Updates on PD accreditation, McCormick Wash flood risk highlight Council’s July 29 meeting

Police Department pursues state accreditation

Police Chief Dale Walters provided an in-depth update on the Globe Police Department’s pursuit of full accreditation through the state-run Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ALEAP). Chief Walters explained that accreditation is a rigorous, ongoing process that ensures departments adhere to professional standards and best practices. 

Chief Walters noted that he has led the PD for nearly seven years. During that time, he has overhauled the department by updating policies, modernizing facilities, enhancing training, and strengthening community involvement and partnerships. Walters said all this effort has prepared the PD to pursue accreditation now.

The push for accreditation had already begun in 2015 with an external review that outlined critical areas for reform, most of which were still unmet when Chief Walters took over in 2018. 

Chief Walters credited his department’s efforts, including expanded community outreach programs like the SRO program, DARE, bike rodeos, and a family advocacy center, as evidence of a cultural and operational transformation.

He emphasized that ALEAP accreditation is a long and arduous process, and once achieved, it still requires continuous policy review and compliance. One benefit is that this ongoing need to maintain accreditation creates long-term accountability. 

“If you get a person with my experience, they can come in and make positive change…but how do you maintain that? The solution to that, for me, was accreditation.” Chief Dale Walters

The department recently completed a mock assessment with 100% compliance. Two on-site assessors will visit next week to verify that the department's daily operations match its written standards. If successful, Globe PD is expected to receive its ALEAP accreditation in late September.

Walters requested two things from the council: first, to consider amending the city code to make accreditation a requirement for all future police chiefs, ensuring high standards remain institutionalized. Councilman Rios expressed support for this, and City Manager Paul Jepson said City staff have already been talking about updating City code to include it.

Second, Chief Walters recommended that the city re-engage the Public Safety Strategies Group, which conducted the 2015 assessment, to confirm that the previously identified shortcomings have now been addressed. Mayor Gameros said he will recommend a new assessment.

“At the end of the day, forces us to always provide best practice. Whatever that is - if it’s use of force, if it’s pursuits, if it’s our commitment to the community, if it’s the way we train, whatever the case may be, we are following best practices at all times.” Chief Dale Walters

Chief Walters also asked everyone listening to provide community input on how well the PD is doing its job. There is a link on the department’s Facebook page and on the PD’s website that allows people to comment online. 

He urged people, especially young people and retirees, to attend the Citizens Academy, as it helps them understand what the Police Department does.

Chief Walters said he should know by next Friday whether the department will receive accreditation. 

Update on McCormick Wash flood risk management study

Connie Callaway, Globe’s Grants Manager, presented a major update on the McCormick Wash Tunnel Flood Risk Management Project, a critical flood mitigation effort that began in 2023 with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Connie presented a map showing the diversion channel, located northeast of Copper Rim, which is designed to send water to Copper Hills. The map also showed how, if the diversion channel were to fail, flooding would flow all the way down to Broad Street, including through the post office. Because this is a federal building, the project is critical for the Army Corps. 

Connie emphasized that this is not a hypothetical threat but a matter of “when, not if.” It would be a catastrophic event that would have a profoundly negative impact on businesses and residents in the areas surrounding Broad Street.

“This isn’t about if it’s going to happen, it’s about when it’s going to happen. And as you and I know, we can’t predict the weather and we can’t predict this flow.” Grants Manager Connie Callaway

The feasibility study will cost $3 million, with a required 50/50 cost share between the city and federal government. Globe’s share totals $1.5 million. The City will receive $100,000 in federal support under the CAP program, and is expecting an additional $400,000 from a Congressional appropriations bill backed by Senators Kelly and Gallegos. If that bill passes, the city’s remaining obligation would be $1 million.

The City’s contract with the Army Corps requires payments over the next three fiscal years. Only $25,000 is due in the current budget cycle; however, the City would need to pay $475,000 on July 1, 2026, $500,000 on August 1, 2027, and an additional $500,000 on August 1, 2028. 

Callaway presented three options for funding the study: a possible WIFA loan for fiscal year 2026, drawing from City funds for fiscal year 2027, and/or exploring opportunities for federal funding in fiscal year 2028. Jepson expressed confidence that this funding commitment is manageable.

