Andrew Bell

The City of Safford's 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan outlines major capital projects and equipment needs over a five-year period. This strategic roadmap prioritizes investments in infrastructure, facilities, and equipment by aligning projects with community goals, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering inter-departmental coordination and public transparency. Key focus areas include public safety, infrastructure reliability, economic development, and quality of life improvements, aiming to enhance public services and promote community growth.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and roll call. The session included closing the regular meeting to convene into a work session, followed by a discussion regarding the fire station, which was designated as information/discussion with input from staff and Chief Anderson. The proceedings concluded with closing the work session to reconvene into the regular council meeting before adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a Welcome and Call to Order, followed by Citizen Comments. The Council then convened into an Executive Session to discuss the City Manager Recruitment and receive legal advice. Upon returning to the Regular Meeting, several resolutions were addressed: the adoption of a revised Personnel Records Policy (R26-008), the adoption of a Fraternization Policy incorporating legal counsel's recommendations (R26-010), and the adoption of a revised Grievance Procedures Policy (R26-011). Additionally, the Council authorized the execution of the First Amendment to the Agreement Establishing SPPA WCF2 Project (R26-012) and approved the reallocation of $40,000 in Capital Improvement Funds for an exterior mural at the Library (R26-013). New Business included the approval of previous meeting minutes from February 9 and February 23, 2026, approval of emergency authority to repair the Sewer Treatment Plant, and approval to purchase two weirs from Veolia Water Technologies for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The session concluded with a Budget Work Session scheduled to review the FY2027 Proposed Utility/Service Fee Rates.

Key discussions during the meeting involved public comment heavily favoring the selection of Eric Bejarano as the new City Manager, often citing his local vested interest and proven performance as Interim Manager. New business items included the approval of the January 26, 2026, Council Meeting Minutes, and direction was given to proceed with bringing back a resolution for an exterior library mural. The Council approved a formal letter of support for the L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway project. A motion to offer Eric Bejarano a one-year contract as City Manager, waiving the residency requirement, failed on a 3 to 4 vote. The Council unanimously recommended approval for a temporary extension of premises permit for the Cinco De Mayo Motorcycle Show associated with Retrograde Brew & BBQ Co. Additionally, two personnel policy revisions were approved: Resolution R26-006 adopting a revised Staff Promotions & Transfers Policy with a 15% cap on promotional wage adjustments (with two opposing votes), and Resolution R26-007 adopting a revised Safe and Violence Free Workplace Policy with an amendment clarifying administrative leave is typically paid. Resolution R26-008 concerning the Personnel Records Policy was tabled for revision based on Council concerns. Resolution R26-009 designating the Primary Election date was approved, noting the recent legislative change to July 21, 2026. In contracts, the Council authorized an additional one-year contract with Baker Tilly Advisory Group for asset reconciliation, approved the bid award for the Carrasco Well Treatment System, approved the bid award for the Septage Receiving Station, authorized the sole source procurement of Honeywell/American gas meters, and approved a one-year lease extension for Ponderosa Aviation at the Safford Regional Airport. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the City Manager recruitment process.

The meeting included a joint work session between the Mayor and City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission to review the updated draft plan. Following the work session, the Mayor and City Council voted to adopt the updated 2026 Draft General Plan.