City Hall

City of Maricopa

39700 W. Civic Center

Plaza

Maricopa, AZ 85138

Ph: (520) 568-9098

Fx: (520) 568-9120

www.maricopa-az.gov

Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council Regular Meeting

Mayor Nancy Smith

Vice-Mayor Vincent Manfredi

Councilmember Eric Goettl

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr

Councilmember Amber Liermann

Councilmember Bob Marsh

Councilmember Henry Wade

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

6:00 PM

Council Chambers

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. An invocation was led by Pastor Grady

Root from Maricopa Springs Family Church, which was followed by The Pledge of

Allegiance led by Councilmember Wade.

Roll Call

7 -

Present:

Mayor Nancy Smith, Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember

AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Councilmember Bob

Marsh, Councilmember Henry Wade and Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi

Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations

There were no proclamations, acknowledgements, awards or presentations.

Report from the Mayor

Councilmember Marsh reported participating in the Maricopa Futures planning meeting,

led by Mayor Smith on January 22nd. On January 27th, he reported attending the Pinal

Partnership Government Relations Committee meeting, where they tracked over 1,600

legislative bills. On January 28th, he reported attending the Maricopa Flood Control

District board meeting, which is working to transition its operations to the city.

Additionally, on January 29th, Councilmember Marsh shared that he attended the

Maricopa Unified School District dinner at Desert Sunrise High School, which included

a panel discussion featuring representatives Teresa Martinez and Chris Lopez. Lastly,

on February 2nd, he reported participating in a Maricopa Historical Society event,

where guest speaker Roger Naylor, a renowned author, spoke about his experiences

driving Route 66 from New Mexico to California.

Councilmember Goettl highlighted attending the Maricopa Unified School District

legislative briefing, noting that it was beneficial to hear updates about state legislative

impacts on school districts and to meet with representatives from the neighboring

Ak-Chin Community. On January 31st, he also reported attending the police

department's House of Worship Security Training, which was attended by over 200

individuals representing many faith-based groups and the Maricopa Unified School

District. Councilmember Goettl added that the training conducted by Chief Goodman,

Officer Horst, Sergeant Koozer, and Officer Nylander, was well-received with attendees

expressing interest in a follow-up event.

Councilmember Wade discussed his attendance at the House of Worship security

training, praising the presenters for their expertise in ensuring places of worship are

prepared for emergencies. He also reported participating in the Youth Council meeting

and noted the dynamic and active involvement of young participants in community

discussions, while also standing in for Councilmember Goettl in the Parks and Rec

Committee meeting. Additionally, he recognized Chance Love for his dedicated service

on the senior committee and announced that Chance would soon transition to a new

position in Gilbert.

Councilmember Knorr reported participating in the Maricopa Women in Government

Day at the Capitol with over 30 women from the city, led by Representative Teresa

Martinez. She mentioned that the day included a tour of the Capitol and a mock bill

voting exercise on the House floor, along with insightful presentations from the Arizona

Department of Water Resources on issues concerning water and the Arizona

Department of Transportation about transport projects. Councilmember Knorr also

reported attending the First Responder Heroes flag football game at Pacana Park.

Additionally, she spoke about two upcoming events: the Veterans Painting Fundraiser

on February 10th at Luxe Lounge and the senior prom, Love Never Gets Old, hosted by

Maricopa High School DECA on February 13th. Lastly, she reported a detailed meeting

with the city manager and the mayor regarding the challenges faced by a potential

business coming to Maricopa. She added that they discussed the obstacles

confronting this local business while emphasizing the city's commitment to creating a

supportive and welcoming business environment essential for the business's success

in the Maricopa community.

Councilmember Liermann reported that the city just gave out their next cycle of arts

grants, which went to Broadway Theater, the Historical Society, and Learned with

Aloha. She also reported that Maricopa Friends of the Arts gave out $6,000 in

scholarships to various artists. Councilmember Liermann shared that Chilaquiles will

be holding an art and sip event on February 12th and 21st. She added that Chilaquiles

would be holding a jazz fusion on February 18th. Additionally, Councilmember

Liermann shared that Maricopa High School will host an Arts Festival on February 28th

and a Murder Mystery Dinner on February 12th. Lastly, she mentioned the Desert

Music Arts Festival is scheduled for March 6th and 7th, showcasing the community's

vibrant cultural calendar.

