that are specifically identified for seasons. So you have your winter, fall, spring and also uh holidays, major holidays like the spooky yard of the month or uh the that'll be additional to the yard of the month. But uh it it'll be working in conjunction with it. Uh the major changes uh are moving from monthly to quarterly. Everything else remains the same as far as uh the requirements, you know, keeping your yard clean, maintained during the duration of it being yard of the month, the recognition and uh selection as well. So, the only thing changing is the duration of the yard of the month going from monthly to quarterly. And I'm open for any questions or feedback uh needed.

Any questions or comments? Is there a motion? I'll make a motion to approve the transition from the yard of the month program to the quarterly yard of the month recognition program. So motion by Vice Mayor Castillo. Second, mayor. Second by councilman's in favor. I motion carries. Thank you. Thank you.

You're not going to say a few words, Mr. Jones? Okay. Um item 8.4, Four, discussion and possible action to approve selection of LEA architects for RFQ 2026007 museum museum conceptual design services and authorize staff to enter into a contract negotiations for professional service in the amount to not to exceed $20,000.

Good evening again, mayor and council. James Jones, parks and rec director. Uh this was a CIP assigned to the parks and recck department to get conceptual museum design. This isn't for full architectural design. It's just conceptual um and this could be used later on to kind of present to our residents and other other grant opportunities as of this um under in accordance to uh title 34 the RQS was written um and submitted uh it was also advertised in Yuma the Yuma Sun it was out for approximately two months at the end of that two months we received I want to oh man I should know this off top of my head Um we received eight total submitts. Um the committee of three went through the the submitts and scored them and shortlisted four architectural firms. From there we had a meeting with the architectural firms where they or an interview and where they presented some of their ideas and then we LEA was scored the highest. Let me get to the bottom of the page. Sorry. Um I have submitted in the packet all the submitts as well as the scoreeet for your guys's review. Um LEA is actually attending the meeting right now. So if there's any questions from them, they'll be happy to answer to you if I cannot answer them.

Okay. Any questions or comments? Mayor, I have a question. Then um James, are you looking to retrofit the actual existing building or is there what's uh what's the AR architectural concept concept going to entail? Is it a new buildings or

the RFP went out uh councilman? Uh the RFP went out as those structures that are there, the old pool hall, the jail structure as part of the museum. But there's also some advanced architectural design and building that will need to happen within that space that is currently used as a public works parking lot. So it's kind of that whole area um with possibility of expansion if there's a parking lot needed or things like that. So it's that whole area. It's not just those those two buildings.

So is it additional square footage? That's that's what I'm trying to trying to inquire whether it's going to be additional buildings. Yes, there will be some additional multi-use, not just museum buildings is our vision if that's council's direction.

Okay. Because originally when we first brought this up, I I thought it was just using the the existing building and sure, you know, making improvements around it, but uh adding adding square footage more square footage to a museum when we don't know how much capacity is needed. I'm afraid that a project like that might just sit on the shelf. I mean, we've already seen it in the past where we did a downtown redevelopment and it just it's been sitting on a shelf for an extended period of time. And that's my biggest concern. Council one council

mayor. Um James, you know, $20,000 is is it's it's a lot for conceptual design in my opinion. And I know it's going to take like a lot of u designing and figuring things out, but what is your timeline? I mean, we're going to pay $20,000 for a drawing basically. Am I correct? Um, conceptual designs, there's a lot to a conceptual design. There's a 3D image, there's all that. So, 20 $20,000. Well, we're looking at maybe 20% of the whole conceptual design. Um, it's the $20,000 we're paying these architects is for a drawing.

So, what is your timeline? So, let's say council says, "Okay, James, here's $20,000. We're going to pay for the conceptual design. what is your timeline for us to have a museum? So, when I when I talked to him, like I said, this is construction. This is the concept design. This is not the brick andmortar plans. This is none of this. Just the conceptual drawing as you as you stated. Um they have said that they could work with that. They could work with us to get that done this fiscal year.

