Public Meetings - Chandler, Arizona

The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission convened for a regular meeting on October 22, 2026. The agenda included a consent agenda with revisions for a project known as Hamster Crossing and a public hearing for the Val Sereno subdivision proposal. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously with amendments to item 3 (Hamster Crossing). Staff read a revised rezoning motion, a revised stipulation number 2 broadening permitted uses to regional commercial C3 uses plus RV storage, fuel station, and retail, and a revised PDP stipulation number 9 prohibiting free-standing monument signs (excluding the digital fuel pricing cabinet) unless a sign code text amendment is later approved by city council. Public Comments & Testimony - Opposition to Val Sereno: Multiple surrounding residents voiced strong opposition to the density and design of the proposed 53-lot subdivision. - Steve Bachman (12819 E Sherman Heights Dr) argued the net density of 4.38 dwelling units per acre is far higher than the surrounding area's typical 10,000 to 12,000 square foot lots, and that two-story homes are out of character for the immediate neighborhood. - Jeffrey Galen (12839 E Chandler Heights Rd), the neighbor with the longest shared border (500 feet), cited major privacy concerns from two-story homes and questioned the developer's lack of a direct response to community outreach email. - Ken McAllister (24206 S 124th St) requested the Via de Palmas access be limited to emergency use only to match neighboring communities, and raised unresolved concerns regarding a private irrigation pipe that would be paved over. - Michelle Wood (2141 E Nolan Place, abutting Lot 53) requested a revised plan with larger lots and single-story homes consistent with nearby Magnolia (minimum 9,500 sq ft). She argued the average aggregate density calculation masked the impact of the typical 5,232 sq ft lots on the surrounding character. - Sue Phillip (Tierra Linda) and Eileen Beverage (Cooper Road) both strongly opposed the secondary resident access on Via de Palmas, citing it as redundant and dangerous for an unimproved, dead-end county road. - Dave Shapiro (a 39-year South Chandler resident) opposed the high density as inconsistent with the rural agrarian character of the area plan and visually demonstrated the inadequacy of a 15-foot landscape buffer. - Support for Val Sereno: - Eric Oschevin (12840 E Via de Palmas), a directly abutting neighbor, expressed support. He stated the developer had worked to provide substantial setbacks and had already committed to relocating the irrigation valve box to address his concerns. Discussion Items - Val Sereno (PLH 26-21): The applicant (Jesse Ray, KHovnanian) presented a proposal for a 53-lot single-family subdivision at the southeast corner of Chandler Heights and Cooper Roads. The site combines city-owned PAD (office) land and county land being annexed for residential development. - Staff (Taylor) confirmed the request conforms to the 2026 General Plan update via the average aggregate density method (1.75 du/ac, under the 2.5 limit for the Southeast Chandler Area Plan's rural agrarian character area). The plan incorporates floor plan restrictions limiting full two-story homes to interior lots and requiring a 20-foot north side yard setback for Lot 53. Enhanced landscape buffers and single-loaded roads provide separation from existing homes. - Commissioners discussed the Via de Palmas access issue. Staff noted the traffic engineer recommended resident access (ingress and egress) rather than emergency-only access to provide an alternative route and reduce reliance on the Cooper Road entrance. The developer is required to improve Via de Palmas to full width along its frontage, and the traffic study estimated only 12 trips during peak hours via that route. - The application of the Southeast Chandler Area Plan was reviewed, with staff confirming the density and design meet the intent for infill parcels, focusing on larger setbacks and compatible architecture rather than the larger amenities typically found in master-planned communities from the 1990s. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Val Sereno: The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning and preliminary development plan to the City Council. The motion included the revised stipulation requiring Lot 53 to provide a minimum 20-foot setback on the north side property line for all structures exceeding six feet in height. - Announcements: A Planning and Zoning Commission retreat was announced for December 2, 2026. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2026.

