Maricopa City Council Agenda
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 PM
Location: Gusher Hall, 271 California Street, Maricopa, CA 93252 Also available through Zoom Video Conferencing:
https://zoom/us.join Meeting ID: 871 7957 6867 Passcode: 405177
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Il. Roll Call
Mayor Cory Morse City Administrator Eric Ziegler
Mayor Pro Tem Virgil Bell City Attorney Alan Peake
Council Member Crystal Harris City Treasurer Dorine Horn Council Member John Horn City Clerk Meghan Wilson
Council Member James Owens
III. Community Recognition
IV. Reorder of Agenda
V. Council Reports/Statements
a. Report by Public Safety/Sheriff Department/Fire Department b. City Clerk Meghan Wilson
c. City Treasurer Dorine Horn
d. City Administrator Eric Ziegler
e. City Attorney Alan Peake
f. City Council Members
g. Mayor Cory Morse
VI. Public Hearings
1) Open Public Hearing Re An Ordinance Of The City Council, Of The City Of Maricopa Amending Chapter 17.10.90 of the City of Maricopa Municipal Code (Zoning Code Related to Fences and Walls; 2) Waive Reading Of An Ordinance Entitled An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Maricopa Amending Chapter
17.10.90 of the City of Maricopa Municipal Code (Zoning Code) Related to Fences and Walls; 3) Introduce An Ordinance Entitled An Ordinance OfThe City Council, Of The City Of Maricopa Amending Chapter 17.10.90 of the City of Maricopa Municipal Code (Zoning Code) Related to Fences and Walls. 1) Open Public Hearing re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 2) Receive Staff Report re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 3) Receive Public Comments/Input from Proponents of AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 4) Receive Public Comments/Input from Opponents of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE
CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS;
5) Close Public Hearing re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 6) Council discussion, if any, re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 7) Consider motion to waive reading of an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF
THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS;
8) Consider motion to introduce an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF
THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS;
VII. Public Commentary
Persons wishing to address the council on items within its jurisdiction, but not on this agenda, may do so now. Any items presented to the council at this time will not be acted upon.
Please note: State law allows the City Council to briefly respond to questions on items raised by the public which are not on the agenda Govt. Code Section 549.54.2(a) Alternatively, the Council may choose to direct staff to provide information at the following meeting. Any member of the public may comment on any matter within the jurisdiction of the city that is not on this agenda. Those wishing to comment should be recognized by the mayor and approach the podium.
Please complete a Speaker's Form and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting to be acknowledged as a speaker.
VIII. Approval of Minutes
Approve Special Meeting Minutes January 8, 2026
b. Approve Maricopa City Council Regular Agenda Minutes for January 13, 2026 IX. Consent Calendar - None
X. Agendized Items
a. Adopt Resolution Entitled Resolution of The City Council of the City of Maricopa Amending Certain Personnel Policies and Procedures Governing Employees of the City of Maricopa by Adding a Policy on Bereavement Leave
Recommendation:
Motion to Adopt a Resolution of The City Council of the City of Maricopa Amending Certain Personnel Policies and Procedures Governing Employees of the City of Maricopa by Adding a Policy on Bereavement Leave
XI. New Business
XII. Closed Session
XIII. Come into Open Session
XIV: Council/Staff Items
XV: Adjourn
I certify that a copy of this agenda was posted at Maricopa City Hall, Gusher Hall, and Maricopa Post Office on January 22, 2026.
Meghan Wilson, City Clerk
AGENDA ITEM
Of The City Of Maricopa Amending Chapter 17.10.90 of the City of Maricopa Municipal Code (Zoning Code) Related to Fences and Walls.
PROPOSED BY: Eric G. Ziegler
MEETING DATE: January 27, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
At the Special Meeting of Tuesday, November 28, 2025 the City Council reviewed two proposed amendments to the Maricopa Municipal Code (Zoning Code) related to Fences and Walls. At that time, Council expressed a desire to pursue the attached alternative which amends the current code by changing the parameters for certain front/side yard fences on properties within the City of Maricopa.
Because the proposed amendment is a "land use" ordinance, it is necessary for Council to conduct a public hearing to receive input from proponents and opponents of the proposed amendment before upon the matter.
