Oh my god, I have to be off.

Good evening, and welcome to the regular city council meeting of January twenty second.

I'd like to call this meeting to order.

Clerk, please take the role.

Vice Mayor and Sinus.

Here.

Council Member Poston.

Here.

Councilmember Ellis.

Here.

Council Member Orlando.

Council Member Harris.

Councilmember Hawkins.

Here, we have a quorum.

Thank you so much.

Our indication tonight will be presented by Rabbi Mandy Deutsch from Habad of the East Valley.

Our Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Hawkins.

A good act.

A God of heaven, mass of the world, graciously bless these distinguished individuals chosen by many who have entrusted them with the responsibility of legislating for the well-being of the constituents and families.

There is a small book that is called the Hayom Yom Daily Insights, Daily Ideas.

And there's one insert that says, one action is better than a thousand sighs.

We often hear of other people's troubles, and we go, oh what's most important is to take action.

The times we are living in today, we don't have time to talk or to have committee meetings or other types of meetings.

We need to act.

According to Jewish tradition, actions speak louder than words.

Our actions are pri of primary importance, and we can only understand a fellow human being, a fellow person based on their actions more than their feelings in their heart.

Living in this amazing city of Chandler, we benefit from the incredible friends and neighbors that live in our communities, who often come into the synagogue just to show their friendship, their support, say a prayer.

And this is what it means to live in a world where we have the opportunity to look at our surroundings as a beautiful garden.

May we be blessed that indeed we should see everything around us as a blossoming place where we can make a difference every single day.

We can do so by learning about the seven Noah High Laws and keeping these laws and living a just and righteous life.

We implore God to grant each and every one of our amazing elected officials, all those that are standing here in front of us, the police, the fire who protect us every single day, and all the members of the city, the staff, and volunteers.

Bestow upon them wisdom, justice, grace, and empathy, enabling them to bring honor to your name and blessing to mankind.

Thank you.

Amen.

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I Pledge Allegiance.

One nation under God.

Thank you, Rambi.

Thank you, Councilmember.

We uh next on our agenda is scheduled public appearances, and we have recognition from the parade of light winners.

And uh I'd like to invite Councilmember Orlando to join me out front.

And Amanda Jensen, our special events senior specialist is going to recognize our winners as each group is called.

Uh, please come up.

We'd like to take uh a picture with each group and then a large picture with everybody at the end.

Amanda.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

I'm Amanda Jensen, and I'm the special events senior specialist, and it's my honor to recognize the 2025 Parade of Lights winners.

The Parade of Lights is a long-standing tradition for the city of Chandler.

Many families, organizations, schools, businesses, and businesses attend the parade each year.

We are excited to present the winners of the 2025 Parade of Lights and thank them for their hard work and participation.

Tonight we will recognize 10 winners from five different categories, eight of which are here with us today.

We will have representatives from each of the winning groups come forward with their name when their name is announced and accept our award.

Our first category is best lit music and dance group or dance group.

Second place is awarded to Can Dance Studios, and although they were unable to be here tonight, we appreciate and thank them for their participation and enthusiasm in the Parade of Lights.

Goes to USA Dance Company.

And they were also unable to be here tonight, but we thank them for their participation and enthusiasm of the in the parade of lights as well.

Our next first place, or yeah, our next first place winner in the best lit musical or dance group goes to Moonlight Sirens Tribal Belly Dance Company.

And accepting their award tonight are is Don Van Siis and Pamela Parker.

This group was made up of belly dancers, drummers, and Zill players.

They sure brought the best to they sure brought their best to lock in the best lit musical or dance group.

Congratulations, Moonlight Sirens Tribal Belly Dance Company.

Thank you all.

Congratulations.

Moving on to the next category, Best Lit Community Group.

Second place is awarded to Move Martial Arts, and accepting the war their award on their behalf is Josh Dumolan and his martial arts students.

This group showed off their skills and martial arts techniques.

You may have seen them breaking boards throughout the parade route.

Congratulations, Move Martial Arts.

One, two, which is three, we ready.