The Chandler City Council convened on October 16, 2026, for a regular meeting that included proclamations, a consent agenda, a public hearing on utility rate adjustments, and adoption of the 2027 meeting schedule. The meeting featured several public comments on rate increases and an unscheduled comment on airport runway expansion. Proclamations & Recognitions - Friends of the Library Week: Proclamation for October 18-24, 2026. Bob Lowry, board chair of Friends of the Chandler Public Library, accepted, noting the organization is in its 45th year and provides "several hundred thousand" in annual support. - Arizona's Cities and Towns Week: Proclamation recognized by Renee Guilland, executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. She praised Chandler's top rankings, including being ranked 8th safest for new home buyers and lowering property taxes for 11 consecutive years. - Congressman Greg Stanton: Announced a $1 million congressionally directed grant for the Chandler Flex program, which expands public transportation. Stanton noted 30% of rides are by students going to school. - Water Festival Sponsors: Recognition of 2025 sponsors (Aiken and Gardner, Brown and Caldwell, Hazen and Sawyer, Kimley Horn, and Kitchell). The Water Festival educates over 1,200 fourth graders annually on water resources and conservation. Consent Calendar - Approved consent agenda items 1-44 unanimously. Councilmember Poston recused on items 37 and 38, which involved his HOA. - Public comments on consent items: Ed Contreras (Chandler resident) expressed concerns about park planning in the Orange Tree neighborhood, stating residents were "shut out" by city planners. Rick Human (former council member and planning commissioner) commented on item 15, advocating for the city to "stand its ground" on redevelopment corners. Public Hearing: Proposed Changes to Utility Rates and Fees - Presentation: Matt Dunbar, city staff, presented proposed increases: 9% for water, 6.5% for wastewater, 9% for reclaimed water, and 4.5% for solid waste, effective January 4, 2027. He explained enterprise funds, infrastructure replacement needs, and that Chandler maintains the lowest combined utility rates in the Valley. The AOK donation program (voluntary contributions) collected about $25,000 last year, supplemented by $25,000 from council. - Council Questions: Councilmembers discussed enterprise vs. general funds, cost-of-service study updates, and AOK program funding. Councilmember Hawkins requested a webpage showing pipe replacement progress. Councilmember Ellis inquired about assistance for a resident caring for her 94-year-old father; staff confirmed income-based aid through CARES team and Ascend contract. - Public Comments (6 speakers): All spoke against the rate increases, advocating that large corporations (e.g., Intel, data centers) should pay higher rates instead of across-the-board hikes. Speakers included: - Mark Jiang (Chandler high school student): Argued residents already face high costs and called for no rate hikes on residents; corporations should pay "fair share." - Michael Iwe (Chandler educator): Said teachers' pay doesn't increase 9% annually; accused city of prioritizing businesses over residents. - Ashley Beck (Scottsdale resident, teacher): Shared story of a fixed-income resident whose bill jumped; demanded no increases for residents. - Amelia Wynn (Gilbert resident): Criticized outreach as inadequate (website/social media didn't reach many); urged council to differentiate Chandler from other cities. - Kathy Jiang (Chandler high school student): Emphasized principle of prevention over reaction; urged council to anticipate harm from rate hikes. - Joseph Rock (longtime Chandler resident): Opposed rate increase; cited city spending $368,000 to remove grass in retention basins while negotiating to supply 55,000 gallons/day more to a microchip company. - Ed Contreras (Chandler resident, also spoke during public hearing on this item): Repeated concerns about cumulative costs and questioned deferred maintenance. - Votes: - Ordinance 5181 (water, wastewater, reclaimed water rates): Passed with Councilmember Orlando voting no. - Resolution 6044 (solid waste fees): Passed unanimously. Discussion and Adoption: 2027 Regular Meeting Schedule - Resolution 6040 setting the 2027 city council regular meeting schedule was approved as revised (exhibit a as revised). Motion by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Orlando. Passed unanimously. Councilmember Hawkins noted that with only one meeting scheduled in June, budget planning could still be accommodated. Unscheduled Public Comment - Ed Contreras: Urged council to preserve city ordinance 3888 (requiring voter approval for runway extension) and reject any attempt to bypass the ballot. He cited increased night flights and lower flight paths, creating noise and safety concerns. Council directed staff to arrange a meeting and tour of the airport. Current Events / Community Announcements - Mayor Hartke: Promoted Halloween Spectacular (Oct 30), Mariachi & Folklorico Festival (Nov 1), and wishes for Diwali. - Councilmember Poston: Announced Chandler Golf Challenge on Nov 16, raising funds for Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. - Councilmember Ellis: Invited to domestic violence awareness candle vigil on Oct 16 at 6 p.m. and Gratitude Gathering on Nov 1. - Councilmember Harris: Announced Ready Sego Foundation's 5th annual Mental Well-Being Walk on Saturday (Oct 17) at 8 a.m., featuring resources and Chick-fil-A. - Councilmember Hawkins: Celebrated Arbor Day celebration on Nov 7 at Foley Park, offering free native trees for Chandler residents. Also thanked staff for water festival. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Public hearing held on utility rate increases; ordinance and resolution passed with one dissenting vote. - 2027 meeting schedule adopted as revised. - Council directed staff to meet with resident regarding airport concerns. - Multiple community events promoted.

