Council - Regular Meeting

Roll call.

Mayor Gerardo Anaya.

Present.

Vice Mayor Juan Castillo.

Present.

Council Member Miguel Villalpando. Council Member Luis Galindo. Council Member Jesus Roldan.

Present.

Council Member Lorena Delgadillo. Present. Council Member Martha Gonzalez. Present. Mayor, you have a quorum.

Thank you. We're gonna move on and call to the public. Anybody from the public want to address council?

No speaker request forms were received.

There's none. We have three proclamations. The first one is Hunger Action Month.

Whereas hunger and food insecurity are issues of vital concern throughout Arizona, where approximately 1,067,120 people or 14.4% of the population experience food insecurity, including approximately 291,290 children or nearly one in five children. And whereas the Yuma County, the Yuma Community Food Bank has served southwestern Arizona for nearly five decades and continues to mission to relieve hunger, increase self-reliance and improve the quality of life for children and families throughout the region. And whereas the Yuma Community Food Bank currently provides food assistance to more than 20,000 individuals each month and works with community partners to provide nutritious food and other resources to individuals and families in need. And whereas September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity and to encourage individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities to take action in support of neighbors facing hunger. And whereas Hunger Action Month provides an opportunity for residents to make a difference through volunteerism, advocacy, food drives, donations, and other acts of service that support local hunger relief efforts and help ensure that individuals and families do not have to choose between food and other basic necessities. And whereas food banks and hunger relief organizations throughout Arizona, including the Arizona Food Bank Network and the Yuma Community Food Bank work throughout the year to provide access to nutritious food and advance the goal of creating hunger-free communities. Now, therefore, I, Gerardo Anaya, Mayor of the City of Somerton, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2026 as Hunger Action Month in the City of Somerton, Arizona, and encourage all residents, businesses, and community organizations to recognize the importance of addressing food insecurity and to support efforts that help ensure our neighbors and have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

I'm going to invite members or representatives from the Yuma Community Food Bank to come up and receive their proclamation.

I'm here.

JUST GOING TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THE HUNGER ACTION MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AND BEING SUPPORTIVE OF THE UMA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK AND ALL OUR PARTNER FOOD BANKS AND OUR ARIZONA FOOD BANK NETWORK AS WELL TO TRY AND HELP US HELP OUR COMMUNITY. SO I APPRECIATE THE RECOGNITION AND THE PROCLAMATION AND I KNOW WE HAVE A GREAT PARTNERSHIP HERE IN THIS COMMUNITY WHERE WE DELIVER FOOD. all the time here as well as throughout the rest of the county. And we do appreciate all the support we can get from the city of Somerton. And we appreciate being partners with you in fighting hunger. Thank you.

We should have a second proclamation library sign up month.

Whereas libraries are foundational to education, imagination and opportunity offering everything from early literacy programs to digital tools that support lifelong learning and personal growth. Whereas libraries welcome all people serving as inclusive and accessible community hubs that connect individuals across cultures, generations and experiences. Whereas libraries help individuals navigate life's challenges by providing trusted information, digital access, job search support, and connections to essential services. Whereas libraries continue to thriving local economies by equipping job seekers, entrepreneurs, students, and creators with tools and training to succeed. whereas library resources help households save money, reduce waste, and make sustainable choices all through the simple power of a shared public. Now, therefore, I, Gerardo Anaya, mayor of the city of Somerton, proclaim September 2026 as library card sign a month in Somerton and encourage all residents to sign up for a library card.

I invite Salvador Vega, Somerton library supervisor, to come up and receive the proclamation.

Okay, I can have you one step to the side.

Thank you.

You already know. Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor and Council, for issuing this proclamation. I hope to see you guys at the library getting a free library card. It's free. You just need to take a photo ID with the physical address and you'll get a free card. Thank you.

