Chandler City Council Regular Meeting – February 6, 2026

The Chandler City Council held its regular meeting on February 6, 2026. Councilmember Harris was absent. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Tim Kuntz and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Poston. The council approved a consent agenda and heard unscheduled public comments on a retention basin project, Flock surveillance technology, recycling center and noise complaints. Council members also shared updates on economic development, community events, and city initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 1 through 13 unanimously. Councilmember Poston noted she had checked with the city attorney and outside counsel and determined no recusal was needed on item 10.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jenny Vitelli (Chandler resident) discussed the retention basin project, criticizing the sequence of analysis and construction. She said staff failed to properly analyze drainage issues and that basins are now rocked and landscaped without proper drainage testing. She complained about the aesthetic of the rock used, describing it as “crushed concrete” that doesn’t match the neighborhood. She acknowledged that staff (Dan and Jeremy) are willing to work on mitigating the gray appearance, but she urged the council to hold the rock yard accountable.
• Rohit Chandra Shaker (downtown Chandler resident) expressed concerns about the city’s use of Flock’s Alpha technology. He argued the agreement contradicts Chandler’s stance on immigration enforcement, stating that Flock has shared data with ICE and DHS despite assurances, and that cities in sanctuary states have released Chandler’s data through FOIA requests. He requested a copy of the privacy terms of service and suggested suspending the Flock agreement. Councilmember requested that the city manager provide a review of the Flock services to the council.
• George Richie (Akateo area resident) raised two issues: (1) difficulty disposing of antifreeze at the Chandler Recycling Center due to an appointment requirement and rude staff, calling the system “ridiculous” and urging easier access; (2) ongoing noise complaints from the Intel plant at Dobson and Akateo, claiming the noise penetrates his bedroom and that the city’s compliance measurements are invalid. Councilmember Orlando asked staff to review the recycling appointment requirement in the upcoming budget and to work with Intel on noise mitigation.
• Noah James Markham (Tempe resident) suggested downtown Chandler should have more restaurants and a nightclub to attract young people, and called for a Pride parade and stronger opposition to ICE and President Donald Trump.

Council Announcements & Current Events

• Mayor Hartke: Announced that Chandler Airport Day hosted nearly 15,000 attendees. Congratulated Dr. Anna Battle as new Chandler Unified School District superintendent. Invited the community to the State of the City address on February 13 (reception at 5:30 p.m., remarks at 6:30 p.m.) at the Center for the Arts. Noted that Chinese New Year begins February 17, 2026 (Year of the Horse).
• Councilmember Poston: Praised the downtown developer summit and the updated downtown regional area plan, saying Chandler is “open for business” in downtown redevelopment. Also thanked neighborhood preservation staff for removing stickers from light poles.
• Councilmember Ellis: Announced the expansion of CE Precision Assemblies, an aerospace manufacturer, into a 40,000-square-foot facility in west Chandler, creating new jobs. Also welcomed Yol Police Pizza, opening February 9 on National Pizza Day.
• Councilmember Orlando: Reminded of the Innovation Fair on February 21 at Dr. AJ Chandler Park, featuring over 160 interactive exhibits.
• Councilmember Hawkins: Thanked city employees who participated in the point-in-time homeless count at 6 a.m., highlighting their compassion and effort.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (absent: Councilmember Harris).
• No formal votes were taken on public comments. Council directed staff to review Flock surveillance practices and recycling center appointment requirements. Staff will provide findings in upcoming briefings.
• The public hearing moved to February 23, 2026 was noted.