On the agenda: Avondaleaz Sustainability Commission Meeting — Data Center (Sep 23)

City of Avondale
Sustainability Commission Meeting
Commission Members
Diana Estrada, Commissioner
Amanda Duncan-Billiman, Commissioner
Paul Lemmon, Commissioner
Al Nunez, Commissioner
Ben Ruoti, Commissioner
Daniel Schuh, Commissioner
Daniel Smith-Castillo, Commissioner
Von Burns, Alternate Commissioner

Public Works Department
Kirk Beaty, Director
Kimberly Anderson, Sustainability Officer

Helpful • Kind • Professional

Sustainability Commission Meeting
Notice & Agenda
Wednesday, September 23, 2026

To join the meeting and view presentations, visit:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84042178945?pwd=qURBVw6AwmZ5m2DPctu0y4Nr6cIauw.1
Request to Speak: Anyone wishing to speak regarding items listed on the agenda or under unscheduled public appearance
should submit a Request to Speak online at http://www.avondaleaz.gov/requesttospeak prior to consideration of that
agenda item.

REGULAR MEETING
6:30 PM

Virtual access to the meeting will be available 5 minutes prior to the meeting
1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR
2. ROLL CALL BY THE STAFF LIAISON
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES (Time is limited per person. Please state your name.)
4. MINUTES
The Commission will consider the approval of the July 22, 2026, meeting minutes. The Commission will take
appropriate action.
5. UPDATES FROM THE COLORADO RIVER SHORTAGE – COLE PIHL, AVONDALE WATER RESOURCE
MANAGER
The Commission will receive a presentation on the most recent updates regarding the Colorado River water
cuts, and Avondale’s position.
6. SUSTAINABILITY UPDATES
Commission will be updated on sustainability in Avondale. This item is for discussion only.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Individuals with special accessibility needs, including sight or hearing impaired, large print, or interpreter, should contact the City Clerk at
623-333-1000 or TDD 623-333-0010 at least two business days prior to the meeting.
Personas con necesidades especiales de accesibilidad, incluyendo personas con impedimentos de vista o oido, o con necesidad de
impresion grande o interprete, deben comunicarse con la Secretaria de la Ciudad al 623-333-1000 o TDD 623-333-0010 al minimo dos
días hábiles antes de la junta.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - Page 2 of 2

Sustainability Commission Meeting
Municipal Operations Service Center
399 E Lower Buckeye Road
Avondale, AZ 85323
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:30 P.M.
DRAFT Minutes

1. Call to Order at 6:30 P.M.
2. Roll Call by Staff Liaison
Members Present: Chair Ben Ruoti, and Commissioners Amanda Duncan-Billiman, Paul
Lemmon, Al Nunez, Daniel Schuh, and Alternate Commissioner Von Burns
Members Absent: Vice Chair Diana Estrada and Commissioner Daniel Smith-Castillo
Staff Present: Kimberly Anderson, Sustainability Officer / Staff Liaison
3. Unscheduled Public Appearances
No public present.
4. Approval of the May 6th and May 27, 2026, Meeting Minutes
COMMISSIONER LEMMON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 27, 2026,
AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER BURNS SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH
CARRIED 6-0 WITH CHAIR RUOTI, AND COMMISSIONERS DUNCAN-BILLIMAN,
LEMMON, NUNEZ, SCHUH, AND BURNS, VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. THERE
WERE NO DISSENTING VOTES.
COMMISSIONER SCHUH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 6, 2026, AD
HOC MEETING AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER DUNCAN-BILLIMAN SECONDED
THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED 6-0 WITH CHAIR RUOTI, AND COMMISSIONERS
DUNCAN-BILLIMAN, LEMMON, NUNEZ, SCHUH, AND BURNS, VOTING IN THE
AFFIRMATIVE. THERE WERE NO DISSENTING VOTES.
5. Lithium-ion Battery Drop Off Grant
Ms. Anderson provided an update on the Lithium-Ion Battery Drop-Off Box project, noting
that the program is now rolling out and the drop box has been wrapped with attentiongrabbing graphics and clear instructions for proper battery disposal. The drop box is located
at the Recycling Drop-Off Center in the Civic Center Library parking lot. She explained that

