[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6276073,"mediaKeyId","2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225","parentId",2661414,"title","Council ratifies $82,684 change order for Ruggles block wall after council and public criticism over oversight","audioSeconds",189,"startMs",5405000,"endMs",5594000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225&start=5405&end=5594","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225/thumbnail_5405000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6276073/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Council-ratifies-82684-change-order-for-Ruggles-block-wall-after-council-and-public-criticism-over-oversight","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276073-b28c016e9e42b4a4798ee4a5e229d81a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158260&Signature=XDfNjsABtd1kaf5pVBn8Ui87XPnxjIjJ~wNnFhdUA0ONCT0NhbUezgox1qmwncHyBQIP-SvgxB75s2az1dzO6-zAOIKUwJB8cUpqHFRrBhZ4rb7d2AzC3JXB62~K7Gl0Sr3hETSJD8uqTErEUqWL37QyiS0rdGxsl~ABJ8PptASrz03ClYAF5j1d~zvLMSdSz6qz7wyeOtwkX0K6qSp58SBnOQeMmualLXQ5Br1fcIsYA~40PUgM9jV6o~FHLzu7C-4VYwLOdhUg1CZ2dOaXX0DB9frS3xkWo6x4lvBg78fT4CFwsFsIQ2VXhjLTzoJJAm2Ca2C35xrGTgHmHRQ21Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Florence","date","2025-01-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Town of Florence Town Council on Jan. 21 ratified Amendment No. 1 to the Signature Projects contract for the T‑117 public works block wall project in the amount of $82,683.73, a measure staff said was required after unforeseen site conditions were discovered during construction.

Public comment and several council members during the meeting criticized the timing and oversight of the project. Staff explained the change order covers deeper footings and additional concrete and rebar after encountering worse soil than anticipated, two extra courses of block to meet aesthetic expectations, and an added RFID reader and motorized gate requested to support utility and emergency access. Public commenters and three council members said the project exceeded earlier cost expectations and that council should be notified prior to expenditures that would exceed manager authorization.

Staff response and next steps
Town staff and the town manager said they have directed department heads to adhere to council authorization thresholds and to return to council for ratification whenever approved manager expenditures exceed the council’s authorization. Staff said the block‑wall work is near completion and the remaining task is final implementation of the RFID/MyQ access system; staff estimated completion and activation within weeks once a commercial account is configured.

Why it matters
Council expressed frustration that the wall demolition or work began before council approved the final dollar amount and asked for clearer internal controls and earlier notice on scope changes that could push projects above previously approved amounts. Multiple council members said the scale of recent wall projects and related costs had attracted public attention, and they asked staff to follow policy going forward.

Context and amounts
- Ratified Amendment No. 1: $82,683.73 (additional footing, concrete, rebar, two additional courses of block, and RFID access system components).
- Council discussion referenced previous wall projects and earlier approvals that cumulatively represented larger capital spending; several council members asked for stronger pre‑approval processes and clearer explanations of why the additional work could not wait for council review.

Ending
The council approved ratification by voice vote. Staff committed to strengthening notification procedures when project costs approach or exceed council authorization limits and to returning future change orders for council approval before expenditure where practicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting January 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council ratified a $82,683.73 amendment for the T‑117 public works block wall project after staff said poor soil conditions and additional site needs required deeper footings, extra materials and equipment. Several council members and residents raised concerns about after‑the‑fact approvals and project supervision.","taxTitle","Florence, Pinal County, Arizona","taxId",51043,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6276078,"Council approves Bowling Industrial 110 rezoning with 50‑foot setback from abutting residences",291,2622000,2913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225&start=2622&end=2913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225/thumbnail_2622000.jpg","/articles/6276078/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Council-approves-Bowling-Industrial-110-rezoning-with-50foot-setback-from-abutting-residences","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276078-d8979e4f96f3abe67f9f554dc6074840/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158260&Signature=Ek8xKUdobp~Lf6p9kIEvSJMV-20Iqx1AgisTsQkRGeCa924NElpgJjPn3KEqVHWfxgswzh~WJ5JrzuE2m1ElhknHnn315XqqllqfXh4QZBGbq1Pa-Ei7ZUvxwlFBMlMwRJrl9mBbbmcvj7oPhM5AGGFQPwHFKnaWaQPqWDgykNrMdkoiYFF15OLe3QIBPGpbfhazCDZGxQH7mNBrljIj6dWQEXK-UP1a8LJMejDpJ1z6KNkujvIqmkp4azevKfwFlqHigu4hxPOSblFBzi13En-OH-MQtw0r~aszZTr~8ulpHWnpx6rcxSzPAWgjo0wFa-T4KjVIcV9J1jCU32uS~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Florence Town Council on Jan. 21 approved Ordinance No. 745‑25 to rezone about 110 acres known as Bowling Industrial 110 from rural agriculture (RA‑10 and RA‑4) to Light Industrial. The decision followed a second reading and public comment from residents, staff and the applicant.