First place in Best Lit Community Group goes to Santan Elementary Student Council.

And accepting that the award on their behalf is Danica Schroeder Schroeder, Harper Townley, and their student council members.

The student, the school and its students brought out all the stops with their float as they had a traditional winter wonderland themed float.

They were sure I cite sure a sight to be seen.

Congratulations, Santan Elementary Student Council.

There you go, that's perfect.

Awesome.

We ready?

One, two, three.

Great.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

Our next category is Best Lit Business Group.

Second place is awarded to Toe and Tipsy LLC, and accepting the award on their behalf is Erica and Veronica Mortensen.

They arrived decorated as National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and all the judges could say was it's a butte, Clark.

Congratulations, Toe and Tipsy.

Thanks so much, first place in Best Lit Business Group goes to Stars in Motion Dance School, and accepting the award tonight is Mary Ann Paul.

This group brought out all the stops with their gingerbread characters, candy canes, and peppermint props while they danced to upbeat holiday tracks.

Congratulations, Stars in Motion Dance School.

Thank you, thank you.

The next category is always a fa favorite among parade watchers and parade participants.

Biggest and brightest.

Second place is awarded to Copper State Four Wheelers, and accepting the award on their behalf is Roland Silva and Mike Knowles.

This club was formed in nineteen seventy-two by a group of families to promote safe and enjoyable family style four-wheeling.

And lucky for us, they chose to bring fifteen lit up four-wheelers to Chandler this past year for all to enjoy.

Congratulations, Copper State Four Wheelers.

And here to expect accept their award on their behalf is Evan Price and members of the TDC Fellowship.

This group brought out all the stops to win biggest and brightest.

You may remember them pulling, putting on a show as they pulled their semi truck through the parade.

What a way to celebrate fifty years in Chandler.

Congratulations, TDC Fellowship.

All right, ready?

One, two, three.

Great, thank you.

Our final award for this evening is Judge's Choice, and it goes to Move Martial Arts.

Accepting the award on their behalf is Josh Dumolen and his martial arts students.

Move Martial Arts also won our second place prize for Best Lit Community Group.

But our judges love this group so much that they voted them judge's choice.

Congratulations, Move Marshall Arts.

Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you to everyone that participated in the 2025 Parade of Lights.

Thank you and have a good evening.

All right.

Don't get too close to me.

I got good.

Spaced people.

It's like a fair reunion picture.

I don't know.

I love it.

All right, everyone.

Let's smile on the count of three.

Okay.

One, two, three.

Awesome.

Think I got it.

Let's smile for our photographers back here.

Okay.

Got it?

We know you're only capturing your family.

Congratulations, everyone.

Congratulations, everybody.

Thank you for participating.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Rain more next year.

Next year.

We want two semi.

Oh, okay.

Thank you.

All right.

Next on our agenda is the consent agenda.

I know we didn't have a Monday meeting, and I understand that Councilmember Landy, you had a question on item 10.

Yeah.

Staff, just for item 10.

Thank you, Mayor.

Yeah, I don't need a presentation, but I did speak with the appearance earlier, and uh obviously we've gotten phone calls from residents, and I know they had several meetings.

Um from what I heard now, everything's okay with the residents on this, and we've got good vibes now, right?

Yeah, to the mayor, council member, that's correct.

Good.

So we're gonna move forward with this.

Hopefully, I'm assuming we are, but um, I just want to give kudos to you guys because I know you feel those, and I'm gonna give kudos to the uh to the applicant for actually uh doing two meetings after he heard that there was issues, and then working working together.

And as you know, that's been a tough area.

The residents in that area have over time that you know new business walks in, they don't you know they're so close, and I'm glad we're able to uh the applicant saw that the fact that there is some history there, but not with him, but with other industry, and there's gonna be some issues there.

So he was able to work it and we appreciate it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Council, any other questions on this one?

Any other seeing none?

All right, is there a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented?

Mayor.

Uh yeah, I'd like to move to approve the consent agenda for the January 22nd, 2026, regular meeting items one through 28.

We have a motion.

Is there a second?

