The City Council Work Session held on July 25, 2023, in Maricopa, Arizona, focused on several key agenda items, including community facility usage and the responsibilities of standing committees.
The meeting commenced with a discussion on the availability and reservation process for community facilities, particularly the Copper Sky Community Center. Council members expressed gratitude for the staff's efforts in making these spaces more accessible to residents. Councilmember Manfre raised concerns about the current reservation system for outdoor amenities, such as Ramadas, emphasizing the need for a seamless online booking process. Staff acknowledged the challenges and indicated that improvements were underway to enhance user experience.
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Subscribe for Free A significant point of discussion was the disparity in fees paid by residents versus non-residents for using Copper Sky facilities. It was noted that residents historically pay 2 to 2.5 times more due to a secondary tax on property taxes, which subsidizes the facility. Council members agreed that this issue needed addressing to ensure fairness for local taxpayers.
Following this, the council shifted focus to the roles and responsibilities of standing committees. The Age Friendly Committee was highlighted, with Chair Elizabeth Howell indicating a lack of preparation for a presentation. Councilmember Marsh and others discussed the committee's goals, including organizing events like the Senior Expo and Lunch and Learn sessions. The committee expressed a desire for more support from city staff to effectively execute these initiatives.
Ron Smith, a committee member, emphasized the need for collaboration between the committee and city staff to expand services for seniors in Maricopa. He proposed exploring additional programs that could enhance the city's offerings for its senior population. The council supported this initiative and suggested that the committee continue to refine its goals and seek logistical assistance for upcoming events.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving community facility access and enhancing support for senior services. The next steps include refining the reservation process for community spaces and further developing the Age Friendly Committee's initiatives, with a focus on collaboration and resource allocation.