The rezoning drew public concern at earlier hearings over potential traffic, safety and unspecified future uses. The applicant, represented by Jennifer Ruby for Langley Comenah Holdings, and staff negotiated a revised stipulation clarifying setbacks. Ruby told council the developer had modified the proposed condition after staff input and community meetings so it would be clearer over time. The final stipulation requires a minimum 50‑foot building setback from all abutting residentially zoned properties (defined in the town code as parcels that share a common property line, including corner abutments; parcels separated by a street or alley are excluded).

Why it matters
Rezoning to Light Industrial opens the site to a range of non‑residential uses and alters the town’s land‑use map for that area; the added setback is intended to reduce immediate impacts to neighboring residences by increasing physical separation between buildings and homes. Council and staff emphasized that many Light Industrial uses will still require separate permits or conditional use approvals and that the code’s permitted/conditional use lists will apply.

Key council discussion points and staff follow‑up
- Public notice and prior procedures: Staff confirmed mailed notices within 300 feet, a neighborhood meeting on Nov. 6 and Planning & Zoning hearings on Dec. 5 and Jan. 6 had been held.
- Uses list and public clarity: Multiple council members asked staff to include a plain‑language list or a one‑page summary of uses allowed in Light Industrial in the online packet so nearby residents can see examples. Staff agreed providing a reference to the code section (and a simplified handout) would be included in meeting materials and the online packet going forward.
- Wall height and other site design: Council asked about wall height and other design standards; staff and the applicant said the proposal will follow code and any use requiring conditional use permits will return for review.

Quotes
\"The developer shall provide a minimum 50‑foot building setback from all abutting residentially zoned properties,\" said Jennifer Ruby, counsel for the applicant, explaining the revised wording negotiated with staff.

Ending
The ordinance passed by voice vote after council found the rezoning consistent with the town’s 2022 general plan and with the conditions agreed between staff and the applicant. Future site development must comply with the stipulation and applicable development standards; staff will post the clarified uses list in the public packet as requested by council.","The council approved rezoning of approximately 110 acres at Diversion Dam Road and Bowling Road from rural agriculture to Light Industrial, with a developer condition requiring a 50‑foot building setback from directly abutting residentially zoned parcels.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6276083,"Council approves audits, rezoning, code changes and multiple contracts in omnibus session",437,1537000,1974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225&start=1537&end=1974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2661414-253083a94d5d226dd03db5ae4616b225/thumbnail_1537000.jpg","/articles/6276083/Florence/Pinal-County/Arizona/Council-approves-audits-rezoning-code-changes-and-multiple-contracts-in-omnibus-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276083-bdff00ea8da2162566534dfef6d387a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158260&Signature=YyleJPhoJoh8j8~FbCryTBGHNFEfBj8lefLMb4kFpofsWEWF8uby4LmO0fm-bq5LuEGLlxzgUNmF6bwhV33svVC4qzjbWL3-Ef~4nzfM946atM3o8VyneNTpt2c0B7itID~IKZVNwMvJBk7VohQzTMzwptHxpplN8y1EfvH~MaTbsPbaWwKuzL4f5Q8grRC0NKLq41SnIA8T-Rv5oq-IJ2pg4rX6hhgPaY5pAezkS~RLinR-Lt1x2gRW527bVMDecYw~SwCFjJc7ai~I-z4dQV0P1MihPC7yF7HfvWVd82gPGc-SvFo3YnF33A8Q4jIs5dxItw1XV9HSsWdm4~bWsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Florence Town Council on Jan. 21 voted to accept multiple audits and financial reports, approved a rezoning for a 110-acre industrial site, adopted local code changes and approved several contract amendments and construction agreements.