It is appropriate at this time for Council to conduct the advertised Public Hearing (Items 1-6) and consider the following actions (Items 7 & 8):
1) Open Public Hearing re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 2) Receive Staff Report re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 3) Receive Public Comments/Input from Proponents of AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 4) Receive Public Comments/Input from Opponents of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY
OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS;
5) Close Public Hearing re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 6) Council discussion, if any, re AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS; 7) Consider motion to waive reading of an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE
CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND 8) Consider motion to introduce an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10. 90 OF THE
CITY OF MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) RELATED TO FENCES AND WALLS;
City Adm.
Approval FISCAL IMPACT:
$
Eric G. Ziegler Funds Budgetes: Yes Lo Il Amount Required Amount Budgeted Appropriation Requested
Account Number Reviewed by Finance
CITY OF MARICOPA, CALIFORNIA
NOTICE TO CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING RE PROPOSED
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, OF THE CITY OF
MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF
MARICOPA MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE)
RELATING TO FENCES AND WALLS.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Maricopa will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Maricopa Gusher Hall, 271 California Street, Maricopa CA 93252 to review and amend Chapter 17.10.90 of the Maricopa Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) Relating to Fences and Walls.
The city will be soliciting citizen input. The primary purpose of the public hearing will be to inform citizens of the amendment to chapter 17.10.90 of the City's Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) relating to fences and walls, as well as give citizens an opportunity to make their comments known. Any person unable to attend the hearing in person may submit written comments to the City Council before the hearing(s), by mail, City of Maricopa, PO Box 550, Maricopa, CA 93252, by email at Robison_ [email protected], by fax at 661-769-8130 or may appear/participate and be heard in support of or opposition to the approval of the amendment at the time of hearing.
Posted: January 6, 2026
Publish: January 8, 2026
s/ Meghan Wilson/Anderson, City Clerk
City of Maricopa
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING CHAPTER
17.10.90 OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA ZONING ORDINANCE CODE
RELATING TO FENCES AND WALLS
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that objective standards for fence and wall height, materials, and placement are necessary to ensure public safety, aesthetic consistency, and equitable application of zoning laws;
The City Council of the City of Maricopa does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this ordinance is to clarify and update regulations governing the height and placement of fences and walls within residential and commercial zones, ensuring consistency with safety, aesthetic, and privacy standards.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT
Amend Chapter 17.10.90 FENCES AND WALLS Section 1. (a) to revise maximum allowable fence and wall heights as follows:
fence shall any receit d frosted orsite street ofa reversed corner lot, a vall or SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY
Ifany section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall not be affected.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after adoption/ upon publication /as otherwise provided by law.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _ of _2026, by the
following vote.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTESI: CITY OF MARICOPA
By: _
Meghan A. Wilson, City Clerk Cory Morse, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Alan Peake, City Attorney
Maricopa City Council Minutes
SPECIAL MEETING
Thursday, January 8, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Location: Gusher Hall, 271 California Street, Maricopa, CA 93252 Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silent Meditation, Call to Order Mayor Pro Tem Bell called the meeting to order followed by the flag salute.
II. Roll Call:
/ayor Morse - Absen
layor Pro Tem Bell City Administrator Eric Ziegler
Council Member Harris City Attorney Alan Peake
Council Member Horn City Treasurer Dorine Horn
Council Member Owens - Absent City Clerk Meghan Anderson/Wilson - Absent III. Agendized Items
a. Approve Agreement Between City of Maricopa and Upland Construction for Construction Management Services Re Maricopa City Park Improvement Program Department of Parks and Recreation, Grant Contract 9801018, Project No. SW-15-004; Cal Trans Clean California Local Grant Program Agreement CCL-5201-001; Authorize Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Agreement on Behalf of the City
Administrator Ziegler explained the reason for contracting with Upland Construction.
Recommendation:
Motion to Approve Agreement Between City of Maricopa and Upland Construction for Construction Management Services Re Maricopa City Park Improvement Program Department of Parks and Recreation, Grant Contract C9801018, Project No. SW-15-004; CalTrans Clean California Local Grant Program Agreement CCL-5201-001; Authorize Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Agreement on Behalf of the City Public Question from Richard Albright; Shouldn't the people be here that are on the contract? Council Member Horn motioned to approve Agreement Between City of Maricopa and Upland Construction for Construction Management Services Re Maricopa City Park Improvement Program Department of Parks and Recreation, Grant Contract and Cal Trans Clean California Local Grant Program, and Authorize Mayor Pro Tem Bell and City Clerk to Execute Agreement on Behalf of the City, and Council Member Harris second.
