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MINUTES
MIUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BISBEE, COUNTY OF COCHISE, AND STATE OF ARIZONA, HELD ON TUESDAY,
JANUARY 20, 2026, AT 7:00 PM AT COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATED AT 118 ARIZONA
STREET, BISBEE, ARIZONA.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR BUDGE AT 7:00PM.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL
Councilmember Trish Damon, Ward III
Councilmember Pete Skinner, Ward II
Councilmember Karen Schumacher, Ward I
Mayor Ken Budge
Councilmember Lori Reynolds, Ward I
Councilmember Mel Sowid, Ward II
Councilmember Anna Cline, Ward III, Mayor Pro Tempore
STAFF
VACANT, City Manager
Ashlee Coronado, Interim City Manager / City Clerk
Keri Bagley, Finance Director
Matthew Gurney, Public Works Director
Logan Dodd, Operations Manager
Jay Ritchie, Deputy Police Chief
CITY ATTORNEY
Joseph Estes
INVOCATION: Mayor Budge called for a moment of silence for personal reflection.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MAYOR’S PROCLAMATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
• Acacia Barnett, Hattie B Black Women in Progress, spoke regarding the youth of Cochise
County.
• Beth Moorhouse, owner of the Bisbee Brownstone, spoke about her concern regarding the
500k shortfall in the city sales tax revenue.
• Mike Ablin spoke regarding acquisitions of real estate and asked questions.
• Nicole France, Bisbee resident, spoke on the foundational importance of transparency in order
to build trust and pleaded to get over this idea that any sort of disagreement was fundamentally
divisiveness.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE DISCUSSED, CONSIDERED, AND/OR DECIDED UPON AT
THIS MEETING:
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Subject to availability of funds.
MOTION: Councilmember Cline moved to approve accounts payable in the amount of $598,528.54.
SECOND: Councilmember Sowid
Councilmember Schumacher inquired about items on the accounts payable report, and staff responded.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
2. Approval of the Consent Agenda
A. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Session of Mayor and Council held on
Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
B. Approval of the Minutes of the Work Session of Mayor and Council held on Tuesday,
January 6, 2026.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
C. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Session of Mayor and Council held on Tuesday,
January 13, 2026.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
D. Approval of the Reappointment of Amparo Gonzalez to the Airport Advisory
Commission.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
E. Approval of a Park, Facility and Right-of-Way Use Permit for the use of City Park for
the Bisbee Anti-Folk Fest to be held Friday, March 27, 2026, through Saturday, March
28, 2026, from 12:00pm (Noon) to 11:59pm each day, Sarah Neubaum, Applicant.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
F. Approval of a Park, Facility and Right-of-Way Use Permit for the use of the City of
Bisbee Higgins Hill Park facilities, including the parking spaces and restroom/shower
facilities for the Desert Adventure Rally to be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, through
Sunday, April 12, 2026, Eva Rupert, Applicant.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
G. Approval of a Park, Facility and Right-of-Way Use Permit for the use of Vista Park for
Night of Miracles/National Night Out on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:00pm to
9:00pm, Alma Hickman, Applicant; with a request to waive fees.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
H. Approval of a Special Event Liquor License Application submitted by the Friends of
the Bisbee Animal Shelter for a Valentine’s Day Party to be held at Standard Waffle
located at 2-4 Shearer Ave, Bisbee, AZ. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 5:00pm
to 8:30pm; Kelly Galligan, Applicant.
Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk
Mayor Budge pulled item G because of a fee waiver request.
Councilmember Schumacher requested that item E regarding the park use permit for the Bisbee Anti-
Folk Fest. She had questions about the beer permit, asking about size limitations since the festival
expected about 100 people. She also noted the email address listed was for the Silver King, raising
concerns about whether a commercial entity could get a non-commercial beer permit.
Mr. Estes, City Attorney, explained that as long as they have the appropriate permit, it should be
acceptable, though he noted the city should look into requiring liability insurance for events where
alcohol was consumed on city property. The applicant had included host liquor coverage in their
application.
Councilmember Schumacher and Councilmember Skinner also expressed concerns about the event
running until midnight for two nights at City Park without a specified shutdown time, noting neighbors
should be notified. There were also questions about the lack of police or security for an event with
alcohol.
MOTION: Councilmember Cline moved to consent agenda items A, B, C, D, F, and H.