Vice Mayor Manfredi reported on his participation in the Transportation Policy

Committee with the Maricopa Association of Governments, emphasizing its importance

for the funding decisions related to State Route 347. He also shared his involvement in

meetings with the Maricopa Partnerships Program Association (MPPA) to delve into

economic development matters. Next, Vice Mayor Manfredi shared his re-election to

the Rural Transportation Advisory Council. Additionally, he highlighted a meeting with

Doug Coleman, who is anticipated to be appointed to the Arizona Department of

Transportation Governing Board representing Pinal County. Furthermore, he announced

that the Attorney General’s office would host a presentation focused on scam

prevention for seniors, scheduled for February 27th at the Council Chambers, aiming

to bolster community awareness and protection against fraudulent activities.

Mayor Smith shared the significant discussions from the January 22nd Maricopa

Futures meeting, which addressed key issues such as the city's financial outlook,

exploring commuting corridor alternatives, planning for new community facilities,

ensuring public safety, and the development of the industrial park. She also reported

on the productive conversations with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council aimed at

attracting more businesses to the city, which included a tour of the city with its new

chief executive. Additionally, Mayor Smith met with Gila River’s Governor Lewis to

discuss public safety initiatives and the development of the Green Road Loop. She

mentioned a positive meeting with Zeke and his wife Jody, owners of Zesty Zeke's

Pizza, expressing gratitude for the chance to discuss next steps and emphasizing that

they concluded the meeting feeling optimistic about future momentum. Mayor Smith

congratulated City Manager Bitter on being elected as the president of the Arizona City

and County Management Association (ACMA). Next, she shared about the upcoming

ribbon cutting for the Mike Ingram Heritage Park scheduled for February 24th, the

possibility of hosting a concert on March 7, and she also urged citizens to provide

feedback on the city's general plan. Furthermore, she reminded everyone of the State

of the City address taking place on February 11th.

Report from the City Manager

City Manager Bitter provided several detailed updates during the meeting. He

highlighted the innovative community policing efforts demonstrated by the Police

Department through the successful implementation of the House of Worship Security

Training, which aimed to enhance safety in religious facilities across the city. Mr. Bitter

shared that over the past five years, the city has made significant infrastructural

advances by adding 99 new lane miles of roads to accommodate growth and improve

transportation. He announced that President Trump had recently signed an

appropriations bill that included $867,000 in congressionally designated spending,

earmarked specifically for procuring the city's ambulances, underscoring a strong

focus on emergency response enhancements. Mr. Bitter reminded everyone about the

importance of subscribing to the city’s e-newsletter, which is distributed every Friday

and contains timely information, community news, and crucial updates concerning city

operations and events.

Call to the Public

Former Mayor Kelly Anderson shared that Doug Coleman as a good representative for

transportation matters. He praised the street maintenance crew for their prompt pothole

repairs on Ferrell, Hartman, and Murphy Roads. Lastly, Mr. Anderson expressed

concern about unkempt properties around the city that could become fire hazards with

the approaching hot weather and questioned the landscaped median in front of Desert

Sunrise High School that might restrict visibility for buses and student drivers.

Joseph Caruso spoke as a representative of United Way of Pinal County, highlighting

their Reading by Third Grade initiative in partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination

Library. He noted that only 29% of Maricopa third graders are proficient in reading

according to 2025 test scores, a drop from 33% the previous year. Mr. Caruso added

that the program mails books to children under 5 to promote literacy before

kindergarten. Lastly, he encouraged parents to sign up for the free program at

unitedwayofpc.org and mentioned an upcoming golf tournament on April 24 to support

the initiative.

Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, seconded by

Councilmember Henry Wade, to Adopt the Consent Agenda. The motion

carried unanimously.

7 -

Aye:

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Eric Goettl,

Councilmember Bob Marsh, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Vice Mayor

Vincent Manfredi, Mayor Nancy Smith and Councilmember Henry Wade

7.1

SPEVLIQ 26-01

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval

to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for an application for a

special event liquor license provided by Brenda Campbell to allow Roots Eatery to

serve alcohol during a special event known as Copa Cultural on February 21, 2026 at

Copper Sky, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Maricopa AZ 85138.

Discussion and Action.

