Gilbert City Council Meeting January 20, 2026

This meeting covered a wide range of topics including a special recognition, public comments on development and policing, a major rezoning and general plan amendment for the Harvest Grove development, and a critical discussion on the town's fiscal future. The council approved consent items and a liquor license, but denied a motion to approve the Harvest Grove development and voted down a notice of intent to raise sales tax rates, instead calling for a comprehensive financial plan.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items two through five and seven through nine, and reappointment items 12 and 13 (7-0).
• Item six (urban lakes renovation) was pulled for a separate vote and approved 6-1.
• Item 10 (liquor license) was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Colvin (Gilbert resident): Expressed frustration about unanswered emails, continued apartment construction despite prior assurances, rising costs, water issues, and a persistent phone system problem at town hall.
• Richard Young (Gilbert resident): Spoke in opposition to the police department's "30 by 30" program, arguing it is illegal social engineering that prioritizes hiring women over competence.
• David Rigby (Gilbert resident): Raised concerns about transparency in capital improvement projects, the rehiring of contractors with a history of shoddy work (e.g., North Treatment Plant), and questioned the town's budgeting practices.
• Greg Bamford (community member): Opposed the sale of 18.9 acres at Ray and Santan Village Parkway to the highest bidder, arguing the town should prioritize quality of life and community needs (like a church site) over economic factors.
• Randy Nelson (Gilbert resident, 15 years): Opposed the same land sale, arguing that a state statute requiring sale at the highest price disregards residents' quality of life, particularly regarding light pollution from a proposed entrance.
• Cindy Barnes (former Gilbert resident, 12 years on Parks & Rec Board): Requested a stipulation that no two-story homes be built adjacent to the soccer complex in the Harvest Grove development, citing predictable issues with light, noise, and traffic from her experience.
• Andrew Burgesson (Gilbert resident, father of five): Opposed high-density housing in Harvest Grove, arguing it will outpace infrastructure and change Gilbert's character, despite presented designs.
• David Rigby (second appearance): Restated opposition to the Harvest Grove project on the basis of density, traffic, and inconsistency with the Santan Character Area, noting the development would increase traffic sevenfold and cause premature road deterioration.

Discussion Items

• Harvest Grove Development (Items 10A & 10B): A major 311-acre planned area development (PAD) rezoning and general plan amendment for 1,678 residential units (965 single-family, 713 multifamily) and 45 acres of commercial at Germann and Val Vista. Staff presented significant revisions since the November hearing, including reduced density, improved traffic circulation, and new amenities. The applicant (Lenar Homes) projected $1.4 million in annual sales tax from a Fry's grocery anchor, $340,000 in property tax, and $45 million in impact fees. Several council members expressed concerns about density exceeding the Santan Character Area plan, traffic impacts, and quality of life. The motion to approve failed.
• Neighborhood Commercial Site (Item 10A): A 12.05-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Val Vista and Queen Creek Road zoned for neighborhood commercial. After discussion, the applicant withdrew the request following the denial of the larger development.
• Fiscal Plan & Sales Tax Notice of Intent (Item 11): Town budget director Kelly Faust presented a $20 million structural deficit driven by state legislative changes, including the loss of rental tax ($9M), corporate tax changes, and population shifts. A proposed "notice of intention" to raise several sales taxes (coin-operated, communications, restaurant/bar, and a new tax license fee) was presented to begin a public hearing process. After extensive debate, council members expressed a desire for a comprehensive, holistic plan rather than piecemeal tax increases. The motion to deny the item passed 5-2.

Key Outcomes

• Harvest Grove Development (Item 10B): Motion to approve the rezoning and general plan amendment failed. The project is denied.
• Neighborhood Commercial Site (Item 10A): Withdrawn by the applicant after the denial of the larger project.
• Sales Tax Notice of Intent (Item 11): Motion to deny the notice of intention passed 5-2. The council directed staff to develop a comprehensive financial plan involving community stakeholders and to explore alternative revenue options and cost-cutting measures before any future tax proposals.
• Future Directions: The council discussed exploring public-private partnerships, potential use of one-time funds for short-term needs, and reprioritizing capital projects. A report on CIP projects under $10 million was requested.