El Mirage council approves city clerk hire, YMCA classroom remodel and movie-in-the-park contract; OKs liquor license and land purchases

The El Mirage Common Council on Jan. 7 approved a series of personnel, contracting and property actions, including the appointment of a new city clerk, authorization to complete a classroom remodel at the Northwest Valley YMCA using a Tohono O'odham Nation grant and a one-night movie-in-the-park contract, and approval of a liquor license and four small parcel acquisitions.

The actions were taken at a regular meeting at El Mirage City Council Chambers. Councilors debated the movie-in-the-park contract and asked questions about the YMCA remodel contingency before voting.

The meeting opened with roll call and two staff introductions. During the public-comment period residents raised local concerns, including traffic access to the new emergency room and public-access hours for City Hall. Resident Cheryl Logalbo urged the council to provide an additional entrance to improve access to the new emergency room; resident Steve Gilliam asked the city to keep municipal facilities available to the public five days a week.

Appointment of city clerk Vice Mayor Monica Dorsey moved and Council Member Norton McDaniel seconded the appointment of Jill Bolts as city clerk with a start date of Jan. 23, 2025. After a brief exchange on compensation the council approved the appointment. The mayor announced the item passed by a recorded count that was ultimately taken as 6 yes, 1 no.

Movie-in-the-park contract The council considered authorization for the city manager to enter into a contract with Times 2 Entertainment for a movie-at-the-park event at Bridal Gentry Park on or about March 7, 2025, for an amount not to exceed $2,000. Several council members asked for more detail about…