Okay. And I want to express my concern because you know um we've been taking the tours around you know the departments and there's a conceptual design of um the yard back over there by wastewater and that conceptual design was done in 2015 if I'm not mistaken. Um and we're in 2026 and so um nothing was ever done. So those $20,000 that we're going to pay if approved by council for the conceptual design, we need to come up with another million to make our museum come a reality, more or less.

Um, that would be something that I have to talk to the company about. I I mean, right now it's we we're we're going to go into negotiations. Um, they may they're they may came come back with other information like no, it's going to be this. I mean, that's something we can explore in the future if that's your direction um to talk to them and figure out what the whole cost is. Okay. Because I did see, you know, I read through the whole um entire packet and and I don't even know what page number it was, but it had a timeline like um one first month, month two, month three, and then when it got to 12 months, it was an arrow error arrow. What page was it?

170. Page 170. Right. There you go. So, where it says construction documents and then final documents, what what is construction documents? So, that that would be shovel ready going ready for RFP. So, we're at month one. So, you're telling me that hopefully in month six, which would be December, we're going to be shovel ready. And

so, you got to remember we're going $20,000. We may get 20% of this whole 12 month cycle for $20,000. You may get two months. That's where I got to work with the uh the firm to to see where they we can go with that money. It's not going to give us the 12 months is not going to the $20,000 is not going to cover all the way to the design delivery and shovel ready. Mayor, if I may. Yes.

I just I know that uh costwise uh it it seems like a lot of money. um you know when we've done our park projects and the different things uh some of those projects you know are half a million450,000 uh so those are yes there's a cost to them uh to to begin the project to move forward um one of the goals is to try to you know move these projects forward so that we're shovel ready uh for grants uh Councilwoman you know when that will be uh it'll take longer if we don't move forward uh with these projects and get them shovel ready. Uh you know, every uh our grant writer and and our the different people that we're working with, they say if it's not shovel ready, we can't apply. Uh so we're trying to move towards that. Um because if if it's not ready, then there's there's no application, there's no funding opportunity. Uh but again, we'll leave that up to all of your decisions.

Thank you.

Yeah. And this is one of those projects that it has been even before Louise was here maybe six, seven years working with the historical society and uh trying to come up um you know the with some conceptual plan but you know I agree with uh council be Alpo and um you know we we haven't really discussed the scope of work here. So, um I I think uh LEA should be aware that maybe council's not looking to to uh have a full-fledged multi-million dollar building, but maybe can be part of the conceptual design, but at least when we started this project, it was going to be a minimum investment in upgrading that that facility and starting small. But if the idea is to have a multi-use uh building, that that's probably something that we need to have conversations with with council as far as what the the scope of work is, having more input. But I think uh when this was presented, my initial thought until I saw this u was that is it was going to be a smaller project upgrading the old pool area and just starting that way. That was what all those conversations have have been over the past years. Council woman,

um just as well a comment. Um um like Councilwoman Deladio said, I am concerned about, you know, the cost and and I did go through the 400 pages that were presented. Um we do need a timeline. I I agree with the mayor that we as far as I remember it was only what we had in place. Um that there's many drawings on there, one that has past, present, and future. Um and those are huge projects and I don't think um we're at that level yet and it it's going to be a huge cost to the city. Um but I do agree with you know setting a timeline. um those $20,000 can easily be used for other projects. Um but you know, that's just my opinion.

Vice Mayor,

you know what? I I think for me, I mean, as I'm seeing this, I mean, I think this is just the first step of us wanting to do something that that it was agreed upon, you know, years back. I mean, I understand the $20,000. I mean, it it it is a lot, but I mean, it but to me, I'm seeing it like it is a first step and it'll put us in a better position for those grants uh to to be show already. I mean, we do have a um you know, a nexus that that's helping us uh with with with all of these and and and and my thinking is, you know, what if we miss an opportunity? I mean if this is the direction something that we want for the future that we all agree that we council agreed in in the past um I agree with having like a timeline having kind of like a tenative plan but the funding is important and if and and if we don't have we might lose an opportunity on on other available fundings by not moving forward for something like this. So I mean I I mean to me yes I I get it it's 20,000 but I mean it is the first step of something that we agreed upon in the past. Um, I mean, I don't I don't foresee it sitting there for 10 years or or five years. I mean, I don't think that that that would be the case. like as I as I will state that that will be come from your guys's direction in the future.

