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 Henry Wade

Councilmember Eric Goettl

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr

Councilmember Amber Liermann

Councilmember Vincent Manfredi

Councilmember Bob Marsh

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

6:00 PM

Council Chambers

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. An invocation was given by Pastor Doug

Munday from the Calvary Church of Maricopa, which was followed by the Pledge of

Allegiance led by Councilmember Manfredi.

Roll Call

7 -

Present:

Mayor Nancy Smith, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl,

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann,

Councilmember Vincent Manfredi and Councilmember Bob Marsh

Proclamations, Acknowledgements, Awards and Presentations

Maricopa Citizens Leadership Academy (MCLA) Fall 2025 Session Acknowledgement.

PRES 25-22

3.1

Luis Villa, Communications Coordinator, announced the graduation of the 26th session

of the Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy, with 21 graduates joining the previous

class of over 440. Mr. Villa invited anyone interested in learning about or attending the

Citizen Leadership Academy to subscribe to the city newsletter or visit the city website

for information. The graduates were called forward to receive their certificates and take

photos with the Council.

The Presentation was heard.

Report from the Mayor

Councilmember Marsh reported speaking at the Leadership Academy, participating in

the Veteran's Day Parade, meeting with Chief Goodman on law enforcement topics,

attending a briefing on economic development strategic plans, and hosting students

from Maricopa Wells Middle School with Councilmember Manfredi. He concluded by

looking forward to the upcoming Merry Copa event at Copper Sky and wished everyone

happy holidays.

Councilmember Knorr reported attending that Maricopa Agriculture Center Farms art

show, highlighting the talented artists in Maricopa. She promoted the upcoming Sugar

Plum Tea by Desert Sun Performing Arts and the Inside the Creative Mind lecture

series starting in the new year. She also mentioned attending the community

Thanksgiving potluck at Maricopa Wells and announced the upcoming Maricopa

Women in Government Day at the Capitol on January 30th, which she is organizing

with Representative Theresa Martinez.

Councilmember Liermann extended warm holiday wishes to everyone and took the

opportunity to remind residents about the upcoming birthday of the Space Force on

December 20th. She also emphasized the importance of contributing to the ongoing

food drive within the community, noting that donations could be made at various

locations including City Hall, Copper Sky, the Maricopa Library, Maricopa Community

Center, Police Department, Apex, Orbitel, Electrical District No. 3, Exceptional Health,

Ace Hardware, and Global Water. Furthermore, Councilmember Liermann proudly

announced that the Maricopa Police Department had been awarded a total of $35,000

in government highway safety grants, which $10,000 was allocated for a DUI Task

Force to enhance road safety, and the remaining $25,000 was designated for

enforcement of traffic laws.

Councilmember Manfredi elaborated on Councilmember Liermann's remarks

concerning traffic enforcement on SR 347, emphasizing the educational value of

publicizing these enforcement activities to better inform the community. He highlighted

the importance of such educational efforts in promoting road safety and compliance.

Councilmember Manfredi outlined his involvement in both a Rural Transportation

Advisory Committee meeting and a Transportation Policy Committee meeting held with

Maricopa Association of Governments. He added that his participation in these

meetings focused on advocating for continued financial support for the critical

improvements on State Route 347, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure. He

concluded his report by mentioning a productive meeting with Jim Rounds to discuss

the ongoing economic development study.

Vice Mayor Wade shared about his participation in the 10 Toes Down and 10 Toes Up

cancer walk, an event aimed at raising awareness and support for cancer research. He

also participated in the Veterans Day parade. Additionally, Vice Mayor Wade attended

a Senior Lunch and Learn session, which focused on the important topic of title fraud.

He urged homeowners to vigilantly monitor their property documents to protect against

fraud attempts. Vice Mayor Wade mentioned his upcoming role as the narrator for the

Sugar Plum Tea event, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity. He added that he

would be attending a ceremony where local high school student would be accepting a

leadership award from the Governor.

