Gilbert Town Council Meeting – February 3, 2026

The Gilbert Town Council convened on February 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a regular meeting. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Michael Haydn of Christ Greenfield Church, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum of all seven members. The agenda included a consent calendar, public hearings, and administrative items. The most significant action was the reconsideration and continuance of the Harvest Grove development proposal (Items 14A and 14B), which had been denied at the January 20, 2026 meeting. After extensive public comment and council debate, the council voted 5-2 to reconsider the item and then unanimously voted to continue the public hearing to the April 7, 2026 regular council meeting.

Communications from Citizens (Public Comments)

• Christine Brennan (Gilbert resident & business owner) – Expressed concern that immigration enforcement by ICE is creating fear and reducing community trust. She urged the council to keep Gilbert police focused on local public safety, not federal immigration enforcement.
• Sharon N. (Gilbert resident) – Opposed the use of Flock automated license plate readers, calling them a "massive, intrusive, warrantless surveillance network." She cited recent AI-related false arrests, a data breach, and the $350,000 cost, urging cancellation of the contract.
• Barbara Colvin (Gilbert resident) – Criticized the town for purportedly ignoring resident input, citing the Harvest Grove project as an example of do-over despite previous denial. She also opposed water rate increases and argued that new housing is being approved without adequate water supply.
• David Ruby (Gilbert resident) – Asked the council to represent citizens rather than developer interests, underscoring that individual residents cannot compete with large developers. He urged representation over leadership.
• Noah James Markham (Tempe resident, former Gilbert resident) – Supported more housing, including the Harvest Grove project, and opposed ICE presence in Gilbert. He advocated for speed cameras and high-density development in the Heritage District.
• Carol Cherry (Gilbert resident, 18 years) – Thanked the council for the previous denial of Harvest Grove and opposed reconsideration, arguing that a third chance sets a dangerous precedent for developers.
• Richard Young (Gilbert resident) – Opposed the Harvest Grove project, calling it "gas, garbage, crime, and traffic." He drew on negative experiences with overdevelopment in Scottsdale and Palm Springs and warned against ruining Gilbert's character.
• Mara Frankel (Gilbert resident, Stratford community; 50-year construction industry veteran) – Opposed reconsideration, stating the developer's requests for zoning changes are "spot zoning." She said the Stratford community was not properly notified and that the plan disregards the general plan. She urged the council to uphold its earlier decision.
• Mike Larson (Gilbert resident) – Thanked the council for the initial no vote, saying it renewed his faith in local government. He encouraged the council to hold the line and not reconsider.
• David Regimbal (Gilbert resident) – Opposed reconsideration, quoting councilmembers' campaign statements about following the plan as an "instruction book." He argued the project doesn't fit the Santan character area and that a revised plan still includes high density on frontage roads.
• Andrew Burgesson (Gilbert resident, father of five) – Opposed the project, noting that the city planner "paused and sighed" when asked about it, suggesting even staff doubts its fit. He cited traffic and safety concerns for his children.
• Elliot Mason (Gilbert resident, 2 years, from Los Angeles) – Opposed Harvest Grove, questioning why the council would reconsider a vote. He stated the developer did not mention residents in his presentation and argued that big-lot homes are in demand, not apartments.
• Barbara Siegel (Gilbert resident, 20+ years) – Opposed the project, citing concerns about water shortages and urging that the general plan be followed.
• Tanner Pomeroy (Gilbert resident, young couple) – Spoke in support of Harvest Grove, saying young families who grew up in Gilbert cannot afford to stay. He noted that he and his wife live in his in-laws' basement to save for a home and that many friends have moved away. He argued the project offers for-sale options for young families.

Consent Calendar

• Councilmember Torgeson requested separate discussion on Item 1 (pavement condition ratings contract) and Item 8 (fall 2026 election designations). Staff explained that specialized equipment makes contracting out for pavement ratings more efficient, and that election dates are subject to pending state legislation.
• The consent agenda (Items 1-9 plus Item 15) was approved 7-0.