You know, my my concern is it's 20,000 but it's just part of the the the whole project like the timeline was mentioned and um I feel before we negotiate you know a final cost on this then we should probably have a work session with council and see what our uh what our direction is. We we haven't really explored this like like I said we we're just going to remodel that building. We were thinking of 20,000 that this was six years ago just to retrofit that and I understand that now it's more expensive but um but we've been talking also about you know our our shelter and having it multi-unctional. So I think before we start if it was 20,000 for just a conceptual plan and that's it. But it this is just for this fiscal year then we're looking at additional funding next fiscal year. I think that's that that's what gives me pause. I think uh like it was mentioned we we have a lot of needs. we have other projects that are similar in nature to so I I think we gota iron out our scope or when this projects come about and we put RFPs uh council should have a little bit of input uh as far as what it's going to be because yeah we have something of if it was 20,000 with conceptual and then that that's fine but it this is just this fiscal year and we're looking at what $200,000 for the total probably probably a lot more than that. Um I do want to I do want to point out

for the design.

Yeah, it it'll probably for the full design it'll be a lot more than $200,000. Um but I do want to point out that this is an RFQ. This isn't like a scope of work. This is just asking for qualifications what they've done in the past and then reaching towards ne uh like negotiating with them of what can you provide us with that money. This isn't like a full design. So, so I I I feel that if we have a work session and and maybe give uh I guess our our direction as far as what we envision seeing there. um maybe inviting the historical society and and what it is and be realistic of what we we can maybe have something that if we use the our 08 fund that's what we're going to build but if there's funding available you know through grants then maybe that maybe have different phases whatever but that's probably something that then we can look at I don't know the rest of council

mayor if I Right. Yes. And and I agree with you 100% with everything you that you said so far. I mean, my my biggest concern is for them to come up with this conceptual design that looks awesome, but we won't be able to afford it sits on a shelf.

That's that's my my biggest concern because uh we also have to be realistic. I've always used this analogy. Why am I going to look at a Mercedes when all I could afford is a little Honda Civic, you know, and and that's and that's a little unfair for LEA for us to put them in that situation where we we don't provide that direction. So I agree with you that we need to sit down and discuss either with LEA, the historical society, us, whomever we need to bring to the table to actually see what we could afford and what we're looking for. And uh so that way this this end product is is feasible and and we could get it off the ground instead of just having it sit there on on the shelf. We have to explore at financing options or grant options, you know, but we do have to figure this out.

So, uh, do we want to continue this uh this item? Table it.

Table it. Let's have a work session maybe. No.

So, mayor, I was just uh sorry, I was just confirming with the manager for a minute. So, we already did the request for qualifications. So, yeah, if we want to do um a work session, I guess just make sure staff is aware. Um I think at this point, we could we could continue this and keep so we don't have to re necessarily reissue the RFQ. That's that qualification based process when you're doing building and construction. So, if you're not necessarily we don't necessarily need to reject anyone if you want to get more conversation. We'll just let the architects know. we're going to have a little more internal discussion and then depending on your direction um you know we we could always decide if you want to reject it later or you want to accept it and then authorize us to go negotiate a contract just because with architects engineers it's really a two-step process first is getting the qualifications it's not based on numbers it's just the qualified architect and then negotiating a cost so if I'm hearing you correctly we won't reject them now we'll just let them know we kind of need to hit pause get more information from council and then you can decide later if you want to authorize contract negotiations or not. Does that does that sound right?

Yes. Okay. So, do do we need a motion to continue this item or I'd recommend a motion to continue then? I would like to make a motion to table this item for fur. Continue to continue this item for further discussion with um what the mayor had mentioned with the h the society and council. Mayor and council. I'm I'm sorry. This is I wonder if um this is Lance Inart with LEA Architects. I wonder if I might just offer a few thoughts based on the way the conversation has gone this evening if if that's okay. Yeah, go ahead. At Lance and welcome back.