Mayor Smith reported attending the state swimming championships where both local

high schools competed successfully. She specifically highlighted Maricopa High

School boys team placing 12th of 32 schools, with Holden Gehrke placing second in

the 200 yard freestyle and fifth in the 500 yard freestyle. She also mentioned Desert

Sunrise High School's Chloe Armstrong who medaled in two events. She also reported

attending the November State Transportation Board meeting where she advocated for

considering growth in transportation funding decisions and emphasized continued

progress on the State Route 347 project. She noted giving a presentation with

Councilmember Manfredi to state leaders about Maricopa's efforts to get State Route

347 on the five-year plan. She concluded by mentioning a meeting with Senator Kelly's

office regarding floodplain issues and I-11 development.

Report from the City Manager

City Manager Ben Bitter presented information on traffic management and growth

management in Maricopa. He explained that the city has grown from 17 traffic signals

five years ago to 33 today, with four more in development, necessitating additional staff

including a traffic engineer.

Regarding John Wayne Parkway, Mr. Bitter acknowledged the high traffic volume and

explained the challenges of synchronizing traffic signals when there is significant

cross-traffic. He detailed various improvements made, including the northbound

continuous flow right turn lane at Smith Enke and State Route 347, which has helped

reduce backups. He announced an upcoming project to create a fourth leg at the

South Cobblestone Farms traffic signal that would provide better access to

businesses like Freddy's and Starbucks without routing traffic through the busy Smith

Enke intersection.

Mr. Bitter also introduced a new feature on the What's New Maricopa website showing

commercial projects currently under city review. He shared that this transparency

initiative allows residents to view plans and submit comments on proposed

developments before they are approved.

Call to the Public

Brad Follett, CEO of Earth Month Network, addressed the council concerning water

quality issues after a positive E. coli test at Global Water was detected on August

27th. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the incident by the

authorities, underscoring the significant potential impact on the community's health

and safety. Mr. Follett further informed the council that a class action lawsuit had been

filed against Global Water Resources and Santa Cruz Water Company because of this

incident. He encouraged those interested in obtaining more information about the

lawsuit to contact the involved counsel, Geoffrey M. Trachtenberg, from Friedl

Richardson, P.C., 480-540-1341.

Peg Chapados spoke on the highly successful fifth annual Maricopa Main Street

marketplace, which took place at Leading Edge Academy. She shared that the event

attracted an impressive crowd of 500 to 600 attendees and hosted 60 artisan booths,

offering diverse crafts and products to the community. Ms. Chapados extended an

invitation to the Maricopa Music Circle and Maricopa Chorus winter concert, set for

December 13th at 3:00 PM at the Agriculture Center. Additionally, she highlighted the

upcoming Maricopa Arts Council's Inside the Creative Mind series. Ms. Chapados

shared that the series commences on January 10th and continues January 24th,

February 2nd, and February 28th, each session starting at 3:00 PM.

Dana Williams expressed appreciation for the Citizens Leadership Academy and

introduced her business, Heavenly Cheesecakes and Catering Company.

Lei-sa Anderson and Pastor David announced their Rocking the Stocking event on

Thursday, December 18 from 4-7 PM at the corner of Honeycutt and Porter behind

Circle K. The drive-through Christmas event, organized by Be Community Church, will

distribute stockings and serve as a resource for community members in need. The

event is open to anyone, and they invited businesses and organizations to participate

by donating items.

Rich Vitiello, County Supervisor, provided information about protecting property titles

from fraud. He explained that Pinal County offers two free services: the Parcel Alert

List available at the County Assessor's Office in Maricopa, and an online service

through the Recorder's Office.

Samuel Mambo expressed deep gratitude for the welcoming and diverse atmosphere

that Maricopa offers. He emphasized the city's strong sense of community, noting how

it has become a cherished home for his family. Mr. Mambo appreciates Maricopa's

commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity, which has greatly aided in their

successful integration and growth within the community.

Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Councilmember Manfredi, seconded by

Councilmember Marsh to Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried

unanimously.

7.1

7.2

MISC 25-27

MISC 25-28

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on canceling the January 6,

2026, March 17, 2026, July 7, 2026, August 4, 2026, August 18, 2026, November 3,

2026 and December 15, 2026 City Council meetings. Discussion and Action.

This Miscellaneous Item was Approved.

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on adding the purchase of a

Rotodecon machine for the Maricopa Fire/ Medical Department to the City's Capital

Improvement Plan in the amount of $33,703.00, which will be funded by the one-time

appropriation fund from Senate Bill 1735 in GL Account 35026161-67741-26261.

Discussion and Action.

This Miscellaneous Item was Approved.

7.3

7.4

7.5

SUB25-15

SUB25-16

LIQ 25-09

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve Re-plat Case

SUB25-15, Moonlight Phase I Parcel K1. Approval will allow for the dedication of

Right-of-Way (ROW), the creation of a Public Utility Easement (PUE), alignment with

the City of Maricopa’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP), and to resize Monument

Tract 2. Discussion and Action.

This Subdivision was Approved.

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve Subdivision Case

# SUB25-16, Moonlight Phase I Parcel K2. Approval will allow the dedication

Right-of-Way (ROW), a Public Utility Easement (PUE), alignment with the City of

Maricopa’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP), as well as resize Monument Tract 1,

and create new tract K-A. Discussion and Action.

This Subdivision was Approved.

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

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

liquor license submitted by applicant Maria Danielle Burgess on behalf of Circle K

Store #9609 located at 42150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, Maricopa, AZ

85138. Discussion and Action.

This Liquor License was Approved.

7.6

7.7

CON 25-22

CON 25-23

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approval of a first

amendment to the Presiding Judge Agreement with Stephen McCarville. Discussion

and Action.

This Contract was Approved.

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approval of Consent to

Sublease and Leaseback between Verizon Wireless, LLC and VB Acquisitions, LLC,

for a cellular tower erected on City owned property located at 18800 N. Porter Road

and authorizing the City Manager to execute any future consents to sublease related

to this tower. Discussion and Action.

This Contract was Approved.

7.8

MIN 25-70

Approval of Minutes from the November 4, 2025 City Council Regular meeting.

Discussion and Action.

These Minutes were Approved.

7.9

CON 25-24

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve the Purchase and

Sale Agreement with Al Hogenes, for the purchase of approximately 2.84 acres of

right-of-way and drainage easements located along the south side of SR 238 between

Green Road and the Ak-Chin community boundary in the amount of $196,891.00.

Discussion and Action.

This Contract was Approved.

Regular Agenda and/or Public Hearings

8.1

ORD 25-15

An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting

the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 8:

Health and Safety" by reference to amend Chapter 8.10 of the Maricopa City Code and

providing for severability and the effective date thereof. Discussion and Action.

Rick Williams, Planning and Zoning Manager, detailed significant amendments to the

Maricopa City Code with the presentation of three ordinances, which serve to align with

the Arizona Revised Statutes requirements and incorporate current development trends

and standards. He shared that these changes have been categorized into three

primary groups: first, text revisions, which aim for clarification and consistency across

existing ordinances; second, legislative changes, specifically to ensure compliance

with the stipulations set out in Arizona House Bill 2247; and third, new text additions,

which include the introduction of alley maintenance requirements, the incorporation of

art into large commercial developments, and the establishment of regulations for food

truck courts.

Mr. Williams added that one notable change introduced by HB 2247 is the shift of

authority from the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission to

administrative personnel, particularly for approvals concerning site plans, development

plans, land divisions, preliminary plats, final plats, and plat amendments. He shared

that this change also eliminates the need for a public hearing in these processes.

Councilmember Manfredi expressed concerns about this shift as it reduces local

control but acknowledged that the city must adhere to state law. He emphasized the

importance of having trust in the city planning staff to uphold the council's vision in the

implementation of these changes.

