Chandler City Council Regular Meeting and Study Session - September 16, 2025

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.