Yeah, the architects designed this uh city hall. So, very qualified. Welcome back. Thank you, Mayor and I am building

members of council and it's so great to see so many familiar faces and uh I'm just so impressed with the commitment you all have uh to to your community and also impressed by the performance of the wrestling team. My my son's a big jiu-jitsu guy, so I can I can appreciate um what that means. But just in listening to some of the dialogue uh and in you know my the very preliminary conversations with James our understanding of the intent of this concept design is to really do exactly what you're describing and that's to figure out what the scope of the project wants to be and develop a concept design around that scope. And it very well might be the initial phase is limited to the rehabilitation and refurbishment of that historic jail structure. After all, that's part of Summerton's unique history and actually has some pretty cool bones. It's an it's an a interesting and worthwhile structure that deserves to be saved and could be very uh appropriate for use as part of a broader long-term vision for this museum. So maybe the front end of the project, the early phases are more modest, but I think what this concept design allows you to do is see a a broader or grander vision and also be able to then think about what the costs are for that broader vision and then also think about how you can phase it because maybe the grant opportunities or the funding opportunities for the initial parts of the project are modest, but kind of the build it and they will come type scenario where there gets momentum and support and you have a vision for what the broader master plan

might be. So that was what we were thinking about when this RFQ came out that it was to help you define that vision and also define costs for the different phases of that project. And absolutely a meeting with a historical society, senior leadership within the city and any other stakeholders that might be part of this import this important cultural institution for the city would be part of that process. And I guess I'll just end on we've done that similar thing like recently for the Sedona Fire District. They were able to encumber uh some remnant pieces from the Twin Towers. And we happen to be finishing uh design and construction on a new fire station for them. And then they had the the idea, hey, what if we created a memorial and a museum as part of the project? And so we generated renderings and concepts that they then used for fundraising which enabled them to then realize the project as part of the fire station delivery. So all that to say, we're willing and able to work with you in any capacity you'd like us to and think about, you know, more subtle or modest initial beginnings and how that could be realized in an early phase. but also be thinking about what is maybe the 50-year vision for this museum and what might that look like as the city continues to grow and expand. So, anyways, I we uh are so blessed and so proud to have been selected um for this RFQ and just I wanted to say we're we're willing and able to support you in any capacity that you feel fit and look forward to that opportunity.

Thank you. There's a motion by Councilwoman Delgado. Second, mayor. Second by Counciloman Galindo. Those in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carries. We're going to go back to item 7.2. approval and request for qualifications to Maya Construction LLC for design build services for municipal pickle ball courts at Council Park in an amount not to exceed 157,000 157,250.

Good evening and mayor and council. Uh this is another CIP that was assigned to parks and wreck. Um I do want to give you a history of it. Uh we're look the RFQ was originally released in December 2025 uh advertised in Yuma Sun for four consecutive days in accordance city uh procurement code. Due to no proposals, we had to go back out and readvertised in February with an additional four more days in Yuma Sun. Uh staff formally advertised and then we went out and asked other municipalities, hey, who are you using? um got those contacts and started reaching out for them. Um we had a lot of issues with getting submitts at the end. We finally at the last hour we finally got one um from Maya Construction. And in that RFQ packet they also enlisted a price like initial price. So we got kind of the RFQ. Yeah, we we've done these before. Um this is our qualifications how many we've done. here's our um you know rep uh the people that we've done this work for and then they actually gave us an initial cost estimate of how much it would it would be. Um so due to procurement time from prior solicitation we were able to get a solid price of $157 $250. Um the budget for this was $150,000 and the co the overage will be covered with other CIPs that we did save on such as the uh paricone field lights and the youth center improvements.

Okay. Any questions or comments? Mayor I have a comment

I asked you to pull this um item is because you knowund I had a problem with 20,000. You can just imagine I do have a problem with the 157,000 and um more so because I I would like James to ex to put on the record where or Chona um the funding source is coming from point A and um I think that the community needs to know what what it is and you know it's just so much money um sometimes we think that you know it's just one pot and and we have 157,000 just laying around. um when we see other um necessities and priorities that we have within the city and the departments that are needed um Jonah can you please explain the funding source and um why we have the 100%.

