[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6611777,"mediaKeyId","2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a","parentId",2892937,"title","Police training: council weighs regional training center buy‑in after vendor raises capital request","audioSeconds",252,"startMs",9787000,"endMs",10039000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a&start=9787&end=10039","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a/thumbnail_9787000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611777/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Police-training-council-weighs-regional-training-center-buyin-after-vendor-raises-capital-request","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611777-b90e5aba5e43a9dd6ad03e69328ae9e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153431&Signature=brdd1Ua79Ad9cO293aYbg~CpyP1CtotylVzNZqPtCKVB4Lvs6Tq6cMYkW~pr84b0uKpP83VZnWu2faoUjpmRMYL-Pha0NM-9ynnThA4n0Aeit2GoHBjx7nV29XnzojaNvLnZui-VpyEYb8gz48svoqjiJ36lxhB~qAES4erZgLkm3bf~26NUA3FQCdYojlx~9P5NKi0tx5GBpPEyEhqdCD2Eus3u-G-XE9QVAb04HaEeDjQIQo52EWgYkZzN0ZPl~2xz54w7QrUh2eBJvumj9rQgvbMpdWJmJPt4aU0H4HgwQcS85Gnqw6qJsiSrNZBaTN5KgRGXULY2V5a~TMVTOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","El Mirage, AZ","date","2025-04-07T09:24:00Z","article","El Mirage’s police chief and budget staff described an updated cost proposal from the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (Gripstick) that would require a larger initial contribution than previously estimated.

Chiefs and staff explained the city currently uses regional training facilities and that access has tightened as other agencies build or expand their own centers. Historically the city’s anticipated annual contribution had been approximately $259,000 (spread over five years in a prior model), but Gripstick recently proposed a capital buy‑in and an annual operating share; staff said the FY26 figure could be about $782,000 to cover a capital buy‑in plus the first annual payment, while subsequent years would revert to a smaller annual payment based on membership share.

Staff said the city’s initial pro‑rata share on the spreadsheet presented was about 3.98% of the Gripstick consortium and that the center supports a wide range of training — firearms, driving, scenario training, defensive tactics, and the recruit academy — that the city otherwise would have difficulty securing. Chief and staff said access to an automated, full service regional center reduces legal and liability risk and provides local operational benefits because the city would not need to develop and maintain an expensive stand‑alone facility.

Council members requested more detailed breakout of the buy‑in and estimated ongoing annual costs. Some members asked for comparisons to prior arrangements and confirmation of how many officer training hours El Mirage would need (recurrent proficiencies, annual firearms qualifications, and recruit academy hours). Chief said annual proficiency requirements remain in place and staff estimated ongoing use at 8–14 hours per month plus academy blocks; the chief said firearms qualifications occur at least annually and scenario training is performed additional times.

Ending — Next steps: staff said it will provide a cost breakdown and comparative options for FY26 and future years so council can evaluate whether to fund the buy‑in and annual fees in the tentative budget.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","El Mirage, AZ - City Council Budget Work Session - 04/07/2025 - Apr 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Police and staff briefed council on a larger‑than‑expected proposed buy‑in and annual fee for the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (Gripstick), and requested a detailed cost breakdown before any FY26 decision.","taxTitle","El Mirage, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",63519,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611779,"City outlines $100,000 initial steps for downtown revitalization; council emphasizes enforcement and resident support",1917,6641000,8558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a&start=6641&end=8558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a/thumbnail_6641000.jpg","/articles/6611779/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/City-outlines-100000-initial-steps-for-downtown-revitalization-council-emphasizes-enforcement-and-resident-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611779-1ca71e9d03b4bac981fa10240014c6d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153431&Signature=R9JsjXz3ThUVZlL1K5EQ0ic~EXq2UYemZu3FuZ4LnMnyvm4tL2R98WGb3iNUtgTFvHp3t~c5d~Quj6yXwH1UOLtLWKS7BvbkinG0R9fADH9jnm18kcoZb0MwXYRTOT8m7J~Ugf7O9zjqkQdBloQz0W2xi4E2vlmC9It82G4hTNP6jQ~35meTQiCJMnk0esYW1h4KUn63b2wvFKxaz5n3Nbe2NSXNlQ4zeTWCGfvQgpL69lVJsW7jpoRZxGTFffWOhTD0kbC1jM-3iQm8l1Ow6Li8c35kchoYuL1MZgIKJqFy4pvUMiR~yUxUOrfM~p~wKlPoWQ45E3iksXdmeHAiRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff described a neighborhood revitalization strategy for a downtown area identified in a 2022 study and a September 2023 report accepted by council. The plan seeks to strengthen commercial activity, preserve housing quality and create a local identity for the area now described in various ways by residents.

Staff told council that immediate actions would include branding/entry signage, business support, community engagement sessions, and targeted property improvement programs. To move from planning to action, staff proposed setting aside $100,000 in FY26 for consulting support, community outreach and small pilot programs.