The meeting on October 15, 2026 opened with a brief Public Housing Authority Commission (PHAC) session, followed by a regular City Council meeting and concluding with a Study Session. The evening included personnel recognitions, proclamations, Exchange Club awards, unanimous approval of consent calendar items, presentations on several grant‑funded projects, and policy discussions on extending the Chandler Municipal Airport runway and exploring alternative employee work schedules. Public Housing Authority Commission - PHAC convened, established a quorum, and unanimously approved the minutes of its August 10, 2026 meeting along with two other consent items. Ceremonial Items - Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Pastor Tim Klumps of the Family Bible Church offered the invocation; Vice Mayor And Senus led the pledge. - Service Recognitions: Ten years – Sherry Trinidad (Accounting); 15 years – Ivan Enriquez (City Clerk’s Office); 20 years – Christopher Gutierrez (Traffic Management Center); 30 years – Deputy City Manager Leah Powell, recognized for building Chandler’s diversity office, the HELP collaborative, and leading the RAD conversion resulting in the 157‑unit Villas on McQueen affordable housing development. - Retirement Recognitions: Deborah Moreno (Library Administrator, 25+ years) and Scott Rogers (Environmental Management, 12 years) were honored. - Proclamations: October 2026 was proclaimed Rotary Month and Cybersecurity Awareness Month. - Exchange Club Awards: Battalion Chief Bo Jenkins received the Firefighter of the Year Award; Officer Aaron O’Brien (Behavioral Health Unit) received the Police Officer of the Year Award. Consent Calendar - The City Council voted unanimously to approve the Council consent agenda (Items 1–3). The PHAC consent agenda had been adopted earlier. Study Session – Presentations on Consent Items (Already Approved) The following items, previously placed on the consent agenda, were called up for informational discussion. - Chandler Flex Microtransit Grant (Resolution 6042): The city accepted a $1 million federal grant (secured by Congressman Greg Stanton) to support operations and expansion of Chandler Flex. The grant requires a 50% local match, which is already budgeted. Since its 2022 launch, the service has provided nearly 200,000 rides with a customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. - Pima Park Playground (Resolution 6041): A $750,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant was approved for a fully accessible playground designed with input from the Camp Challenge special‑needs program. The city will provide a dollar‑for‑dollar match. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2027. - Foley Park and Pool Renovation Master Plan (Agreement with Kimley Horn): Council authorized a $159,000 contract to develop a master plan for a major renovation of Foley Pool and Park, including a possible 50‑meter competitive pool, a play pool, and improved amenities. The project will incorporate community feedback. - Ordinance 5179 – Rezone for Group Home: A zoning change was approved for a residential group home serving up to nine clients with developmental disabilities (staffed by six employees). Compliance will be monitored by the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities through annual inspections. - Desert Palms Preliminary Development Plan: Council approved a four‑pad development on Warner Road comprising three quick‑serve drive‑throughs and one shop building. The project is intended to revitalize a long‑vacant corner and generate sales‑tax revenue. - Water Reclamation Facility Improvements – Phase 3 (Items 34 & 35): Council approved a $50.8 million construction contract (McCarthy) and a $5.0 million construction‑management‑at‑risk contract (Wilson Engineers) for rehabilitation of the Airport and Ocotillo water reclamation plants. The work includes replacement of diffusers, headworks improvements, odor scrubbers, and a new disk filter. The CMAR contract, staffed by up to 34 professionals, is necessary because the city’s internal CIP team (24 members) cannot manage the project alone. Officials noted that delaying the work would risk plant failure, environmental impacts, and inability to meet reclaimed‑water permits. - Young Family & Professional Attraction Campaign (Agreement with Eddie Alexander): Council authorized a $190,000 one‑year contract for a marketing campaign to attract young families and professionals. Funding sources include a $150,000 grant from the Chandler Industrial Development Authority and $10,000 contributions