Florence Town Council on Nov. 18 approved a series of land-use and capital actions and denied a proposed electronic message sign that drew public opposition and council concern.

In land-use actions the council approved Ordinance 775-25 to rezone an approximately 2-acre parcel (Assessor Parcel 202-10-0030) from ranchette to R1-18 to allow future single-family lots; Planning staff noted a Planning & Zoning recommendation of approval (3–1). The applicant, Mitch Clough, told the council he intends to build homes for family members. The council later approved Ordinance 776-25 rezoning multiple parcels south of Hunt Highway and north of the Gila River to Heavy Industrial; applicant counsel Paul Gilbert said the rezoning expands an existing sand-and-gravel operation.

The council granted a conditional use permit and adopted Resolution 1971-25 to allow expanded mining activities at the Rankin Mining Project near Hunt Highway and the Gila River. Staff and applicants were present and there were no speakers in opposition during the public hearing.

On equipment and maintenance the council approved a sole-source purchase of a replacement UV disinfection system from Glasgow for the South Wastewater WRF not to exceed $250,010; staff said the current system (installed 2006) has reached end of life and replacement units have a four- to six-month lead time. Council also reapproved purchase of a VersaLift bucket truck through Sourcewell (contract 110421-TIM) in an amount not to exceed $219,045.75 and authorized cooperative-use agreements with Holbrook Asphalt (City of Mesa contract 2022159) for crack sealing in Merrill Ranch Community Facilities Districts 1 and 2, each not to exceed $175,000.

Council approved changes to personnel policy under Resolution 1972-25 (effective Jan. 3, 2026) covering performance-pay language and administrative work-period options.

The council voted to enter into a revocable license and lease with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce for operation of McFarland State Historic Park through Dec. 31, 2028 (see separate article). In contrast, after public comment and lengthy council discussion about cost and siting, the council voted to disapprove the proposed purchase and installation of one double-sided electronic message sign (EMC) proposed for Fire Station No. 2 under GPA agreement (Duncor LLC/Some West Signs) in the amount not to exceed $149,045.95. Multiple council members said the design and price were not acceptable and urged staff to return with alternative designs, cost breakdowns and locations for further review.

Several items were decided by voice vote; where the record shows a roll call the minutes reflect that outcome. Staff will prepare the formal minutes and any required contractual documents reflecting the council’s motions and stipulations.

The meeting adjourned after member reports and a second public comment period.