FEMA funding denial declaration being appealed by Miami Town Council

In a brief regular meeting last Monday, Miami Town Council moved forward a contract for flood-related repairs and an appeal to FEMA’s denial of a major disaster declaration for the September and October floods. Councilmembers’ reports highlighted new committees forming, the Mackey Bridge replacement, and the Resolution Copper legal process.

Mayor to sign letter appealing FEMA decision

Miami will be appealing FEMA’s denial of a major disaster declaration for the storms and flooding of September and October 2025. A major disaster declaration from FEMA would allow the town to receive 90% reimbursement instead of 75% reimbursement for infrastructure projects resulting from the floods, which could amount to millions of dollars.

Town Manager Alexis Rivera presented a revised letter that made several corrections and updates to the draft, and it was expected that Mayor Madrid would sign it during the executive session after the meeting.

Flood damage repairs in Bechtel Tract area move forward

Council directed the town manager to sign a contract with JW Fansler Resources LLC for Bechtel Tract area repairs. Rivera presented two quotes for the repairs, emphasizing that the repairs are needed as soon as possible because the station was damaged during the September flood, and delays could cause the town to be exposed to potential ADEQ/EPA fines. 

The town anticipates reimbursement for these costs through DEMA, as well as some coverage through flood insurance.

Town Manager’s report highlights projects and grants

Rivera reported on several active projects and grant timelines. 

• The town is in the final phase of a blight grant proposal of about $1.5 million to be presented in the first week of February in conjunction with Atlas Engineering. 
• The town will begin a new grant cycle for the police department through the Arizona DHS, requesting funding for equipment, infrastructure, vehicles, and safety gear. 
• Upcoming RFPs include one for police department facilities work (HVAC, pool-related items, concession stand floor), roofing quotes for multiple town buildings damaged by storms, and an RFP in March for town roads and the senior center parking lot. 
• The town received funding for a comprehensive sewer line infrastructure study and has requested quotes.
• Mayor Madrid pointed out the need for a heating and cooling system at the senior center and at the library, and said the town has contingency money that could be spent on this. 

Mayor’s report focuses on Resolution Copper Hearing and strategic plan committees work session

Mayor Madrid spoke about attending a Phoenix court hearing involving Resolution Copper. He said attorneys for both sides argued strongly and that he was told a decision could take two months and possibly as long as a year. According to one attorney he spoke to, one justice appeared pro-Resolution, one anti, and the third uncertain. 

Mayor Madrid also summarized the outcomes from a discussion last Saturday, including plans to form committees to work on the blight program, housing initiatives, and a fact-finding process around potential annexation of Lower Miami and Claypool. That committee will handle surveying and a review of the state’s annexation manual. Mayor Madrid said the first step will be meeting with the town’s attorney to understand the legal “dos and don’ts.”

Councilman Medina highlights Mackey Bridge replacement

Councilman Medina said he had been confronted by a resident who was frustrated about delays replacing the washed-out Mackey Bridge. However, Medina said the delays might have been a “blessing in disguise,” given the scale of the historic flooding last fall and the damage to nearby infrastructure. Medina said, “Could you imagine if we had completed the new bridge before this historic flooding, and what a catastrophe it would have been?”

He suggested pursuing a bridge concept similar to one used in Superior, but built higher. In the meantime, he urged the town to work with Gila County to improve and maintain an older shortcut road to Cherry Flats as an emergency route so residents won’t be stranded. He closed with a personal local-history reflection on past KIKO radio shows and the region’s musical talent.

Councilman Gonzalez discusses police presence at MHS

Councilman Gonzalez spoke about the tragic New Year’s Eve incident in which a Miami High School student died, followed by threats at the high school. He commended the town manager for arranging beefed-up police presence at key times, including morning arrival, lunch, and after school. This is being coordinated with Gila County and involves other law enforcement presence, including task force/undercover.

Public comment

During public comment, two residents spoke. Noreen Crater of West Turner Street raised concerns about the town’s leadership, specifically absences from the strategic meeting held Saturday, Jan.10, which she felt showed a lack of full support for the town’s priorities. She also expressed concerns that Councilman Reiman made comments to a volunteer that she felt were unprofessional, inhospitable, and discouraging to volunteers at a time when Miami needs help. She also said many residents perceive the council as divided, and she feels visible disunity is a major obstacle to improvement. She urged council members to work together more effectively.

Ray Webb of South Miami Avenue commented about the Tom Foster Day event at Bullion Plaza, saying it went well. He suggested that some absences from the strategic meeting may have been due to council members and town staff helping with preparations for that event. He also shared personal memories of Tom Foster dating back to the 1980s, and credited Foster with doing meaningful work that benefited the town.

Motions approved

Council also approved the following motions:

• Payroll in the amount of $96,128.72 for Dec. 7, 2025, and $98,705.67 for Dec. 21, 2025.
• General demands for Nov. 28, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026, in the amount of $409,362.06
• Appointing Lisa Zaragosa (3-year term), Rick Hall (3-year term), Leanne Power (2-year term), Ray Webb (2-year term), and Rick Power (1-year term) to the town’s Design Review Board. Rivera explained that this effort dates back to the mid-2000s, originally tied to improving and guiding downtown development and the creation of a historic district. The board can advise on design standards and renovations in a way that maintains Miami’s historic character, and is separate from the facade program. Council assigned staggered terms in order to establish a rotation.
• Adjusting billing rates for legal services provided by Joe Estes, Town Attorney. Estes noted that the firm reviews its rates roughly every two to three years, and the last adjustment took place around 2023. Mayor Medina pointed out that the rate the town pays is favorable compared with what the firm charges other clients. Estes stated he works within the town’s established budget and uses other attorneys only when needed for coverage or specialized tasks.
• Increasing the authorized amount of an agreement with Wilson & Company for post-flood grant assistance services, pursuant to a cooperative purchasing contract task order. The contract amount was increased by $20,000, bringing the total contract to $100,000. A Wilson representative explained the added funds will support time-and-materials work to develop accurate cost line items and “access ways” for construction as the town prepares an EWP grant application due next week. He said the goal is to avoid underestimating and having to return again for additional funds, and emphasized that unused authorized amounts would not be billed.

Members of the Miami Town Council: Mayor Gil Madrid, Vice Mayor Sammy Gonzalez, and Council members Jose “Angel” Medina, Dan Moat, Don Reiman, Michael Sosh, and Phil Stewart. All members were in attendance at this meeting.

To view this meeting online, visit the Town of Miami channel on YouTube.

To view documents related to this meeting, visit miamiaz.gov online.