This week’s Formal City Council meeting was held virtually, broadcasting the council’s decisions live to the public. Residents were still able to call in and express any thoughts on items on the agenda. The council approved the following items below.
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services
The council approved item 31, authorizing the city to extend its contracts with Mariposa Landscape Arizona Inc. through May 31, 2021. Contractors would be responsible for storm damage cleaning-up, irrigation repairs and removing and installing trees, among other landscaping tasks. The contract would allow for an additional expenditure of $6,371,000 for landscape purchase for Citywide departments.
Authorization to Enter into License with Verizon Wireless
The city approved item 32, authorizing Verizon Wireless to install upgraded wireless infrastructures. Those will provide better coverage for public safety issues at the Emergency Operation Center located on Lower Buckeye Road. The site will manage weather related emergencies and will work on large events like the Super Bowl. The city authorized a five-year lease for Verizon to operate within the EOC.
Request Authorization for the Sale of Canine Kylo and Canine Kyra for $1
The city approved item 47 and 48, meaning the two canines Kylo and Kyra will be sold for $1 and retired within their roles with law enforcement. The canines are no longer able to safely perform their roles, and the council authorized their retirement. Officer Christopher Villa, with the Phoenix Police, and Detective Guy Gates, with the Homeland Defense Bureau’s Bomb Squad, were authorized to purchase their canines for $1 each.
Authorization to Enter into Agreement with U.S. Department of Justice to Support Human Trafficking Task Force Grant
Item 52 was also approved by the council, allowing the police department to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice. The police department was awarded $675,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant was disbursed by the city council Aug. 28, 2019. The purpose of the agreement is to set forth the responsibilities of the multi-agency task force needed for the police department to create a cohesive unit of law enforcement, the U.S Attorney’s Office and victim service agencies.
Contact the reporter at pmachad2@asu.edu.
