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, March 3, 2026  
6:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
1.  
Call to Order  
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. An invocation was led by Pastor Rusty  
Akers from Community Hope Church, which was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance  
led by Councilmember Liermann.  
2.  
Roll Call  
Councilmember Liermann joined the meeting telephonically.  
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  
3.  
4.  
Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations  
There were no proclamations, acknowledgements, awards or presentations.  
Report from the Mayor  
Councilmember Marsh reported attending the February 19th Budget Workshop Meeting  
where the entire city council participated rather than the traditional committee. He also  
reported attending the Fire and Medical Annual Awards dinner on February 21st. Next,  
Councilmember Marsh reported participating in the Mike Ingram Heritage Park  
Ceremony on February 24th. Lastly, he reported attending the Pinal County Board of  
Adjustments meeting on February 26th, while expressing frustration with the county's  
lack of progress on updating their zoning code. Lastly, Councilmember Marsh shared a  
concerned regarding youth in the city not wearing any protective equipment while riding  
on their e-bikes.  
Councilmember Wade reported attending the Mike Ingram Park Ceremony, which he  
shared was a full community turnout with beautiful weather. He added that the park  
was and would be an excellent benefit to all the families in the city.  
Councilmember Eric Goettl also reported attending the Budget Workshop Meeting and  
actively encouraged public engagement during the review period of the Capital  
Improvement Plan. Councilmember Goettl also reported attending the Fire and Medical  
Awards Banquet. On February 25th, he reported participating in a collaborative meeting  
between the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Youth Council. Next,  
Councilmember Goettl shared about a dementia caregiver support group that convenes  
monthly on the third Wednesday from 10:00-11:30 AM at the senior center, offering a  
supportive environment for caregivers of those with dementia by calling 520-836-2758.  
Lastly, he shared about a quarterly Memory Cafe, scheduled on March 13th from  
9:30-11:30 AM in the Global Water council room. He added that this event provides a  
welcoming space for those with memory challenges and their caregivers, featuring  
social activities and entertainment. RSVPs are required.  
Councilmember Knorr also reported participating in the Mike Ingram Heritage Park  
Ceremony, acknowledging the remarkable transformation the new park brought to the  
familiar area near the school district, enhancing its appeal and accessibility. She also  
reported attending the Fire Department Annual Awards Banquet, where she highlighted  
Ron Smith, who was awarded the prestigious Citizens Award for his impactful work on  
the Yellow Dot program, contributing significantly to community safety. Furthermore,  
Councilmember Knorr attended a Lions Club meeting, where she emphasized their  
admirable community fundraising initiatives whereby all funds raised are returned to  
benefit the community. Lastly, she took the opportunity to remind everyone about the  
upcoming Boys and Girls Club Dancing for Our Stars event scheduled for March 28th,  
encouraging community participation and support.  
Councilmember Liermann congratulated the fire department for their well-organized  
awards banquet. Next, she reported on the success of the recently opened Mike  
Ingram Heritage Park, observing that it has been bustling with activity, which in turn  
has excited the Historical Society about the increased number of visitors to the area.  
Councilmember Liermann also reported attending the Veterans Business Expo at  
Central Arizona College, which showcased various veteran-owned businesses  
contributing creatively and in diverse ways to the community. She also reported  
participating in the statue unveiling ceremony at Pacana Park. Lastly, she reported  
attending the Greater Maricopa Business Alliance Banquet and took the opportunity to  
acknowledge and congratulate all the award recipients recognized during these  
gatherings for their exemplary contributions.  
Vice Mayor Vincent Manfredi reported attending the February 18th Maricopa  
Association of Government’s Transportation Policy Committee meeting. He stated that  
the meeting focused on exploring potential funding avenues for Highway 347  
improvements. He also reported attending the Capital Improvement Plan Work  
Session. Additionally, Vice Mayor Manfredi reported attending a meeting with the city  
manager to discuss the revival of former city programs. Next, Vice Mayor Manfredi also  
reported attending the Mike Ingram Heritage Park Ceremony. He added that a local  
Facebook group had organized a meet-and-greet event at the park the following day,  
reflecting the park's immediate community impact. Next, Vice Mayor Manfredi reported  
attending the February 24th MPPA meeting, which centered around economic  
development for the city of Maricopa. On February 25th, Vice Mayor Manfredi reported  
serving as a guest speaker at Maricopa Wells Middle School’s career day.  