Mayor Smith echoed concerns by illustrating scenarios where public engagement had

positively influenced development decisions, such as in the Santa Rosa Springs

project, where community feedback led to the relocation of three-story apartments

away from single-family homes. She added that this concern was also communicated

to state legislators, underlining the critical role that community feedback plays in local

development. General discussion ensued regarding the What's New Maricopa website

as a tool to assure transparency.

City Manager Ben Bitter added that while some procedural elements have shifted from

public hearings to administrative review, significant opportunities for public input would

still be preserved. He explained that neighborhood meetings, direct mailing

notifications, and other forms of outreach would continue to be utilized extensively for

many projects.

Councilmember Goettl identified an oversight in section 17.20.060, which still

contained references to City Council involvement in the final plat approval process.

Rick Williams acknowledged this misstep, agreeing to make the necessary

corrections to align with new procedural guidelines.

A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember

Marsh, that this Ordinance be Approved as Amended. The motion carried by a

unanimous vote.

8.2

ORD 25-16

An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting

the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 17:

Subdivisions" by reference to amend Sections 17.20.050, 17.20.060 and 17.30.040 of

the Maricopa City Code and providing for severability and the effective date thereof.

Discussion and Action.

A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember

Liermann, that this Ordinance be Approved. The motion carried by a

unanimous vote.

8.3

ORD 25-17

An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting

the document filed with the City Clerk and entitled "2025 Amendments to Title 18:

Zoning" by reference to amend Chapters 18.40, 18.75, 18.80, 18.90, 18.120, 18.135,

18.140 and 18.205 of the Maricopa City Code and providing for severability and the

effective date thereof. Discussion and Action.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wade, seconded by Councilmember Marsh,

that this Ordinance be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

8.4

RES 25-50

A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting

an amended fee schedule for the rental of facilities owned by the City of Maricopa,

including reduced fees for rooms, open space, and courts. Discussion and Action.

David McLeish, the Recreation Superintendent, presented a detailed proposal for

changes to the facility rental rates and policy, aimed at enhancing facility utilization

throughout the city. He shared that the presentation included comprehensive data

showing current utilization rates of various city facilities. Mr. McLeish added that while

ball fields exhibit high utilization, indoor rooms and open spaces lagged significantly.

Mr. McLeish shared that the proposed changes focused on reducing rental rates for

rooms, courts, and open spaces without increasing fees for any facility types,

reinforcing a commitment to make these spaces more accessible and appealing. He

added that despite already having rental rates below market standards compared to

other cities, the city aims to further decrease these rates to boost utilization and to

better support residents, non-profits, and local businesses.

Mr. McLeish shared that a notable adjustment is the provision of a 50% discount for

youth and adult recreation leagues. He added that these leagues do not exclude

community members based on ability, ensuring inclusiveness in sports activities.

Additionally, he shared that non-resident businesses can qualify for the local business

rate, provided that at least 75% of their participants are Maricopa residents, thus

encouraging external businesses to engage more closely with the local community.

Mr. McLeish added that the amended provisions now allow substantial large

tournaments to qualify for the base rental rate instead of the typically higher

non-resident rate. He shared that this strategic adjustment is designed to encourage

more major tournaments to be held in Maricopa. Mr. McLeish reported that by offering

a more attractive pricing model, the city aims to maximize economic benefits through

increased visitor spending during these events, effectively boosting the local economy

and elevating Maricopa's profile as a desirable destination for large-scale sporting

events.

Mr. McLeish added that there is also a newly introduced off-peak discount of 20%,

applicable on weekdays before 4 PM, aimed at enhancing room utilization during

typically low-demand hours. He shared that this would be used to further drive growth in

facility usage, authority has been granted to staff for establishing promotional

discounts, empowering them to be more dynamic and responsive to the community's

needs.

