Public Meetings - Chandler, Arizona

The Chandler City Council convened on September 16, 2025, for a regular meeting followed by a study session. The regular meeting featured service recognitions, proclamations for Constitution Week, and recognition of community members, including the winner of a national America 250 essay contest. The study session included discussions on pass-through Indian gaming grants, a marketing campaign with local school districts, temporary accommodations for homelessness, and the procurement process for a new forensic services facility. Consent Calendar - Items 1-2 were approved unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Service Recognitions: Acting City Manager John Pampier presented 20-year service awards to Danielle Wells (Management Services), Libby Stressman (Public Works and Utilities), and Corey Hilman (Fleet Services). Each was recognized for their contributions and leadership. - Proclamations and Recognitions: Mayor Kevin Hartke proclaimed September 14-20, 2025 as Constitution Week. The city recognized the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution for their partnership. Sam Kumar, a rising fourth-grade student, was honored as the first-place winner of the National America 250 essay contest for his essay "What America Means to Me." - Special Appearance: Cynthia Hardy thanked the council and community for their support following the passing of her husband, Rev. Victor E. Hardy, highlighting the role of Vice Mayor Christine Ellis in organizing his celebration of life. - Pass-Through Gaming Grants (Item 3): Rosalind Sleet presented three organizations seeking pass-through Indian gaming grants via the city: Chandler Culture Foundation ($20,000 for Connect Kids), and Teen Lifeline ($100,000 for crisis services and suicide prevention). Vice Mayor Ellis inquired about other nonprofits accessing these funds; staff noted information is on the city website and requires 501(c)(3) status. - IGA with School Districts (Item 10): Micah Miranda presented a intergovernmental agreement with four local school districts to launch a marketing campaign aimed at attracting young families and professionals to Chandler. Councilmember Orlando asked about success metrics; Miranda cited leading indicators (impressions, media pickups) and lagging indicators (school enrollments, demographic changes). Vice Mayor Ellis raised housing affordability concerns; Miranda noted Chandler is not uniquely expensive in the region and campaign research will explore why families choose other areas. The campaign is expected to launch in 2026. - Operation Open Door – Temporary Accommodations (Item 27): Ryan Balch, Acting Neighborhood Resources Director, presented contract amendments to extend non-congregate shelter agreements with two hotels. The program serves vulnerable populations including families with children, disabled individuals, and older adults. In the past year, 182 households (over 350 individuals, 135 under 18) were served, with a 96% successful exit rate to permanent housing or more robust shelter. Average length of stay was 80 days. Rates are $105/night for one-bedroom and $140/night for two-bedroom units, with no cost increase requested. Balch also reported on the city's heat relief overnight shelter at the senior center, which was full every night and helped transfer some individuals into longer-term programs. - Forensic Services Facility CMAR Process (Item 29): Alicia Rosenberg and Dan Haskins presented on the procurement of a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the new forensic services facility, funded by the 2020 public safety bond. The facility will add DNA analysis, blood drug analysis, and enhance digital forensics. Eight firms submitted qualifications; four were interviewed. Wilmig Construction was selected with the highest score. Councilmember Harris questioned how the contract amount will be determined; Haskins explained the CMAR process involves a qualifications-based selection and cost reviews at 30%, 60%, and 90% design milestones to keep the project within budget. Councilmember Orlando noted the presence of a retired city employee as an advisor on Wilmig's team and suggested reviewing the city's policy on such involvement to ensure clarity and fairness. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (items 1-2) was approved unanimously by a voice vote. - The study session did not include votes; items (3, 10, 27, 29) will be voted on at the council meeting on September 18, 2025. - Staff will work with councilmembers to address concerns about the CMAR process and the forensic facility contract amount before the Thursday vote. - The council will meet in executive session after the study session.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on September 4, 2025. Vice Chair Koshal presided in the absence of Chair Heeman. The commission had reviewed the consent agenda in a prior study session and later unanimously approved it. Commissioner Bill State praised the outreach for the Downtown Regional Area Plan, noting over 1,100 touch points with zero opposition from city contacts, calling it immense work. The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda for September 3rd was approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Quinn, with a second from another commissioner. Public Comments - No members of the public spoke during unscheduled public appearances. Member Comments - Commissioner Bill State highlighted the successful outreach for the Downtown Regional Area Plan, citing over 1,100 touch points and zero opposition. - Another commissioner seconded the remarks. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved. - Next regular meeting set for September 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