Staff described business support measures—systematic business visitations, technical assistance for small operators (website support, financing and building rehabilitation guidance), formal ribbon‑cutting and press outreach—and neighborhood actions including code compliance outreach and potential grants or volunteer programs to assist residents who cannot perform needed repairs.

Council discussed enforcement and landlord accountability. Several members urged proactive outreach (postcards, videos and courtesy notices) and asked staff to research rental‑permit models that require periodic landlord inspections and registration. Staff said code enforcement already sends courtesy notices to residents and owners and will research legal options and grant or nonprofit partners to assist low‑income homeowners with repairs. Staff also recommended issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant experienced in downtown revitalization, housing rehab and business support.

Council expressed particular interest in ensuring any financial support be structured and legally defensible. Staff and the city attorney noted that assistance to outside nonprofits or community organizations is often handled through a competitive application or contract reflecting public purpose and measurable deliverables.

Ending — Next steps: staff will draft an RFQ for a consultant, plan community outreach sessions, explore grant options and return with a recommended phased work program and proposed use of the $100,000 set aside in the FY26 budget.","Staff presented neighborhood revitalization strategies for the area commonly called downtown, proposing a $100,000 allocation for immediate actions and community engagement; council asked staff to pursue grants, a consulting RFQ and possible property‑improvement programs for homeowners and landlords.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611784,"Council hears FY26 budget overview: parks spending jumps, several CIP items removed or resubmitted after grant results",402,5302000,5704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a&start=5302&end=5704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a/thumbnail_5302000.jpg","/articles/6611784/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-hears-FY26-budget-overview-parks-spending-jumps-several-CIP-items-removed-or-resubmitted-after-grant-results","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611784-06afcfdf72ced9ae8e274dc6c4fb817a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153431&Signature=P6j0QZvV4nRH8jY5z8dFzL8En0fIUSZc5MBsI0AQcTsnOIdDEg1EZ0QS7dqdqw6Ibr2R8Q1AiVOJdbKo4ssw9C0AeyNGNDhHJLn3lbPom5Jr36ztM07Uew~ZQM6JLqgzu1fxGp~fMkarw5lAuFJtIxUbI-e~3gakOJz-~NlBRYza93leZ83epr7DJE5D3B7ca7PR~YOq3Kt8ch-sG8Hxa0xF0o01g9tZd1Pij2GL-nV5ABbbfsZ5HRUtR1i7N52-78r0MROfw2bDDARcggIJfpLKrKoU78zeF0Mmjt6~8g705nPFg3faYOZLqDXJqgJYSqnpzBzgLqPuvumihTjjfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented an FY26 budget overview and a revised five‑year capital improvement program at Monday’s work session, outlining personnel cost drivers, object‑code changes and several adjustments to long‑range projects discussed earlier in the year.

Staff said the budget was prepared under a zero‑based budgeting approach and noted object‑code reorganizations that moved some software and subscription costs into capital or intangible asset lines. Staff also highlighted that GASB and software accounting changes required reclassification of certain items.

Key CIP and capital highlights discussed:

- Parks and recreation: A major increase in parks funding was proposed, with park improvements rising in the five‑year CIP from $2 million to $22.5 million, phased over five years; Sundial 4 park renovation rose from $200,000 to $450,000 and was noted as partially grant‑funded.

- Neighborhood traffic calming: The neighborhood traffic calming program grew from $80,000 to $1,000,000 to cover proposed speed‑cushion and traffic‑calming installations.

- Council chambers audio/visual phase 2: The line listed in the CIP rose from an earlier $45,000 placeholder to $150,000 pending a vendor/acoustician estimate for FY26 work.

- Water projects and grants: Two CDBG projects (First Avenue and Ventura Street water main and a multi‑use trail) were not funded by grant applications; staff said those projects would be re‑submitted but are not included in the FY26 CIP unless grant funding is awarded. A previously requested water main replacement on First Avenue/ Ventura was estimated by staff at about $400,000 when last submitted.

- City hall and police station expansions: After discussion at the January CIP session, those expansion projects were removed from the proposed five‑year CIP; council members questioned whether the removals were permanent. Several council members asked staff to restore the police station and related facility needs to the CIP work plan or at least schedule a site tour and further evaluation.

Staff also reviewed budget drivers: personnel costs (step increases for public safety, merit and COLA assumptions of 3% merit and a 2.3% COLA), health insurance increases (4.5%), and employer retirement contribution rates (PSPRS for fire 16.2%; police 26.21; ASRS for non‑MOU employees 12%). Staff said the city maintained strong reserves and a Moody’s/ S&P double‑A rating. Grants and permit revenues were noted as trending up, and staff said one‑time revenues will not be used to fund ongoing expenditures.

Staff flagged some corrections that will be made before the tentative budget: reinstating $264,000 in non‑departmental line items (jail/court service and MCSO jail services) that were inadvertently removed from the current draft, and confirming carry‑forward capital projects and grant outcomes to finalize the tentative budget for May 6.

