On the agenda: Taylor Minutes — Flock camera (Aug 6)

TAYLOR TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Thursday August 6, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Town Hall
425 Papermill Road
Taylor, Arizona

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Mayor
Shawn Palmer
Vice-Mayor
Bill Baldwin
Council Members
Jason Brubaker
Sherry Cosper Duke
Kris Neff
Lynn DeWitt
April Williams

Pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431-02, notice is hereby given to Taylor Town Council and to the general public that a public meeting will be held at the
Taylor Town Hall on the date listed above.
The Town Council may adjourn into executive session, which will not be open to the public, to discuss certain matters in accordance with
A.R.S. 38-431-03; A.3 consultation for legal advice with the Town Attorney; A.4 consultation with the Town Attorney regarding possible
litigation.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Town of Taylor endeavors to make its meetings accessible to persons with
disabilities. Please advise the Town Clerk’s office at (928) 536-7366 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting for accommodation.
Town meetings notices and agendas are posted in the Taylor Post Office, 25 S. Main Street; the Taylor Town Hall,
and the Town of Taylor website www.tayloraz.org

CALL ORDER: Mayor Shawn Palmer called the meeting to order @ 7:00 pm
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Shawn Palmer, Kris Neff, Sherry Cosper Duke,
Vice Mayor Bill Baldwin, Jason Brubaker, April Williams
STAFF PRESENT: Town Clerk Marcie Pawlik, Town Manager Gus Lundberg, Fire Chief Willie Nelson,
Police Chief Bobby Martin, Josh McGinnis Zoning Administrator, Sara Ramsay Parks and Rec Director,
Richard Troutman Streets Supervisor,
VISITORS: See List
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Jackie Hayes
INVOCATION: John Hayes
CALL TO THE PUBLIC: Public may comment on matters within Town jurisdiction but not on the agenda, subject to reasonable

time and decorum. Council will take no action on matters presented. Council may respond to criticism, ask staff to review a matter, or
direct staff to include the matter on a future agenda. (A.R.S. 38-431.01H)

Jack Babb, representing the Navajo County Fair, provided an update on the upcoming 95th Annual Fair beginning
September 26th. He highlighted planned activities including the rodeo, livestock shows, carnival, and Junior
Livestock Sale. Fair books are available at Town Hall, and forms for livestock add-ons and buckle sponsorships
were left with Town Clerk Marcie Pawlik. Babb noted that the fair originally began in Taylor and is now held in
Holbrook, with this year’s fair recognizing its 95th year along with the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the
250th birthday of the United States.
Russell Hayes, a Taylor resident and software engineer, expressed concerns regarding the Flock camera system
and its AI-powered vehicle recognition and data collection capabilities. He encouraged the Council to consider the
technology’s potential future expansion and raised concerns regarding privacy and Fourth Amendment
protections. Hayes urged the Council to reject or discontinue the system to protect individual privacy and liberty.
Danielle Nelson, owner of Plant People Heal and an educational consultant, expressed concerns regarding the
Flock camera system, including data collection, third-party access, potential legal liability, and the reliability of AI
technology. She emphasized the importance of human oversight when using automated systems and encouraged
reliance on local law enforcement and community involvement rather than surveillance technology.
Renee Rowles, a resident of West Shumway, requested that the Town investigate road and drainage conditions on
Freedom Lane. She stated that residents have paid property taxes since the area was annexed in 1986 but have not
received road maintenance or other public services. Rowles described deteriorating culverts, drainage issues,
erosion, and concerns regarding safe access for residents, emergency services, and garbage trucks.

CONSENT AGENDA

All items listed below are considered routine and uncontroversial. Consent agenda is considered a single item and may be approved by a single motion to approve the Consent
Agenda. Any single item removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of the Council, may be considered as a separate item.

A. Approve Council Minutes of July 2, 2026
B. Approve Check Register July 2026
Motion made by Council Member Bill Baldwin to Approve the Consent Agenda as Presented.
Second by Sherry Cosper Duke
Motion passed; Unanimous

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

1. Discussion and Action Regarding Planning and Zoning Commission Request for Direction from Council
Josh McGinnis, Planning and Zoning Administrator