from each of the four school districts serving Chandler (Chandler Unified, Kyrene Elementary, Mesa Public Schools, and Tempe Union High School). The campaign will use a 10‑week discovery phase to develop measurable goals. The city expects to return to Council for ongoing funding after the first year. Discussion and Direction on Policy Matters - Chandler Municipal Airport – Runway Extension (Municipal Code Chapters 8–10): Council debated whether to retain the existing ordinance requiring a bond election before extending the south runway by up to 680 feet (to 5,550 feet) or to amend it. Staff presented two options: (1) keep the ordinance and proceed to a bond election (earliest November 2027, cost $500,000); (2) amend the ordinance to remove the bond requirement while keeping other protections (length cap, public input, weight limits). Councilmembers expressed varying views: some advocated a public vote (whether bond or general election), while others preferred to amend the ordinance and rely on the mandatory FAA environmental review and public‑input process. Council directed staff to return by the November 9, 2026 meeting with two draft ordinances: one that substitutes the bond election with a general election (which could occur as early as July 2027) and one that removes the election requirement entirely, along with pros and cons of each option. No final decision was made. - Full‑Time Hours for Benefit Eligibility: Councilmember Harris withdrew her discussion request after receiving clarification from staff. - Alternative 4/10 Employee Work Schedules: Councilmember Harris requested that staff explore the feasibility of offering four‑day, 10‑hour work schedules to more employees and expanding service hours for residents. The city manager noted that 25–30% of employees already work 4/10 schedules and that departments have discretion to implement such schedules. Council concurred that the city manager should survey departments, assess community needs, and report back on opportunities for improved hours and flexible scheduling without committing to a formal work session. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approvals of PHAC minutes, the Council consent calendar, and all study‑session resolutions and contracts. - Directive on Airport Ordinance: Staff to present two draft ordinances at the November 9, 2026 Council meeting (Option A: replace bond election with general election; Option B: eliminate election requirement). - Work‑Schedule Study: City manager will review current practices and department needs and bring back a report on possibilities for expanded hours and flexible scheduling. - No public comment was offered during any segment of the meeting; all public appearances were scheduled recognitions and ceremonial presentations.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Chandler, Arizona held a regular meeting on September 16-17, 2026, beginning at an unspecified time and concluding with adjournment. The meeting was called to order with a roll call, establishing a quorum. The sole substantive action was the approval of the consent agenda with a modification to stipulation five of item six. The meeting was adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for October 21, 2026. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved by unanimous vote (4-0-2-? with two excused absences and one recusal). Commissioner recused themselves from item three prior to the vote. The motion included a modification to stipulation five of item six, as clarified during the discussion. The agenda, motion, and meeting date are recorded as September 16, 2026, per the roll call, though the instruction-provided timestamp indicates the meeting took place on September 17, 2026, likely due to the meeting extending past midnight. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak on unscheduled items or on the consent agenda. Discussion Items - The only substantive discussion concerned the consent agenda motion, specifically the clarification that the modification referred to stipulation number five in item six (as opposed to the initially stated stipulation number one). Vice Chair Bill Stein made the motion to approve with the continuance of item five and the stipulated modification, seconded by another commissioner. The commission voted unanimously in favor. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously with the modification to stipulation five of item six. The commission is a recommending body; final decisions will be made by City Council. The next regular meeting was announced for October 21, 2026.

