Freeport-McMoran pledges $2 million to establish a Globe-Miami Resilience Fund

The Miami Town Council convened on September 22,  opening with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation seeking guidance and wisdom for community leadership. During the consent agenda, council members unanimously approved several items:

• Minutes from the August 30th work session and the September 8th regular meeting
• Town of Miami payroll for August 31 – totaling $94,860.75
• Special Event Liquor License application for Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church for the 2025 Annual Church Fiesta to be held on Sunday, November 9th
• Mayor Madrid proclaimed October 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The council also approved general demands of $50,894.12 for the period of August 29th through September 11th.

Town Manager Alexis Rivera reported that Miami expects confirmation of an $80,000 grant to study downtown wastewater lines and foundations. 

The town is also pursuing additional funding for the police department to acquire the necessary equipment for dispatch services to resume. An emergency purchase of a new air conditioning unit was also made for the police department.

Freeport-McMoRan has pledged $2 million to establish the Globe-Miami Resilience Fund, designed to support the community's needs. Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey that will guide the priorities for the fund. The public should receive a flyer with a QR code and hyperlink to use for completing the survey.

Upcoming Events:

• October 4th, 9 AM-6 PM: Town of Miami Mining Expo
• October 10th, 12 PM-2 PM: Miami High School Homecoming Parade (followed by the homecoming game that evening). Would you like to enter a float? Contact Joy Wilson for information.
• October 10th: Burger Burn
• October 11th: Town of Miami Car Show
• November 9th 9 AM-7 PM: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church’s Annual Church Fiesta

Mayor Madrid stated that Desert Fox plans to begin mining in the old Miami Mine. A meeting is scheduled with Desert Fox’s president on October 7th to receive more information regarding this.

Neighborhood Watch: Three new signs are being created. Also, on October 10th, Tim Humphrey will be speaking regarding vacant houses in the area.

During the Call to the Public, there was praise on the progress of the housing initiative that is being led by Councilman Stewart. The survey draft has been completed, identifying about 45 homes that are abandoned/dilapidated and, for safety reasons, are being considered for removal. Note: This initiative is not applicable to homes occupied by the public. 

The council discussed the renewal of the PHI Cares Emergency Air Medical Membership program, which costs the town $5,311.25 annually and provided three to five local air medical transports this year. Council members questioned the program’s overall value, but noted it ensures emergency coverage for Miami residents and ultimately approved the renewal. 

Globe Mayor, Al Gameros, commented on the benefits of PHI and stated that they also encourage their residents to consider potential supplemental coverage with other emergency air transports such as Banner Air or Native Air, in the event PHI is unavailable for immediate air transport during an emergency. This would aid in residents being covered for their transport, rather than receiving a large bill.

In New Business:

• Richard Huerta, Class of ’73 alumnus, presented on the donation of a flagpole and flags to be placed on M Hill. The donation was from the Omega Frances Charities, whose CEO is Clarence Miles Chappell (Chappy). The charity provides services and outreach to Veterans who have PTSD, are homeless, or are suffering from drug addiction or require mental health support.
• Town Manager Alexis Rivera discussed the adoption of a Notice of Intent to increase wastewater and sanitation rates and set December 8th as the date for a public hearing on the proposed increase. This increase will be approximately $29, as it is not being implemented in small increments yearly. Moving forward, Councilman Medina advised that these types of increases should be implemented in small amounts annually, if needed. Council approved the proposed date for the public hearing.
• Town Manager Alexis Rivera also brought to the council the proposal to authorize an application to the Arizona Smart Fund to support design and engineering for the Complete Streets Project. Council approved.