Requested directions from the council regarding the revision of the current general plan.
Council members are to review a letter and provide feedback.
The P&Z team is currently reviewing the first 13 pages of the general plan and plans to review the town code
afterward to address conflicting codes.
Council members requested hard copies of the general plan in a binder, to be provided by "first of next week at the
latest."
A joint meeting between the P&Z Commission and Council was suggested after the Council has discussed and
provided initial directions, potentially as a "luncheon or sit-down work session." The P&Z team expects to review
the general plan "pretty quick," potentially four separate meetings for the first 13 pages. Council members
emphasized taking their time and preparing thoroughly.
Key Elements for a General Plan Mayor Shawn Palmer Community vision, population growth planning, water
resources, wastewater, sewer, streets and transportation (including "other veins to help alleviate the traffic"), parks
and recreation, economic development, housing, emergency services, public buildings, utilities, schools, open
spaces and agriculture, historic preservation, environmental studies, stewardship, community health, quality of
life, fiscal sustainability, citizen engagement, and implementation.
NO ACTION

2. Discussion and Action Regarding Upcoming Taylor Sweet Corn Festival Activities

Charlotte Hatch, Chamber Director, provided an update on the upcoming Sweet Corn Festival, scheduled for
Labor Day weekend. She reported that the Chamber continues to serve as both the Chamber of Commerce and
Visitor Center, handling 1,173 calls and assisting 603 visitors from January through July. The Sweet Corn
Festival, which has been a community tradition for approximately 40 years, will include the “Fields of Freedom”
parade, a run, blacksmithing demonstrations, entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors. Hatch
noted that the event attracts many out-of-town visitors and that vendors have reported strong sales at the festival.
She also clarified that an inaccurate flyer circulating online advertising lawnmower races and fireworks was not an
official festival advertisement.
Council discussed expanding the festival by adding evening activities at the arena, including possible junior rodeo
events such as mutton busting, barrel racing, and other rodeo activities. Council directed staff to proceed with
planning arena events beginning approximately 6:00–7:00 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at approximately
8:30 p.m. The additional activities would extend the festival beyond its current 4:00 p.m. ending time, encourage
vendors to remain later, and keep visitors in town for the evening. Council also discussed the possibility of a ranch
rodeo and drone show for the future Sweet Corn Festival, with a proposed budget for a drone show to be brought
back for consideration.
NO ACTION
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3. Presentation of Fire Hydrant Decorating Contest Winners

Sara Ramsay, Recreation Director, provided an update on recreation activities and community participation.
Ramsay reported that the fire hydrant decorating contest was successfully implemented this year after being
discussed for several years, with hopes of continuing the contest annually. The Fire Department judged the entries,
with Kegan Mowbray receiving the Most Patriotic award for a design featuring fireworks, “250,” and an
American flag. Emery Reidhead and Shelby Reidhead were also recognized for their creative hydrant designs.
Ramsay also highlighted several community art projects, including a firefighter-themed mural created by Ryan
Ramsay between Town Hall and the Fire Department. Discussion was held regarding preserving some of the top
designs while repainting others for future contests.
Ramsay also reported continued growth in recreation program participation. Approximately 100 runners
participated in the Fourth of July run, while approximately 147 participated in the 24th run. Youth soccer
registrations also increased, with 607 children signed up compared to approximately 580 the previous year.
NO ACTION

4. Discussion and Action Regarding Resolution R2026-03 Canvass Votes of July 21, 2026, Primary Election

Gus Lundberg, Town Manager, presented Resolution R2026-3 regarding the canvass of votes for the July 21,
2026, Primary Election. Lundberg reported that the election was uncontested and that 854 ballots were cast out of
2,728 registered voters in Taylor. Discussion was held regarding voter turnout and the challenges associated with
municipal elections appearing on the Primary Election ballot. It was noted that municipal election dates are
established by state statute to allow for a runoff election in November when necessary.
A total of 2,839 votes were cast in the Town Council race, with voters permitted to vote for up to four candidates.
The majority threshold was 356 votes. Five candidates met the required threshold, with the four highest votegetters—Bill Baldwin, Jason Brubaker, Jared Hatch, and Lynn Hatch—being elected to the four available Council
seats. No runoff election is required. The newly elected Council Members will be seated at the December meeting
in accordance with state law.
Motion made by Council Member Jason Brubaker to Approve the Results of July 21, 2026, Primary
Election
Second by Bill Baldwin
Motion passed; Unanimous
5.

