El Mirage welcomes new employees, proclaims Teen Dating Violence Awareness month and honors Elias Navarrete

The Feb. 4 meeting included personnel introductions and two proclamations recognizing community initiatives and a long-serving employee.

Sharon (last name recorded as Sharon Antis/Antes) introduced Winston Pearson as the city's new code compliance supervisor. Pearson, who spoke briefly, said, "Once again, I'm just glad to be a part of El Mirage'...Everybody has been so friendly, so welcoming, and I love it." The presenter said Pearson previously worked for the Arizona Department of Child Safety and spent more than 20 years with the city of Phoenix in code compliance roles.

Council members also introduced Jill Bolts, who was described in the meeting record as joining the city with experience from the city of Peoria and more than 30 years in clerk offices in Washington state. The presenter noted Bolts holds a master municipal clerk certification and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public policy and public administration.

The council issued a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, announcing a community forum on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the El Mirage Library organized by El Mirage Cares. The mayor read the proclamation and encouraged education about the warning signs of dating violence.

The mayor also proclaimed Feb. 4, 2025, as Elias Navarrete Day in El Mirage, honoring Navarrete's nearly 25 years of service in Public Works. Staff described Navarrete's progression from custodian to a long tenure in facilities and noted he received Public Works employee of the year in 2021. Navarrete and the council posed for photographs after the proclamation.

No formal council action was required for these ceremonial items.