The regular meeting of the Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 5:36 PM local time (00:36 UTC on August 20, 2026) following a brief recess from a prior study session. Roll call showed Chair Krochel, Vice Chair Bill Steam, Commissioners Gala, Schwarzer, Ducharm, and Gothier present; Commissioner Quinn was excused. A quorum was established. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a staff member. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda contained four items that had been discussed during the study session held earlier. No public comments were offered on these items. The commission voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the commission on items not on the agenda. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0, with Commissioner Quinn excused). The meeting adjourned shortly after. The next regular meeting was scheduled for September 16, 2026. Note on date discrepancy: The transcript references the meeting date as August 19, 2026, but the provided timestamp indicates the meeting occurred after midnight UTC on August 20, 2026. This summary uses the timestamp date as instructed.

The Chandler City Council held its regular meeting on August 14, 2026, addressing a range of topics including water rate increases, microtrenching infrastructure issues, the status of the city's Flock ALPR camera system, and public comments overwhelmingly calling for a permanent ban on automatic license plate readers. The meeting also included unanimous approval of the consent agenda and announcements about upcoming events. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (items 1–52) for the August 13, 2026 regular meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Joseph Rock (Chandler resident) criticized the proposed water and wastewater rate increase, noting a 7% increase already effective in January and poor public notice for hearings. He questioned the need for another increase so soon. - Jenny Vitali (Chandler resident) raised concerns about microtrenching work by ATT/Gigapower, alleging improper construction practices, failure to follow plans and OSHA standards, and risk to road subgrade. She urged the city to stop projects until proper standards are developed. - William Holden (October Lakes HOA) described four water main breaks on the same pipe section and issues with the city's claims process, including a lack of communication and denial of geotechnical assessment. He asked for remediation and better handling. - Nearly a dozen speakers addressed ALPRs, all opposing their use and demanding a total ban. Speakers included: - Reed Nimmer (Chandler) – quoted Axon's ethics board against unregulated ALPRs; called for limits to police vehicles only and 3-minute data retention. - Harrison Redman (Chandler) – argued ending the Flock contract is insufficient; called for a full ban ordinance, citing misuse by officers and risks of data sharing. - Rohith Chandra Shaker (Chandler) – demanded transparency on the Flock investigation, reform of records department for FOIA requests, and a ban on all ALPRs. - Nathan Taylor (Chandler) – urged immediate covering of cameras, passage of a ban ordinance, and argued guardrails are insufficient; stated a draft ordinance is ready. - Michael Guy (Chandler teacher) – called ALPRs inherently flawed due to profit motives; urged using $150,000 from Flock for utility assistance. - Eric Fowler (Maricopa County Libertarian Party chair) – argued ALPRs violate Fourth Amendment and Arizona Constitution; asked to pass the no-ALPR ordinance. - Patrick Gilliland (Chandler lifelong resident) – praised ending Flock contract; urged leading with privacy and public trust. - Yegor Zenkov (Chandler) – called for full FOIA compliance and a ban ordinance to protect officers and public. - Angie Bailey (Chandler) – urged refusal of any future ALPR contracts and passage of a ban. - Amelia Gwyn (Gilbert) – said no safe mass surveillance exists; urged using funds for community benefits. - Rock Wilson (Chandler) – stated cameras constitute unconstitutional mass surveillance. - Caitlin Contreras (Tempe, ACLU of Arizona) – stressed Fourth Amendment and Arizona privacy rights; called for a ban on all ALPR technology. - Jason Chavez (Avondale) – encouraged physical removal of cameras and passing a ban to set an example. - Juniper Kerr (Scottsdale) – congratulated ending contract but demanded a ban on all ALPRs and no contracts with any other company. Discussion Items - ALPR (Flock) System Status: The mayor initiated discussion on the cancellation of the Flock contract. City Manager explained that due to lack of initial policies and misuse concerns, the city turned off all cameras and removed employee access; the contract is not formally canceled but no longer in use. Councilmember Harris asked about bagging the cameras and obtaining a draft ordinance from a speaker. The City Manager will provide a plan for bagging by the following week. The city attorney clarified that no action can prevent a future council from revisiting ALPRs. The mayor noted that the city will explore policy guidelines before any future use. - Microtrenching: Council discussed Jenny Vitali's concerns and directed staff to address construction issues and consider developing proper standards. - Water Main Breaks: Council directed public works to investigate repeated failures in the October Lakes area and work with the HOA to resolve remaining issues. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - Council directed public works to investigate and remediate water main break issues in the October Lakes area and to address microtrenching complaints. - No formal action was taken on ALPRs, but council acknowledged public input and directed staff to research bagging all existing cameras and to review a proposed ban ordinance. The city manager will present a plan to council next week. - Upcoming events announced: League of Cities conference (Mayor's last as president), retirement of CCA General Manager Michelle McLennan, new GM Juliana Crespo, Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on September 12, art exhibits at Vision Gallery and Chandler Museum.