“If you have businesses in the North Broad area, the downtown area, you’re going to see major flooding if that tunnel were to collapse and not divert the water to Copper Hills.” City Manager Paul Jepson

Jepson pointed out that City staff have already been aggressively working toward a resolution on this issue and also to minimize the financial impact of the study on residents. He also said that this project is unique in that it falls outside the Corps’ usual work, and they took it on as an exception due to the risk to the post office and the population in the area.

Bed tax program revamp includes support for leadership and capacity-building

Linda Oddonetto, the city’s assistant manager, presented a comprehensive new approach to supporting local nonprofit organizations that receive funding through the city’s bed tax program. 

The updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City and the bed tax organizations (BTOs) includes revised funding distribution timelines, reporting expectations, and a new three-year capacity-building initiative designed to help these groups grow, lead effectively, and deliver results.

The city partners with five BTOs: the Center for the Arts, the Downtown Association, the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation, the Gila County Historical Museum, and the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce. 

Under the new MOU, bed tax funds will now be distributed twice a year, rather than quarterly, with requests due to be submitted in the spring (by March 31) and fall (by June 30) for the prior half of the fiscal year. 

To qualify for funding, each organization must meet reporting requirements, including submitting annual budgets and board rosters and making quarterly updates as necessary. BTOs are each also required to develop a three-year capacity development plan, with support from the City.

“This agreement highlights the importance of working together - that we’re in it together.” Mayor Al Gameros 

BTOs are invited to share updates and upcoming events at council meetings by submitting council agenda items, which can help promote BTOs’ activities. Council will also notify BTOs if there are upcoming agenda items that affect them.

The capacity-building piece is a major innovation in the new MOU. To support the BTOs, the city will bring in ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation to deliver tailored training sessions beginning in October. These three-day, quarterly workshops will support 29 organizations—including BTOs and United Fund recipients—with a curriculum focusing on leadership, succession planning, resource development, board governance, and strategic planning. 

To help organizations develop their own three-year capacity plans, ASU facilitators will be available to provide both group instruction and one-on-one support. Oddonetto said the training series will evolve over the three years based on feedback from participating groups. The training sessions are being provided in collaboration with the United Fund of Globe-Miami and Freeport-McMoRan.

Oddonetto emphasized that many local nonprofits face common rural challenges: small staff, limited funding, and aging leadership. The goal of the ASU-led trainings is not only to improve current operations but also to prepare the next generation of nonprofit leaders. 

Liaison roles set for bed tax organizations

In a related discussion, Council members reaffirmed their commitment to serve as liaisons to bed tax organizations.

Jepson explained that while these liaison roles are not codified, they are an important part of the city’s MOU with the bed tax organizations. Council members confirmed whether they wished to continue in their roles or offer to rotate out.

• Mayor Gameros affirmed his commitment to the Southern Gila County EDC, where he has previously served as board chair and continues to sit on the executive board. He noted that the organization is in a phase of restructuring and looks forward to future training opportunities.

• Councilman Mariano Gonzalez opted to continue serving as liaison to the Downtown Association, expressing admiration for the group’s ability to organize numerous public events despite limited resources. “It’s a challenging environment that they exist in,” he said, “and it’s amazing how they pull it off.”

• Councilman Jesse Leetham noted major strides made by the Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he was elected board president. The chamber has implemented a new strategic plan, shifted to a member-focused structure, and developed new revenue streams such as advertising through the community marquee.

• Councilman Fernando Shipley expressed appreciation for the hard-working volunteers at the Gila County Historical Society and stated his willingness to continue as liaison—“if they’re willing to keep me.”

• Councilman Freddy Rios offered an apology to the Center for the Arts for being unable to sustain consistent engagement due to longstanding evening commitments as a high school coach. While open to continuing in the role if the organization is supportive, Rios welcomed the possibility of another council member stepping in. Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton stated his availability.

Councilman Mike Pastor, who has recently retired, also stated that he is now available and willing to step into a liaison role or fill in as needed in the future.

Motions approved

Council also approved motions for the following:

• Accounts payable in the amount of $1,689,867.60. Mayor Gameros explained the higher-than-usual figure was due to the report covering a three-week period instead of the typical two, as well as several large payments, including $122,000 in bed tax distributions, payments of $232,000 to Arizona Eastern Railroad and $245,000 to Meridian for bridge work, $114,000 to the Arizona Municipal Risk Pool, $352,000 to Blue Cross Blue Shield, and $92,000 to Phoenix Water Solutions.

