Chandler City Council Regular Meeting – June 25, 2026
Chandler City Council Regular Meeting – June 25, 2026
The Chandler City Council held a regular meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. The meeting opened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the consent agenda (33 items), recognition of the city's third consecutive CEASE designation against sexual exploitation, and public comments on ALPR surveillance and a neighborhood rezoning. Councilmembers also shared current events and announcements.
Consent Calendar
- The Council approved the consent agenda (items 1–33) via a single motion by Councilmember Orlando, seconded by Councilmember Poston. The vote was unanimous (6-0) with Councilmember Harris recused on item 7.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Igor Zenkov (Chandler resident): Spoke against the use of Flock ALPR cameras and mass surveillance, citing privacy concerns and the business models of vendors. He suggested alternative privacy-preserving approaches. The Mayor noted that a discussion on ALPRs is scheduled for August.
- Paul Steers (Chandler resident, 3715 N. Nevada Street): Expressed support for a rezoning in his neighborhood that was included on the consent agenda. He asked the Council to direct staff to explore extending similar zoning to the rest of the neighborhood to resolve non-conforming status issues.
Recognition
- Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN): Fidencio Rivera, Chair of the AATN Board, presented the city with a plaque recognizing Chandler's designation as a CEASE (Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation) city for the third consecutive year. Rivera highlighted that Chandler trained at least 75% of its staff and committed to annual retraining. Mayor Harkey thanked the organization and noted that the program helps combat sex trafficking.
Current Events & Announcements
- Mayor Harkey: Promoted the July 4th All-American Bash (Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 7–9:30 p.m.) and the Operation Back to School event on July 11th (Compass Christian Church, 8–11 a.m.).
- Councilmember Poston: Announced that the state budget now covers a 35% shortfall in statewide 911 funding, thanks to lobbying by the city and the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.
- Councilmember Orlando: Thanked City Manager Kelly (referring to Kelly Pombier) for his 30-plus years of service and retirement, noting his consistent presence at community events.
- Councilmember Harris: Reported on the Pride Flag Raising ceremony (June 18) and the ribbon-cutting for the Chandler Compadres Boys & Girls Club renovation. He also shared his involvement in Jack and Jill of America’s teen oratory competition and multiple Juneteenth celebrations, emphasizing the importance of ending human trafficking.
- Councilmember Hawkins: Thanked City Manager Kelly for his years of service and impact.
- City Manager Kelly: Recognized new Assistant to the City Manager Amelia for securing the CEASE designation. He noted that the meeting ends fiscal year 2025-26 and requested a staff photo with Council to show unity.
Key Outcomes
- The consent agenda (33 items) was approved with a 6-0 vote (one recusal).
- No other formal actions were taken.
- The next regular council meeting will occur in fiscal year 2026-27.
Meeting Transcript
That is home, it will always be home, and this is my new home as well. I am making my way into the community. Thank you. Oh, great. Good evening, and welcome to the City Council regular meeting of Thursday, June 25th, 2026. Thank you all for coming here tonight. Clerk, will you please take the role? Mayor Harkey. Here. Vice Mayor and Cenas. Here. Councilmember Poston. Here. Councilmember Ellis. Here. Councilmember Orlando. Here. Councilmember Harris? And Councilmember Hawkins. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you so much. Our indication tonight will be brought forth by Pastor Corbin Helber from Desert Springs Church and followed by Councilmember Orlando with our Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Lord, we thank you uh for today, Lord. Uh I just thank you for Mayor Harkey and this team. And Laura just thank you for the positioning that they all have to lead. And Lord, I just I just thank you for their sacrifice of their time, their energy, uh Lord, their efforts, and you know, I think even just for the selflessness of of this team too. Um in the decisions they make, Lord, uh, for the city and for the people that they represent, Lord, as well. And I just pray for um favor in the decision making tonight and everything that happens and and uh Lord, even in your word it it it talks about in Proverbs for lack of guidance in Nation Falls, but victory is won through many advisors. So I I God I just really do thank you for this team and uh for this this many advisors that represent and and for the unity of this team. So um gotta pray uh again for um every decision that's that is made, the conversations that are had um may uh everyone be just in unison, Lord, uh just even as your word talks about as well. So Lord, we love you, thank you, and bless this time, amen. Amen. Amen. Please join me, Pledge Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the United States America or Richard States one of God with liberty and justice for thank you, Pastor. Thank you, Councilmember Orlando. Next, um, scheduled public appearances as we have a recognition of cities empowered against sexual exploitation. Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network, if we could call up Stape C. Sutherland for the presentation. This is Stacy. I'm not Stacey. Thanks for the clarification. Yeah. Good evening. Evening. It's my pleasure to be here today to recognize the city of Chandler's accomplishment in combating sexual exploitation. My name is Fidencio Rivera, and I am privileged to serve as the chair of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network, AATN. Our sincere appreciation appreciation to Mayor Parkey, City Manager Pombier, and the Chandler City Council for providing us this opportunity. I also want to recognize some of our of the ATN team and attendance today.
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