Glendale Council Votes 4–3 to Remove Conchas, Declaring Cactus District Seat Vacant Amid Retaliation Claims and Massive Public Opposition

Mhm. Good evening and welcome to our Glendale City Council meeting. If you would like to speak on any of the items that are on the agenda, please fill out a gold card and hand it to the police officer in the back of the room. The mayor will call your name and when it's your turn to speak, you can make your way to the podium. All speakers have 3 minutes.

If you would like to talk about an item that's not on the agenda, please complete a blue speaker card and give that one to the officer in the back of the room. Items that are not on the agenda are heard at the end of the voting meeting. Glendale has seven city council members.

Mayor Jerry Weiers, Vice Mayor Ray Malnar of the Sahuaro District, Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro of the Yucca District, Councilmember Lupe Conchas of the Cactus District, Councilmember Diana Guzman of the Yucca District, Councilmember Lauren [music] Tolmachoff of the Cholla District, and Councilmember Bart Turner of the Barrel District. This meeting is streaming live on Glendale's Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as the city's cable television station Glendale Channel 11.

Thank you for joining us. All right, good morning. Welcome to Glendale City Council special voting meeting, May 28th, 2026. This meeting is called to order. I will do a roll call, starting with Councilmember Baldenegro. Councilmember Conchas. Councilmember Guzman. Here. Councilmember Tolmachoff. Here. Councilmember Turner. Here. Vice Mayor. Present. And the chair is present. Um Mr. Turner is here, his microphone was off. So, with that said, uh going on next on our agenda is item number one.

Miss Bauer, would you introduce that, please? Resolution number R-26-60, a resolution Council of the City of Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona, judging the qualifications of Councilmember Jose Lupe Conchas Jr. and declaring the Glendale City Council office of the Cactus District vacant effective immediately and directing staff to take all necessary action to carry out this determination.

Whereas, Section 9 of Article 2 of the city of Glendale city charter titled council to be judge of qualifications of its members states that the council shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its members and for such purpose shall have power to subpoena witnesses and require the production of records but the decision of the council in any such case shall be subject to review by the courts and whereas section 5 of article 2 of the city of Glendale city charter titled qualification provides the mayor and council members shall be qualified electors of the city at the time of election shall hold no other public office for which they receive compensation except that of a notary public or member of the national guard or naval or military reserve and shall have resided in said city for 1 year next preceding the date of such election or appointment.

If the mayor or any councilman shall cease to possess any of these qualifications or shall be convicted of a crime involving involving moral turpitude his office shall immediately become vacant and whereas council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.

was elected to the Glendale City Council on July 30th, 2024 to serve a 4-year term representing the Cactus District and whereas council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.'s current term on the Glendale City Council expires in 2028 and whereas council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr. made himself available for nomination to the Salt River Agricultural Improvement and Power District Board during his term on the Glendale City Council and whereas council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.

was elected to the Salt River Agricultural Agricultural Improvement and Power District Board and was sworn into office on or about May 5th, 2026 and whereas ARS section 48-2332 provides that with regard to the Salt River Agricultural Improvement and Power District Board the compensation of members of the board of directors shall be determined by the board but shall not exceed $60 per day for each day's attendance at meetings of of board and actual and necessary expenses while engaged in official business under order of the board, and whereas council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.'s position with the Salt River Agricultural Improvement Power District Board is a public office which receives compensation, and whereas the City of Glendale City [clears throat] Council held a special meeting on May 28th, 2026 to consider the qualifications of council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.

to serve as a council member, and whereas the City of Glendale City Council, having considered the question of whether council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr. meets the Glendale City Charter qualifications to serve as a council member at the May 28th, 2026 special meeting, be it resolved by the Council the City of Glendale as follows: Section 1, that the council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.

made himself available for nomination to the Salt River Agricultural Improvement Power District Board, renewing his Glendale City Council office subject to vacancy, and was subsequently elected to a position with the Salt River Agricultural Improvement Power District Board, which is a public office that receives compensation, and Section 2, that the City of Glendale City Council finds that council member Jose Lupe Conchas Jr.

has ceased to possess the qualifications necessary to serve as a council member as required by Section 5 of Article 2 of the City of Glendale City Charter, and is therefore no longer a qualified elector.

Section 3, that the City of Glendale City Council finds that the Glendale City Council office of the district district is hereby immediately declared vacant, and Section 4, that staff is directed to act in accordance with [clears throat] this Resolution 26-60, and take all necessary steps to carry out the Glendale City Council's determination, passed and adopted and approved by the Mayor and Council the City of Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona this 28th day of May, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Bailey.

Yes, Mayor and Council, before you um the clerk has read into the record uh the ordinance of the matter that's before you today. Um, just a couple of comments. Um, as a reminder, uh, the charter, the city charter provides that you, the city council, you are the judge of the qualification of yourselves, you the members. And and that that determination, while it says judge of the election or judge of its members, what we have today here is a legislative hearing. This is not a judicial proceeding.

This is not an opportunity uh, where there's cross-examination or hearing in that regard. This is a legislative determination that you as elected officials hold the power to make a decision with regard to what you believe is an appropriate qualification to serve as a council member. That's a power that's been given to you by the voters of the people of Glendale and that's been in existence since the charter was originally adopted.

Noting that section five of article two of the the Glendale City Charter regarding qualification speaks to the fact that it's and it's the point the salient point which is before you today is that to remain qualified a city council member shall hold no other public office for which they receive compensation except that of a notary public or member of the National Guard or naval or military reserve.

That is the question before you today for you to provide a determination on with regards to your authority as a judge of these qualifications. The ordinance or the excuse me, the resolution has been provided as an example. If you'd like to add to it, we will be able to accommodate that and we can address that in uh, and if there is a motion to act upon this.

Additionally, if you have legal questions or seek legal advice, we have also noticed this on the agenda so that we can excuse ourselves and go to an an executive session and you can receive legal advice with regards to what is before you. And with that, I'm available for any questions. Otherwise, I'll turn the floor back to you, Mayor, for discussion by the City Council. Thank you. Thank you. You see no questions. Are these all the speaker cards that we have? Yes, sir. Okay.

And we had one uh email. Is that correct? We had two written comments. Two written comments, okay. All right. So, uh uh Folks, you have 3 minutes when you come up to speak. Uh what I need you to do is state your name. I need you to state your I don't want your address. I need your crossroads. If you live in the city of Glendale, uh tell us the district that you're from, but I I don't need your address. If you're from another city, state that, please.

Uh so, I'm going to ask Nicole, I I hope I pronounce this right, Perkley? Perky? Uh uh to be our first speaker. Uh and then uh uh Willard Watts will be right after her. And Nicole, are you here? You are here? If you'll come up to the to the podium, please. You have three three minutes to speak, Mayor. Point of order. I believe in the card indicated that you did not want to speak If you don't want to, you don't have to. Nicole, I'm sorry. I did I'm sorry.

Okay, she had written comments and those are recorded. Okay, Nicole, I'm sorry. We'll put those in the record. I I did want to point out that I did mistakenly put my wrong district on there. Um I think I did put Cholla as my district on there. I I am part of the Cactus District. Um and I only know that because Lupe Conchas knocked on my door and I got to have a personal conversation with him. Okay. I With that, I'm going to go sit down and and read my All right, thank you.