Furthermore, on February 27th, he reported being a judge in a middle school debate on  
traditional water conservation methods versus technology-driven solutions. Next, he  
reported on Attorney General Kris Mayes' presentation about senior scams,  
spotlighting the prevalence of such crimes and urging victims that help is available and  
shame unwarranted. Vice Mayor Manfredi also attended the Veterans Business Expo  
and participated in Read Across America Program at multiple grade levels and  
encouraged others to volunteer for this program throughout the week.  
Mayor Smith commended Vice Mayor Manfredi for organizing a session with Attorney  
General Kris Mayes to discuss scam prevention at a previous meeting, and she  
suggested that similar topics could be covered in future senior-focused lunch-and-learn  
sessions to educate local seniors on avoiding scams. Regarding the Capital  
Improvement Plan Budget Workshop, the Mayor highlighted the availability of the  
document online for public review. She strongly encouraged the community to  
participate and provide feedback during the two-month review period. Mayor Smith also  
reported attending the Arizona Department of Transportation State Transportation  
Board meeting. She pinpointed two major weaknesses in the state agency's  
Prioritization to Programming process, including the lack of policy adjustments for  
rapidly expanding cities like Maricopa as well as inadequate focus on safety issues.  
She emphasized the significance of Highway 347 being listed among the top 10 most  
dangerous roads in the western U.S.  
5.  
Report from the City Manager  
City Manager Ben Bitter presented several updates with visual slides. He promoted the  
Sedona Red concert at Heritage Park on Sunday, March 8th from 5-7 PM. He  
highlighted the upcoming Wild West Music Fest March 27-29 at Copper Sky, featuring  
major headliners and encouraging tourism to the area. He also addressed community  
questions about small cell wireless infrastructure, explaining that 91 small cell wireless  
nodes will be installed across the city by private investment to enhance cellular and  
wireless internet connectivity. He provided context on electromagnetic spectrum safety,  
showing that 4G and 5G technology produces less electromagnetic exposure than  
microwaves, toasters, or light bulbs, and is significantly different from harmful radiation  
or x-rays. These nodes are well-established technology with hundreds of thousands  
operating safely throughout the Phoenix metro area. Finally, City Manager Bitter  
provided a development activity update, sharing that 278 new building permits for  
residential projects were issued this calendar year.  
6.  
Call to the Public  
Tena Dugan spoke on the pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns following recent  
incidents, including one fatality. She emphasized this is a community safety problem.  
Ms. Dugan noted incidents clustering near Walmart and the Glennwilde area with  
high-density multifamily housing, retail, schools, and pedestrian activity. She reminded  
the council that residents previously raised these concerns during development  
approval processes. Next, Ms. Dugan requested specific actions: lowering speed limits  
on Porter Road near schools where incidents are occurring, targeted enforcement  
during peak hours, especially school start and dismissal times. She add that  
education starts at home for both children about safe crossing and bicycling, and  
drivers about operating vehicles safely near families. She acknowledged that even  
small improvements in compliance could prevent tragedies and urged treating this as  
an emergency rather than waiting for another death.  
Brandon Castro spoke about protecting children, advocating for raising the minimum  
age for adult content creation to 21. He referenced community discussions comparing  
this profession to military service and expressed concern about high school students  
being recruited into dangerous occupations. Mr. Castro asked the city to lead  
nationally in compassionate legislation.  
Chrystal O'Jon announced the Maricopa Desert Music and Arts Fest presented by  
AARP Arizona, featuring jazz artist Brian Simpson and gospel artist Vicki Winans.  