I saw council member posting.

All right.

And you're even further away, so it took a little longer on the synapse.

All right.

Uh council any recusals, any anything, none?

Please vote.

Motion carries unanimously.

Thank you.

All right, item number 29 is uh an action item.

Uh resolution 5970, accepting the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025 and demonstrating compliance with Arizona revised statute.

If I could have uh Julie Goucher coming up, she's already up there.

Ready.

Thank you.

So I'm Julie Goshar, I'm the accounting senior manager, and here tonight for the adoption of resolution 5970, accepting the annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

And here with me, I'm pleased to introduce Joshua Jumper from our audit firm Heinfeld Meach, and he'll be presenting the results of our audit.

Thank you.

All right, Mr.

Jemper, good to see you again.

Good evening, uh Mayor Harkey, Council members, and city management.

Pleasure to be here again uh to present on the annual audit for the year ended June 30th, 2025.

A few slides just to keep me on track, but promise to be brief.

Uh so why am I here?

Uh it's required under ARS uh for uh this to be in uh council meeting and in a action item.

Uh before I even dig in further, I'll just say the audit uh opinion was an unmodified opinion on the city's financial statements, unmodified opinion means clean opinion and non-accounting speak.

Uh so great news.

Uh, but I'll get into a few more details as well.

Uh so just this slide is just to indicate all the different standards that guide the annual audit for the city and for us as the auditors.

So federal guidance, uh governmental accounting standards, governmental auditing standards, uh, AI CPA auditing standards.

So a lot of rules that we have to follow and that the city has to follow as a governmental entity.

Stewardship and accountability to all those listed here.

Residents, granters, state agencies, federal agencies, bondholders, et cetera.

And we're also reviewing compliance with certain laws and regulations.

And you're ensuring that management's uh fulfilled their duty in terms of uh completing the annual audit.

The audit process started way back last May.

Uh and we make several on-site visits with the accounting team uh and then also perform audit procedures remotely, and then the audit reports were issued uh in November and then through this month, the various audit reports.

What are those audit reports?

So there is uh audit communication to you, city council, those charged with governance.

The big one is the annual comprehensive financial report.

That is the city's audited financial statements for the fiscal year, the single audit reporting package, uh, which is uh required uh related to the city's federal grants, and that is required to be submitted to the federal government.

We also uh do agreed upon procedures related to ADEQ landfill requirements that the city has, highway user revenue fund, HERF compliance, and then the city's expenditure limitation report.

We also review that as part of the annual audit.

So uh the annual audit includes lots of different things, uh, but the biggest one is the city's financial statements.

Uh like I previously mentioned, uh, the audit results, unmodified clean audit opinion, which was dated November 26, 2025.

Uh that was the earliest.

We've been able to issue the audit opinion, which is just a testament to the hard work of the accounting team and uh various city staff to ensure the audit got done uh efficiently.

No internal controls, no deficiencies were noted this past year, which is great.

And then the single audit reported uh 33 million of federal expenditures.

So those federal grants the city receives, they the city spent 33 million for the fiscal year 2425.

Additionally, included in your uh packet is the letter to governance, you the city council.

Uh so included in there is just some required information that we are required to communicate in a letter format.

Additionally attached to that is the engagement letter, which is signed at the beginning of the audit, and then the management representation letter, which is signed at the end of the audit.

So overall, the audit went very well.

Uh again, it went efficiently.

The audit opinion was able to be issued in November, which is the earliest in uh my time working on the audit.

So again, that's a testament to the hard work of city staff.

So those are my prepared remarks.

Uh tried to keep it brief, but happy to answer any questions or comments you may have.

Well, Mr.

Jumper, um, I think this is the I think I conversations with you with Meg with League of Cities and here, and I was trying to figure out a way how can I get you to say clean?

And uh then you just let it out.

I was gonna ask questions like isn't this room not dirty and everything in it?

I was gonna work hard to get that out of you, but thank you for your work.

You're professional that is uh looked upon others as a go-to, and I appreciate your uh confidence and through your auditing us.