Ending — Next steps: staff will include vendor proposals for council‑chambers AV work, bring updated CIP and grant carry‑forwards for the May 6 tentative budget and return with specific cost estimates before any final appropriations.","Staff presented the FY26 budget framework and five‑year capital improvement program; notable changes include a large increase in park funding, removal of city hall and police station expansions from the near‑term CIP, and unsuccessful grant applications for several water projects.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611789,"Council reviews major AV overhaul for El Mirage council chambers, staff to seek acoustician and camera upgrades",2149,320000,2469000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a&start=320&end=2469","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892937-4263f041967f8d0e081da8a90f452c0a/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6611789/El-Mirage/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-reviews-major-AV-overhaul-for-El-Mirage-council-chambers-staff-to-seek-acoustician-and-camera-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611789-0c004be5942aae5234e518566c2b7d9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153431&Signature=M3c0QSwTmAksSSHlXDdhZ4~BD2IuluAm3vdz0UDn9OpS4oAB-5SJqKYoTKtdwJwkKXDUmmopAb~8~IfD4-n3c9DTvCM~Fad4w1Cx83~RPScQU3h-sJtZ1~gkLx~n1k1Fb81DgKwJzf1E~LX6cxNte6GK~RrkD8889EIEtG-Sb~iqliy3ugNWHv~W5Dl0Y4OBnZUxadE8yd~m1p6sfsiuA0o4j8hXPLAtMTikmLagdn6roXtfhF17vc1cC~rJQ4NyOCySTwNMVOtrnoEp2aN0A-2sksis~FZ3xHh2EmYnjkzZ5cB8a9z9GlqKcSLBsQ2i0PXFT4uA6SW-wEUfJ1ffPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials on Monday reviewed options to upgrade audio-visual systems in the El Mirage City Council chambers, focusing first on reducing jet noise and improving intelligibility, then on cameras and captioning that would better serve residents and people with hearing loss.

TPI Technology Providers, Inc., the vendor invited for a discovery session, told council members that “the preferred method would be to quiet down the space” and then “use technology to help with the sound,” recommending an acoustician’s evaluation before purchasing noise‑cancelling systems or microphones. TPI representatives said noise-cancelling systems alone are ineffective in large, variable seating rooms and that acoustic treatments (curtains, ceiling/roof work, carpet or acoustic tiles) give better results for intelligibility and captioning performance.

The vendor described a layered approach: (1) bring in an acoustician to measure and recommend physical treatments; (2) add or reconfigure microphones and speaker placement; and (3) deploy cameras with programmatic pan/zoom tied to microphone activity so the feed automatically follows the active speaker. TPI also demonstrated portable and reconfigurable options for off‑site meetings and said captioning can be integrated into mobile and web viewers, including options that provide near‑real-time translation into another language on a user’s device.

Council members repeatedly emphasized accessibility. One council member, who identified as hearing impaired, urged larger caption text and closer displays, and TPI replied that captions can be fed to local monitors at each dais seat and to mobile devices via QR code. TPI and staff discussed using Wordly (a caption/translation vendor) or Microsoft Teams for live captions, noting tradeoffs: PowerPoint‑based captions present well in the room but disappear when the feed changes, while a stream-based captioning solution can provide continuous captions but may differ in appearance.

Staff said they will engage an acoustician and asked TPI to submit a statement of work and budgetary estimate to include in the FY26 budget. Council also discussed a possible capital allocation previously listed as “council chambers audio and visual enhancement, phase 2,” and staff said they would return with cost estimates for acoustic work, camera infrastructure and captioning integration.

On staffing, the budget presentation separately proposed an IT position (an AV/IT specialist) to support ongoing AV needs and off‑site events. Council members were split: some argued that automated cameras and improved infrastructure would reduce the need for a dedicated full‑time AV specialist, while others said professional equipment and potential future upgrades justify a specialist to operate and maintain the systems.

The city will bring vendor recommendations, an acoustician assessment and budget figures back to council for consideration during the tentative budget process.

Ending — Next steps: staff will (1) engage an acoustician as recommended by TPI, (2) ask TPI to submit a statement of work and budget estimate for phased upgrades (acoustics, cameras, captioning), and (3) include the estimates and proposed AV staffing options in the FY26 tentative budget for council review.","City staff and AV vendor TPI outlined a plan to reduce jet noise, improve closed captioning and add automated pan/zoom cameras in council chambers; staff will solicit acoustician input and return cost estimates for the FY26 budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Police training: council weighs regional training center buy‑in after vendor raises capital request

City outlines $100,000 initial steps for downtown revitalization; council emphasizes enforcement and resident support

Council hears FY26 budget overview: parks spending jumps, several CIP items removed or resubmitted after grant results

Council reviews major AV overhaul for El Mirage council chambers, staff to seek acoustician and camera upgrades