She added that the two-day event, March 6-7 at Maricopa High School Performing Arts  
Center, expects 400-500 attendees each night. Ms. O’Jon shared that the proceeds will  
benefit the high school's arts and theater department, which she emphasized provides  
crucial outlets for youth mental health and suicide prevention.  
7.  
Consent Agenda  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Councilmember Wade, seconded by Councilmember  
Marsh to Approve the Consent Agenda.  
7.1  
ORD 26-03  
An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting  
the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2026 Amendment to Title 18:  
Zoning Code" by reference to amend Chapters 18.135 and 18.155 of the Maricopa City  
Code and providing for severability and the effective date thereof. Discussion and  
Action.  
This Ordinance was Approved.  
7.2  
SPEVLIQ 26-04  
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 Steve LeVine  
Entertainment to serve alcohol during a Tourism event known as Wild West Music  
Festival on March 27, March 28, and March 29th, 2026 at Copper Sky, 44345 W  
Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Maricopa AZ 85138. Discussion and Action.  
Councilmember Knorr asked why a local restaurant or vendor was not being used for  
bar services. Director of Community Enrichment Quinn Konold explained that the  
event's scale requires a large-scale staffing agency. In the end, Councilmember Knorr  
requested that local businesses be asked first in the future.  
This Special Event Liquor License was Approved.  
7.3  
CON 26-04  
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve the Purchase and  
Sale Agreement with Nirosha Premeel Senerath and Nadeesha Nambukara Wellala,  
related to the sale of approximately 0.92 acres of the real property generally located at  
44510 W. Mercado Street, Maricopa, Pinal County, Arizona, Assessor Parcel Nos.  
510-26-0490, 510-26-048A, and 510-26-048B for $328,616.64 and authorizing the City  
Manager to execute the Agreement and any future amendments to extend the Closing  
as he deems necessary and any closing documents related thereto. Discussion and  
Action.  
This Contract was Approved.  
7.4  
MIN 26-18  
Approval of Minutes from the January 22, 2026 City Council Special meeting, the  
February 17, 2026 City Council Regular meeting and the February 19, 2026 City  
Council Work Session. Discussion and Action.  
These Minutes were Approved.  
8.  
Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings  
RES 26-06  
8.1  
A Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of Maricopa, Pinal County, Arizona,  
(1) approving the form and authorizing the execution and delivery of a Second Purchase  
Agreement, a Second Trust Agreement, a Continuing Disclosure Undertaking, an  
Obligation Purchase Agreement and other necessary agreements, instruments and  
documents, (2) approving the sale and execution and delivery of Pledged Revenue  
Obligations, Series 2026, evidencing a proportionate interest of the owners thereof in  
the Purchase Agreement; (3) delegating authority to the Mayor, the Manager and the  
Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer of the City to determine certain matters  
and terms with respect to the foregoing; and (4) authorizing the taking of all other  
actions necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this  
Resolution. Discussion and Action.  
Chief Financial Officer Matt Kozlowski outlined Resolution 26-06, aiming to secure $30  
million for State Route 347 enhancements through unifying five projects. Mr. Kozlowski  
added that an integral facet of the strategy involves a $20 million contribution from  
Pinal County, slated for May 1, 2026. Next, he shared that the city would initiate the  
issuance of approximately $27.1 million in revenue bonds, supplemented by a  
reoffering premium to fulfill the $30 million funding target.  
Mr. Kozlowski shared that this financial setup attracts investors pursuing a 5% interest  
return via a buy-down framework. He added that over the ensuing two decades, bond  
repayment hinges on an estimated annual fund collection of $7-8 million, achieving  
savings of $5.1 million credited to an aggressive schedule leading to a new total of  
$38.28 million, reduced from the original count of $43.39 million. Additionally, Mr.  
Kozlowski shared that the bonds encompass a 9-year call option, granting the city  
flexibility for early payoff if needed.  
Lastly, Mr. Kozlowski shared that this fiscal plan eliminates additional taxpayer burden,  
as the sales tax already accounted for suffices to fulfill financial obligations. He added  
that staff have aimed for a bond closure in late April to early May as a prolonged  
measure to adhere to a June 1 Arizona Department of Transportation deadline.  