Yes. So, uh, Jona Medell, finance director, um, count mayor council, um, the 0.8 portion of your budget as far as the CIP budget, as far as the city's budget is, um, recommended for, um, what I was told was recommended for a portion of CIPs that councils um, provide provided amenities for the city. Um, it is obligated, it is budgeted. Um so that funding source and that pot of money is for those types of projects. Um when it comes to situations of items that need to be handled um for operations and maintenance of facilities and all the other items that you guys are seeing when you're taking these tours um we will establish funding for that as well. um they're they're two separate pots of money and your fiscal 26 CIP for8 have been approved back in July of 2025. Um so th those are those are already allocated and coming into the fourth quarter of fiscal 26 and basically just trying to change those um might be a little difficult but I mean it's up to council's direction and how they want to go move forward.

Thank you Shaa. Yeah mayor. Yes. And and I think uh probably Councilman Varando, Council Galindo, myself were in council back then when we established the 08. And maybe Council Vando, you want to explain a little bit on it.

Yeah. Yeah. I'll touch bases on it because uh we were I guess me being the the oldest guy of the group and being there the longest. Uh what happened it was about to the point 8 was supposed to sunset and the the determination back then by by council was was made that we would keep it only if we could use it for projects that the community would have access to. And so that meant like the splash pads which we've done just a b bunch of various projects. And so the the point8 is still part of the general fund, but it was always kind of tracked separately in order to accomplish the intent of it of keeping the point8 which was providing projects that that could assist the community because back then, you know, money was scarce for parks and wreck activities and stuff like that or amenities for for parks and wreck. And so it came about that the point8 would be able to subsidize subsidize um projects and and so that's why we kept the the the point8 and um and thus we have the the $150,000 in order to be able to to accomplish this this project. And so uh but for the rest of council, I did have the opportunity to speak to Louie and voice a concern as far as the project is concerned, mayor.

And that was uh the surfacing of the of the court itself. Um I'm a firm believer that if we're going to do a project, let's do it let's do it right. I know it's probably going to inflate the price a little bit, but uh the the paint coating, I don't think it's going to it's going to work. It's going to cost us a a sli slippery surface. I already see that at at Joe Munoz Park. Although we do have the community center and the the gym in there, I'd choose to play outdoors at Joe Munoz Park and I was there re as recent as yesterday and the surface is really slippery due to the dust particles. And so if we are going to pro proceed with these uh with these courts, I do suggest that they look at resurfacing and and probably I know uh Cocoa Casino I mean Cocoa RV has some really nice courts and so if they're going to do it, they might as well do do it do it right. I mean for me I'm not a pickle ball enthusiast. I don't play it, but I do see how busy and how how much use they get out of out of those pickle ball courts. So, if that's something that the community needs, so be it.

You're going to have for me more free time come uh November. So, maybe you take it on. No, I'm planning on hopefully if you guys have me being part of the parks and recck commission and planning and zoning. I still want to stay active within the the city. That's if you guys have me can are willing to have me. Any other questions or comments?

I have a question. I'm sorry. I have a question, mayor. Um, being what uh Council Member Valando just mentioned that um about the I don't know anything about this sport either. Um the resurfacing of of the slab of cement. you guys are going to have to come back with um a new number or Yeah. Yeah.

Well, as say you don't necessarily even need to do a change order. I just want to be clear. This is a design build and so on this type of uh procurement the you can actually sit down and so it really was a qualification space. So you sit down and say I think you're the right person. They kind of went above and beyond and said here's what we think the cost will be but before you would actually order the project they have to give you what's called a guaranteed maximum price. So if during discussions of the design we say, you know, we want to change the paint. We think that's going to be slippery, they're going to come back to us with an updated number and they have to promise that's going to be their guaranteed maximum price and you would have a chance to approve that. So we don't even necessarily need to change order because um they still have to finish the design with us. They've just given us the basic parameters of what they think this would cost and it would come back to us.

Any other questions or comments? Is there a motion? I'll make a motion to approve the request for qualifications RFQ2026-006 to my construction LLC for design build services of municipal pickle ball courts at Council Avenue Park in the amount of 157,250 and approve the you the use of CIP project savings to cover the budget difference. It's a motion by Councilman Castillo. No, Vice Mayor Castillo. Second. Second by Councilman Raldano in favor. I

Any oppose? Motion carries. Thank you. Summer current events. Good evening, Mayor. Uh James Jones. We don't want to hear you. Better be good.