Councilmember Knorr inquired about pool rental rates and raised the question of

whether swim teams could benefit from similar discounts to those provided to other

youth leagues. She added that this would ensure equity among different sports groups

in the city's rental pricing structure. General discussion ensued regarding the already in

place agreements that established the pool usage fees already in use and possible

future review of those fees.

Mayor Smith shared that these adjustments definitely met what council requested when

staff was asked to evaluate and propose changes to rental fees, but added she would

be interested in knowing what the usage would look like when comparing year to year,

especially next year to this year.

Councilmember Liermann requested the submission of quarterly reports to monitor the

effectiveness of these adjustments in improving facility utilization, underscoring a

commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Vice Mayor Wade,

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

8.5

8.6

RES 25-51

RES 25-53

A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting

amendments to the City's Facility Rentals Policy. Discussion and Action.

A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl, seconded by Councilmember

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

vote.

A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona naming

the fieldhouse currently being constructed adjacent to the Copper Sky Regional Park

and Multigenerational Center the "Copper Sky Fieldhouse." Discussion and Action.

Rocky Brown, Parks and Recreation Director, presented information on the new

fieldhouse being constructed at Copper Sky. He detailed that the facility would house

four indoor basketball courts, which can also be configured into six volleyball courts or

12 pickleball courts. Additionally, it will include restroom facilities and a flexible

classroom space, offering a versatile venue for both sporting events and other

activities. The facility is scheduled for completion and opening in July 2026. Mr. Brown

presented several naming options for the new facility, seeking Council's direction on

the official name. The suggested names included Copper Sky Field House, Copper

Sky Sports Complex, Courts at Copper Sky, and Copper Sky Sports Hall.

Councilmember Liermann expressed concerns that the term field house, as the facility

contains courts rather than fields. She offered alternatives such as Maricopa Athletic

Courts at Copper Sky, or the MAC, to accurately reflect the nature of the facility.

Councilmember Manfredi shared that field house is an appropriate term given that the

facility will be used for a variety of activities beyond just court sports. He added that its

multi-use nature is suitable for hosting events such as graduations, martial arts

competitions. He supported field house as a broad and fitting descriptor, which led to

him suggesting the facility being named The Fieldhouse at Copper Sky.

Councilmember Marsh expressed his approval by stating that he prefers the name

Copper Sky Field House. He emphasized that it is simple yet effective, maintaining a

broad meaning that allows for the inclusion of both athletic and non-athletic activities.

Mayor Smith mentioned that having a unique name can enhance Maricopa's image as

a destination city. She added that the name should clearly convey the facility's

purpose, it should also establish something distinct from offerings in other cities,

thereby making the fieldhouse a defining aspect of Maricopa.

Vice Mayor Wade expressed his support for the name Copper Sky Fieldhouse, as he

believed it effectively conveys both the location and the intended use of the facility. He

added that the name aligns well with its purpose as it forms part of the existing Copper

Sky complex.

Councilmember Knorr relayed suggestions received from residents advocating

functional names that appropriately communicate the facility's core use, emphasizing

both precision in terms and familiarity with community culture. She stated that the

suggestions like Champion Center at Copper Sky merit consideration.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Wade, seconded by Councilmember

Manfredi, that this Resolution be Approved as Amended naming the facility

The Fieldhouse at Copper Sky. The motion carried by the following vote:

4 -

Aye:

Mayor Nancy Smith, Vice Mayor Henry Wade, Councilmember Eric Goettl

and Councilmember Vincent Manfredi

3 -

Nay:

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, Councilmember Amber Liermann and

Councilmember Bob Marsh

8.7

MISC 25-32

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, shall discuss and take

action to clarify that the Annual Budget discussion on Compensation Adjustments was

intended to include all employee groups, including those with a contract and whose

pay is set through resolution. Discussion and Action.

A motion was made by Councilmember Goettl to enter into executive session,

seconded by Mayor Smith. The motion passed unanimously. Council entered into

executive session at 8:12 p.m.

A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr to reconvene, seconded by

Councilmember Liermann. The motion passed unanimously. Council reconvened at

8:47 p.m.