This Special Event Liquor License was Approved.

7.2

SPEVLIQ 26-02

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on recommending approval

to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Special Event Liquor

License application submitted by Kelly Anderson for approval of an event known as

Copa Paws & Claws to be held on April 4, 2026 at Pacana Park located at 19000 N.

Porter Road, Maricopa, Arizona 85139. Discussion and Action.

This Special Event Liquor License was Approved.

7.3

MIN 26-09

Approval of Minutes from the January 20, 2026 City Council Regular meeting.

Discussion and Action.

These Minutes were Approved.

Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings

8.1

APP 26-04

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on making an appointment

to fill the vacancy on the Cultural Affairs and Arts Advisory Committee. Discussion and

Action.

Councilmember Knorr acknowledged Cynthia Portrey for her dedicated service of

nearly a decade on the Cultural Affairs and Arts Committee. She shared that Ms.

Portrey was actively involved and present at each meeting, while bringing her passion

for the arts to the community.

Councilmember Knorr introduced Thomas Schilling as her nominee. She shared that

Mr. Schilling comes with an impressive background as an acclaimed writer, with 14

publications in both the United States and Great Britain. She added that his literary

talents and active involvement in the arts community are expected to bring a fresh

perspective to the committee.

A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Councilmember

Liermann, that this Appointment be Appointed. The motion carried by the

following vote:

7 -

Aye:

Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi, Councilmember Amber Liermann,

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Eric Goettl,

Councilmember Bob Marsh, Mayor Nancy Smith and Councilmember

Henry Wade

8.2

RES 26-01

PUBLIC HEARING: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of

Maricopa, Arizona, vacating and abandoning, without compensation, a portion of North

Maricopa Road, generally located between W. Honeycutt Avenue and N. John Wayne

Parkway, within the City of Maricopa. Discussion and Action.

Derek Scheerer, Planner II, from the Planning Division presented a right-of-way

abandonment application for a 0.182-acre area located south of West Honeycutt

Avenue and west of North John Wayne Parkway. He elaborated that this initiative is

part of a larger project aimed at realigning North Maricopa Road to create a proper

intersection, eliminating the existing offset configuration. Mr. Scheerer added that this

realignment is designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety at the intersection.

Lastly, he added that the area being abandoned will be transferred to the adjacent

property, which is also owned by the city, thereby increasing the property's potential for

future development and marketability.

Staff recommended approval as the city and public utilities have determined this

portion of the utility easement is no longer necessary and have no plans to improve or

use it. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing, which the mayor

opened at 6:50 p.m. and closed immediately after.

A motion was made by Councilmember Wade, seconded by Councilmember

Marsh, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous

vote.

7 -

Aye:

Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember Bob Marsh, Councilmember

AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann, Mayor Nancy Smith,

Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi and Councilmember Henry Wade

8.3

RES 26-02

PUBLIC HEARING: A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of

Maricopa, Arizona, vacating and abandoning, without compensation, a portion of a

Public Utilities Easement on the real property known as Assessor Parcel Number

510-27-0380 generally located south of N. Maricopa Rd. and west of N. John Wayne

Parkway, within the City of Maricopa. Discussion and Action.

Derek Scheerer presented a request for the abandonment of a Public Utility Easement

specifically for the First Baptist Church, which spans approximately 0.477 acres. He

shared that this area is a remnant piece of land created during the construction of the

State Route 347 overpass. Mr. Sheerer clarified that the church is fully aware of the

proposed abandonment and is supportive of it, as it aligns with their planned expansion

efforts. Lastly, he added that the church intends to use the additional land to either

enlarge their classroom facilities or construct a new auditorium.

Staff recommended approval as the easement is no longer necessary. No members of

the public spoke during the public hearing, which the mayor opened at 6:54 p.m. and

closed immediately after.

A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Councilmember

Goettl, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by the following

vote:

7 -

Aye:

Councilmember Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl, Councilmember

Amber Liermann, Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Bob

Marsh, Mayor Nancy Smith and Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi

Executive Session

No executive session was held.

10.

Adjournment

This meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Certification of Minutes

I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the

minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of Maricopa, Arizona, held

on the 3rd day of February, 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly

called and held and that a quorum was present.

Dated this 17th day of February 2026.

__________________________

Vanessa Bueras

City Clerk