Ayes..... ......Bell, Harris, Horn,
Noes. ...O
Abstain. .0
Absent...... Morse, Owens
IV. Adjourn Council Member Harris motioned to adjourn meeting, Council Member Horn second. at 6:14 pm Ayes. ..Bell, Harris, Horn,
Noes. ..0
Abstain. ...o
Absent.. .Morse, Owens
Maricopa City Council Minutes
Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
Location: Gusher Hall
271 California Street, Maricopa, CA 93252
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro Tem Bell called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M., followed by the flag salute.
II. Roll Call
Mayor Cory Morse - Absent
Mayor Pro Tem Virgil Bell - Present
Council Member John Horn - Present
Council Member Crystal Harris - Present
Council Member James Owens - Absent
City Administrator Eric Ziegler - Present
City Attorney Alan Peake - Present
City Treasurer Dorine Horn - Present
City Clerk Meghan Wilson - Present
Ill. Community Recognition
None.
IV. Reorder of Agenda
None.
V. Council Reports/Statements
a. Report by Public Safety/Sheriff Department/Fire Department - Sheriff Department is present, and stats for the last two weeks are reviewed. Concerns about the city not having reflective street signs were raised and discussed. Cameras that have been ordered were also discussed. b. City Clerk Meghan Wilson - None.
c. City Treasurer Dorine Horn - Dorine reminded the council and staff to file their 700 forms, which are due by April 1s.
d. City Administrator Eric Ziegler - None.
c. City Attorney Alan Peake - None.
f. City Council Members - Mayor Pro Tem requested that the Fire Department be contacted regarding attending future meetings.
g. Mayor Cory Morse - None.
VI. Public Hearings
None.
VII. Public Commentary
None.
VIII. Approval of Minutes
a. Approve Maricopa City Council Regular Agenda Minutes for November 18th, 2025 b. Approve Maricopa City Council Regular Agenda Minutes for December 9t, 2025 Motion by Horn, 2id by Harris.
Ayes: Harris, Horn, Bell
Noes: 0
Absent: Owens, Morse
Abstain: 0
Item a. and b. approved.
IX. Consent Calendar
a. Approve payment of payroll for November 2025
b. Approve payment of warrants for November 2025
Motion by Horn, 2nd by Harris.
Ayes: Harris, Owens, Bell
Noes: 0
Absent: Owens, Morse
Abstain: 0
Item a. and b. approved.
X. Agendized Items
a. Adopt Resolution Entitled Resolution of the City Council of the City of Maricopa Amending Certain Personnel Policies and Procedures Governing Employees of the City of Maricopa by Adding a Policy on Bereavement Leave
Tabled due to Horn having to abstain from the vote, whereas there will not be enough votes to move forward.
b. Request by Maricopa VFW Post 11012 to Extend Current Use of the Gusher Hall (271 California St, Maricopa, CA) for VFW Meetings and Food Distribution and Waive All Associated Fees for Approximately 6 Months Beginning January 1, 2026 Richard (Dick) Albright expressed that he would like meetings to be held in Gusher Hall rather than a restaurant or other facility out of the city.
With the food distribution being an event that benefits the entire community, the council agrees to enter into a new license agreement starting January 1s, 2026, and lasting for six months on the same terms.
Motion by Harris, 2nd by Horn.
Ayes: Harris, Horn, Bell
Noes: 0
Absent: Owens, Morse
Abstain:
Motion passed.
XI. New Business
None.
XII. Closed Session
None.
XIII. Come into Open Session
Not Applicable.
XIV: Council/Staff Items
None.
XV: Adjourn
Motion to end the meeting by Horn, 2d by Harris.
Ayes: Harris, Horn, Bell
Noes: 0
Absent: Owens, Morse
Abstain: 0
The meeting is adjourned at 6:27 PM.
I certify that a copy of this agenda was posted at Maricopa City Hall, Gusher Hall, and Maricopa Post Office on January 8th, 2026.
Meghan Wilson, City Clerk
AGENDA ITEM
TITLE: Adopt Resolution Entitled Resolution of The City Council of the City of Maricopa Amending Certain Personnel Policies and Procedures Governing Employees of the City of Maricopa by Adding a Policy on Bereavement Leave
PROPOSED BY: Eric G. Ziegler
MEETING DATE: January 27, 2026
RECOMMIENDATION
Motion to Adopt A Resolution of The City Council of the City of Maricopa Amending Certain Personnel Policies and Procedures Governing Employees of the City of Maricopa by Adding a Policy on Bereavement Leave
BACKGROUND
This item was tabled from the meeting of January 13, 2026 due to one member abstaining from voting. A majority vote is necessary for the motion to pass.