Public Hearings (Items 10-13)

• Items 10, 11, 12, and 13 were approved as a block without discussion (motion carried 7-0).

Harvest Grove Reconsideration (Public Hearing Item 14)

Item 14A: Reconsideration of the Council's January 20, 2026 Denial

• Applicant’s Statement (Brendan Ray, representing Lennar Homes) – Requested reconsideration, stating that Lennar has already made substantial changes: reducing overall density, removing all multifamily from the Santan character area, and reducing density in that area to 3.5 units per acre. He asked for the opportunity to continue working with staff and council on an appropriate plan.
• Councilmember Torgeson – Moved reconsideration. He argued that denial is final, while reconsideration keeps the council in control. He warned that state legislation is eroding local zoning authority, and that a blanket refusal could lead to by-right development of up to 4 units per acre without public process. He stressed that reconsideration does not guarantee approval and that a better outcome could be negotiated.
• Councilmember Buckley – Supported reconsideration, noting that the changes already made are substantial and that the project offers diverse price ranges.
• Vice Mayor Bongiovanni – Opposed reconsideration, citing the appearance of rewarding a developer for "shooting for the moon" and the erosion of public trust. He defended the integrity of council members and rejected allegations of bribery.
• Councilmember Koprowski – Asked staff questions about the Coronado Road CIP (not currently funded), system development fees (calculated per dwelling unit), and the well site (not needed for existing residents but reserved for future redrilling). The information did not change his position against reconsideration.
• Councilmember Bucklin – Supported reconsideration, noting that 10 of 13 public emails received were in support. He cautioned that rejecting the project could worsen the town's fiscal shortfall (approximately $20 million) and argued that the council must find middle ground.
• Councilmember Lyons – Supported reconsideration, stating that the plan has moved substantially toward the Santan character area and deserves further discussion. He noted he was still not fully satisfied.
• Councilmember Torgeson – Clarified that his vote for reconsideration is not an endorsement; he remains a "hard sell" and wants to see a plan that addresses community concerns and contributes to infrastructure funding.
• Motion to reconsider Item 14A passed 5-2 (Vice Mayor Bongiovanni and Councilmember Koprowski opposed).

Item 14B: Motion on the Merits

• The applicant requested a continuance to the April 7, 2026 regular council meeting.
• Councilmember Bucklin moved to continue to April 7, 2026; Councilmember Buckley seconded.
• Motion carried 5-2 (same two dissenting votes).

Administrative Items

• Item 15 (appointments to the Judicial Selection and Advisory Board) was approved as part of the consent calendar.

Future Meetings & Reports

• Councilmember Lyons – Announced a softball night for veterans, families, and friends on February 17 from 6-8 PM at Cactus Yards (RSVP by February 14). Promoted the Gilbert Banners program honoring veterans and active-duty service members, and a fundraiser for veteran support shirts.
• Councilmember Buckley – Announced new guided tours at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, launching in partnership with the Desert Rivers Audubon Society, to be promoted at the Gilbert Outdoor Expo on February 21.
• Councilmember Koprowski – Invited the community to the free Gilbert Symphony Orchestra concert on February 12 at 7 PM at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts.
• Vice Mayor Bongiovanni – Promoted several events: Galentine's Day Bingo (Feb 6, 6:30-8:30 PM, McQueen Park Activity Center), Father-Daughter Dance (Feb 6), volunteer award nominations, Student Government Day (March 31), and the Community Connect Expo (Feb 7, 9 AM-12 PM, HD South).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 1-9 & 15): Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearings (Items 10-13): Approved as a block 7-0.
• Item 14A (Reconsideration of Harvest Grove denial): Motion carried 5-2.
• Item 14B (Continuance of Harvest Grove public hearing): Continued to April 7, 2026 regular council meeting; motion carried 5-2.
• No other votes or directives were taken.