SECOND: Councilmember Damon MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION: Councilmember Schumacher moved to table Item E (the Anti-Folk Fest Permit) to get more
information from the applicant.
SECOND: Councilmember Skinner MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Regarding item G (Vista Park for Night of Miracles/National Night Out), Mayor Budge questioned
why the applicant would need 80 "no parking" signs. He stated he didn't mind waiving the $25 fee but
was concerned about the number of signs requested.
MOTION: Mayor Budge moved to table item G (Vista Park for Night of Miracles/National Night
Out), until they could get clarification from the applicant.
SECOND: Councilmember Skinner MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
OLD BUSINESS
3. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance O-26-02; Amending the City Code of the City of
Bisbee, Chapter 3.5 Procurement.
Melanie Greene, Interim Transit Manager
Ms. Greene noted that Council had approved the notice of intent for amending the procurement code at
the previous meeting, and tonight was their opportunity to discuss and approve it.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Skinner moved to approve Ordinance O-26-02; Amending the City Code
of the City of Bisbee, Chapter 3.5 Procurement.
SECOND: Councilmember Cline
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmember Damon, Skinner, Schumacher, Reynolds, Sowid, Cline and Mayor Budge
NAYS: 0
MOTION PASSED: AYES-7 NAYS-0
NEW BUSINESS
4. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance O-26-03; Authorizing the Sale and Transfer of
certain surplus city property being an unaddressed parcel located adjacent to APN 101-12-082H.
Emanuel Stuart, City Planner
Mr. Stuart explained that at the December 16, 2025, council meeting, the council had designated the
property as surplus and set a minimum acceptable bid at $10,400. The auction was conducted, and Mr.
Roupe was the successful bidder. This ordinance would authorize the sale and transfer of the property
to complete the transaction.
Councilmember Skinner asked for clarification, noting he had thought the deal was completed at the
auction.
Mr. Estes explained that all transfers of property must be done by ordinance, so after approving the
sale and accepting the bid, they now needed to authorize the transfer through this formal process.
MOTION: Councilmember Skinner moved to approve Ordinance O-26-03; Authorizing the Sale and
Transfer of certain Surplus City Property being an unaddressed parcel located adjacent to APN 101-
12-082H.
SECOND: Councilmember Cline
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Councilmember Damon, Skinner, Schumacher, Reynolds, Sowid, Cline and Mayor Budge
NAYS: 0
MOTION PASSED: AYES-7 NAYS-0
5. Discussion and Possible Approval of the contract amendment #2 of Professional Services
Agreement with Westland Engineering & Environmental Services.
Matthew Gurney, Public Works Director
Mr. Gurney presented a contract amendment for Westland Engineering and Environmental Services,
which was working on the Old Bisbee sewer lateral project that has been ongoing since before 2015.
The amendment would update their rate fees, as the last increase was in 2023.
Mr. Gurney explained they are breaking the project into smaller sections and creating a sample project
for ADEQ to determine if they can place some lines above ground in certain locations, as Bisbee's
unique terrain presents challenges for regulatory approvals.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Schumacher moved to approve the contract amendment #2 of the
Professional Services Agreement with Westland Engineering & Environmental Services.
SECOND: Councilmember Cline MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
6. Discussion and Possible Approval of a Contract with ClearSpan for the Purchase and Installation
of a Pre-Engineered Metal Building Package for the City of Bisbee Sanitation/Recycling
Department under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract #071223-CSS, in the amount of
$176,976.54.
Matthew Gurney, Public Works Director
Mr. Gurney requested approval to enter into a contract with ClearSpan under a Sourcewell cooperative
purchasing contract for a 60' x 80' pre-engineered metal building. The project had been budgeted in the
previous year but was moved to the current budget. The building would be located on city property
across from the county transfer station, It would house both of the city's balers and provide covered
storage for recycled materials, especially bales that can be devalued when wet from rain or snow. Mr.
Gurney noted that the recycling program has operated for 20 years with inadequate facilities.
Councilmember Sowid asked about additional operational costs since they would be separate from the
county facility.
Mr. Gurney confirmed those costs would be included in the next budget, noting the total budgeted
amount for the project was $215,000, with $45,000 remaining for concrete work.
Mr. Gurney mentioned that the concrete pad would likely be constructed by city staff to save money.