The approvals included acceptance of annual audits for Merrill Ranch Community Facility District (CFD) No. 1 and CFD No. 2, the town’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and a series of consent items including minutes and a board appointment. Auditors from Fester & Chapman presented the reports and described them as clean, with no reportable deficiencies.

Council also adopted Ordinance No. 745-25 to rezone approximately 110 acres known as Bowling Industrial 110 to Light Industrial with staff-recommended stipulations; approved an amendment to local technical codes that removes a local sprinkler requirement and reverts to the 2018 International Fire Code threshold for Group E occupancies; and approved an amendment to development code timing and protest language to conform with recent state statutory requirements. In addition, council approved a change-order and contract package for water and wastewater system projects and ratified a construction change order for a public works block wall.

Key votes and outcomes
- Acceptance of fiscal year 2024 annual audits for Merrill Ranch CFDs No. 1 and No. 2: approved after presentations by auditors from Fester & Chapman. (Motion and second recorded; voting was by voice aye, no roll-call tally recorded.)
- Acceptance of the town’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, FY 2024: approved. Auditor Ben Hurr told council the financial statements were “presented fairly in all material aspects in accordance with GAAP,” and the town had \"no deficiencies reported.\"
- Ordinance No. 745-25 (Bowling Industrial 110 rezoning to Light Industrial): approved with four staff recommendations and the developer’s stipulation (see separate article).
- Ordinance No. 749-25 (technical codes amendment removing local sprinkler trigger): approved, reverting the local amendment so the 2018 International Fire Code threshold (sprinklers required for Group E occupancies larger than 12,000 sq. ft.) applies.
- Ordinance No. 750-25 (amendments to Title 15, land use/development code) and Resolution No. 1926-25 (regular meeting schedule and locations): approved (first/only readings or resolution action as recorded).
- Consent agenda and appointments: consent items A–E approved; item F (appointment of Reggie McKay to the Board of Appeals, term to 12/31/2028) approved (Vice Mayor recused from that vote and the council recorded the recusal).
- Contract and change-order approvals: increased job order contract for water resource treatment services (MGC Contractors) to an amount not to exceed $500,000 (approved); cooperative contract with Wilson & Company for transportation planning services in an amount not to exceed $170,730 (approved); ratification of Amendment No. 1 for the T-117 public works block wall project in the amount of $82,683.73 (approved); Change Order No. 3 with Sunrise Engineering for additional environmental work at the North Wastewater Treatment Plant for $119,558.59 (approved); Amendment No. 1 with WaterWorks Engineers for a chlorine contact chamber design at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant ($254,252, approved); CMAR Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP 1) to Aiken Gardner Construction LLC for North WWTP abandonment (SU-98) in the amount of $1,461,108.16 and authorization to order long‑lead items (approved).

Why it matters
The package bundles capital, public‑works and land‑use actions that shape near‑term public works spending and long‑term development patterns. Audit acceptance signals the town’s financial statements met professional standards and highlights available federal‑grant reporting (single audit) that affects compliance with American Rescue Plan/SLFRF funds. The transportation‑planning and wastewater contracts fund studies and construction tied to multi‑year infrastructure plans that can affect fees, right‑of‑way needs and future capital projects.

Council and staff said next steps will include posting the revised meeting schedule, starting Tuesday meetings in March, returning final construction bids and GMP phases to council as specific construction work proceeds, and continuing coordination with County and ADOT on regional transportation priorities.

Ending
Council adjourned the public session and moved to executive session on legal matters as noticed. Several items approved tonight will return to council later for contract phases, construction authorizations or recording where required.","The Town of Florence council accepted fiscal year 2024 audits and the comprehensive annual financial report, approved a rezoning for the Bowling Industrial 110 site, adopted several local code changes and approved multiple construction and engineering contracts and change orders.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council ratifies $82,684 change order for Ruggles block wall after council and public criticism over oversight

Council approves Bowling Industrial 110 rezoning with 50‑foot setback from abutting residences

Council approves audits, rezoning, code changes and multiple contracts in omnibus session