Councilmember Lando, thank you.

So, Ms.

John, will you answer this or or um do you transmit the letter to the US government?

Or how does that work?

Uh yes, so uh that's related to the single audit reporting package, which is the city's uh reporting on the city's spending of federal grants, and so that is transmitted uh via the federal audit and clearing house to the federal government.

So uh we the city does transmit it, but we go in there and ensure everything is accurate and matches the issued report.

Got it.

Okay, thank you.

Yeah, I didn't realize we actually had to do that.

And then the state obviously they get their letter as well, correct?

Yes, uh, a lot of the all the reports that are issued as part of the annual audit that I listed out, they all get issued or sent to the Arizona Auditor General as well.

It must be a big warehouse.

Anyway, yes, a lot of files they receive.

Any additional questions are coming up?

Mayor.

Councilmember.

Yes, um, you know what?

Thank you for the presentation.

Um, I think it sends warm compliments to our CFO Don, who's doing an amazing job.

And your team, the accounting team is done barred on done it again.

Uh no, but it's it is really compliments to um our team, city manager, and all our staff.

Um, we're really being responsible with the taxpayers' dollars.

We're making sure they are going where they're supposed to go.

Anyone that makes an investment in the city of Chandler, that investment is well spent and is stretched to the limit because we do work actively to make sure we have a well-ran budget because we have a well-ran team by some well-ran directors and deputy managers and appointees.

So again, thank you so much.

And I think the residents of Chandler, although they they may be listening, you should be very proud that you have uh uh city council, a mayor and a council that that believes in uh fiscal responsibility and making sure every dollar council.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you.

Well, council, I believe uh a motion isn't uttered, but he was mayor, mayor.

Councilmember Orlando.

Thank you.

Um move to City Council pass and adopt resolution number 5970, accepting the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025, and demonstrating compliance with Arizona Device Statutes.

Um 9-481 and H, excuse me, and 41-1494.

Exactly.

I think I heard council or council member Ellis that time.

So we have a motion and a second.

Council, please vote.

Motion carries unanimously.

Very good.

All right.

Um I do have uh two unscheduled appearances tonight.

And to those who are speakers, uh, since this is unscheduled, not on the agenda, we cannot engage with you.

We will certainly listen to you and and uh staff will follow up.

First up is Noah James Markham.

You have up to three minutes.

Uh and when the light turns yellow, please be wrapping up.

Okay.

State your name and address to you for the name and city of residence.

Okay.

Aloha, mayor, and to the rest of the city council.

My name is Noah James Markham, and I live in the great blue city of Tempe.

I would like to talk about if I want to take off my shirt on the sidewalk in Chandler.

I should have the right to do so.

If I decide that I want to go into a grocery store without my shirt on, I should be allowed to even do that.

If I walk into a gas station without my shirt on, I should be able to do that.

It shouldn't be that serious for men.

Also, I would like to talk about downtown Chandler.

I really think you guys need to step up your game and make it look better here.

And maybe more buildings or different restaurants and make it better so you guys can have events here like the Pride Event.

I love that event, and thank you, Chandler.

And one more thing, actually, there's two more things I would like to talk about is the Chandler Mall.

I encourage that we keep on with the mall and always have new idea ideas to step up the game at the Chandler Mall.

One more thing.

Can you guys please hire more women police officers and Chandler?

Because I haven't seen that many in those cop cards.

Woman matter.

And thank you for listening.

Me tonight as a Democrat.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Next up, we have Brooke Beal.

Mr.

Beal, state your name and city of residence, and you have up to three minutes to share your thoughts.

Uh resident of the city of Chandler.

First of all, uh congratulations to uh to Jennifer, uh Dana and uh John Pombier on their new positions.

Uh especially to Dana.

Congratulations, retiring.

Thanks.

Done a great job.

Um so second is uh just to let you know, I have written an email to the uh interim regional director of Bureau of Reclamation, uh, explaining my concerns with uh the way the city of Chandler is handling the uh consolidated canal.

