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 Special Meeting

Mayor Nancy Smith

Vice-Mayor Vincent Manfredi

Councilmember Eric Goettl

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr

Councilmember Amber Liermann

Councilmember Bob Marsh

Councilmember Henry Wade

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

6:00 PM

Maricopa Library and Cultural Center

18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.

Roll Call

6 -

Present,

Excused,

Mayor Smith, Councilmember Goettl, Councilmember Knorr,

Councilmember Marsh, Vice Mayor Manfredi, and Councilmember Wade

1 - Councilmember Liermann

Agenda Items

SP 26-02

3.1

The Maricopa City Council and the Ak-Chin Tribal Council will have dinner at which

they may discuss potential partnership opportunities, transportation matters, regional

planning and economic development opportunities affecting both the City and the

Community.

City Manager Ben Bitter provided comprehensive updates on several key topics of

mutual interest between the City of Maricopa and the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Ambulance Service

City Manager Bitter stated that the city has formally submitted its application for

ambulance service, which is currently under review by the director. He explained that

while the director had 180 days to review the application, they are now past that

timeline with no penalty for the extended review. Bitter noted they expect a

determination any day, followed by a series of hearings, with hopes to provide

ambulance service by the end of calendar year 2026.

Mr. Bitter shared that six ambulances have been ordered and will arrive within the next

few months. He added that the city has hired additional firefighters and plans to

continue hiring more to staff the ambulances across the community, with training and

personnel ramping up in preparation.

Hazardous Materials Response

Mr. Bitter explained that hazardous materials response would be the next venture after

ambulance service, requiring a multi-year process beginning with acquiring a

specialized vehicle. He stated the city has requested federal funding, seeking a 70

percent federal match to their 30 percent contribution. If approved and included in the

federal budget, the vehicle would have a 3-4 year delivery time due to its specialized

nature and unique equipment.

Mayor Smith asked Mr. Bitter to discuss the regional benefits of this service. Mr. Bitter

responded that the equipment is so expensive and specialized that it doesn't make

sense for every jurisdiction to have their own hazmat capabilities. He referenced his

experience in Casa Grande, where they signed agreements to share hazmat services

with neighboring partners, and expected Maricopa would do the same.

Councilmember Eric Goettl added that the city participates in mutual aid covering 26

different agencies around the valley, allowing vehicles and trained personnel to respond

across jurisdictional lines. He stated this would be a blessing not just for their city, but

for joint communities throughout the county, providing specialized equipment and

trained individuals on their side of the county.

Mr. Bitter further emphasized that hazardous materials incidents don't respect

jurisdictional boundaries and are defined by incident size rather than geography. He

noted their interest in development south of Ak-Chin, questioning who would respond to

fires at those locations, likely being Maricopa, requiring them to be trained and

prepared for such scenarios.

Emergency Planning

Mr. Bitter announced the recent hiring of Angela Eastman as the new emergency

manager, who started the previous Monday. He described her extensive background in

emergency management situations from Minnesota and her role in leading recent

tabletop exercises, including a simulated train derailment.

He stated that emergency planning extends beyond major incidents like fires or train

derailments to include day-to-day emergencies and community preparedness. He

added that Eastman's role will include working with HOAs and the community on

personal and neighborhood preparedness, helping residents become more

self-sufficient and assist their neighbors during emergencies.

Mr. Bitter highlighted two strategic priorities: ensuring Maricopa's ongoing safety by

advancing regional floodplain solutions, and reviewing and enhancing current hazard

mitigation plans to identify risks and guide resilience measures. He explained that

flooding impacts are typically regional, starting hundreds of miles away and flowing

downstream into their community, requiring regional solutions.

Vice Chair Delia Carlyle shared historical context about flooding concerns, particularly

regarding water backup issues near railroad tracks and their impact on preserved

areas. She recounted the major flood in the 1980s when Ak-Chin, being at higher

elevation than Maricopa, sheltered over 500 displaced Maricopa residents at their

community center. She stated that several Ak-Chin members gave up their own homes

to house Maricopa families during that crisis.

City Manager Bitter acknowledged the regional nature of flood planning, noting that

while the Vekol Wash may not directly impact Maricopa's city limits, all regional efforts

are truly collaborative. He described the extensive 2D and 3D modeling technology now

used for wash channelization and FEMA submissions, calling the engineering work

"truly a marvel" though tremendously costly and time-consuming.

Councilmember Henry Wade mentioned the need for cooling centers given recent

temperature indicators of climate change, currently utilizing the library and other

facilities.

Pedestrian Overpass

Mr. Bitter presented plans for a pedestrian overpass project currently under

construction. He explained that the old Maricopa Road was given to the city when the

new State Route 347 overpass was built. They observed significant pedestrian traffic

crossing railroad tracks at this location, particularly students from Maricopa High

School walking to the Heritage District or local businesses.

He stated that using the existing overpass required an extra half-mile walk for

pedestrians and added that in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad and with federal

funding of a couple million dollars, they're constructing a pedestrian bridge with

elevator shafts currently being worked on west of the Amtrak facility.