Note: The meeting was called to order on August 14, 2025, but the provided timestamp is August 15, 2025. This summary uses the date from the instruction. The Chandler City Council held a regular meeting presided by Mayor Hartkey, with Vice Mayor Ellis attending telephonically. The meeting included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, a special recognition for departing Deputy City Manager Andy Bass, approval of the consent agenda, public comment, and council member announcements. Special Recognition — Farewell to Deputy City Manager Andy Bass - Acting City Manager John Pombier and Tad (staff) delivered remarks honoring Andy Bass, who will leave on August 22, 2025, to become Executive Director of the South Suburban Park and Recreation District in Denver, Colorado, starting September 8, 2025. Bass served Chandler since July 2019, first as Community Services Director and later as Deputy City Manager. - Under his leadership, notable projects included Veterans Oasis Park expansion, Tumbleweed Recreation Center expansion, Tumbleweed Park Diamond Fields, Gazelle Meadows Park Renovation, Homestead North Park, Montana Ranch Park, Boston Street and Wall Street Improvements, the ULI AZ TAP study that designated Southside Village as Chandler's first historic conservation district, City Hall and Alley Improvements, and affordable housing initiatives like Beelas on McQueen and the Haven Project. - Council members and the mayor expressed gratitude for his professionalism, collaborative spirit, and personal impact. Councilmember Harris noted Bass's work on the 311 system and Harvard experience. Councilmember Orlando highlighted partnership on the Common Ground Teen Safety Forum. Councilmember Poston praised his persistence on a traffic safety project. Councilmember Ellis thanked him for his service and noted his sense of humor. Councilmember Hawkinson recognized his contributions and presented him with a donut gift. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda (items 1–29) by a unanimous vote (motion by Councilmember Orlando, second by Councilmember Encinas). No recusals were noted. The agenda included nominations for board seats: Jenny was appointed to the Domestic Disabilities Board (present), and Allison was appointed to the Charter Subcommittee (not present due to family bereavement). Public Comments & Testimony - Brooke Beal (85 West Teakwood Place, Chandler) spoke about what he characterized as lies by police regarding e-bike legality on canals. He claimed a police sergeant told him pedaling an electric bicycle on the canal is legal, which Mr. Beal asserted is false. He requested the city attorney, city manager, and police chief issue documentation clarifying that e-bikes are illegal on canals and distribute it to all police employees. He also alleged that the Chandler Police Department concealed crimes: out of 42 crimes he reported via SMS in June, only 25 were entered into the calls-for-service dataset; in July, 29 of 49 were entered. He asserted that 37 criminal trespass reports over two months were not recorded, and that officers now use an “attempt to locate advised” call type instead of dispatching officers. - Councilmember Orlando raised a point of order, stating that calling a police officer a liar is disturbing and that such language is inappropriate in council chambers. He urged the city manager to resolve the e-bike issue and bring it back to a council subcommittee. Current Events & Announcements - Mayor Hartkey announced the upcoming League of Arizona Cities and Towns annual conference (next week in Scottsdale), a pickleball facility ribbon-cutting at Tumbleweed Park on September 6, 2025 (18 lighted courts, restrooms, shade, parking), and the approval of the 2025–2027 City Council Strategic Framework. - Councilmember Encinas promoted the Good Neighbor 101 program starting September 2025 at the Chandler Innovation Center (free educational program, four sessions, registration at ChandlerAZ.gov/good-neighbor-101). - Councilmember Orlando acknowledged the passing of Terry Locke, a longtime community member and charter subcommittee member, and noted his celebration of life on August 28, 2025, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. He also welcomed Acting City Manager John Pombier with a community meet-and-greet on August 27, 2025, at the Vision Gallery (4:30–6 p.m.). - Councilmember Orlando updated on the General Plan update workshops: nearly 70 residents attended workshops that week; residents can still participate in the “Chandler Listening” virtual workshop through the end of the month at chandleraz.gov/generalplan. - Councilmember Harris issued a public service announcement about school being back in session, urging drivers to slow down, especially in school zones, and encouraged police presence for enforcement. - Councilmember Hawkinson announced that the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting vendor and performance group applications are open (ChandlerAZ.gov/tumbleweed-tree). She also introduced Assistant Chief Zikowski from the Chandler Police Department, who highlighted the Common Ground Teen Safety Forum on August 27, 2025, 6–8 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center, targeting teen violence trends and new laws. - Acting City Manager John Pombier announced that a successor for Deputy City Manager Andy Bass will be announced the next morning (August 15) via an internal promotion, noting 10 qualified internal candidates. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (items 1–29). - Board appointments confirmed: Jenny to Domestic Disabilities Board, Allison to Charter Subcommittee. - Strategic Framework for 2025–2027 approved (noted in consent agenda). - Council directed staff to address e-bike enforcement communication following public comment concerns. - Internal promotion for Deputy City Manager to be announced August 15, 2025. - Upcoming events: League of AZ Cities and Towns conference (August 2025), pickleball ribbon-cutting (September 6), Good Neighbor 101 (starting September), meet-and-greet for Acting City Manager (August 27), Common Ground Teen Safety Forum (August 27), Terry Locke celebration of life (August 28).