Uh I've invited her to come down and address the uh city council in a public meeting so that uh there's no misunderstanding from uh the Bureau of Reclamation, the people who own the canal, whether or not there should be uh law enforcement activity on there.

So uh and to that, uh today I was again threatened with assault uh on the canal by a parent who didn't want me sending photos of his daughter breaking the law to the Chandler police.

Um, Councilmember Ellis, uh, you had asked a few months ago whether or not the canal is safe.

So the answer again is I don't believe it is because when someone threatens me for taking pictures of someone breaking the law, um I think that's a problem.

And the reason this happens is because uh Chief Chapman has made it clear that he is not going to enforce the law, these laws that are being broken.

And the the juveniles know this, the parents know this, and so they feel that um that gives them permission to to bully me.

I guess they see me as trying to bully the children.

Uh in fact, what I'm doing is I'm trying to communicate to the police department there are criminal violations going on here.

And you know, since Christmas, I have had upwards of 10 per day.

I'm only there for an hour, so it's 10 in an hour.

I'll see 10 unique individuals breaking the law on the canal in an hour.

Uh and it's it's worse than it was before, obviously, because presidents they they got presents for Christmas.

So uh this is going to get worse when Fry Road is completed, the the improvements on Fry Road are completed.

Um the electric bikes are going to dump onto the canal because that's your encouraging them to ride on the canal.

So uh it I think it's inevitable that it's going to be a bigger problem.

So I have invited her to come and address you as a group in a public meeting so that we can uh get this issue resolved.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Next is current events.

I'll start.

This Saturday, January 24th, from 10 to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

We're having Chandler Municipal Airport is hosting its annual airport day.

It's a free family-friendly event, open to all residents.

And this event gives everyone a chance to go behind the scenes at one of the nation's busiest general aviation airports to learn more about the vital role it plays in our community and the national airspace system.

Attendees can enjoy static displays of aircraft and helicopters from vintage models to modern jets.

Take part in interactive activities and pick up an airport day passport to collect stamps as you explore.

The new Chandler Discovery Library will be on site, and our Chandler Police and Fire Departments will host booths and vehicle displays.

I encourage you all residents from aviation enthusiasts to simply curious to bring your family and friends out for a visit.

And I understand, although I won't be naming who we will have a celebrity at this particular one that you will not want to miss the opportunity to meet this individual.

You can see me here at the council meeting.

That's what I was thinking.

It's a great way to learn, connect, and celebrate treasured part of our city.

Next up is our I'd like to talk about our downtown developer summit.

So next week on Friday, January 30th, we're inviting developers to join us for the Downtown Developer Summit at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center at 249 East Chicago Street.

From creative adaptive reuse projects to missing metal housing and new construction, you'll hear how thoughtful investment and innovative designs can help build a more vibrant downtown that benefits residents and visitors alike.

We'll have experienced developers sharing real-world insights.

Plenty of time for connection and conversation and light refreshments to keep you energized through the morning.

I think that means caffeine or sugar in that in those refreshments.

So please, RSVP by calling or emailing Lauren Peterson, Downtown Redevelopment Program Manager at 4807823047.

Chandler International Film Festival is back once again, and we'll place Chandler on national and international center stage.

Filmmakers and artists from around the world will be turning their attention to our community as they come here to share stories, creativity, and culture.

This festival has grown into an annual event for Chandler that shows not only outstanding independent films, but also who we are as a city that values the arts, cultural diversity, and creative expression.

It brings visitors into our community, supports local businesses, and highlights Chandler as a destination for culture and ideas.

I want to encourage our residents to take advantage of the opportunity to attend a screening, participate in an event, or simply be part of the excitement.

Full details and tickets are available at Chandler Filmfestival.com.

Chandler Filmfestival.com.

We look forward to seeing them and you there with us.

Councilmember Poston.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, first off, I just wanted to mention that last week the mayor and council participated in a joint meeting with our legislative delegation, and they were from LD12, 13 and 14.

So that was a great opportunity for us as a council to share our ideas and our priorities with our legislators and to hear directly from them what they plan to bring forward in the next legislative session.