Willard Watts, you're up next and then after Willard will be Mary Smith, if you can be ready to go. You have 3 minutes, sir. Again, you heard what we're asking for. Hi, my name is Willard Watts. Longtime resident of Glendale. I live in the area of 45th Avenue and Maryland. I am a retired law enforcement officer of 33 years and I have two points to make today. One is I've seen how Councilman Conscious has been constantly contacting and helping out the people of his precinct.

I think he's done that more than anyone that I've ever seen on this council through all the years I've lived in Glendale. So, I think that he has the backing of the his precinct and he does a lot of good for it. And my other thing I want to say is that um the timing of this whole session seems unusual to me because nothing was said to him during the whole time that he was running for this position and even after he got it.

So, it seems kind of unusual, but as an investigator, I would think that's kind of unusual that it happens now right when the whole issue of the stipend was publicly announced by the Attorney General's office to be looked into. So, this seems to me like a some kind of political retribution and uh that this is going to make the council look bad. So, that's my point. Thank you, sir. Mary Smith, you're up. Katherine Chaberahegan, you're up next if you can be ready. Good morning.

Hi, my name is Mary Smith. I've been a resident of Glendale for 50 years, raised four kids here. Been involved in whom my kids as well have been involved in the what's going on in their city the entire time they lived here. I'm now assisting raising four grandkids in this beautiful city. Um in all the years that I've been here 50 years and I'm at 43rd and um Dunlap, halfway between Dunlap and Peoria. And I am a member of the cactus district.

Uh I've been honored to know Lupe Contreras and uh I knew his predecessor quite well, as well. And have been involved in in the system for quite some time with previous mayors and whom whomever. And uh I've never seen anything quite this petty and retributive. Um it doesn't serve you people well. It makes you look really bad to me and to a lot of citizenry, I'm quite sure. The man is doing a tremendous job.

He's young, he's youthful, he's involved, he's out knocking on doors, meeting people constantly, listening to both sides. He doesn't have one thing that he listens to. He listens to whatever their issues are on whatever side they're on. And then he acts on them.

The stipend issue that that is is burning in everybody's heads right now was brought to him by one of his constituents, not one of the same party, who he listened to and he listened to and got educated on the explanation of this thing done in secret in an executive session and nobody seems to have a problem with any of that. And now we're talking about such a ridiculous amount, it's not even what a poll worker makes hardly and it's a per diem thing.

It's not a salary, it's not anything close to that. And I I I am offended as a citizen of the city of Glendale that this is how my council is behaving, that they're not more focused on getting things done. They're acting like our federal government right now, which is more involved in and and and who can get their way all the time than actually getting anything accomplished for the people of the United States and I feel that's the same policies that you guys are following right now.

You're following the lead from above which you shouldn't be. This is a proud city. It's a city who should be setting the course for the state. We should be making an impact. There are so many serious issues to be water being one of them to be discussed that this petty nonsense and infighting and he hasn't been welcome as a councilman since he made it. He was duly elected by the council by the Cactus District.

[clears throat] I don't know how you guys feel that that vague comment in the city charter allows you to take our vote from us. And for you to go ahead and just appoint whomever you want. Thank you. Katherine, you're up next and then uh No applause. This this isn't a circus. This is very very serious. Katherine, you're up. Yes, my name's Katherine Saberhagen. Ma'am, one second. And then uh I just had one turned in. I can't make out the first name and the last name. It looks like Cheren Turner.

You'll be up next. Go ahead, ma'am. You have 3 minutes. Katherine Saberhagen, I'm a resident of Phoenix Arizona. Um I'm also a member or a a customer of SRP and I take SRP's position in the state very seriously. I was very grateful to see Lupe run for SRP and propose the the ideas that he had has uh about running that con- that uh utility. Um I really think that the city of Glendale ought to be proud of his involvement and his interest in serving people. He's done a great job.

He's doing a great job. And it's it's almost criminal to think that you would consider removing him from the board for such a innocuous reasons. It's not member of the SRP board is not a paid position per se. It's no takes no more time than it takes to be part of the City of Glendale's board. Um I don't understand why you're picking such a small battle. Um Thank you so much. Somebody's got um something going off. I need you to turn it off, please. Sharon Turner Am I saying it correctly?

Uh and then Quanta Cruise, you'll be up next. Did I pronounce your name right? Uh it's Creoni Turner. Okay. All right. Again, share the district you're from. Uh if you know it, you have 3 minutes. Go ahead. Okay, I'm with the Cactus District. And um I thank you for the opportunity to speak here uh briefly. Um Mr. Conches is uh truly a man of integrity of valor. He set to me he sets the bar for what counselors should be doing. Um and that's looking out for the people.

And to see that he is basically on trial for standing up for this community is ridiculous. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves. You're supposed to be representing the people. Okay? You're throwing the rock and hiding your hand and you're and you're um penalizing him for doing the right thing. He only is here just trying to make a difference and and to be a voice for the community. And since he has been in here, everything that I have seen, that is what he has done.

He has reached out to the community, the local businesses, the small businesses, the people. He is very visible and active. He should not be removed uh from this council because he is setting the bar [clears throat and cough] and he is going to make a difference and he is being the change that he wants to see and I stand by him uh in that and and I am proud to be uh under him. And um yes, so that's it. So, I thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Want your card?

Uh next will be Margaret Schultz if you can be ready to go. Morning. Good morning, everyone. Um my name is Quantae Cruz and I uh represent uh part of East uh Glendale. Where Where do you live, ma'am? Phoenix, Arizona. Thank you. I am the state representative for LD 26 and I represent uh Lupe's district and I represent Glendale down there at the capital every day.

Um I have concerns with this and I wanted to just be a voice for the folks that I represent, that you all represent as well in Glendale, that they uh duly elected Lupe Conchas to represent them and I think that's important. Um looking at the charter, the city charter and the concerns that um are being lifted, uh I don't believe Lupe Conchas is receiving compensation for that role um that he has with SRP.

And so, there are a lot of us who are elected and we serve in these volunteer roles because [clears throat] our community is asking us to do that. And so, if he is not receiving compensation, um I don't see where the uh conflict is. And so, I know you all don't owe it to me. I'm not a Glendale resident, but representing the folks that I do, they asked me to come here today and ask what the concern was if Lupe is not receiving compensation.

And so, I am coming here as a voice for our constituents. They want to know what the concern is if Lupe is not receiving compensation for that role with SRP. And they want you to know that they asked Lupe to run for that position to be their voice. And so, um as elected officials, I just ask as your sister in public service that you all really take a step step back and think about um the people who we serve and what they are asking.

If people are electing us to office, be that SRP, the city council, or any other role that we have, um we are beholden to those people, and we should respect their voice whether we like uh the politics of the movements of people or or or we don't, whether they align with us or they don't.

The people have have the power here, and I don't um I don't feel comfortable with the people's power being taken away from them and the power being given to other elected officials that don't represent that particular area. And so, again, I am Quantá Crews. I represent Glendale at the legislature. I'm always here and always available, and I will always stand up for our constituents because they need us. They need us, and these positions of power should not be taken lightly.

