By Richard Smith | YourValley
In recent years, one of the most divisive issues for the Glendale City Council has been the deals proposed by city staff regarding VAI Resort, particularly the parking lots nearby.
The final council meetings for six weeks, on June 24, were the latest in this debate. In the workshop the council debated on an agreement with VAI Resort to manage parking at the 4,011 spaces at the black lot south of State Farm Stadium near the resort.
The proposal passed by a 4-3 vote, with Mayor Jerry Weiers and council members Ray Malnar, Leandro Baldenegro and Dianna Guzman voting for this 25-year contract due in large part to its $500,000 in annual revenue for Glendale. Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Lauren Tolmachoff and council members Bart Turner and Lupe Conchas believe the city had better revenue sharing deals offered that would bring it and its taxpayers more money.