Okay, if we can have everybody get seated, we'll start.

March third, twenty twenty six.

Thank you for having me this evening.

Uh, mayor and the council.

My name is Pastor Richard Nungess, and I'm the founder and president of Broad of Life International.

And we've had the honor of having uh former mayor Peterson and Scott September come out to Poland and to see the the work and to serve there as well.

And for the past 25 years, I've had the privilege of serving people and working with leaders around the world.

And I've worked with and served with close to a hundred different countries.

And I've discovered something the same, no matter where you go in our world, that the human heart has a deep desire for two things.

That is to be loved and to express love.

Now we don't always get that right at times, so I'm grateful for forgiveness.

And I'm thankful that one of those ways we can express love to each other is through prayer.

So thank you for that honor of opening this evening in invocation and let us pray together.

Our Father God.

We come before you acknowledging that you are our father.

We thank you for what you have given to us.

We thank you for your love.

We thank you for your son, Jesus Christ.

Father, we ask this evening that you bless our leaders, that you give them wisdom, that you give them knowledge, that you give them health and protection.

Allow them to lead us to provide to protect our town.

We also pray for the citizens here in Gilbert that you'd give us health, that you allow us the opportunities to use our gifts, our talents, our passions, and our desires to live a life that you called us to.

We thank you for your grace.

And God, we ask that your face would shine down upon us and give us peace.

We ask for these things in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Amen.

Thank you.

Our Pledge of Allegiance tonight will be led by Councilmember Torgeson.

Please rise.

Roll call.

Mayor Scott Anderson.

Here.

Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni.

Here.

Councilmember Bobby Buckley.

Here.

Councilmember Kenny Buckland.

Here.

Councilmember Young Kaprowski.

Here.

Councilmember Monty Lyons.

Here.

Councilmember Jim Torgeson.

Here.

We have a quorum.

Thank you.

Tonight we have a couple of presentations and a recognition.

We'd like to start with a presentation on the Green Gilbert Junior High and High School 2025 Art Contest winners.

Those involved, would you come down?

Thanks.

Excuse me, the Green Gilbert Partnership Program was founded to give local business the opportunity to show the community how much they care about our environment here.

It also gives the town of Gilbert an opportunity to recognize these businesses to the public.

Today we are including two new members into the program, Sol Yoga and the Gilbert branch of Vantage West Credit Union, as well as recognizing our junior high and high school art contest winners.

And at this point, I'd like to turn the microphone over to Aaron.

Thank you so much, Councilman.

So thank you all for coming out today and um being here for our recognition of our Green Gilbert uh recent inductees as well as our artwork contest winners.

Um first we wanted to recognize our uh new businesses inductees.

We've already gone over a little bit of who we are, and as uh Councilman Torgerson mentioned.

Uh, we have Saul Yoga uh located on the corner of Lindsay and Williamsfield, where they've created a welcoming space rooted in community and connection by encouraging patrons to take care of their bodies and minds, their leader in personal wellness within our community.

Their additional efforts at environmental awareness and sustainability make us delighted to include them in the Green Gilbert Partnership Program at the leader level.

Their management team fosters an environmentally responsible mentality within their workers, and they encourage their employees to implement this mentality in all aspects of their life.

We are proud to include them in our program at the leader level.

We are also excited to recognize our junior high and high school art contest winners for the fall of 2025.

In third place from Campo Verde High School, we have Adriana Ha'apola with her green is our scene drawing, as you can see up on there.

Very nice job, Adriana.

In second place from Gilbert Classical Academy, we have Ava Goodwin.

Ava is actually placed in the top three three years in a row now in this competition.

She's done excellent with it.

We're happy, proud of her and our efforts.

And in first place this year, we had Yui Onuki from Desert Ridge High School.

So congratulations to all our winners and all of our new inductees, and we'd like to thank you so much for being a part of our program.

We would like to invite Ali from Saul Yoga up here to receive her certificate.

There you go.

Thank you.

And of our art contest winners, Adriana is here today.

Adriana, if you want to come on up with your artwork as well as your certificates, which we did present to her already in front of her class in her school as well.

Again, thank you so much for your time, and thank you, Council for having us up here today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We're gonna switch the next two.

Next, we'll have the uh recognition of Gilbert Feeding Families Food Drive Community Partners.

If you're in attendance from the food drive, please come up to the front.

Thank you so much for being here today and for participating in our community food drive.

We had over sixty-two, we had sixty-two participating locations that included twenty-four schools, eighteen businesses, twenty churches, and five restaurants.

Collectively, you all collected over fifty-five thousand pounds of food, which is nearly ten thousand pounds more than last year.

You all also received um nearly eleven thousand dollars in financial donations, and that provides seventy-eight thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven meals to those in need.

Sure.

Um, our top school was Ashland Ranch as the heavyweight hero, again with an impressive one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven pounds collected.

Our top business was Santan Ford as our heavyweight hero contributing five thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight pounds to the cause.

Thank you.

Chuck, we can hear you.

Sorry about that.

She's gone.