Chapter 2.40 of the Maricopa municipal Code as it now exists adopts a statutory Personnel system for the City of Maricopa. A portion of that system authorizes Council to adopt personnel policies and procedures by resolution.
Council adopted fairly comprehensive Personnel rules and regulations by resolution in 2019.
For whatever reason, those policies failed to address the matter of Bereavement Leave for city employees.
Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a proposed Bereavement Leave policy prepared by the City Attorney. The proposed policy is consistent with directions of the Council in November, 2025. As it turns out, state law also addresses the matter of Bereavement Leave. Thus, the City Attorney has conformed the proposed policy attached hereto with current law as well as with Council direction.
Staff recommends that the proposed policy entitled Bereavement Leave attached hereto as Exhibit A to Resolution Entitled Resolution of The City Council of the City of Maricopa Amending Certain Personnel Policies and Procedures Governing Employees of the City of Maricopa by Adding a Policy on Bereavement Leave be adopted as presented.
City Adm.
Approval FISCAL IMPACT:
$
Eric G. Ziegler Funds Budgeted: Yes _No Amount Required Amount Budgeted Appropriation Requested
Account Number Reviewed by Finance
RESOLUTION NO._ -
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA AMENDING
CERTAIN PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING EMPLOYEES
OF THE CITY OF MARICOPA BY ADDING A POLICY ON BEREAVEMENT LEAVE WHEREAS, Chapter 2.40 of the Maricopa Municipal Code adopts a statutory Personnel System for the City of Maricopa and
WHEREAS, Section 2.40.050 of the Maricopa Municipal Code authorizes the City Council to adopt Personnel Rules and Regulations/ Personnel Policies and Procedures by Resolution of the City Council, and, WHEREAS in 2019, the City Council of the City of Maricopa adopted certain Personnel Rules and Regulations/Policies and Procedures by Resolution of the City Council; and WHEREAS the City Council wishes to amend such Personnel Rules and Regulations/Policies and Procedures by adding a policy on Bereavement Leave for employees of the City of Maricopa; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maricopa as follows:
SECTION 1: Pursuant to Section 2.40.050 of the Maricopa Municipal Code, the City Council of the City of Maricopa hereby amends the Personnel Rules and Regulations/Policies and Procedures by adding Exhibit A attached hereto entitled Bereavement Leave.
SECTION 2: This Resolution shall become effective on January 27, 2026 SECTION 2: All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January, 2026.
City Council of Maricopa, California
BY:
CORY MORSE, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BY: BY:
MEGHAN WILSON, City Clerk ALAN PEAKE, City Attorney
City of Maricopa
Personnel Policies and Procedures
Section 419 Bereavement: Leave
1 Purpose
To provide eligible employees with time off to grieve and attend to matters related to the death of a qualifying family member, in accordance with californla Govemment Codes 12945.7 2 Eligibility
Employees are eligible for bereavement leave if they have been employed by the Cily for at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the leave.
1. Leave Entitlement
• Employees may take up to five (5) days of bereavement leave per qualifying death. • Leave may be taken non-consecutively, but must be completed within three (3) months of the date of death.
• Additional time off may be granted at the discretion of the Cily Administrator and may be charged to accrued vacation, compensatory time, or unpaid leave.
4. Covered Family Members
Bereavement leave may be used upon the death of an employees:
• Spouse or registered domesic partner
• Chid (biological, adopted, foster, step, or legal ward) • Parent (biological, adoplive, foster, step, or legal guardian} • Sibling
• Grandparent or grandchild
• Parent-in-law
• Any person standing in loco parentis to the employee
5 .Compensation
• Permanent employees are allowed compensation for up to three (3) working days or 24 hours bereavement leave, regardless of their work schedule per calendar year.
• Employees may elect to use accued paid leave (e.g., vacalion, sick leave, or Hoaling holiday) to receive compensation during the leave beyond the 3 days paid by the City.
6. Notice and Documentation
• Employees must notify their supervisor as soon as practicable of the need for bereavement leave.
• The City may require reasonable documentation of the death, such as a death certificate, obituary, or verification from a funeral home.
7. Confidentiality
All information related to bereavement leave will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws.
8, Non-Retaliation
Employees exercising their right to bereavement leave shall not be subject to retaliation or adverse employment action.