Mr. Bitter emphasized safety as the primary goal, with side benefits including

economic development, enhanced safety, revitalization, and tribute to the historic

water tower. He explained that while the original water tower will eventually be removed

by Union Pacific, the new bridge design tips their cap to this historic symbol. He

added that the project includes lighting, crime prevention environmental design, and

area beautification, with completion expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Mr. Bitter

noted that while the project uses mostly City of Maricopa funding, ADOT is running the

project, placing them somewhat at their mercy regarding timeline.

Regional Transportation Planning

Mr. Bitter described their partnership with Pinal County on the Western Pinal County

transportation plan, examining regional routes of significance with State Route 347

(John Wayne Parkway) as the central point. He discussed future considerations

including the Sonoran Desert Parkway extending west into Ak-Chin, Green Road

continuing south through Ak-Chin, the Val Vista Road corridor, and future I-11

connections. He emphasized the importance of tackling these regional issues together

over the next 10-30 years, ensuring solutions work for everyone while respecting

Ak-Chin's sovereignty and protecting what they prefer to keep protected.

Councilmember Lisa Garcia stated that transportation planning has always been a

priority for their community regardless of which council is serving. She explained their

unique situation with roads being tribal roads, BIA roads, and county roads, expressing

interest in partnering on identifying the best routes to service both entities. Ms. Garcia

emphasized the complexity of their approval processes, noting they must follow BIA

processes and CFRs, with different layers of permissions required depending on

whether easements and rights-of-way belong to counties, ADOT, or the community.

She requested follow-up collaboration on transportation plans, highlighting State Route

347, the Maricopa Casa Grande Highway at 238, and Highway 84 as central corridors

for both communities.

Mr. Bitter stated that they're working on the east-west corridor including Ak-Chin and

the Maricopa Casa Grande Highway alignment, with the project team coordinating well

among all partners from I-10 through Casa Grande, Pinal County, Maricopa, and

Ak-Chin.

Mayor Smith inquired about the appropriate contacts for Ak-Chin regarding

transportation opportunities. Mr. Bitter responded that they consistently work with Dr.

Shade and her staff on transportation projects and planning, requesting additional

contact information for broader collaboration.

Councilmember Wade asked about the operational status of the airport. Vice Chair

Carlyle responded that it operates primarily as a fuel stop for aircraft, with air shows

and events held there. She explained they're exploring options for additional hangars for

aircraft storage, but face water pressure issues in that area. She described their

challenges with bringing adequate water pressure to the airport, including

considerations of running a pipeline under a canal, though erosion concerns

complicate this solution. She noted their runway length currently accommodates only

smaller planes, and expanding for larger aircraft would require purchasing additional

land.

Event Coordination and Cross-Promotion

City Manager Bitter presented the city's annual event calendar, suggesting

opportunities for cross-promotion and coordination between the two communities. He

described their upcoming Wild West Music Fest featuring Alien Ant Farm on Friday,

Diamond Rio on Saturday, and Soulja Boy and Paul Wall on Sunday, along with

carnival activities and local business vendors.

Vice Chair Carlyle clarified an important point about their community events,

particularly their annual Masik Tas celebration. She mentioned that there is incorrect

information out on social media suggesting they would charge admission to their event.

Ms. Carlyle confirmed their events remain free of charge, though food vendors must

cover their costs, with all rides and activities provided free to the community.

Councilmember Goettl discussed ideas for celebrating the country's 250th anniversary,

suggesting potential collaborations such as public readings of the Declaration of

Independence, library rooms dedicated to the Constitution, guest speaker series, and

incorporating 250th anniversary themes into their Great American Fourth celebration at

Copper Sky Park.

Next, Councilmember Garcia provided extensive details about Ak-Chin Farms'

operations and their water settlement. She listed their crops including cotton, alfalfa,

sorghum, pecans, jalapeños, corn and potatoes, explaining their distribution networks.

She shared that heir potatoes go to Frito Lay, Four Brothers Potato Chips, and

In-N-Out Burger for fries. She added that their jalapeños are sold to Campbell's Soup

for chili paste and Hormel for chili beans. Ms. Garcia stated that wheat, barley,

sorghum, and other crops are purchased by local dairies including Shamrock and

Milky Way for cattle feed and that their pecans currently go to New Mexico, having

previously been shipped to China where they were highly valued, but tariffs and

commodity pricing issues made domestic sales more profitable.

Next, Ms. Garcia shared that Ak-Chin was the first Native American tribe to achieve a

water settlement, describing it as very unique with congressmen stating there will never

be another like it. She expressed pride in their former council members who fought

over 20-30 years for this settlement, with each current council recognizing their

responsibility to uphold this commitment and ensure the US government upholds their

end.

Vice Chair Carlyle detailed their housing program requirements stating that members

must be 21 years old with either a GED or high school diploma, encouraging education

completion before home assignment. She explained their approach of providing

housing benefits instead of per capita payments, with assigned homes including paid

utilities and no rent. She added that members cannot use homes as collateral since

they remain under government ownership, but this provides substantial living benefits.

She also shared that their high school graduates receive all-expense-paid trips to

Hawaii for a week as additional educational incentives. Ms. Carlyle emphasized their

goal of encouraging members to pursue education beyond high school, whether

college or trade school, to meet employment needs in their various projects and

potentially serve the broader Maricopa community.