This meeting began with a brief Public Housing Authority Commission (PHAC) session followed by the Chandler City Council regular meeting and study session. The council recognized employee service milestones, issued a proclamation for Drowning Impact Awareness Month, approved a consent agenda, and heard presentations on several infrastructure and community projects. Study session items will be voted on at a later meeting. Consent Calendar - PHAC Meeting: The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the June 22, 2026, regular meeting (motion by Vice Chair, second by Commissioner Ellis; vote 7-0). - City Council Consent Agenda: Council unanimously approved the consent agenda (items 1 and 2) for the August 10, 2026, regular meeting (motion by Councilmember Poston, second by Vice Mayor; vote 7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No unscheduled public appearances were made during either the PHAC or City Council meetings. Discussion Items - Service Recognitions and Retirement: The city recognized employees for service milestones: Alison Bullock (10 years, Library), Patty Calleros (30 years, Library), Tracy Conaway (20 years, Public Works & Utilities), Tim Wakefield (30 years, Public Works & Utilities). Odette Moore was honored for her retirement after 26 years of service, most recently in Economic Development, where she led the Chandler Innovation Fair. - Drowning Impact Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Harkey proclaimed August 2026 as Drowning Impact Awareness Month. The city's "Water You Doing" campaign and new "Swim Safe 48" program (requiring wristbands for children under 48 inches) led to an 83% reduction in rescues this summer—from 121 to 21. - Kyrene Branch and High Line Canal Paths (Items 3,4): Jason (staff) presented a project to complete shared-use path connections from the Chandler-Tempe border. The Kyrene Branch path (approx. 1 mile) includes a traffic signal in Tempe; the High Line Canal path (approx. 0.25 mile) extends to Orchid Lane, with bike lanes and green pavement markings. Construction starts later in 2026, completion by end of 2027/early 2028. The project is 94% grant-funded ($5M+), with a 5.7% local match split with Tempe. Public feedback led to removal of a signal on Ray Road, added private property signs, adjusted lighting, and gates to prevent vehicular access. - Tumbleweed Ranch Phase 1 & 2 (Items 10,11,12): Jody (staff) presented improvements at Tumbleweed Park: Phase 1 includes a Redshed Theater with a 200-seat amphitheater and interpretive pathway; Phase 2 improves the historic McCroskey and Edwards farmhouses with a boardwalk (ADA access), sensory garden, grape arbor, and a garage to display Dr. Chandler's vehicle. No community garden is currently planned, though councilmember Orlando suggested exploring the idea. The project originates from a 2004 master plan. - Emergency Operations Plan (Item 26): Emergency Manager Erica Houston presented the updated plan, which is solutions-based and reviewed every five years (last update 2022). The plan involves all city departments and partner agencies, with training and exercises. Councilmember Ellis asked about coordination with state and federal agencies; Houston confirmed mutual aid agreements and interstate compacts are in place, and that local capability is the first line of response. - Water Infrastructure Projects (Items 40-44): Jeremy Abbott (Public Works & Utilities) presented five items: replacement of ASR well 8 (one of ten in Tumbleweed Park) including design, drilling, and construction oversight; rehabilitation of a lift station (one of eight citywide); and upgrades to the Basha water production facility (two-million-gallon reservoir, pumps, motors, electrical gear). These projects are part of maintaining the city's assured water supply and robust system. Key Outcomes - The PHAC and City Council consent agendas were approved unanimously. - All study session items (3,4,10,11,12,26,40,41,42,43,44) were presented for discussion only; they will be voted on at the Thursday, August 13, 2026, meeting. - No formal votes or decisions were taken on the study session items.