We have a third proclamation, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Whereas ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States, and the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, approximately 21,010 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 12,450 will die from the disease nationwide, including an estimated 510 new cases and 330 deaths in Arizona. And whereas a woman's lifetime risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 91, and her lifetime risk of dying from the disease is approximately 1 in 143. And whereas, due to vague, nonspecific symptoms that the absence of a reliable early detection test, the majority of women are diagnosed at stage three or later when the cancer has already spread beyond the ovaries. And whereas, although the five-year survival rate for stage one ovarian cancer exceeds 90%, only 15% of cases are diagnosed at this early stage. For those diagnosed in later stages, the five-year survival rate drops below 30%. And whereas while screening tools such as mammograms and PEPs tests exist for breast and cervical cancers, no equivalent screening tests exist for ovarian cancer, making awareness of symptoms and risk factors essential for early intervention. And whereas increased public education about ovarian cancer can help save lives by promoting earlier diagnosis, supporting access to gynecologic oncology care, and encouraging research funding for better detection and treatment options. AND WHEREAS DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, THE CITY OF SOMERTON JOINS SURVIVORS, FAMILIES, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS AND ALL THOSE COMMITTED TO RAISING AWARENESS, REMEMBERING LIFE LOST AND OFFERING HOPE FOR A FUTURE WITH BETTER OUTCOMES AND ULTIMATELY A CURE. NOW, THEREFORE, I, MAYOR GERARDO ANAYA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2026 AS A VARYING CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF SOMERTON, ARIZONA. and encourage all residents to participate in awareness activities, wear teal in support, and engage in conversations that help save lives and support the thousands of families affected by this devastating disease.

Do we have members of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition present? We don't, okay. We have five items in consent agenda. The first one is approval of minutes. All these are in 2026. So there's a special council meeting for July 7th, city council meeting for July 22nd, work session for August 4th, council meeting for August 4th, work session for August 11th, and council meeting for August 11th. THE SECOND ITEM IS APPROVAL OF AN ARIZONA SPECIAL LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF PUEBLO HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2026 FROM 5 TO 10 PM. AT THE SANDWICH WALKING CLINIC, 950 EAST MAIN STREET, SOMERTON, ARIZONA, 85350. ITEM 3 IS APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE PURCHASE OF SWITCHES AND WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS. SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,534.05. 6.4 APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AND OWNERSHIP OF THE EXISTING NETWORK EQUIPMENT SERVING CITY FACILITIES EXCLUDING CITY HALL FROM SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP IN THE AMOUNT OF 37,442.64. Item 6.5 approval of amendment number one to the professional service agreement between the city of Somerton and Nexus Consulting LLC or federal lobbying service revising the agreement term for a calendar year to a fiscal year with no financial impact to the city. Does any member of council want to remove an item from consent agenda? Is there a motion? Motion by Councilman Delgadillo. Second. Second by Councilman Roldano. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. WE HAVE TWO ITEMS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. THE FIRST ONE IS PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL LICENSE AND CONTROL REGARDING BY LINA K. MILLER, AGENT ON BEHALF OF KOKOPA SPEEDWAY FOR THE PREMISES LOCATED ON 3450 WEST COUNTY 15th STREET, SOMERTON, ARIZONA. IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING? SECOND. So motion by Councilman Delgadillo. Second by Councilman Rondano. So in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Like you mentioned, this item is a public hearing regarding the application received for Cocopa Speedway on behalf of Lena K. Miller. A notice of this application was posted on the premises of the business for 20 days, providing residents an opportunity to submit arguments in favor of or opposed to the issuance of this license. At this time, no comments were received from the public and an agent who submitted the application is online. If you have further questions, if not, we'll turn it over to Mayor if he wants to open up for the public to receive any comments.

Does any member of the public here have any comments? There's none. Any member of council have any comments? There's none. Is there a motion to close public hearing?

I make a motion to close public hearing.

So motion by Vice Mayor Castillo. Second by Councilman Roldano. All those in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion carries. The second is public hearing regarding the proposed application of portion of the proceeds of the Industrial Development Authority of the city of... Is that correct? City of San Luis, Arizona? Healthcare Facility Revenue Bonds? Yes? Okay. Series 2026 in an amount not to exceed of... Is it? $10 million to refinance certain outstanding debt obligations of regional center of border health, including debt associated with healthcare facilities located within the city of Suburban. Is there a motion to open public hearing? So moved. Second by Vice Mayor Castillo. All those in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion carries.

Mayor, I'm going to recuse myself since I am an employee of Regional Center for Border Health.

Okay.

I will recuse myself as well.

For the record, Councilwoman Delgadillo and Councilwoman Gonzalez recuse themselves.

I'm giving you a call. I'm putting it in a picture.

So, Mayor and Council, we were just talking for a second. I understand that we have five members and I don't think we don't have anyone online, do we? No, we do. Good evening, everyone. My name is Ashley Dennis, and I am bond counsel to the idea.