It isn't our power that we are exercising. It is the people's power. Thank you very much. Thank you. Margaret Schultz, you're up next, and then after you, Sam. I I cannot make out the name. Um someone who filled out a card with the first name of Sam, you're you're up next. Margaret, please go ahead. A- Again, the city you're from? Hello Mayor and Council. My name is Margaret Schultz. I live at 3rd Ave Medlock in Phoenix. I'm a researcher with Nonpartisan Worker Power Institute.

I'm here to make a statement of support for Lupe Conchas as Glendale City Council member and share our concerns about the potential impacts of this resolution on representation and the democratic process in the city of Glendale. Councilmember Conchas has been an important voice on City Council advocating for transparency and good governance. He stands up for working class families in Glendale listening to their needs and representing their interests.

From supporting infrastructure to housing to lifting up the needs of seniors, veterans, and small business owners in the Cactus District, Lupe has been there as a staunch advocate for all residents, not those with just those with power and privilege. The voters democratically elected Conchas to this Council seat. Today, please respect their wishes and vote no on this resolution. And thank you. Um Sam? Yes. Oh, you're Sam, okay. All right, uh state your last name, would you? Cooley. Cooley, okay.

Uh uh go ahead, ma'am, you have 3 minutes and then after you is Judy Robbins. My name is Sam Cooley and I'm a resident of Phoenix and I'm the director of Mandy's Project, a grassroots organization that supports mutual aid efforts throughout Maricopa County. I'm also a small business owner who is struggling to support my family due to rising costs facing all Americans.

Although I'm not a resident of Glendale, I am familiar with Lupe through his work in the community and his public record of service. Over time I've observed his commitment to serving residents throughout leadership roles in education, local government, and public [clears throat] service. His willingness to take on multiple responsibilities reflects a strong dedication to improving the lives of the people he represents.

In my view, that kind of service should be recognized as a sign of commitment, not treated as a reason for expulsion. At At a time when many families are facing rising costs and financial pressure, public officials should be remain focused on the real needs of the community they serve. The priority should be effective leadership, responsible governance, and meaningful solutions for residents. Based on what I've seen, Lupe has demonstrated a serious commitment to those responsibilities.

If council members can hold jobs in the private sector, then why can't Lupe serve on the SRP board? The SRP board position will have a direct impact on lowering costs for residents in his district, Glendale, and Arizona. Should we not encourage our elected officials to do more to better their communities rather than line their pockets? I believe decisions about public service should be guided by what's what best serves the community.

From my perspective, Lupe has shown that he is willing to serve diligently and work on behalf of the public, and that is what we should focus on. Thank you. Jacob Rayford Am I saying it right? Okay, sir. Come on up. You would uh state your name, uh the city you're from. You have 3 minutes. Good morning, mayor, members of the council. My name is Jacob Rayford. Uh I'm speaking on my own behalf. I am from Tempe, Arizona.

Uh I've been a resident of Arizona for about 22 years, and one of the things that I recognize uh um in living in in the overall area of Maricopa County is people who are committed to the community and being involved in the work I'm involved in outside of this space, you have the opportunity to see people who really like exemplify that and Mr. Conchas is one of them.

When I say that he embodies what it means to represent the community, that is not a that is that that is not some grand overstatement or anything like that. This is not just when you say someone like like this someone is this shirt off their back type of individual, Lupe Conchas is that.

The way in which he has shown up, the way in which he has served the community, it really is a shame that what I'm per- personally witnessing is not just assault on this individual's integrity, but an assault on the wishes of those who had elected him to office in the first place. For me, this is more of a matter of morality. We are all watching what's going on in the news.

We're all politically aware of certain things that involve the morality and integrity of this body as a whole, respectfully speaking. So, if this were an issue, the question that I have, which almost feels rhetorical at this point, why now? Because we have people that are sitting in the and and the audience who shall not be named, who contributed to things that are pretty immoral. And yet they're invited into certain spaces.

But when you see someone who is willing to set aside time, set aside family time, set aside the personal time that we need to serve as human beings, we can serve in the community, you go after that type of person, it's it's it really questions why are we here? Who are we serving? And I don't see this de- decision serving the people who elected this individual, this duly elected official in the first place.

So, I hope that whatever decision that you have today, you're able to look at yourselves in a mirror. And if it is against the wishes of those who elected this person into office, I hope that you're at least able to sleep sometime in the near future. And that's the rest of my time. Thank you. Uh Judy Robbins. Again, the city you're from, you have 3 minutes. Go ahead. Thank you. My name is Judy Robbins. I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I am a not a constituent, but I'm concerned citizen.

I'm urging this the Glendale City Council to vote in opposition to removing Jose Lupe Conchas Jr. from the City Council for violations under the conflict of receiving compensation. I hold the City Council lawyer and his council representation um accountable to this situation since uh he had the obligation to provide sound legal counsel to Councilman Conchas on his uh election his his run for election for the SRP board and if there was a potential conflict, then he should have advised him such.

This City Council's action appears to be a knee-jerk response as a power grab away from the residents of Glendale and political retaliation, especially since the Councilman brought up the council's own questions regarding use or misuse of stipends that were discussed and voted on behind closed doors on the May 6th Council Council meeting. And there's been an investigation lodged at the council by the AZ Attorney General's office.

This special vote should be tabled until the constituents have had an opportunity to weigh in in a regularly scheduled City Council meeting at the very least. And I stand to support Luke Bay Conchas as a qualified council member. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. Hirsch. Thank you, Mayor. Good morning, Mayor members of the council. I am Gary Hirsch. I am a 47-year resident of the city of Glendale. I am a 23-year resident of the Cactus District.

Um In the previous election for Cactus District representation, the voters didn't choose my old friend and neighbor Ian Hugh. They chose Loopey Conchas. And after the election, I had an opportunity to get acquainted with my new council member. I'm probably the antithesis of Loopey Conchas in many ways. Uh but I found him uniquely enthusiastic, energy, bright, a deep dive into things. I found that he was actually doing things in our district.

A district which frankly had languished since I moved into it in 2003. The lethargic representation that we had suffered under the previous several terms came to an end. And this is difficult because four of you I consider close, dear friends. I have personal relationships with you. Two of you I'm not acquainted with, and I hope that I'll have the opportunity. But how did we get to this point where we are going through this process here today.

When I was on the Planning Commission, on occasion I would call the City Attorney's office and get advice about potential conflict of interest. I didn't write it down. I didn't take notes. I didn't ask it for writing in writing. I took that office's word as it was. So, I'm sympathetic to Mr. Conchas' plight because the same thing could have happened to me. Uh I think he did his due diligence. Now, the stipend the stipend is like a poison. It's like sepsis.

It's infecting everything that's happening in this city government and it needs to end. And in my humble opinion this is nothing more than an effort to penalize my council member who has been doing what we've asked him to do, bring it to public light and bring that to an end. So, I'm going to ask you, ladies and gentlemen, my friends, vote no today. Put this behind us. Let's move on and let's get rid of the stipend. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Uh It it appears to be Carly uh Granberry.

