El Mirage Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Council Approves Purchase of Cybersecurity Appliance After Discussion on Procurement Process
Councilmember Eldridge pulled the agenda item regarding the purchase of a Dark Trace AI-powered cybersecurity appliance. He expressed familiarity with Dark Trace and questioned why the purchase was being made through SHI International Corp instead of directly from Dark Trace, suggesting his contact at Dark Trace indicated they could beat the price. City staff explained that SHI is a certified partner and that government entities often must purchase through such vendors or state contracts to ensure competitive bidding and potentially better pricing, as direct sales to municipalities are not always possible. Vince, the security network architect, clarified that Dark Trace guided them to SHI for the purchase. He also detailed the technical reasons for the appliance size and data ingestion, which contribute to the cost, and explained that Dark Trace itself would not sell directly to a municipality. The staff confirmed that Dark Trace initiated the process and directed them to SHI. Councilmember Norton McDaniel also confirmed through her research that SHI is a top partner and that direct purchase by the municipality is not feasible. The council ultimately approved the purchase.
YMCA Basketball Court to Receive Shade Structure Funded by Compass Data Centers Donation
The council considered authorizing the city manager to contract with Shade and Net for the installation of an outdoor basketball court shade structure at the Northwest Valley YMCA. The project is funded by a private donation of $110,573.12 from Compass Data Centers. The YMCA will partner as the nonprofit, and the city will handle construction oversight and ongoing maintenance. ShadeNet is a preferred vendor with prior experience on city projects. Councilmember Norton McDaniel questioned who would cover costs not included in the proposal, and staff confirmed no additional costs for installation are anticipated, though interior lighting might be a future expense. Councilmember Dorsey praised the initiative and the partnership with Compass Data Centers and the YMCA. Councilmember Aldrich expressed reservations about the funding being confirmed before the contract and inquired about the court's usage, suggesting the Gateway facilities might serve more El Mirage residents. Mary Davis, Executive Director of the YMCA, responded that shade would increase daytime usage and that Compass Data Centers specified funding the YMCA. The council ultimately approved the contract with two dissenting votes.
Phase Two of Original Townsite Pavement Resurfacing Approved
The council considered authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Weems Asphalt for pavement resurfacing in the neighborhood between Grand Avenue and Thunderbird Road. This is phase two of the original townsite pavement resurfacing project. Approximately 60-70% of the roads will receive a two-inch mill and overlay, while the remaining serviceable sections will get a double seal coat of micro seal. The project includes restriping and bringing utilities up to grade. The estimated cost is $1,182,840, which includes a $150,000 allowance for potential undersurface repairs. Funding for this phase is largely covered by budgetary savings from previous projects (Dysart Road and original townsite phase one). Weems Asphalt submitted the lowest bid. The motion to approve the contract was carried.
Resident Questions Property Tax Increases Amidst High Fund Equity; Road Fund Allocation Questioned
During the Call to the Public, resident James McFeeders questioned the city's property tax increases and fund equity. He presented data showing increases in primary property tax from 2024-2025 to 2026-2027, totaling $3.421 million for the latter year. McFeeders questioned the necessity of raising property taxes given the city's substantial fund equity, which he stated was $108,810,878 as of April, and a water fund balance of $33.9 million. He suggested these increases were not necessary. Another resident, Todd Baylash, inquired about the Highway User Revenue Fund (HERF), noting it started with over $4 million in July and had minimal expenditures, questioning why funds were not allocated to road improvements earlier in the fiscal year. Steve Gilliam also raised concerns about the city's use of federal funds (CDBG program) and questioned why revitalization efforts in old El Mirage were only occurring in an election year.
City Approves Participation Agreement for HUD Community Development Block Program
During the discussion of consent item 5-2, later designated as regular agenda item 6.1.A, Councilmember Norton McDaniel requested clarification regarding the resolution authorizing a cooperation agreement between Maricopa County and the City of El Mirage to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Program (CDBG) for fiscal years 2027-2029. McDaniel explained that this agreement allows the city to participate by having a representative attend meetings and enabling the city's grant writer to present grant proposals. She noted that CDBG funds are limited (typically under $2 million annually distributed among several cities) and are for specific purposes, not general neighborhood cleanups. She cited past uses of CDBG funds for infrastructure such as sewers and water lines, the learning center, and the fire department. Martina, presumably a city staff member, confirmed that a three-year agreement is required to apply for CDBG funds and that the city competes with other cities. She mentioned a recent award for street improvements in the original town site of just over $450,000 for FY27. She also stated that millions have been received over the past 20 years, helping to alleviate the general fund. The council approved the resolution.
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The El Mirage News archive
City Council Meeting - 06/16/2026
City Council Meeting - 06/02/2026
City Council Meeting - 05/19/2026
City Council Meeting - 05/19/2026
City Council Meeting - 05/05/2026
City Council Special Meeting - 05/05/2026
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