I'm here if there are any questions. Thank you. Actually, a council member.

Sorry, I was trying to just confirm. So I wanted to take one second before we're going to proceed to a public hearing. Thank you. Appearing bond counsel. We also have I know Glenn Gimp it here. So I want to make sure we have an open public hearing, and then we're going to move to new business to take action. But I just wanted to confirm if we're going to have a majority of council voting on this, because I had two council members who said they were going to recuse. And I didn't know if they were recusing for like a legal conflict of interest or if they just chose not to participate. And I want to take a second because otherwise I don't know that we have four voting members tonight.

And the purpose of me recusing is because last time we were asked to recuse ourselves because we work for Regional Center for Border Health. I don't see any benefit. I don't see any legal benefit or anything that benefits me financially, but because of this, so I'm just doing what we were instructed to do last time it was presented.

Mayor, could we take a five-minute break, and I will talk to Councilmember Delgadillo and Gonzalez about whether or not they have a legal conflict of interest, and then we can resume. I'd like to resolve that before we just have them refrain, because otherwise we will not have a quorum for the vote.

Okay, we'll take a five-minute break.

Okay.

Okay.

Are we good to proceed?

The Mayor's asking.

Yeah, I can, Mayor, if you're ready to reopen. Okay, so Mayor and Council were reconvening an open session. We took a break so legal counsel can confer with council members Delgadilla and Gonzalez. We have discussed, there is no legal conflict of interest. There may be times when council members choose to refrain or there is a question, especially when it's a new matter of do you have a substantial interest so Original law basically would say a council member can't contribute to a discussion or participate in any way if they stand to gain or lose something of financial value. However, here, neither council member is going to personally benefit this. And you can get more information in your public hearing. But this would be basically a refinancing and some draw down bonds that would be issued for the benefit here. It's not going in their pockets. They're not getting paid contingent on it. So I have advised them and we've discussed that I would come out, make a statement. I've advised there is no legal conflict that we see. They feel comfortable proceeding. So unless council has any questions, we can proceed with the full council, opening the public hearing, getting public comment, and then we move to the business item. Everyone would be free to vote on it. Is there any questions for me, council? No. Okay, thank you.

Honorable Mayor, members of Council, it's a pleasure to be here tonight, especially amongst old friends. My name is Glenn Gimbett. I'm an attorney for Regional Center for Border Health. What is in front of you tonight is a cleanup, what I would call a cleanup resolution. This is a bond issue of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of San Luis. It is for the new hospital down there for Regional Center for Border Health. The bonds have been issued. The bond issue has, if you will, has closed. Money has already gone out the door. However, Bond Council, because part of the issue is to refinance buildings here in Somerton, It was felt that the initial TEPRA hearings in San Luis and the initial resolutions were not sufficiently described to point out that part of the issue is refinancing properties here in Somerton. So as a result, that's why we're here in Somerton and asking for this resolution. but the bond issue has already been issued. The money has already, if you will, been funded. So I thank you. Do you remember the public here? Do you have any questions?

Do you have a motion to close the public hearing?

So moved, Mayor.

Second. Seconded by Vice Mayor. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Move on to new business. Discussion of possible action regarding the approval and application to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control by Lena K. Miller, agent on behalf of the Cocopa Speedway.

Mayor and council, this is the action item of the public hearing for the Cocopa Speedway liquor license application. Staff is asking for approval.

Any questions or comments? Is there a motion?

So moved, Mayor.

A motion by Councilman Rudon.

Second.

Second by Vice Mayor Castillo. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Item 8.2, Discussion and Possible Action to Approve Resolution Number 2026-011.

So mayor, we're asking for the approval of resolution number 226011, resolution of the city council of the city of Somerton, Arizona, proving the application of draws on existing tax exempt draw bonds issued by industrial development authority of the city of San Luis, Arizona, the maximum principal amount not to exceed 10 million to the refinancing of a certain outstanding debt obligations of the regional center for border health.

Any questions or comments? Is there a motion?

I make a motion to approve.

Motion by Councilman Roldan. Second. Second by Councilman Castillo. All those in favor?

Aye.

Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. On 8.3, discussion and possible action to approve The waiver of 410 rental fee for the Somerton Rotary Club annual bingo night fundraiser September 12, 2026 at the Somerton Community Center.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Sorry, I'm not there as I'm at a conference. I wanted to bring this forth as Summerton Rotary has requested a waiver of fees for their annual bingo night, which they use. Who is this? This is James Jones. I'm sorry. Okay. Parks and Rec director. They have asked to waive the fees for their annual bingo night fundraiser that supports local scholarships for our residents. At the time, it's $410. That breaks down to $210 for the rental fee and $200 for the deposit. We have done this in the past, so it's just standard process to go before a council.

Any questions or comments? Is there a motion?

Make a motion to approve.

Motion by Council Member Roldan.

Second.

Second by Vice Mayor Castillo. All in favor?

Aye. Aye.

NEAR POST MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 8.4 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE RESCHEDULING OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING ORIGINAL SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH TO WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH 2026.

Okay, today staff is requesting to reschedule the regular council meeting currently scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 to Wednesday, September 16th, 2026. Council has been invited to the celebration of 216th anniversary of the Mexico Independence Day by the consulate, local Mexican consulate. We'll also be having our city of Somerton, Somerton sister city, Rosario Tesopaco, having a booth there. We've also been invited to participate in the same way and have mayor and council present for that. So we would like mayor and council to consider rescheduling the meeting that allow the members of city council to participate in this event. and that regular business conducted without interruptions for the second meeting.

Any questions or comments? Is there a motion? So moved, Mayor. Motion by Councilman Roldan.

Second.

Second by Vice Mayor Castillo-San Pedro. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Summary of current events.

So we have Public Works, Rosanna.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members. Rosanna Douglas, Public Works Director. I will start off with the Main Street redevelopment update. The removal of six APS existing streetlights, upgrade to the transformer, replacing poles, and adding a commercial panel have been executed under an agreement with APS. These efforts have been in progress. APS has conducted a survey this week, and our contractor will be replacing a meter to ensure our lighting replacement efforts are sustainable. Somerton Heights phase three is scheduled to install two manholes this week, and we will have finalized the six inch water line installation on Federal Avenue. This project is set to be completed by November. The Pathway County 17 project received updated project plans, which include correct elevations required to provide proper street drainage. We are working with the contractor to establish a start date. This is a 30-day project, which will include the installation of a multi-use 10-foot wide asphalt pathway, inclusive of gutters and concrete curbs. Thank you.

Mayors, that's all we have. Thank you.

Councilman Gonzalez.

We have the vaccine clinic with Yuma County Health Department this Thursday at the Cultural Center from three to six. And I also want to mention that I attended the League of Cities last week, last week. And a lot of good information, specifically the census, we have a lot of work to do, but I'm hoping that, you know, we have a big county effort for that. So I'm looking forward to start the planning. I thank the city for allowing me to be part. And I also wanted to inform that I was selected for the civic leadership program that started at the league. And it's a full year of, I'm hoping, good leadership information. So I'll keep you guys posted.

I have nothing else. Councilman Roldan.

I have nothing, Mayor. Councilman Castillo. I just wanted to report that last Thursday I attended the monthly YMPO meeting, and they did mention that the bridge grant, I believe it's called, is gonna be opening up, I believe, in October. It's coming. I did inform our city manager, and... BE ATTENDING THAT ONE EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH.

I ALSO ATTENDED THE LEAGUE OF CITIES. WHAT I WANTED TO LOOK INTO WAS LIKE GETTING MORE INFORMATION, THOSE DATA CENTERS THAT WE'VE BEEN HEARING ABOUT. SO ATTENDED ONE OF THE SESSIONS, SOME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS AND LIKE ALWAYS THE NETWORKING, ALL THE ELECTED OFFICIALS WERE THERE FROM THE NATIONAL AND ALSO THE STATE LEVEL. JUST TRYING TO LOOK AND TALK TO OTHER OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS ON SOME OF THE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES OR WHAT THEY'RE DOING WITH THEIR CITY. SO IT'S ALWAYS VERY INFORMATIVE. We have two, the one item in executive session. It's an executive session pursuant for discussion or consultation for legal advice with city attorney regarding the conversion of water rights with the Yuma County Water User Association and outstanding resident debt to the association. Is there a motion to open executive session? So motion by Councilwoman De La Ria. Second. Second by Vice Mayor Castillos in favor. Aye. Any opposed? Mission carries. So we're going to have a five minute break and then go into session.

you

There are motion to close executive session.

So motion by Councilwoman Delgadillo. Second. Second by Councilman Roldano. All those in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed? Motion carries. 8-0-5. Meeting is adjourned.