Sustainability Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2026
Page 2 of 3

each battery must have its ends taped or be individually wrapped in a plastic bag to ensure
safe handling.
A non-public unveiling is planned for mid-August to allow for a gradual rollout, as this is the
first program of its kind and staff want to avoid overwhelming the system while operational
procedures are still being refined. The expectation is that the program will have regional
impact due to the educational outreach occurring both in Avondale and throughout the
region in response to increasing demand. A partnership has been established with the
cities of Glendale and Surprise, and a representative from the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality will participate in the marketing campaign to help broaden public
awareness and education.
A video from the marketing campaign was shared with the Commission.
In response to Commissioners’ questions, Ms. Anderson noted that there is only one drop box
at this time; however, residents may continue to dispose of batteries at Batteries Plus, Best
Buy, or through household hazardous waste services. A member of the Solid Waste team will
collect batteries daily to reduce fire risk and ensure proper disposal. A discussion followed
regarding the types of batteries accepted at the drop box and the ongoing importance of
public education. Ms. Anderson added that surveillance will be in place to identify repeat
offenders and provide targeted educational outreach as needed.
6. Sustainability Updates
Ms. Anderson provided an update on the Tree Inventory and Management Plan Project,
noting that ArborPro was selected as the contractor. She reviewed their progress over the
past two weeks, which includes assessing tree health and identifying maintenance needs.
Once the inventory and health assessments are complete, ArborPro will develop a plan
outlining strategies to strengthen urban forestry efforts and support the City’s goal of achieving
25 percent tree canopy coverage across neighborhoods, city rights-of-way, and parks.
In response to questions, Ms. Anderson explained that due to recent staff changes, the school
district is in the initial phase of identifying personnel, developing a planting plan, and
determining planting locations and tree species. Plantings are anticipated to begin in the fall or
winter once logistical details are finalized. She will inform the team that Commissioners are
interested in participating in the kick-off event.
Ms. Anderson reported that the Nature Conservancy is assisting cities in funding sustainability
projects in the absence of federal support. A study of urban forest policies and programs was
conducted among ten Valley cities, including Avondale. The purpose of the study was to
provide recommendations and identify grant opportunities for improvements. Avondale was
selected as a grant recipient. Leadership is currently reviewing the recommendations and
available options to develop a project aimed at improving Avondale’s urban forestry score.
In response to questions, Ms. Anderson provided additional information on other Valley cities
included in the study.
Ms. Anderson shared an update regarding Mill and R.City. Mill’s contract with the City has
expired; however, residents who previously enrolled under the discounted rate will retain that

Sustainability Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 22, 2026
Page 3 of 3

pricing. New participants will pay the standard rate. Following discussions with Mill, both
parties agreed to pause the program for a couple of years and revisit it in the future.
R.City will continue partnering with the City and is exploring creative ways to remain engaged
and support composting efforts in Avondale and the surrounding area.
Ms. Anderson opened the floor for discussion on future agenda items, including topics
Commissioners would like to learn more about, potential presentations, and opportunities for
public engagement. Commissioners shared several ideas, summarized below:
•

•
•

•

Blue Recycling Boxes – Interest in educating the public on acceptable materials.
Commissioner Lemmon suggested a demonstration using the contents of a truck or container
to highlight what is collected and raise awareness about proper recycling practices.
Recycling Bins – Ms. Anderson reported continued success with the bins. Additional
bins may be possible but would require securing further grant funding.
Data Centers – Commissioner Nunez expressed interest in touring a data center to
better understand operations, water and electrical usage, and conservation practices,
given resident concerns about resource consumption.
Drought – The Commission discussed the regional drought plan, potential inter-city
agreements, government involvement, public education, and opportunities for
Valley-wide collaboration.

7. Adjournment
The next Sustainability Commission Regular meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2026,
at 6:30 p.m.
COMMISSIONER LEMMON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:21 P.M.
COMMISSIONER SCHUH SECONDED THE MOTION, WHICH CARRIED 6-0 WITH CHAIR
RUOTI, AND COMMISSIONERS DUNCAN-BILLIMAN, LEMMON, NUNEZ, SCHUH, AND
BURNS, VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. THERE WERE NO DISSENTING VOTES.
_____________________________
Benjamin Ruoti, Chair
________________________________
Kimberly Anderson
Sustainability Officer as Staff Liaison
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes
of the meeting held on the 22nd day of July 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly
called and held, and that the quorum was present.
__________________________________
Kimberly Anderson
Sustainability Officer as Staff Liaison