El Mirage council authorizes city to negotiate co‑sponsored 5K with Northwest Valley YMCA

The El Mirage City Council on Feb. 18 authorized the city manager to negotiate and enter into a supplemental programming agreement with the Northwest Valley YMCA to operate a community 5K scheduled for Dec. 12.

Mayor Alexis Hermosillo and city staff said the proposed event would use an established course between Gateway Park and Basin Park and would be co‑sponsored by the YMCA and the Dysart Education Foundation, with the nonprofits responsible for marketing, registration, race timing, vendor coordination and keeping proceeds to benefit their programs. The city would assist with traffic control planning, on‑site staffing including police security, maintenance and marketing support, and would waive certain fees.

The council questioned the cost of police and city staffing but were told detailed staffing cost estimates will be prepared after the event and costs will be absorbed within existing budget allocations. Mary Davis, introduced as executive director of the Northwest Valley YMCA, outlined the proposed registration fees and benefits: early‑bird registration April–July at $20 per person or $35 per family, tiered increases to $25/$40 (Aug.–Oct.), $30/$45 in November, and $35/$50 in December, with shirts and finishing certificates included.

Councilmembers discussed opportunities to involve the Dysart Community Center and local schools to attract families, suggested showcasing El Mirage food vendors and high school track teams in promotional materials, and asked staff to coordinate logistics for minimal traffic impacts and adequate police staffing at intersection closures.

Vice Mayor Parsons moved the authorization; Councilmember Winston seconded, and the motion carried with no recorded opposition. Staff said the partners would schedule marketing and vendor coordination and would return with any necessary contract documents and final details.