Is that correct? I am Carly Granberry. And okay. City you're from? I am from Phoenix. Thank you. You have 3 minutes. Go ahead. Thank you. Um I live off of 31st Avenue and Bethany and I uh am just a district away from Lupe Conchas. And I've known Council Member Conchas for 5 years. I've become a close friend and proud supporter of him. Lupe is an extraordinary community advocate who is committed to the values of integrity, transparency, and justice.

Removing him from Glendale City Council is wrong and frankly politically motivated in an attempt to continue covering up ongoing corruption of this city council, giving themselves a raise without voter approval. Not only have you gone around voter approval to give yourselves a raise, but now you're going against the voters wishes in attempting to expel Lupe Contreras.

I just want to say whatever happens today, Lupe will continue to do bigger and better things than any of you could ever imagine for yourselves. You should be so lucky to have such a popular candidate on City Council, but this retaliation will be the downfall of your careers on this City Council. Rep Anna Um um um Britta? Am I saying it correctly? I probably butchered your last name. If you'll correct it, I I would appreciate that. Uh, state your name and the city you're from, please.

Hello everyone. I'm Representative Anna T I represent Legislative District 24. That's Maryvale in South Glendale. Um, I have the privilege of serving um, most of your guys's um, uh, districts. Um, I'm a really close friend to um, Councilman uh, Lupe Contreras. I've known Lupe for many years to the point that I don't even remember where we met.

Um, I wanted to come and support of my good friend, but also to the people of Legislative District 24 um, in the Cactus District that voted Lupe into office um, here in the City Council. I'm very disappointed with the actions that this board is trying to make um, because the will of the voters have made their decision. These procedures are a shame and have no credibility within the community.

This is a clear political retaliation because Councilman Gonchas has publicly questioned the legit the legality uh and the additional money uh certain council members are taking from self-approved stipends. As state rep, I have a duty to speak up for the constituents when I see wrong uh happening and I see wrong here today.

I also want to be very clear with the community that in the past I have heard from people on this council with other types of corruption that have happened asking for us to remove in the state legislature to remove open meeting law. And to see that this this continuous pattern is very disappointing. Being a representative of this community and living in this community my entire life is very disappointing to see the actions of this board.

I hope that you all vote no and if that is not the case Lupe, I'm excited for you to be running for mayor and vote Lupe for 2028 for mayor. Yeah, I just was handed a card uh obviously you you're a doctor. I cannot read this. Uh somebody just handed a card in just a minute ago. Who is that? Is that you? Okay. If you would come up and state your name, please and the city you're from. Hey, doing my name is uh Representative Cesar Aguilar.

I should have been a doctor but [laughter] Pays better, right? office. So, I represent Legislative District 26 and part of my district is uh Glendale. I share uh representation with Lupe Gonchas here. Uh and I'm here in support of Lupe Gonchas. Uh I've served on the school board. I serve at the state legislature. It's my fourth year uh and I've served multiple years on uh multiple boards.

One of the things about serving is that you're elected by the people and Lupe represents multiple positions including the newly elected SRP board but also as a school board member and is the definition of what a public servant is. But one thing I wanted to point out about Lupe is that he decided not to take any compensation for his SRP board that he recently won.

And so in the charter for Glendale, it says that he has to accept money and in his position the common meaning of receiving is to acquire or take but not for the meaning that compensation is available. Lupe is not taking compensation and so due to that he's following the law as is and following the Glendale charter. He was elected by the people as mentioned here by multiple people.

His district is in strong support of him and I don't want to accuse anyone but it seems like there's some retaliation here against the city councilman. Maybe because some of the opinions that he has but he has every right to that opinion because that's what he was elected to represent and he was elected fairly by his constituents and so he should be able to to fight on behalf of those constituents. And when serving on multiple boards, we have to hold government accountable.

That's why we run for office. Some of those things that he's held this board accountable is spending of money and and getting stipends and I know the attorney general weighed in on some of those stipends and I know not the whole council agreed with it. But right now in a time where people can't afford to eat, they can't afford gas, they can't afford to live, um we need to question government and make sure that we're actually spending our money wisely and on the best use for the voters.

And so that's what he's done as councilman and so we might not all have to agree with him, but he has every right to be here and I think he's following the law as he should. And so I'm here in support and hope that the board votes to keep him on and not expel him. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, I will not be accepting any more cards other than the ones that I have in front of me right now. Mr. Goray, you're up, sir. Rory Goray? No, no. Huh? Yeah. Greg Rucker. No. Not not you, sir.

Gentleman behind you. [laughter] That's a first. I said your name right. Yeah, you did. That's the first where someone else to accept my name. [laughter] All right, you have 3 minutes. If you would share your district. As Mayor Council, Rory Goray, 58th and Northview, Yucca Teo District. I stand before you today deeply concerned about the proposed removal of council member Contreras.

At a time when the Arizona Attorney General's office is reportedly investigating issues surrounding the council compensation and open meeting law, I believe this vote should be tabled until that investigation is is complete. The people of Glendale deserve transparency, consistency, and public trust, not actions that create more division and more uncertainty. This issue is larger than one individual. Citizens are asking whether the same standards are being applied equally to all of you.

If compensation related matters are under review, then fairness requires those standards be applied to every one of you across the board. Many residents are also troubled by the message this sends. Too many people are already feel like City Hall has become more focused on politics and protecting insiders than listening to the citizens who elected you. When an elected official challenges the status quo and then faces removal, people naturally ask questions of this motive.

Whether people agree or disagree with uh Councilman Conchas politically, it is not the issue. The issue is public trust, transparency, and confidence in this process. And sir, when you said it earlier this is not a circus, yes sir, it is a circus. Thank you. Kim Thomas If you would state your district you're from and name and your name, sir. I'm Thomas, 51st and Olive. I'm in Lupe's district. Forgive my appearance, ladies and gentlemen. I read about this last night.

In a good conscious while working out this morning But uh excuse me, what Raise your microphone up so we can hear you a little bit better. In good conscious while working out, obviously, I decided I had to come and be a voice. I need to start though by thanking all of you people on the council for the job you do. Many times is a thankless job and I appreciate what you're doing. What I have heard today and what I have read, the fault doesn't appear to be Lupe's.

It appears to be the legal counsel if I'm understanding it correctly and if I'm not, I apologize. I think it's wrong. I think you will I hope you will vote with vote with your conscious. I work with Lupe. I appreciate him and I appreciate the job you do. Do not penalize him from what I understand was the fault of the legal counsel. Thank you. Thank you. Eva Osuna If I said it wrong, if you'd correct me when you get here. If you would state your city that you live in and your name please.

Good morning. You did say it wrong, but it's okay. It's Eva Osuna. And I'm from Peoria. And um I met Lupe about 12 years ago. Uh we were both serving the community, and I'm not surprised at the impact that he has made. I see the outreach, uh people from all over uh different cities, and uh I'm not surprised. I'm here to talk about the process.

