Development News for Coolidge, Arizona

Kulage Council Approves Public Defender Services, Adult Center Remodel, and Staffing Adjustments

The council discussed and approved several items related to city staffing and services. Item 4 involved approving a letter of agreement with Vincent Manolei for public defender services for the municipal court from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Item 8 concerned adding a part-time court security guard position. Item 5 approved unfrozen Capital Improvement Plan funds ($26,780) for remodeling the adult center bathrooms, with GLE General Construction LLC selected and a waiver of the sealed bid process. Item 6 approved an employee staffing agreement with Educational Services LLC (ESI) for the Encore program (formerly RetireRhine) for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, allowing retirees to work for up to a year as ESI employees without impacting their retirement benefits, though cost details were initially unclear. Item 7 approved adding a deputy clerk position, reclassifying an existing administrative assistant to allow her to pursue certifications (CMC) and potentially move into the clerk's role in the future, with the administrative assistant position remaining vacant.

Kulage Council Seeks Proposition 202 Grant Funds for Public Works and Fire Department Equipment

The council approved the submission of applications for Proposition 202 grant funds from various Native American communities. Item 9 involves applying for $17,367 from the Ain Indian Committee to purchase 91 first aid kits and 10 Narcan kits for the Kulage Public Works Department. Item 10 seeks $13,024 from the Toota ODM engine community to purchase a four-door Polaris Ranger vehicle for accessing brush fires and use during special events for the Kulage Fire Department. Item 11, referencing Resolution 26-12, applies for Prop 202 grant funds from the Toto ODM Indian community (amount not specified in this item's description) to purchase a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a service bed uplift for the Public Works liquid waste department.

Kulage Chamber of Commerce Reports March Membership Growth and Upcoming Community Events

The Kulage Chamber of Commerce provided its monthly report for March, highlighting new members, renewals, visitor statistics, and upcoming events. Two new members joined: Energy Transfer and Dadbod Garage. Sixteen members renewed their memberships, including prominent local businesses and organizations. Visitor numbers for March were 550 local, 26 instate, 12 out of state, and 4 foreign, with year-to-date totals also provided. The report also detailed visitor numbers for the Casa Grande Ruins, Panal Geology and Mineral Museum, and DAV Museum. Updates included successful events like 'Mom's Event,' the 'Child Care Gap Forum,' and the 'City Candidate Forum.' Upcoming events listed were Lynn's retirement open house, a partnership breakfast, the resource roundup, a membership luncheon, the Tri-City Expo, and Father's Day.

Kulage Council Discusses Adult Center Improvements and Confirms Plans for San Carlos Park

Council Member Thompson expressed his appreciation for the work done to improve the adult center, specifically mentioning the remodeling of the bathrooms. He inquired if San Carlos Park would also receive similar attention. City staff confirmed that San Carlos Park is planned for bathroom upgrades in the upcoming budget. Thompson reiterated his support for the adult center improvements, noting its importance as a potential community shelter during extreme weather events, especially with the recent installation of a generator. He emphasized the good work done by the city staff.