Chandler City Council Regular Meeting and Study Session - September 16, 2025
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.
Meeting Transcript
Thirty more seconds. I love it. Right in the middle. Well, good evening, and welcome to the regular meeting of the Chandler City Council, and the opportunity is we celebrate Constitution Week. That's worth a round of applause. We have two meetings tonight. Most of you are here for the first. The second is a study session in which we will be looking at items and asking questions in regard to our council meeting on Thursday and the items we'll be voting for. So with that, I'd like to call this meeting to order and clerk ask if you would take the role. Mayor Hartkey. Here. Vice Mayor Ellis? Here. Council Member and Cinus. Here. Councilmember Poston. Here. Councilmember Orlando? Here. Councilmember Harris? Councilmember Hopkins. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Our indication tonight will be brought forth by a friend of Chandler, Reverend Jimmy Thomas from the International Assembly of God Church in Chandler. And the Pledge of Allegiance by Troop Two Eighty Five. Reverend. Greetings to you, Honorable Mayor Kevin Hartke, and the council members and all who are gathered here in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Chandler has always been a beacon of economic growth, prosperity, peace, and a sanctuary for those who wish to make this a home. All of the growth and this remarkable journey cannot be just a man's desire, but God's working through each and every one of you who are willing to channel and be a vessel for God's glory to be revealed in and through your life. Let us pray. Lord, we come to your throne of grace and mercy. Today as we celebrate the Constitution Week, a reminder that you are the chief cornerstone and the anchor on which we stand. Just like how Solomon invoked the Lord and prayed for the glory to fill the house in the same way. Just like how Solomon asks for wisdom to govern God's people in the same way. We ask for divine wisdom to be bestowed on our leaders and governing authorities here. Lord, you alone can give this divine wisdom as we learn from your word. According to your word in Psalms 127, says like this, unless the Lord builds the house, we the people labor in vain who builds it. So, Lord our God, we ask of you, Jesus, that your Holy Spirit guides us and helps us to build our homes, our communities, and our governing bodies. As our forefathers prayed, we pray too that you are the good shepherd. We pray that the good shepherd grants your children the grace as the shepherd of this great city. We beseech you, O Lord and God of all, to be our helper and protector. Save the afflicted among us, have mercy on the lowly, raise up the fallen, appear to the needy, heal the ungodly, restore the wanderers of your people, feed the hungry, and comfort the fainthearted. We look to you, Master, our Lord, our God, our King, Jesus. In your name we pray. Amen. Troop 285. Scout salute. I'll allegiance to the pride of the United States of America. And to the Republican.
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