The Chandler City Council convened on July 16, 2026, for a regular meeting. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a public hearing on an annexation, and unscheduled public appearances regarding a sewer odor issue. The council also received reports on recent events and upcoming activities. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda (items 1 through 22) unanimously. Included was the appointment of Susan Ri to the Historic Preservation Commission. Public Hearing - Annexation 2504: A public hearing was held for the annexation of a 16.87-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Appleby Road and the Union Pacific Railroad. The property is currently zoned I-1 PAD (light industrial) in Maricopa County and will be rezoned to Planned Industrial District (I1) upon annexation. The applicant plans to develop a pre-manufactured truss manufacturing facility with approximately 200 employees. Councilmember Harris recused herself due to a conflict of interest. No public comments were offered, and the hearing was closed. Public Comments & Testimony - Sewer Odor Issue: Three speakers addressed a recurring sewer odor affecting businesses at the Santan Dobson Business Park (Dobson Road and Pecos Road area). Ken Sherman presented survey results from 22 businesses: 86% reported employee complaints, 82% reported customer complaints, 68% reported disruption to daily operations, 50% incurred investigative expenses, 36% reported lost business, and 27% reported prospective tenants declining to lease. Speakers requested a comprehensive city investigation of the public sewer system. Council directed the city manager to investigate and report back. Mayor and Council Reports - Mayor Harkey recapped the successful July 4th "All American Bash" celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, and highlighted the Operation Back to School event that provided 2,000-3,000 stuffed backpacks and shoes to Chandler students. - Councilmember Poston congratulated Victoria Breadavog, former Miss Chandler, on becoming Miss Arizona, and noted her upcoming participation in the Miss America competition. He also congratulated Hamilton High School alum Cody Bellinger on being named MLB All-Star Game MVP. - Councilmember Ellis reminded residents of monsoon safety and mentioned the Chandler Center for the Arts' production of "Fiddler on the Roof." - Councilmember Harris highlighted a visit from the "Let's Fill Some Colors" art program and an upcoming Community Services Open House on July 25 at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. - City Manager announced a DIY sandbag station at 975 East Armstrong Way for anticipated rainfall, and provided contact numbers for street flooding reports. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - The public hearing on annexation was held; no further action was taken at this meeting. - The council directed city staff to investigate the sewer odor issue and provide updates. Note: The agenda item for renewal of fixed camera automated license plate readers was withdrawn and will be considered at the August 13, 2026 meeting.

The Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission convened on July 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a regular meeting. Chair Koschel led the meeting, with Vice Chair Bill Steam and Commissioners Quinn, Gullah, Schwarzer (excused), Dushar, Gothier, and Gala (excused) present. The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously. Staff announced schedule changes for future meetings. Consent Calendar - Items 1 through 6, discussed during the prior study session, were approved unanimously via a single motion by Commissioner Quinn, seconded by Mr. Billstein. The commission serves as a recommending body; final action rests with city council, where public comment will be accepted. Discussion Items - Commissioner Quinn notified the commission of his absence on August 19, 2026. - Staff member David announced that the proposed October retreat for the commission was postponed because the facilitator was unavailable. The retreat is now targeted for early December 2026, pending availability of the facilitator and all commission members. - The chair noted that the regular meeting scheduled for August 19, 2026, may not occur due to scheduling of cases, and public notice will confirm if the meeting will be held. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (items 1–6) approved unanimously. - The August 19 regular meeting may be canceled; confirmation will be published. - The commission retreat is rescheduled from October to early December 2026.