Uh although I'm not a resident of Glendale, I'm speaking today because issues involving public trust, transparency, and fair gover- governance matter in the community. Across cities, residents expect rules to be communicated clearly and applied consistently to everyone. Leadership has a responsibility not only to act fairly, but to avoid actions and reasonably appear politically motivated. That reasonably appear politically motivated.

I understand that city charters and policies exist for a reason, and I respect the importance of following them. But when rules affect the representation chosen by voters, the process should be transparent, deliberate, and clearly communicated to the public. Councilmember Goncharenko publicly campaigned for the SRP board seat over a significant period of time.

If there were concerns that serving in that role could conflict with his council seat, many people are many people are now are asking why those concerns were not raised earlier more publicly before voters cast their ballots. As a current candidate in another city, I can say from personal experience that when policies and expectations are clearly communicated, candidates comply.

In my own candidate packet, requirements regarding boards and commissions were clearly outlined, and I resigned from a commission that I was assigned to. Before I ever became an official candidate, and I followed those requirements because the process and expectations were made clear up-front. Public trust erodes when rules appear dormant until politically inconvenient. Even the appearance of selective enforcement can damage public confidence in local government.

For decades while working in communities and speaking with residents at doors, I've heard people say things like, "Our vote doesn't matter. Our government is going to do what it wants anyway." Those comments should concern all of us and be because democracy depends on public confidence and participation. What message does that send to voters who believed that their participation mattered?

What message does it send when actions involving elected representation appear rushed or inconsistently applied? Residents deserve confidence that decisions involving the leaders the leaders they elected are handled fairly, consistently, and transparently.

I respectfully ask this council not to rush a decision involving elected representation without ensuring the electorate has confidence that their participate participation, their vote, and their trust in the democratic process are being taken seriously. And your time I urge you to to vote no on this. Adelante, Lupe. Thank you. Uh next up, Marisol Olivia Valenzuela. I probably messed that up, too. Hello, my name's Marisol Oliva Valenzuela, and I live on um 61st and Morton.

So, I am a Glendale resident. Um I have supported Lupe since the beginning. And when I met him through uh Representative Analisa Ortiz, um I have seen the change and the different things that he has he has done to represent not only his district, but personally uh our community. I also represent the Arizona Cruise Council, which is a large, um, you know, uh, group of people that represent not only Glendale, but historical Glendale with their cars and their clubs.

And the city works and apparently has been working with them in the past 6 months more than ever.

And it was because of these two councilmen that finally are representing our culture, our history, and the people that actually now are voting people like Lupe Conchas and uh, Val de Negro into these other people that have been here in this council that have I've heard so many people here that have lived here 50, 20, 13 years and it is a shame that you guys have been here stale for that long and are going to punish somebody that is actually doing something positive for our community.

And all I got to say is you guys will be the end of your terms in the near future and uh, continue Lupe. We are fully in support of you, the Loreto community and all of our community here in Glendale. Our raza will be supporting you. So, um, keep up with the good work and um, I I feel like uh, half of you guys need to just retire and let our people represent how it they're supposed to be here in Glendale cuz it's a new era now. So, thank you. Next up is Chris No applause. It's the last warning.

Chris Tutola? Am I saying it right? Yeah, I'm sure I think that's it. You're up next. Well, I'm going to Does it start automatically? Well, turn your microphone up where we can hear you better. Hi. Thank you. My name is Chris Tuala and I am a 51-year resident of Glendale. I live at 67th Avenue Cactus. And I believe while everyone has a right to speak, only Glendale voices should be given weight in this. I don't know why Tempe, Phoenix, and whoever else is showing up because it's not their fight.

It's ours. Um this issue is not about feelings. It's about the law. No one is above the law, hard stop. If Councilman Conscience is of such high character as I'm I'm sure you're a wonderful person, but um why would you blatantly violate the charter? And if you want to if he wants to remain as a councilman, why didn't he resign from the Salt River Project Board? Um it's clear you can't get money from both. That And that's basically what all I have to say. If he's so outstanding, pick one.

And only Glendale voices should be listened because you represent me and I thank you for that. Um thank you. Thank you. Tyler Cain If you would, uh your city and uh you have 3 minutes. Hi, my name is Tyler Cain. I'm a resident of Phoenix. Uh thank you so much for the board uh for letting me speak today. I like to lead that I'm the speaking from the authority as the chair of the Maricopa County Young Republicans today. That's why I'm here.

Uh I'd like to point out that, again, City Council representative seems to be a really great person, but it's clear that on the SRP side, too, that you can't hold another elected position. And I'm not believing the argument that he was not under this understanding before making this decision to run today.

So, I think at the same time that I just would like to come up here and support the City Council in their in their decision and point out that I find it really hard to believe that the bare minimum at when going to run for an elected position is understanding the rules and regulations and the responsibilities of that position. And on both sides, there's a conflict of interest.

And I really would ask Representative Conchas to make the correct decision and decide to, if deciding to keep on his current position on the Glendale City Council, decide to remove himself from the SRP Salt River Project. Thank you so much and have a nice day. Thank you. Next up, Shawn. I think this is Brown. If you would state your name and your district if you're in Glendale. Did I pronounce it wrong? It's Shawn Brown. Brown. I should have been a doctor, also. Okay. I'm a resident of Phoenix.

And most recently I've been volunteering as a legal researcher for elections. I just wanted to say that we're all here today because of Lupe. We wouldn't be here today if Lupe chose to obey the law. He could have chose to represent the people of his district and surrender his position on the SRP board to prevent this meeting today. He was made aware of this issue almost a year ago and chose to continue this course of action. So, it doesn't matter that Lupe is a good person.

He had prior knowledge that he did not have the qualifications to offer himself as a candidate. The point that everyone is talking about is compensation from SRP, but it's his current position in Glendale that triggered this whole thing. It's not politics, it's the law, and this is a person who knew the law and tried his best to circumvent it. He's still trying to circumvent it, which is why we're here today. He was advised when he submitted his candidacy papers running for SRP.

He took it under advisement and did nothing. Many elected officials have tried to sit on the SRP board. Uh most recently, believe Mayor Freeman of Mesa wanted to run for the power board, but obtained legal advice uh legal advice and did not submit his candidacy, but Lupe chose to. After the SRP election, his candidacy was challenged at SRP. Uh SRP called Lupe to have a discussion with him about this. He chose to send his campaign manager instead.

Lupe serves on the Alhambra school board, the city of Glendale board, and now the SRP board. Also works for Also works full-time for the Wood campaign as a regional organizing manager. It begs me to say, "How is it that someone can serve all these constituents fairly?" And it doesn't matter that he wants to forfeit his compensation. He can't. It's statutory. It's under the law. He has to be paid that if he shows up. Do the research as I certainly have. This decision can't be tabled.

The meeting should have been held the day that Lupe offered himself to another paid position. Uh Ms. Osuna just said something very important. She said that when she was She said that she resigned from a commission she was a member of in order to run for the office that she's running for now. Lupe chose several times to do to not to to adhere to those guidelines and to try his luck in the court of public opinion instead of a law he thought pertained only to people like Ms. Osuna and not himself.