Discussion and First Reading of Ordinance O2026-01 Special Event Liquor Licenses on Town Property

Gus Lundberg, Town Manager, presented the first reading of Ordinance 020-2601 regarding special event liquor
licenses on Town property. The proposed ordinance would amend the Town Code to allow the sale and
consumption of alcohol on Town property when authorized by an appropriate state-issued liquor license and
approved by the Town. Applicants would be required to obtain the necessary state and local approvals and provide
adequate liability insurance. Lundberg noted that the ordinance follows previous Council discussion regarding
allowing alcohol sales at certain special events.
Council discussed the existing deed restriction prohibiting alcohol at the Taylor Rodeo Grounds and expressed
concern that the proposed ordinance should clearly recognize properties subject to such restrictions. Staff was
directed to consult with the Town Attorney regarding additional language addressing deed-restricted property. The
first reading proceeded with the current language, with any recommended revisions to be incorporated into the
second reading at the next Council meeting.
NO ACTION

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6. Discussion and Action Regarding Town Attorney Solicitation and Selection

Gus Lundberg, Town Manager, provided an update regarding the selection of a new Town Attorney. Lundberg
reported that current Town Attorney Bill Sims will retire at the end of the calendar year after more than a decade
of service and is willing to assist with the transition. A solicitation for qualifications was issued in early July, and
two firms submitted responses. Staff indicated that both firms are well qualified to serve the Town.
A selection committee consisting of Council Members Kris Neff, Sherry Cosper Duke, and Bill Baldwin, along
with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, will interview both firms. All Council Members were encouraged to
submit questions, comments, or concerns for consideration during the interview process. The goal is to bring a
recommendation to Council by October or November to allow sufficient time for a smooth transition before the
end of the year.
Motion made by Council Member Jason Brubaker to Form a Three-person Council Committee (Kris
Neff, Sherry Duke and Bill Badwin) to Work with the Manager and Town Clerk in the Review and
Selection of a New Attorney, and Present Choice to the Council.

Second by Sherry Cosper Duke
Motion passed; Unanimous

7. Discussion and Action Regarding Taylor Airport Industrial Park Request for Proposals

Gus Lundberg, Town Manager, discussed the remaining eight lots available in Phase Two of the Industrial Park.
Approximately three parties have expressed interest in purchasing one or two lots. Lundberg explained that state
statutes generally require the Town to base the sale of property on price, which limits the Town’s ability to
consider other factors such as job creation, economic development, and the proposed use of the property. The
remaining lots are zoned for commercial, light industrial, or heavy industrial use.
Council discussed whether to proceed with a solicitation under the current requirements or allow staff additional
time to explore options that would provide greater flexibility in evaluating proposals. Council expressed a desire
to consider factors beyond purchase price, particularly job creation and economic development. Staff will continue
working with the Town Attorney and return at the next meeting with a definitive answer regarding the Town’s
available options.
Motion made by Mayor Shawn Palmer to Direct Staff to Move Forward Working with the Attorney

and Refine the Process for More Flexibility Rather than Immediately Advertising the Lots.

Second by April Williams
Motion passed; Unanimous

8. Executive Session Regarding Pending Litigation
Mayor Shawn Palmer The public was dismissed, and the council moved to their chamber for an executive session,
including the manager, clerk, and Josh McGinnis Planning and Zoning Administrator.
Motion made by Council Member Jason Brubaker to Move into Executive Session with Town Manager,
Town Clerk and Josh McGinnis Town Building Inspector.
Second by Bill
Motion passed; Unanimous

9. Summary of Current Events by Council Members and Manager Report
Council Members provided reports on recent community events and activities. The Taylor Night Rodeo was
reported as a great success, with thousands in attendance and hardly an empty seat. Appreciation was expressed to
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the many families, committees, and volunteers who contributed to the event. Breakfast attendance was also
significantly higher this year, with 1,000 sausages and an increased number of pancakes served. Council Member
Jason Brubaker expressed appreciation for limiting the number of wristbands and continuing to monitor the gates
and suggested revisiting the Rodeo Committee agreement. Council Member Chris Ness reported that the patriotic
program was successful and received positive feedback. Town Manager Gus Lundberg praised the parades,
rodeos, and painted fire hydrant contests for adding character to the community. Council Member Sherry Cosper
Duke recognized the rodeo as an all-volunteer event and thanked those who contributed. Mayor Shawn Palmer
shared that he met a first-time rodeo attendee from Hawaii who was very impressed with the event. It was also
reported that the change to the parade route worked well for the Police Department.
The recent storm response was discussed, with the Town reportedly handling approximately three to four inches of
rain in less than an hour exceptionally well. Previous investments in drainage and flood-control projects were
credited with significantly improving conditions throughout Town, including areas near the airport and park. The
Silver Creek Flood Control District improvements were reported to be functioning as intended. The Cholla Power
Plant was also briefly discussed as a potential major employment opportunity, although no new information was
available. Council Members were reminded of the upcoming League of Cities Conference and advised that
reservations had been confirmed.
10. Adjournment There being no further business Mayor Shawn Palmer adjourned the meeting at 10:53 PM
Certification of Minutes:
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the Taylor Town Council meeting held on the
6th day of August 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly called to order and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 6th day of August 2026
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