Apache Junction city council on Oct. 20 interviewed 26 applicants for vacancies on multiple advisory boards and commissions, hearing brief statements from residents who described their experience and board preferences.

City staff verified applicant addresses using the city GIS and provided a summary of openings and expirations before the interviews began. "We did receive a total of 26 applications. All addresses were verified with our G.I.S.," staff member Evie told the council. Evie also noted several board-specific details, including that the Industrial Development Authority has three vacancies and "has not met since 1989," and that Planning and Zoning will have one vacancy created by a resignation effective Oct. 31, 2025.

Why it matters: the interviews are the council's primary public step for filling advisory roles that advise on zoning, parks, public art, library services and human services. Many of the applicants said they want to serve on planning and zoning, public art, parks and recreation or the library; some incumbents sought reappointment.

During the interview period, applicants summarized their qualifications and stated which boards they prefer. Robin Barker said, "I currently serve on planning and zoning and the library board. I would like very much to continue serving on those boards." Judy Bory, also an incumbent, said she would be willing to step aside to let new applicants serve but is interested in a library renewal. Janet Cooper, a Gold Canyon resident who said she was a nonresident applicant, described previous public-art work and told council members she was eligible for the Public Art Commission seat that allows a nonresident; staff earlier noted some boards permit nonresidents while others require city residency.

Several applicants highlighted particular perspectives: John Gordon said he has lived in Apache Junction about 43 years and has past experience on the Board of Adjustment; Nicholas Kelly described representing newer southern neighborhoods such as Radiance and said planning and zoning was his top choice. DeJuan Teneal Montgomery (goes by Teneal) described a background in criminal justice and behavioral health and said Health and Human Services would be a fit. Multiple applicants described prior community service, Citizens Leadership Institute participation, or professional experience relevant to board duties.

Staff and council also clarified timing and next steps. Abby, a staff member, confirmed the agenda sequence for the next meeting: the relevant item will be presented first and then selections will be made. Council members thanked applicants for stepping forward and repeatedly praised the quantity and quality of applicants; no formal appointments or votes occurred during the Oct. 20 work session.

The council and staff noted board-by-board particulars: Public Safety Retirement and Apache Junction Water District currently have no expiring terms listed; the Industrial Development Authority has multiple vacancies but has not convened in decades; the Board of Adjustments has two expiring terms and one vacancy (the vacancy expires in 2027); Planning and Zoning will have two terms expiring and one vacancy due to a resignation effective Oct. 31, 2025. Staff reminded council members that a chart of open positions and candidate preferences is available and can be provided to streamline selections.

The meeting concluded with council members thanking applicants and adjourning the work session; final appointments were left for the subsequent regular meeting where council members will consider the applications and make formal selections.