A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember  
Marsh, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous  
vote.  
8.2  
RES 26-04  
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona,  
determining a need to acquire certain fire apparatus using a financing agreement and  
authorizing the City’s Chief Financial Officer to execute any documents necessary to  
acquire the necessary fire apparatus and obtain financing therefore. Discussion and  
Action.  
Mr. Kozlowski presented Resolution 26-04 for financing three fire apparatuses totaling  
approximately $4 million, previously approved in the current fiscal year Capital  
Improvement Plan, but he added that the vendor requires council resolution to proceed  
with financing agreements.  
Next, Mr. Kozlowski shared that fire trucks have 3 to 4 year lead time, creating cash  
flow problems if paying $4 million upfront for assets not arriving for years. He added  
that two trucks can be funded with fire development impact fees, though these are  
collected over 10-year periods. Lastly, Mr. Kozlowski shared that the third truck uses  
asset replacement funds from vehicle sales.  
He shared that the financing solution involves the vendor paying cash up front, which  
would secure negotiated prepayment discounts of about $100,000 per vehicle and then  
establishing a lease agreement with the city for 7-year payments. Mr. Kozlowski added  
that the total vehicle cost is $3.8 million with annual payments of approximately  
$642,000-$643,000, representing a 4.19% effective interest rate.  
Lastly, he shared that since the city's long-term investments earn 3.78% yield and  
short-term investments earn 3.2%, the actual effective borrowing rate is only 0.4% to  
0.99%. Lastly, he added that this allows the city to retain cash flow for other capital  
projects with economic returns while still acquiring necessary public safety equipment  
within promised time frames.  
A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Vice Mayor  
Manfredi, that this Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by a  
unanimous vote.  
8.3  
PRES 26-04  
The Mayor and City Council shall hear proposed Amendments to City Code - Sidewalk  
Use and Pedestrian Safety, including for e-bikes and electronic scooters, from Police  
Chief Mark Goodman. Discussion only.  
Police Chief Mark Goodman presented proposed amendments to city code for  
sidewalk use and pedestrian safety, addressing e-bikes and electronic scooters. He  
thanked the traffic unit personnel in attendance for developing these proactive  
suggestions in response to developing community safety issues. Chief Goodman  
added that current code doesn't distinguish between safe and dangerous conduct,  
limiting officer discretion through blanket prohibitions on sidewalk use by cyclists and  
mobility device users.  
He shared that federal studies show 70-90% of cyclists use sidewalks on arterial  
roadways regardless of legality, driven by perceived vehicle risk rather than compliance  
concerns. Chief Goodman added that pedestrian behavior has also changed, with more  
mid-block crossings and navigation in environments not originally designed for  
pedestrians. General discussion ensued regarding possible amendments to city code,  
which included the implementation of helmet requirements for riders under 17 or 18  
years old.  
Next, Vice Mayor Manfredi suggested the need for additional safety standards,  
including the use of reflectors and lights for bikes. Councilmember Marsh suggested  
further exploration of requirements for driver training and potential testing or licensing  
for young riders, who would be operating over 20 miles per hour. Lastly, Mayor Smith  
recommended the future development of infrastructure to include wider sidewalks or  
multi-use paths as necessary developments to accommodate diverse and safe usage.  
City Manager Bitter assured Mayor Smith that wider sidewalks were already a  
requirement for newer development.  
Councilmember Wade volunteered to be a part of any task force that would be formed  
on the topic, to which, Mayor Smith suggested that any task force will wait until further  
staff recommendations. In the end, Chief Goodman indicated he would work with the  
city attorney's office to develop formal code amendments incorporating council  
feedback.  
The Presentation was heard.  
9.  
Executive Session  
No executive session was held.  
10.  
Adjournment  
This meeting was 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 regular meeting of the City Council of Maricopa, Arizona, held  
on the 3rd 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