Benjamin Bitter

This document outlines the City of Maricopa's preliminary capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2036. The plan details numerous projects across various departments, including Communications & Cultural Services, Development Services, Financial Services, Fire Operations, Police Operations, Public Works, Recreation, and Transit. These projects are aligned with strategic priorities such as transportation, job creation and business development, intentional growth, quality of life, becoming a destination city, and public safety, focusing on enhancements to infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and vehicle fleets to support community development and service delivery.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The Call to the Public section outlined procedures for speakers, noting no speakers came forward. The commission approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The primary agenda item involved a public hearing and action on a city-initiated rezoning request (Case Z25-06 or ZOH 26-01) by the City of Maricopa to rezone two parcels totaling 2.1 acres from the County Transitional TR zoning district to the Municipal General Mixed Use zoning district. Staff presented the case, highlighting consistency with the general plan and zoning code objectives, and noted the property owner as ETP Investments. The commission subsequently approved the rezoning request. Staff provided an update on upcoming meetings, specifically scheduling a General Plan discussion offsite meeting for March 23rd and an action meeting for April 27th, emphasizing the need for quorum at both. One commissioner announced their impending departure due to running for City Council, noting absence from the March 23rd meeting.

The meeting commenced with procedural elements including an invocation and pledge of allegiance. A primary segment involved recognizing graduates of the 26th session of the Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy, with 21 individuals graduating. Council members provided updates on recent activities, including participation in the Veterans Day parade, meetings regarding law enforcement and public safety, engagement with Maricopa Wells Middle School students on city government, and discussions on economic development strategic plans. Council Member Marsh reported a hip injury sustained during a community yard sale. Other discussion points included participation in the MAC at Mac Farms art show, promotion of upcoming arts events like the Sugar Plum Tea, community Thanksgiving potluck, and the organization of the Maricopa Women in Government Day at the Capitol in January. Council Member Leman highlighted the success of the Maricopa Police Department in securing government highway safety grants totaling $35,000 for DUI task forces and traffic law enforcement. There were also discussions related to transportation funding, specifically concerning the MAG contribution and the need to incorporate growth considerations into transportation funding determinations, building on previous successes with Route 347 funding.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the proclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrating the legacy of Dr. King and encouraging community service and unity. An acknowledgement and recognition were also given to a local youth, Analise Alexander, for receiving the Inspired Youth Leadership Award due to her significant volunteer commitment and service at various county, state, and local levels, including work with the Governor's Youth Commission and housing initiatives. Council members reported on recent activities, including participation in the Founders Memorial Task Force meeting regarding federal lobbying, attending the Panel County Water Augmentation Authority board meeting, discussions on the Santa Cruz River watershed, and attending the Senior Info Expo. Council Member Ghetto reported on attending the fire recruit academy graduation and the groundbreaking for a new dialysis unit, alongside promoting a church security training event. Council Member No reported on attending Central Arizona Government Day at the Capitol to discuss legislative issues, including funding concerns, and meeting with Arizona Department of Transportation staff regarding construction updates on State Route 347, specifically concerning future overpasses. Council Member Wade shared personal appreciation for the Fire Department's rapid response and acknowledged the police awards ceremony.

The meeting commenced with a proclamation designating February 17th as Sepsis Awareness Day, highlighting the severity of sepsis, its impact, and methods for recognizing symptoms. Council members provided updates on various activities, including attendance at the Central Arizona Project (CAP) annual dinner, where water allocation issues concerning the Colorado River and groundwater recharge were discussed as critical matters impacting Pinal County. Other reported activities included reviewing the Senior Info Expo, discussing Arizona legislation affecting small businesses, attending the State of the City address, honoring local senior contributors, and attending community fundraisers such as the American Legion pancake breakfast and the Tales and Treasures fundraiser for the Maricopa Historical Society. Council Member Wade recognized the Lean Edge Academy's Black History Month program. Council Member Lurman shared updates from the Pinal County Animal Shelter regarding new programs like 'One Love' (a prison dog training initiative) and 'Doggy Date Night,' alongside adoption fee waivers. Furthermore, the Arizona Game and Fish presentation on the invasive lowland leopard frog and license violation reviews was noted.