Lupe could have cured this issue and saved us all time by resigning his candidacy at SRP at any time. Uh if you want someone on the council who thinks the law is for everyone else, then support Lupe. If not, then I would support the the council in their decision to remove. I would also note that um Lupe is very familiar with election law. According to his own LinkedIn page, he was the election specialist for the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools.

And I quote, he coordinated all elections according to Arizona Revised Statute. Quote, acted as a filing officer and legal representative. Quote, to resolve issues and lawsuits. Your time is up, sir. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Carol I know. I ott? I know. I'm sorry. Um it your name and uh the district you live in, please. Good morning, Mayor and council members. My name is Carol I ott.

And I'm a resident of Glendale in the Choia district, and I reside [clears throat] around 101 the Loop 101 in Deer Valley. I've been a resident of Glendale for 27 years. I'm here today to request the council members vote yes on the resolution to remove Council member Joyce Conches from the council due to not abiding by the city of Glendale Charter. A city charter is foundational legal document that establishes a municipality and defines its governmental structure, powers, and responsibilities.

It operates as a local constitution, meaning it's the highest legal authority within the city and trumps any conflicting local ordinances. The Glendale City Charter includes council restrictions. The charter prohibits council members from holding another paid, public office. Aside from specific exceptions like the National Guard, military reserves, or being a public notary. All council members should be knowledgeable about the specifics in the charter and abide by the charter.

No one is above the law. Thus, I implore all members of the council to vote according to the rules of the city charter, the foundational legal document of the city, and vote yes on the resolution to remove Councilman Sahu Council Member Conchas from the council. Thank you. Thank you. Regina Lopez, you're up next and then following you, Frank Steel. Regina, are you here? She's not here? She had to leave, okay. Frank Steel, and then following Frank will be Gregory Ruffner. Good morning.

Good morning, Mayor and council members. My name is Frank Steel. Um I've had the privilege of starting my life in Arizona here 61 years ago. I've lived in Cactus District for 15 years. My concern in this matter is not political. My concern is about potential conflicts of interest and maintaining public trust in our city government. The Glendale City Charter exists for a reason.

Under Article 4 of the charter, council members are prohibited from holding another compensated position um publicly elected compensated position while serving on the city council, whether they accept that compensation or not. Whether people agree with that provision or not, the rule of law matters. Charters and laws only have meaning if they are applied consistently and fairly to everyone.

That safeguard exists to prevent situations where an elected official may face divided loyalties between two public bodies. In this case, Council Member Lupe Conchas now serves both the city of Glendale and the SRP Agricultural Improvement and Power District. The issue for many residents is simple. What happens when the interest of Glendale and the interest of SRP are not aligned?

There may come a time when decisions involving utilities, land use, infrastructure easements water power distribution, or development agreements directly affect both entities. Even if Council member Contreas acts with complete integrity, the appearance of conflict can still damage public confidence. This is bigger than any one person. It is about preserving transparency, accountability, and confidence in our charter and our institutions. I urge the board to vote yes. Thank you. Gregory Ruptner.

And then after you, sir, Susan Hellwig. Thank you. Thank you for hearing my comments. I'm here primarily from the Cholla District, which I talk to a number of people there on a regular basis for a long time. I'm at from 51st Avenue in the 101 area. And I've been here like 23 years. And to Lauren's annoyance probably, I occasionally speak to her about issues in the city. But on this one, I think she has the support of the district she represents.

And that's my primary word for you this council today. And to for her that she has the moral support. One of person who said, "If I had a car," and her car is in the shop, who I was speaking to yesterday afternoon, she said, "I'd be down here." I think a barrel load of people could come down here and support the decision. And that decision on is an unfortunate one. But sometimes if you build something out of code compliance, then you've got to tear it down and fix it.

And that's unfortunately what seems to be the situation here. Out of compliance the council's in a tough position of doing something. I think again want to support the council member from my district in her what her decision. Personally, I think that decision to remove should be made and I'm you know regretful of that. I I wish it was a better situation. Thank you. Thank you. Susan Hallwig, you're up. And then following you will be Anthony Kern. Again, your name and your district.

My name is Susan Hallwig. And I'm in the Suburban District. And I'll just be brief. I'm here to support your councilman and I hope that you will vote yes for this proposition or resolution. Thank you. Mr. Kern. Thank you. Thank you, council. Mr. Mayor, council members. Uh my name's Anthony Kern. I live at 51st Avenue in the Cactus area in the Barrel District. And I just want to say this is a hard decision for all of you. For Mr.

Conscious and the board the council, this is not easy where you're sitting. So, I just want to say first of all, thank you. Um thank you for serving on the SRP board. Thank you for serving on the council. Thank you for all of you uh for your public service to our great city and our great state. Uh my name is Senator Anthony Kern. Um I just wanted to kind of kind of say that what I've heard up here is you know, that Mr. Conscious is a great guy. He's a great representation of the district.

Uh the voters love him. They elected him and and that's all good. But that is not why we are here. Uh the previous two speakers, previous three speakers have basically said it is because of the rule of law. It is not against Mr. Conscious at all. Uh it is because law has to be followed. When I became a state representative back back in 2015, um I was making the decision to go into the police academy.

And I had counsel at that time that, "Hey, if you go into the police academy, you cannot be a police officer because you're going to be a state representative." And state representatives cannot get compensation from another government entity. So, I went ahead and I went through the police academy. I got hired as a reserve in Tombstone, Arizona. And I had the Democrat Party come out to uh come out en masse against me and filed numerous ethics complaints while I was a state representative.

And had they found found me guilty, um then I would have had to make that decision, either resign from Tombstone, Arizona as a reserve police officer or resign from the state legislature. So, laws are in place and I was willing to make that determination should they found find me guilty. I was not privy to the um to the sessions that they had behind closed doors. I was just knew that I did no wrong because I did my due diligence up front.

And that due diligence was knowing that if I, as an elected official, got paid from another government entity, I would have to choose. So, um they found me not guilty because I was a reserve and I was not getting stipends. I was not getting paid. Uh and so they found me not guilty. Um so, that being said, as elected officials, we have got to abide by the law. I served my constituents. My constituents love me. They had they elected me again and again and again.

I am currently running for Senate dist in the in the district 27. So, it is not about the electability. It's about the rule of law. If I do wrong and I don't follow the law, then I should expect to be to be expelled. I have voted to expel two to three House members in the past, Republican house members. So, it's it's about following the law, guys. So, I vote I urge you to vote yes on this. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Can I get a motion? Mayor. Yes. I move that we table this resolution. Second.

Okay, there is a motion on the table to table. Most Yeah. And a second. Um Any discussion on that? Mayor. Go ahead. First of all, thank you to my residents, elected officials, and friends, and thank you to my mom for being here today. Today's remarks are for for my colleagues.

Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the City Council, today I'm asking you to look beyond the resolution in front of you and consider the full picture, my service, my heart, my record, my commitment to the people of the Cactus District. I've tried to build relationships with each one of you, especially in my first few months in office. Council member Turner, thank you for your expertise, your membership, your mentorship, your endorsement, your friendship.

You've always been We've We haven't always been on the winning side of every vote, but I always appreciate your experience, your perspective, and the way you have helped me grow as a council member. Councilwoman Councilwoman Guzman, we had a meaningful freshman year together, and I remember when we visited the Jefferson Memorial and spoke with young people about getting involved in their communities.

