Action.
Councilmember Liermann nominated Tholin Johnson to fill the vacancy on the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Committee, effective January 1, 2026. She noted there were
seven impressive applicants and thanked Jeanine Edaakie for her service on the
committee. Councilmember Liermann stated that Mr. Johnson is a veteran with global
experience and years of volunteer service who expressed his love for Maricopa. She
added that his priorities for Parks and Recreation included inclusivity, fun, belonging,
flourishing, being a voice for the community, and including all ability levels. Mr.
Johnson, who was present with his wife and mother, was asked to stand and was
recognized for his participation in the Leadership Academy.
A motion was made by Councilmember Manfredi, seconded by
Councilmember Knorr, that this Appointment be Appointed. The motion carried
by a unanimous vote.
8.2
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on making an appointment
to fill the vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Discussion and Action.
Councilmember Knorr expressed gratitude to Alfonso Juarez Jr. for his invaluable
service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. She followed by nominating Chad
Whittle as his replacement. Councilmember Knorr shared his 20-year residency and
his 14 years dedicated to the Maricopa Unified School District. In addition, she
emphasized his leadership as the chair of the Maricopa Unified School District Bond
Committee, and his dedication to service, accountability, and collaboration. Mr.
Whittle, who attended the meeting with his family, was invited to stand and be
acknowledged by those present.
A motion was made by Councilmember Manfredi, seconded by
Councilmember Marsh, that this Appointment be Appointed. The motion
carried by a unanimous vote.
8.3
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve the Lease
Agreement with Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT), related to the
lease of approximately 5.341 acres of the real property generally located at the
Southwest corner of W. Madison Avenue and N. Wilson Avenue, Maricopa, Pinal
County, Arizona, Assessor Parcel No. 510-18-0020. Discussion and Action.
Josh Bowman, Chief Strategy Officer, presented the lease proposal for city-owned land
where the old city hall was located, across from the county courthouse. The winning
bid came from the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology, which provides
training for high school juniors and seniors and offers clinics open to the community.
Currently, Maricopa students are bused an hour to the nearest campus in Coolidge. He
added that the proposed timeline includes a two-phase construction plan, with phase
one consisting of 6,000 square feet of office and classroom space to be completed by
July 2028, and phase two adding more classroom space 2-3 years later. Mr. Bowman
noted that this project aligns with the city's strategic focus on job creation and
business development. General discussion ensued regarding the excitement and
positive impact this proposed project would have on the city, especially high school
students prepping to entire the work force.
A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember
Manfredi, that this Contract be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous
vote.
8.4
The Mayor and City Council shall hear a presentation from Rounds Consulting Group
on the development of the Office of Economic Opportunity's strategic plan. Discussion
only.
Jim Rounds, president of Rounds Consulting Group, reported on the collaborative
efforts between his firm and the Office of Economic Opportunity in developing a