The presentation made by Ms. Garcia included renderings of Southern Dunes Golf

Course renovations, with dining area expansions while keeping the golf course

operational, their new healthcare facility, in addition to other exciting growth

opportunities happening in their community.

Next, Ms. Garcia announced their recent award of joint venture construction funding for

a new healthcare facility, making them the only tribe in Arizona and second tribe

nationally to receive this funding. She described the personal visit from officials,

including Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to announce the award, emphasizing that

providing healthcare has been a council goal since their establishment in the early

1960s. She added that the facility will serve not only their community but also Maricopa

residents, eliminating the need to travel to State Route 347 or Casa Grande for certain

medical services, particularly dialysis treatment, allowing patients to remain closer to

home.

Next, Ms. Garcia mentioned their emergency management manager, who recently

started, coming from Pinal County, and is currently reviewing their emergency operation

plans while managing facility transitions. She expressed interest in collaboration

between their new emergency manager and Maricopa's Angela Eastman, both being

new to their positions. Ms. Garcia confirmed their enjoyment of previous tabletop

exercises and requested inclusion in future emergency planning activities.

Next, Vice Chair Carlyle raised several important cultural and historical issues.

Regarding proposed data centers, particularly one near their farming enterprise called

Scorpio Power, she expressed concerns about the location due to discovered cultural

artifacts, including what appeared to be a partial cremation site. She emphasized their

desire to ensure cultural artifacts can be properly returned to Ak-Chin and remain

undisturbed, noting that early development in the area likely resulted in loss of cultural

materials when developers didn't notify the community. She appreciated developers

who have since contacted them about discoveries, allowing proper cultural protocols.

Ms. Carlyle also requested assistance with maintaining a memorial for the late

Sergeant Kelly, a police officer killed in what near the Baptist Church along highway

347. She wanted to understand the process for ensuring his memory remains honored

at that location, noting the historical significance of Ak-Chin providing police and fire

protection to early Maricopa when the city had only about 1,000 residents. She shared

that two Ak-Chin police officers, including one of their first police chiefs, were killed in

the line of duty while serving the area, as Pinal County response times were too long at

that time. She expressed gratitude for Maricopa eventually establishing their own police

and fire departments, recognizing their shared humble beginnings.

Next, Ms. Carlyle requested collaboration on a potential traffic signal near their planned

dialysis center and clinic on Sugar Road, across from city development on the other

side. She stated that while they have an existing traffic light at the casino entrance, the

medical facilities would require safe patient access for easy entry and exit.

City Manager Bitter explained the complexity of traffic signal placement given the mix

of jurisdictions (ADOT, Pinal County, tribal land, and BIA involvement) but committed

to connecting Ak-Chin with the Vestar property's planning team for their 3,400-acre

master plan community development to ensure coordinated access planning.

Ms. Carlyle shared additional historical context about their communities' mutual

support, describing how when the BIA predicted their farming enterprise would fail,

local Maricopa farmers provided equipment to help them start their agricultural

operations. She noted the irony that the BIA now uses their successful farming

operation as a model after initially predicting failure. She emphasized water as the

lifeblood for everyone, explaining their protective stance on water rights after the 20-30

year battle for their water settlement. She acknowledged current drought conditions,

referencing her recent flight over Las Vegas and the shocking view of low water levels.

Ms. Carlyle mentioned their upcoming April trip to Washington DC for Hill visits,

offering to carry messages supporting Maricopa's interests, as they had done

previously with the TIGER grant, demonstrating their continued commitment to mutual

support.

Next, Councilmember Goettl described the new field house under construction,

scheduled to open in fall 2026. He shared that the facility will include four basketball

courts, six volleyball courts, numerous pickleball courts, large tournament space,

meeting rooms, and housing for parts and recreation department offices. He added

that unlike Copper Sky's membership model, this will be free community space

designed to bring people together.

City Manager Bitter added that they've already received interest from organizations like

jiu-jitsu tournament organizers for regional or statewide events. The facility is located

immediately north of Copper Sky off Bowling Road, incorporating the former dispatch

facility as office space and check-in areas.

Mayor Smith suggested tournament collaboration between both communities' facilities.

Ms. Garcia mentioned their Elder Olympic Games starting the following day, with

invitations extended to other tribes, expressing openness to including Maricopa elders

and expanding participation.

Ms. Carlyle noted basketball's popularity in their community, particularly during

December celebrations, and Ms. Garcia committed to sharing information about

Maricopa's new facility with their athletics department for potential collaboration.

The meeting concluded with both communities expressing appreciation for the

collaborative discussion and commitment to continued partnership on regional issues,

emergency preparedness, transportation planning, cultural preservation, and

community events. Multiple follow-up actions were identified including emergency

management collaboration, transportation planning coordination, memorial preservation

assistance, traffic signal planning, and facility tour arrangements.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

Certification of Minutes

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

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

on the 24th day of March, 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly

called and held and that a quorum was present.

Dated this 7th day of April 2026.

__________________________

Vanessa Bueras

City Clerk