Uh and together with the Vice Mayor um Melnar, we improved the Government Services Committee and raised important questions about the Glendale Airport. Vice Mayor Melnar, thank you for always being straight up with me. Thank you for having honest conversations, and thank you for leading with an open mind. You serve your residents well, and I enjoy hearing your thoughts on code compliance and look forward to your youth days at City Hall.

And Mayor, I still remember calling you when I was in Washington D.C. I was crying because I was the only one of our group that was rejected from a White House tour. I want to say thank you for listening to me that day and thank you for treating me with respect. Councilwoman Toma-Chavez, thank you for your leadership on the e-bike and e-scooter ordinance and for working on the forensics lab and the crime lab.

And we also both supported bringing back Ride Choice because transportation access for residents with disabilities mattered. Councilmember Ball Donaghy, thank you for always being cordial with me here at the dais. I have sat next to you for nearly 18 months and I appreciate the respect you have shown me and I appreciate that when new information was presented on the Belmont Street Library, you were willing to reconsider your position.

I say all this because when we disagree, I have tried to work across differences. I have tried to serve this city with sincerity and good faith and I ask you to look at what we have built in the Cactus District. I've created the Citizens Advisory Council. I posted town halls, coffee with the councilman events, district meetings, community cleanups, neighborhood conversations.

I have attended coffee with a cop, bingo nights at Bitsy Mama's, community events where residents can speak directly to me. I've lifted up concerns about code compliance, blight, public safety, parks libraries infrastructure disability access, senior services, water conservation, affordable housing and affordability. I'm excited for the city to break ground on Fire Station 154 and continue planning for the future of Mission Park.

We have installed a new shuttle stop at Cascalote Senior Living Apartments and have new landscaping on Glendale Avenue between 43rd Avenue and 51st Avenue. I've advocated for public safety investments including new equipment, technology, full-time police officers and strong police and fire union MOUs. I've helped select an amazing new city manager, Mr. Patrick Bangerter.

I have worked to keep residents informed through my weekly newsletter, which is as long as a CVS receipt and public meetings and direct outreach. And we are not done yet. We have a lot to of work to do ahead of us in the Cactus District. We have a June 6th town hall with the Arizona Attorney General, Kris Mayes, on housing justice. We have water safety day on June 13th coming up for our families and children.

We have monthly Citizens Advisory Council meetings where residents give their time, ideas, and energy to improve our neighborhoods. And I hope that last night's meeting was not the last. We are still working on the Bethany Home Road drainage and flood control project, stronger code compliance, neighborhood blight, parks and libraries, senior services, disability access, and better communication between City Hall and our residents.

I'm also finishing my Civic Craft Leadership Program through [clears throat] the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. I have confirmed travel for national municipal leadership conferences um for this fall. I've also I also serve on the Maricopa Association of Governments Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee. There is so much more work to do and I want to keep on doing it. This has been a humbling experience.

If get If I'm given the opportunity to continue to serve on this council, I will put aside all of my future political plans and dedicate myself fully to the to the Cactus District. I am committed to the residents of the Glenda of the Cactus District 100% and I want to focus entirely on the job I was elected to do and finish out my term. The residents of the Cactus District elected me to represent them. They deserve stability. They deserve continuity. They deserve a strong voice at this dais.

Removing Removing me today wouldn't only remove me, it remove the voices of thousands of residents who put their trust in me. I represent every Cactus District resident because I believe that a pothole is not a Democratic pothole or a Republican pothole. It just needs to be filled as soon as possible and on budget. I am not asking you to agree with me on everything.

I'm asking you to see my heart, my record, my service, and my commitment to improving the lives of the people that we serve every day, which is our Glendale city model. I have refused to receive any per diem, which is not compensation in my view from SRP. I did my due diligence. I made sure that I wouldn't be put in this situation so that you wouldn't be put in this situation today. Yet, here we are.

So, today I am asking at least three of you to join me in voting no on this resolution or at the very least table it and give us time to work towards a better solution. Please do not disenfranchise the residents of the Cactus District. Please vote no on the resolution to expel me from the Glendale City Council. Let's find a better path forward together.

And finally, if you do decide that uh today is the day that you finally want to get rid of me, I want to apologize because I did not do anything wrong, but I want to apologize to my council assistant Isela for putting her in this position. If the council asked me to resign from the SRP board, which no one on this council has, I would. But until then, I will continue to follow the law and represent my constituents with dignity and respect. Thank you. Mayor, go ahead. If I may, thank you.

I was not anticipating a motion to table today. Um did not intend to make one myself, but I'm glad that it's been offered and I'm glad that I seconded it. And [clears throat] I'm um I have many concerns about the proposed action today, but uh one of them fits right into this concept of tabling the motion. Um even though our charter's been misquoted at least a couple times today, um I think I can read from the proposed resolution the relevant part of the charter.

Um And the reason as you listen to this uh the reason I am willing and and anxious to table this motion is because I believe I believe the resolution is premature. And perhaps wholly unnecessary. Quoting from the resolution, the charter says council members shall hold no other public office for which they receive compensation. There's some before, some after, but that's the relevant part. Council members shall hold no other public office for which they receive compensation.

I've not seen any evidence or heard any testimony today or previous to today that council member Conches has actually actually received compensation, which is what the charter says. It doesn't say be eligible to or may receive, could receive, or anything else. It says receive compensation. And I've heard no testimony, seen no evidence that he has. And it has been said, and rightfully so, that no person is above the law. But likewise, no person is below it either. I think the charter is clear.

Receive means receive. There is a solution, at least one, that's possible that will allow the votes of the voters in Glendale Cactus District as well as to to for their votes to be heard. I think overturning uh an election is one of the most serious things that we or any other elected body can do, and I don't think we should do it until all other options are exhausted. There is another solution to this.

Council member Conches has suggested it, as well as I think some of the rest of us have thought of it. And I believe there are members of the audience here and and the audience at large that that see that solution as well. And though he says he and he says he has not been asked to resign from the SRP board to clear this up, I will ask him to resign from the board to clear this up. And but in the meantime, I think we should table this.

It is premature, perhaps wholly unnecessary, because in fact [clears throat] Council member Conchas has, to the best of my knowledge, has not actually received any compensation, which is what the charter calls for. Thank you. Okay, we have a motion on the table. It's been seconded. A yes vote would make this where we table it and no vote would be to go back to the original uh motion. So, uh we'll go ahead and do a roll call vote starting with uh Mr. Conchas. How do you vote? I. Mr.

Baldenegro, how do you vote? I. Council member Guzman, how do you vote? No. Council member Tomachop, how do you vote? No. Mr. Turner, how do you vote? I. Mr. Miller, how do you vote? No. And the chair votes no. So, the table is off. Uh can I get a motion now as originally Yes, Mayor. I move we adopt resolution R-2660. Your second. Second. Okay, we have a motion on the table as far as uh the original resolution. Any discussion on this? Mayor. Go ahead. Yes, Mayor.