Mayor and Council James Jones, parks and rec director. Um, we have three current events for you. Arbor Day Plan a Tree event will be April 24th at 9:00 am. We have vetted Yep and some of the elementary schools to join us. It'll be at Council Park. Uh, Dean Nino will be April 25th at Council Park. And then I also want to point out that the ADA audit public forum will be April 30th uh at 2:30 and 6 o'clock. that is for our residents to give us an uh their what they would like to see us do on the ADA side of things. Um we are having that audit so we should have that finished up by the end of this fiscal year. Thank you.

Mayor you alo I don't have anything mayor. Thank you Gonzalez. Um I have just um a question on for James. Um the other well two questions actually what time does it start? I'm sorry. It starts at 8 to 12. 8 to 12. And it's at council, right? It's at council. Yes. Um and another question. I read the report that was sent I think today or yesterday, I don't remember. Um public works and parks um um they said and the reports that you guys sent to us.

Um on your updates um when we did the tours um that room back in um I know it's clean. Thank you. Um what's I I didn't see a note on on the progress of it. Um where are you with the with the AC? And so the mini the new mini split is installed. Um we have cleaned it out. We have repainted the walls and filled in the cracks. We are installing the window to the shop area so we can see through there. That's uh already we're installing that tomorrow. Um what's left is we're going to paint the floor with that with that that thing. We're going to move the fridge in there, move some other things. Um, we're inspecting that to be operational in two weeks. Okay. Thank you.

I attended the um participated in the parade which was great. Um, the attendance was quite low which really surprised me but I know that there were other events on that day as well. So, great job to all the departments that participated and were there. Um, that's all I have. Council, I don't have anything, mayor. Thank FYI, uh, there's a former, uh, summer citizen who's playing a professional pickle ball. He's doing a pretty good job. So, maybe we can invite him when those things have pass. So,

better be resurfaced. We don't want him to slip and fall. Vice Mayor. Um I have um I'm scheduled to meet with um the YMO on uh April 16th um so they can fill me in on on everything and planning to attend um those meetings um the fourth Thursday of every month. So, um I'll be uh getting all getting all the information and getting updated on and everything that's happening and I'll be providing you guys a report for next meeting.

All I have

and uh you know, we attended uh the the capital tour. We met with the league and with the legislators and we uh advocated for projects that are good for our community. the I think the the big one was the re repayment of of Main Street. That's something that we here and it's a million dollar $11 million that it's going to cost the county, but it's a county and city project. So that that was uh big and also um want to thank uh Jasmine for setting up uh the Gilbert tour. It was eye opening. I wish other other council members we would attend but it was only Galindo and uh myself and it was just eye opening how their methods of how they're obtained land in downtown and how they redeveloped and uh and it's always uh good when uh staff said something and uh if council members can go because that that creates more of a group vision instead of having um you know just couple members taking advantage of it. But it was it was great. Um it was it was a great eye opening and they've done some good things. So hopefully we can communicate that in future meetings and what what we saw. Thank you. There's um three items in executive session. It's um discussion and consultation city attorney regarding negotiations with the potential sale development of city- owned property located at 203 West Main Street. discussion or consultation with city attorney for legal advice to consider it position and instruct its representative regarding negotiations with the purchase sale or lease of the real property are

related to consideration of options to land acquisition exchange involving one or more city-owned properties located generally in the west side of city between Main Street and Toto Drive. And item three is um discussion or consultation for legal advice and for the city to consider its position and instruct its city attorney regarding negotiations to purchase, sale, lease or potential condemnation of real property for public parking purposes all related to the acquisition of property related generally to 1300 block of West Spring Street. Does there a motion to to uh go into executive session? It's a motion by Councilwoman Degado.

Second. Second by Counciloman Galindo. All those in favor? I I oppose. Motion carries.

Is there a motion to exit executive session? Make a motion to exit session. Second. Motion by Vice Mayor Castillo, second by Casad in favor. I oppose. Motion carries. It's 9:26. meeting. Oh, Kira London in