He also informed the Council that there are now cardboard recycling dumpsters in Old Bisbee, with
plans to place more throughout town. Mr. Gurney noted that many people from outside city limits
purchase recycling vouchers to use Bisbee's recycling services, as it's one of the few recycling
operations in the region.
MOTION: Councilmember Cline moved to approve a contract with ClearSpan for the purchase and
installation of a 60' x 80' pre-engineered metal building under Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing in
the amount of $176,976.54.
SECOND: Councilmember Sowid MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
7. Discussion and Possible Approval to have RH Borden complete an Acoustic Assessment of the
remaining sewer line pipes utilizing SL-RAT.
Matthew Gurney, Public Works Director
Mr. Gurney explained that RH Borden uses equipment that sends sound waves through sewer pipes to
detect blockages or breaks. The process involves placing equipment in manholes to detect issues in the
pipes between them. They had previously completed most of the town in 2024, and this would finish
the remaining sections.
The acoustic assessment also includes manhole inspections and provides all data on a GIS system,
which gives the city its first comprehensive mapping of the sewer system.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
The assessment has already helped identify several collapsed pipes and issues with rainwater
infiltration. In some areas, over 100 gallons per minute of rainwater entered the system during rain
events.
Mr. Gurney noted that following this assessment, he plans to put out a bid for CCTV, scanning the
entire Old Bisbee collection system to get a more detailed view of problem areas. This would help
prioritize repairs to prevent overflows into Mill Gulch.
MOTION: Councilmember Reynolds moved to approve having RH Borden complete the acoustic
assessment.
SECOND: Councilmember Sowid MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
8. Discussion and Possible Approval for the Bisbee Arts Commission to pay Luke Oldfield in the
amount of $100.00 for the delivery and operation of support structure for the kids New Year’s Eve
ball drop.
Karen Schumacher, Bisbee Arts Commission Liaison
Councilmember Schumacher explained that there were a few lingering costs from the New Year's Eve
events. The Arts Commission held two New Year's Eve celebrations, including one for children at 9:00
PM at Jonquil. Luke Oldfield provided support for the children's ball drop. Schumacher noted that
these funds come from money raised by the Arts Commission.
MOTION: Councilmember Skinner moved to approve the Bisbee Arts Commission to pay Luke
Goldfield in the amount of $100 for the delivery and operation of support structure for the kids New
Year's Eve ball drop.
SECOND: Councilmember Cline MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
9. Discussion and Possible Approval for the Bisbee Arts Commission to pay Rene Johnson in the
amount of $250.00 for the subwoofer and wash lights delivery and rental for the Flam Chen NYE
Performance.
Karen Schumacher, Bisbee Arts Commission Liaison
Councilmember Schumacher explained this was the last expense from the New Year's Eve events,
covering the subwoofer and wash lights for the Flam Chen performance. She reiterated that these
funds come from money raised by the Arts Commission.
MOTION: Councilmember Reynolds moved to approve the Bisbee Arts Commission to pay Rene
Johnson in the amount of $250.00 for the subwoofer and wash lights delivery and rental for the Flam
Chen NYE Performance.
SECOND: Councilmember Sowid MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
10. Discussion and Possible Approval of a recommendation from the Bisbee Arts Commission to fund
a grant application for Bruce Syrett in the amount of $500.00 from the Bisbee Arts Commission
Fund.
Karen Schumacher, Bisbee Arts Commission Liaison
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
Councilmember Schumacher presented the grant application from Bruce Syrett for a Bisbee Dark
Skies show, noting that one of the artists is Steve Pauken. The $500 would be used to enlarge their
work and install it for a show featuring dark skies images. She mentioned that the show would open on
February 14th at the Carriage House Gallery in Warren.
MOTION: Councilmember Sowid moved to approve the Bisbee Arts Commission to fund a grant
application for Bruce Syrett in the amount of $500.00 from the Bisbee Arts Commission Fund.
SECOND: Councilmember Skinner MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
11. Discussion and Possible Direction related to a Destination Marketing Organization Contract with
Bisbee Forward and Possible Approval of a Notice of Solicitation for a Destination Marketing
Organization.
Ken Budge, Mayor
Mayor Budge explained that this agenda item had two parts. The first was to rescind the previous offer
to Bisbee Forward to negotiate a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) contract. He explained
that he had made a mistake in offering this without following proper procurement procedures, as city
code 3.5.4 requires expenditures over $5,000 to go through a formal process.