• Adoption of FY25–26 property tax rate of $1.1892 per $100 assessed valuation. This is a slight reduction from the prior rate. Although property values have increased, the council’s goal was to keep tax burdens steady for residents by adjusting the rate downward. According to Jepson, the total expected levy is $545,264.

• Ratifying a letter supporting the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Resolution Copper Land Exchange.

• Awarding two contracts to Alliance Service Control Specialists relating to Booster #4: One in the amount of $840 for diagnostics, and a second in the amount of $1,973.51 for replacement of fuses and performing start-up activities.

• Awarding a third contract, in the amount of $1,710, to Alliance Service Control Specialists to troubleshoot SCADA system warnings at the Cutter Wells site.

• Awarding a contract in the amount of $1,390.99 to Smyth Industries to conduct troubleshooting at the Crestline Booster Station.

• Approving a change order to a contract with Easton Electrical for the Wastewater Electrical Installation Project in the amount of $1,290. Vince Mariscal, the City’s Assistant Public Works Operations Director, explained that the funds will cover safety upgrades and outlet improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

• Approving a new sign package for McSpadden Collision Center, located at 726 N. Broad Street, within the Historic Preservation Overlay District (with Council sitting as the Historic Preservation Commission).

• Granting ±1,560 sq ft for private driveway and sewer easement to Elliston Equities LLC on parcel 208-03-225C. The easement allows for the installation and maintenance of a grease interceptor adjacent to the former Copper Hen building, now under renovation. Due to the building's placement along lot lines, there was no viable space on-site for the equipment.

• Declaring City policy not to indemnify private for-profit entities for their own negligence in contractual agreements. Jepson explained that this policy reinforces Arizona’s constitutional “gift clause,” which prohibits using public funds to benefit private entities without equal value in return. The resolution gives staff clearer legal backing to City staff when negotiating contracts with private-sector partners.

• Designating the City of Globe as a Destination Marketing Organization for FY 2025–2026. This status enables the city to partner with the Arizona Office of Tourism and access discounted advertising opportunities. Marketing Specialist Melissa Steele emphasized the city’s ongoing work to promote Globe through strategic year-round campaigns. Councilman Jesse Leetham proposed extending the designation to a biennial term, which was included in the approved motion.

• Appointment of Rodriguo Garcia Ortiz to the Historical Preservation Advisory Commission. Jepson noted that Ortiz has worked with the city on key projects like the library. The commission currently has only four members and is actively seeking more.

• Approving four public water utility easements as part of two state-funded water improvement projects managed by ADEQ, aimed at providing clean water to areas with PFAS (forever chemicals) contamination. Travis Ashbaugh, the City’s Assistant Public Works Planning Director, explained that the projects are fully funded and administered by ADEQ, with no cost to the city. The city’s role is to accept the easements and connect the new lines to its municipal water system.The easements include: 

• An easement for a new water line to serve the August Hills Trailer Park. The park’s contaminated well is being replaced by a city-supplied water line with a master meter and backflow preventer. The property is outside city limits, so Globe will handle billing at the standard out-of-city rate.

• Three easements at the HAV (Palmer) Mobile Home Park and surrounding properties off Upper Pinal Creek Road, including the Palmer property, Garcia property, and Robin Broz property, pending the owner’s approval. An easement for a fourth property was tabled at the property owner’s request. A two-inch meter is being installed at the Palmer property, but the service line has to pass through the other properties, so easements are needed for all of them.

Members of the Globe City Council: Mayor Al Gameros, Vice Mayor Mike Stapleton (District 4), and Council members Freddy Rios (District 1), Mike Pastor (District 2), Jesse Leetham (District 3), Mariano Gonzalez (District 5), and Fernando Shipley (District 6). All members were in attendance at this meeting. Councilman Leetham attended remotely.

To view this meeting online, visit City Council Meeting - July 29, 2025

To view documents related to this meeting, click here. 

Full minutes can be found by going to the City Hall website at https://www.globeaz.gov/government and clicking on Agendas/Minutes in the bottom left-hand corner.

The Globe City Council meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are currently open to the public at 50% capacity. Members of the public are requested to wear a mask except when seated. Seating is limited to allow for social distancing.

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