Um thank you very much for the opportunity to speak to you all today. Um I wanted to say that uh this um this motion and this resolution is going to silence the Cactus District residents. And I believe that I and and when I put my hand on the Bible uh and I swore my oath on December 12th of 2024 that I would uphold the laws of the state of Arizona that I stayed true to that. And I I did that in the witness of my my family, my mom. I did that in the witness of God.

And so, what I'm telling you all here today is that I did to the best of my ability to ensure that this motion and this resolution wasn't here today. And I will continue to work with you all in any capacity, but I want to let you all know that this is a uh a big decision to be made. It's not to be made lightly, and I understand and I know that a lot of you are are frustrated with me and are tired of me. But just because of that does not mean that that we can that we can expel me today.

And so, I ask that you all please reconsider this, and Council Member Turner asked if I would resign from the SRP um uh board. And if this resolution is if I'm not expelled and if you all agree to not expel me from the Glendale City Council, I will do that. Because my city comes first. My residents come first. I knocked thousands and thousands of doors in the summer heat in 2024 to ensure that I got to this place where I'm at today.

So, I'm asking I'm pleading to the council members who have already set their ways and already know how they're going to vote to please one of you please reconsider. Thank you. And with that, you vote how? I vote no. Mr. Baldenegro, how do you vote? No. Mr. Guzman, how do you vote? Mayor, I want to explain my vote.

In the last week of April, we received a complaint from a Glendale resident stating that they believed that Council Member Lupe Conchas was in violation of Arizona law and the Glendale City Charter arising from his candidacy for an election to a compen- compensated position on the SRP Agricultural Improvement and Power District Board while serving as an elected Council Member.

A special meeting was called on May 1st and at this meeting there was a unanimous consensus to seek outside counsel to get a legal opinion on this matter. On Tuesday, May 26th in executive session, we received that legal opinion. My vote today is based on adherence to the law and to our city charter and my responsibility is to uphold the city charter independently and without prejudice.

I do not make this vote lightly and I feel the real victims here are the residents of Cactus District who I'm sure did not expect to lose their council member by his own doing. Mayor, my vote is yes. Council Member Tomachoff, how do you vote? Uh Mayor, may I explain my vote? Thank you, Mayor. Um this is really an unfortunate situation um and I have heard from several of the residents that I represent um that expect me to follow the law.

And unfortunately, the law in this case is going to disenfranchise the votes of the Cactus District that voted Mr. Conchas in. This has nothing to do with retaliation or retribution or anything. I have worked alongside Council Member Conchas. Um I have no ill feelings towards Council Member Conchas and I understand um how the Cactus residents feel about him, but I have a duty to follow the law. And as uncomfortable as the situation is, I have to follow the law. That's what I was elected to do.

That's what I swore oath to do. And with that, I vote aye, Mayor. Council Member Turner, how do you vote? Uh explain my vote, please. Um I'll do my best not to repeat what uh you've just heard, but again, it is important that um I've seen no evidence uh or heard any testimony uh the Council Member Conchas has actually received compensation, which is what the charter calls for. There's uh no other accusation in this resolution about violating any statute or anything else.

It was in the complaint, but I believe that that uh that concern has been properly dismissed. Um and what remains is what's in this resolution, and that is um whether or not he's uh sitting contrary to the charter. I do not believe he is. I do understand that um historically that the Salt River Project um makes available a $60 um per diem, I think is what we would call it, for attending meetings in person, but that that recompense is not available if you attend virtually.

I believe that this uh bylaw of theirs preexists when all of us started attending things virtually with COVID and all of that. I can't see how given that scenario, that $60, which to me is de minimis, but may be significant to others, could be considered compensation if you have to be present to receive it, but you [clears throat] don't receive it if you're providing all your wisdom, insight, and experience virtually.

It seems much more to me that that's uh a reimbursement for the time and travel of having to travel to uh a meeting at a location other than your residence or your office or whether you would where you would prefer to choose from. And again, there's no evidence that Council Member Quenches has received, which is what our charter calls for, any compensation.

Um If there's a conflict with Salt River Project as to whether Council Member Quenches can refuse compensation, which so far I believe he has done and he has pledged to do in the future, that's a problem between him and Salt River Project. That's not our problem. And only if and then he should actually receive compensation would it become an issue for us to be concerned with. Um And with that, I vote nay. I didn't hear you. Nay. Uh Vice Mayor, how do you vote?

Um uh Mayor, I'd like to explain my vote. Go ahead. I I wish that I had never been placed in the position that I am here today. Uh this has been uh a very stressful and emotional time for me. Um it is it is very serious. Um the action that we take today. Um And I wish things had been different and that that there could have been a different path. Um I'm not an attorney.

And so as Council Member Guzman uh mentioned, we received uh outside uh we wanted someone from the outside of Glendale, someone that had could give us a a fair a you know, opinion and let us know what the law said. And I received that counsel. And uh based on that counsel um you know, I I have an understanding and therefore I vote yes on the resolution. Thank you. Uh Chair votes yes. With that, that's four yeses, three nos.

Councilmember Lupe Conchas was elected and sworn into a position with the SRP District Board, which is a public office that receives compensation. Pursuant to Glendale City Charter, the City Council finds that Councilmember Conchas no longer possesses the qualifications necessary to serve as a Glendale City Councilmember. [cheering] Please Please maintain Please maintain decorum. Please maintain decorum. If you are here to support me, please maintain decorum. Thank you.

District Council seat is now vacant and the City Council will soon begin the process outlined in the charter to fill this vacancy. Uh with that, we are going to take a 10-minute recess. Mhm. This is we have one final thing to do here. We'll wrap this up. Again, if you're speaking, I need you to step out or sit down. We need to get this moving. All right. You guys will let me know in the back when you're ready to go. You are ready to go? Okay. Okay, we're back from recess.

Next item is citizens comments. I have a speaker card from Chad Sammick. Chad, come on up, sir. If you would state your name, you have 3 minutes and uh what city you live in? My name is Chad Sammick. I live in Scottsdale Arizona. And I'm here because currently my company Custom Holiday Lights I'm representing. We have a current contract with the city for city of Glendale Glitters.

And I haven't got any answers of where we're going forward with Glitters cuz I know you guys want to do bigger and better things. And um they haven't really got any responses of what's going to happen. I just found out that you guys are going to go with um the old company and I don't know why. Um I don't know if it's news to anybody, but they're going to go back to the old company and we didn't do anything wrong.

Uh we met all the expectations and uh delivered the the right product, right service, put our every all our energy into it. Um went over obstacles and and surprises that we dealt with and we got through it uh for the better of the good of Glendale Glitters and and um the community. And I was kind of shocked when I heard that you guys were going to go to somebody else after 2 years of doing it. Um just looking for some answers why. And uh what how we made a mistake.

Um I know it probably this is not the right place or time, but I didn't know what else to do. So. Um So that's it. All right. And and we we don't we can't answer questions right now. We just need to put you in touch with that department and and let them talk with you from there, but this council's not able to do that right now. No, I understand. Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. With that being no further business for the council today, I'd like to thank everyone for attending.

This has been a very very difficult meeting. There's no objection from this council. Meeting's adjourned.