Uh we talked about some shared interest, our water security, and our ability to maintain local control here in Chandler, which is one of the most important things that we try to express to our legislators.

So we appreciate their willingness to come and take their time and have that conversation with us and keep those lines of communication open.

And then next, um, the mayor's committee for people with disabilities is now accepting applications for scholarships and awards, continuing Chandler's tradition of celebrating and supporting all members of our community.

The committee is currently accepting applications for both its scholarship program and the 2026 Disability Awareness Awards.

The scholarship program supports Chandler residents with disabilities who are pursuing educational or career goals with awards available of up to a thousand dollars.

Scholarship applications are now open through March 31st.

And in addition, nominations are also being accepted for the Disability Awareness Awards, which honor individuals and organizations that champion inclusion and make a positive impact on our community.

Nominations for that are due by Friday, January 20th.

I encourage anyone who is eligible to please apply, or if you know someone who is eligible, please encourage them to apply to.

More information is available through the city's adaptive recreation office.

That's all, Mayor.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You know, I think moving over the echo adds to your your public broadcasting, your I feel like I'm in a weird audio cone.

Kind of.

I like it.

Councilmember Ellis.

Nothing tonight, Mayor.

Thank you.

Vice Mayor and Cenos.

No announcements from your mayor.

Councilmember Orlando, nothing tonight, Mayor.

Councilmember Harris.

Too bad.

Too bad.

Almost had a streak.

Thought you had a friend.

Well, yeah.

Next Saturday, January 31st, join us for a boost and buckaroos barnyard dance, a special mother and son event filled with country charm.

If mom is unavailable, Dads or Guardians are welcome to attend.

Dress up in your best cowboy boots and hats and enjoy an evening of dancing to country music.

Registration is required.

The space is limited, so families are encouraged to sign up ahead of time.

So we hope to see you there.

Passports reminder.

Passport services are available year-round.

And now is a great time to get ahead of your summer travel plans.

Appointments can be made online at Chandleraz.gov forward slash passports.

Scheduling early ensures you have plenty of time to receive your passport before any summer trips.

Vacations or travel, so make an appointment to visit our passport staff soon.

Also, I just want to let you guys know.

I don't know what you're announcing, but uh there's this is a surprise announcement.

Surprise announcement, everyone.

Um my wife just sent this over to me, so I wanted to make sure, hey baby.

I wanted to make sure that I do what she asked me to do.

Marty Gross Festival presented by Angry Crabs, live music, great food and family friendly entertainment for tickets.

Um you can go to Marty Gross A Z.com.

Marty Gross A Z.com.

But the ticket starts at $7.

And so it's gonna be downtown Chandler at the Dr.

AJ Chandler Park, 178 East Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler A Z.

And that's going to be February 7th from 12 p.m.

to 9 p.m.

So if you are Creole, my wife is Creole.

So if you guys are a Creole, you like Caribbean, all that good stuff is going to be happening on February the 7th.

I've given you the announcement.

Don't ask me anything else, but go to Marty Gross A Z.com.

Thanks, Mayor.

Councilmember Hawkins, I'm sorry that he took your announcement.

But did you have any others?

Let me see what I can drum up.

Okay.

Parents and teens, this one's for you.

Applications are now open for the Teen Leadership Academy, and this provides high school students with behind the scenes look at how our city government operates.

This program will take place on March 10th and is a great opportunity for teens to explore civic leadership and to learn how they can make a difference in Chandler.

What's unique about this program is that it's planned by teens for teens.

Our mayor's youth commission works year-round to make this happen and then facilitate it.

So this program is scheduled to overlap with Chandler's school spring break.

So encourage your teens in your life to come and join us.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

So make sure to apply today.

Thank you, Mayor.

Now, our last council meeting, um, I forgot to ask if acting city manager Ted had any announcements.

So assistant city manager, you have any announcements today.

Thank you for your consideration, Mayor.

I really appreciate that.

No, I do not have announcements time.

All right, city manager.

Unfortunately, he's still my announcements, no other announcements for me.

All right, that concludes your meeting.

Thank you all.