Mayor Budge took ownership of the error, explaining that he had initially suggested that Bisbee
Forward become the city's full DMO rather than just an advisory group. However, upon review, the
city attorney determined they needed to follow proper procurement procedures.
During public comment, several speakers addressed the issue. Beth Morehouse suggested creating an
oversight committee of stakeholders for any DMO. Sarah Prochnau from Bisbee Forward expressed
disappointment with the process and questioned the language in the RFP. Cynthia Conroy spoke about
the city's long history of successful tourism efforts. Liza Kovach emphasized the urgency of
addressing declining tourism revenue, noting the $500,000 shortfall and the importance of tourism
dollars to local businesses.
Mayor Budge addressed the financial concerns, stating that according to December financials, the city
was actually $200,000 ahead in revenue compared to the previous year, though tourism revenue was
down.
MOTION: Mayor Budge moved to rescind the offer to Bisbee Forward.
SECOND: Councilmember Skinner MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Council then discussed the second part—whether to approve a notice of solicitation for a DMO.
Several council members, including Reynolds and Schumacher, suggested holding a work session
before issuing the RFP to better determine what the city wanted from a DMO.
MOTION: Councilmember Schumacher moved to send the notice of solicitation to a work session for
further discussion.
SECOND: Councilmember Sowid MOTION PASSED: 6/1 (Budge)
12. Discussion and possible Direction related to the acquisition of the Fair Building.
Ken Budge, Mayor
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
Mayor Budge introduced the potential acquisition of the Fair Building, explaining that city staff had
conducted preliminary inspections of the building, including assessments by the building inspector,
fire inspector, an on-call engineer, and their architect. A report from the building inspector listed only
minor issues such as hanging fire extinguishers and replacing some electrical receptacles.
Mayor Budge noted that the roof was in good condition and the building had new air conditioning and
heating. Some work would be needed on windows and stairwells, but nothing major. The Finance
Director had prepared a budget showing that operating a visitor center would cost about $112,000 per
year, with an additional $15,000 in utilities if moved to the Fair Building.
Doug Dunn, Vice President of the Restoration Museum, explained that he had initiated discussions
about potentially deeding the Fair Building to the city for use as a visitor center. Built in 1902 and
designed by Frederick Urst, the building was on the National Historic Sites Register. The museum's
board of directors had encouraged him to move forward with this proposal.
Mr. Dunn detailed recent improvements to the building, including updated HVAC, an ADA-compliant
restroom, and completely updated electrical systems. He also mentioned that the museum currently
collects $50-100 per day in admissions and owns nine parking spaces that could generate income. The
proposal would dedicate a 14' by 42' area on the left side of the building for a visitor center, which
would operate alongside the museum.
During public comment, Amy Burkert expressed concern about taking on another historic building
when the Copper Queen Library building needs significant repairs. Fred Miller opposed the
acquisition, noting that the city already owns 170 properties, including at least 15 substantial
buildings, and arguing that bed tax money should be used for bringing visitors to Bisbee, not building
maintenance. Cynthia Conroy supported the acquisition, citing the building's valuable location on
Main Street and the services it could provide to visitors.
MOTION: Mayor Budge moved to proceed with negotiations with the Restoration Museum board to
draw up a contract for potential transfer, conduct additional inspections including a sewer scope, and
bring all information back to council for a final decision.
SECOND: Councilmember Damon MOTION PASSED: 6/1 (Schumacher)
The council discussed the need for a structural engineer's assessment and clarification about
ownership, with City Attorney Estes explaining that the city would want both a deed transferring
ownership and a lease agreement specifying the museum's continued use of parts of the building.
13. City Manager’s Report:
• Interim City Manager Ashlee Coronado announced that the Moon Canyon project would
start on February 2. The project will turn the intersection into a four-way stop and involve
partial closure of the bridge, with one half remaining open for traffic in both directions.
ADOT will create a page for updates on the project's status.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL January 20, 2026
COUNCIL COMMENTS OR FUTURE AGENDA ITEM SUGGESTIONS: (Council members may
suggest topics for future meeting agendas, but Council will not here discuss, deliberate, or take any
action on these topics.):
Mayor Budge stated that, as there was nothing else before this Council this meeting was adjourned.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:32PM
___________________________
Ken Budge, Mayor
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