Jennifer Brown, Assistant City Manager, explained that the city hired Gallagher

Incorporated almost a year ago to conduct a classification and compensation study for

all city employees, examining total compensation including salary and benefits. Ms.

Brown shared that the current budget includes funding for compensation adjustments

based on the study's recommendations. She added that this agenda item sought

clarification on which employee groups were intended to be included in these

adjustments, given the various types of employees (part-time, contract, full-time) in the

city.

Councilmember Goettl emphasized the intent behind the council's decision to approve

the compensation study. He highlighted that the primary objective was to secure

market-rate compensation that would ensure fairness and competitiveness for both

staff and contract employees. He clarified that this intention explicitly did not extend to

council members, demonstrating a commitment to focusing on city personnel who

directly contribute to municipal operations rather than elected officials. General

discussion ensued regarding council not included in the salary increase, staff's

increase aiding them in keeping up with current inflation, and the city doing their best

to retain the talent within the city's staff with proper compensation.

Councilmember Knorr inquired about the timeline for the public release of the

Gallagher report and was informed that it would be made available the following day.

She shared her concern regarding the use of different sets of comparable cities for

evaluating regular staff and employees covered by Memorandums of Understanding.

Councilmember Knorr suggested that relying on separate comparison sets for these

groups could potentially lead to an unlevel playing field, where some employee groups

might not receive equitable treatment in terms of compensation assessments.

Councilmember Manfredi echoed Councilmember Knorr's sentiment of using the same

set of comparable cities for future MOU studies, but added it would have be something

that MOU covered staff would have to agree to, as they are the ones who provide the

comparable versus comparables being brought to them. He also added that MOU

salaries are negotiated every two years, while it had been about five years that other

staff's salaries were studied. In the end, Councilmember Manfredi reaffirmed his

stance on the MOU study approach, but stated that conversation was not part of this

item.

Mayor Smith reaffirmed her steadfast dedication to advocating for equitable

compensation for all staff members. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that

every employee is fairly remunerated for their contributions. The Mayor highlighted that

both the compensation study and the negotiation processes had yielded substantial

evidence justifying salary increases. She expressed satisfaction with the outcome,

acknowledging that the results were favorable for both employee groups.

Peg Chapados spoke during public comment, expressing concern about the limited

discussion time devoted to compensation compared to other topics. She advocated for

evaluations of contract employees and suggested the council consider whether they

are adequately staffed for current service needs. She emphasized the importance of

recruitment, retention, and succession planning in the compensation discussion.

A motion was made by Councilmember Knorr, seconded by Councilmember

Manfredi, that this Miscellaneous Item be Approved. The motion carried by a

unanimous vote.

8.8

RES 25-52

A resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, amending

Section 6, Leave, of the City Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook to adopt an

amended vacation years of service accrual schedule. Discussion and Action.

Jennifer Brown explained that the Gallagher study found the city's benefits were

competitive except in one area, which was vacation accruals for employees with 0-3

years of service. The accruals were found to be lower than comparable cities. The

proposal would eliminate the 0-3 year accrual category and be replaced with a 0-5

years of service rate of 112 hours annually with a maximum carry forward of 160 hours.

A motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, seconded by Councilmember

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

vote.

8.9

APP 25-09

The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on appointing a Vice-Mayor

from among the members of the City Council. Discussion and Action.

Mayor Smith acknowledged Vice Mayor Wade's exemplary service, noting his reliability

in representing the city at important meetings and events when she was unable to

attend. She mentioned there was one week when she called on him three different

times to fill in for her.

Vice Mayor Wade expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and noted that in

his 11 years on the council, he had never missed a meeting. He then nominated

Councilmember Vincent Manfredi to be the next Vice Mayor.

Councilmember Manfredi accepted the nomination. He expressed his commitment to

filling in for the Mayor at events and meetings, particularly on transportation issues,

which he anticipated would be significant in the coming year.