After Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance, Judge pro tem Maley administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Council Members Michael Stabile, A. Francesca Claverie, and Gary Retherford. Their four-year terms will end December 31, 2028. Claverie and Retherford were present in the Chambers, and Councilor Stabile was sworn in virtually via the Zoom platform. Continuing Councilor Stabile confirmed that he’d be happy to continue as Vice Mayor.

Minutes were approved for a Special Council Meeting and Public Hearing that were held on December 18, 2024 for the consideration of two local use permits.

There was a reminder that there will be a public ribbon-cutting ceremony with Valley Telecom at the Town’s Central Park, on January 21, 2025.  This will mark the start of construction to connect new residential customers to the company’s fiber-optic line for internet service.  

It was announced that there will be a public hearing with Arizona Department of Water Quality (ADEQ), at 2:30pm on January 10. The purpose of the meeting is for the ADEQ to hear citizen concerns about local water issues.

Under New Business, Robin Florez was appointed to the Library Advisory Board.  A second appointment was that of Judge Miguel Lopez as Judge Pro Tem for the Town. This will add a second “backup person” in the event of Judge Bracamonte’s unavailability, as shown in action earlier for the swearing-in event. 

The Town’s operating expenses, equipment condition and repair issues have led to Town proposals to raise sewer and water rates. These proposed rate increases will be the subject of a public hearing on March 12 at 6pm in the Council Chambers. At the end of the hearing and discussion, there will be a Mayor and Council vote on the proposed rate changes.  

Tabled for a future agenda was the review of the Town Manager’s evaluation for the prior year. Based on the discussion, the Town council will determine the Manager’s continued salary and benefit package. At the meeting where the review happens, the Council will determine whether to go into Executive Session, a time in the process where potentially sensitive aspects of employee reviews can be discussed without public involvement.