Our top restaurant was Spinata Spinados Pizzeria, who raised one thousand five hundred dollars.

Our top three overall contributors were Santan Ford with five thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight pounds collected.

Second was the Church of Latter-day Saints, Highland West Steak, was our heavyweight runner up with five thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven pounds collected.

And Redemption Church is the heavyweight champion with an incredible seven thousand one hundred and fifty-four pounds collected.

A special thanks to these restaurants for their financial support.

And I also just want to recognize that these efforts help sustain our two food banks and six food pantries that are serving Gilbert.

And not to forget to save the date for next year.

We'll take a group photo and really appreciate all of your efforts.

We've made such a big difference in the community.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Are you there, Chuck?

Yes, I am.

Okay.

Next will be communications from citizens, and I've asked Councilmember Kaprowski to lead this tonight.

Mayor, are we having the presentation of the Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot the presentation on the meters.

Yes, we need a presentation on water meter audit project.

An update.

Yes, very important.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

I'm Paige Helfenstein, leading public engagement for the Watermeter Audit.

And I'm Tyler Kay, the project manager for the Watermeter Audit.

We are with Kimley Horn out of our Phoenix office.

We are a national multidisciplinary engineering firm with local expertise in asset management and asset inventories, which is highly applicable to this audit.

Before moving forward with the facts and figures associated with this project, I want to say that we recognize the importance of this project for Gilbert's businesses and residents.

It's important because everyone receiving a utility bill deserves to feel confident that their bill is accurate every single time.

Kimley Horn was selected to be a third-party auditor investigating Gilbert's water metering infrastructure.

We are tasked with getting to the bottom of each possible meter concern and providing actionable improvements to the town.

This includes physical water meters and radio transmission infrastructure, all associated data and related business practices.

As I mentioned, every customer deserves to have their water usage accurately recorded, transmitted, and billed with full transparency and trust in the process.

So it's important that the town's water metering infrastructure is installed, configured, and operated correctly.

These recommended best practices will ensure accuracy, timeliness, and reliability once implemented.

Today is an information brief on the progress of the audit, and no decisions are required of the council today.

We will share an overview of the scope of the project, providing details on each of the three key components of the audit, data, infrastructure, and operations and business practices.

We will be withholding any final conclusions until our final report is completed and shared at the April 7th council meeting.

We will have details at the end of our presentation on how you and the public can engage in this process, and we have a table in the foyer if you'd like to speak with us immediately after the presentation.

Tyler is our project manager, and he has 16 years of experience in the industry.

He is overseeing the entire project to make sure we are on schedule and hitting every task we were hired to perform.

I'm leading public engagement, and this includes interfacing with the public to answer questions about the audit, seeing what concerns people have, and more.

I can dive into the details later.

They are taking on the bulk of the data audit and operations and business practices audit.

We also have our field crew handling the infrastructure portion of the audit.

This crew includes Kimley Horn as well as our two subconsultants, Emmy Simpson and AMKA Services.

Emmy Simpson is a national company that specializes in meter testing and repair.

They are assisting with field work and performing the off-site testing at their calibrated facility.

AMK Services is a Gilbert-based specialist in water and wastewater assessment and rehab projects.

They are assisting with the field work as well.

Each month you receive a utility bill, which includes water, sewer, solid waste, recycling, and environmental compliance charges.

This audit is only focusing on the water portion of the utility bill.

How your bill is created starts at the meter.

Your water meter tracks your water usage, which the town collects every billing period either by a manual read or by radio transmission.

That data goes into the town's customer information system or CIS, which calculates your monthly usage and applies tiered billing rates.

This is then included in your overall monthly utility bill.

As part of the audit, we are reviewing the town's water billing processes in the three key areas.

Infrastructure involves testing a representative sample of meters and evaluating the advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI to make sure meters are working properly.

The data audit includes verifying meter readings that come back to the customer information system, the billing records, and account relationships.

Historical data as well as additional data gathered has informed the audit.

Operations and business practices includes assessing the town's customer service and other standard procedures to find ways to improve it.

As you can see, the three key parts of the audit are happening concurrently, and we will wrap them up this month.

Our team has begun compiling findings to create recommendations for how the town can improve their meter to cash process in each of these areas.

These recommendations will be included in the final report and presented at the next town council meeting on April 7th.

Now I will hand things off to Tyler to get into the details.

Thank you, Paige.

So the purpose of the data audit is to verify that meter readings, billing records, and customer account information for all 92,000 accounts are accurate and properly connected within the system.

This also includes reviewing inquiries submitted by customers through the town's website and the audits hotline and email.

One of the key time periods we're closely examining is when the town transition between billing systems and 2025.

We're double checking that data remain consistent and accurate during that change.

We're also reviewing other things such as meter multiplier settings to ensure meters are configured correctly and recording usage as intended.

Moving on to the infrastructure audit.

So this is the most visible piece of the audit that the public has seen, and this is the most we've engaged with the public.

So I'm going to go into a lot of detail, but the data portion of this audit has involved a lot of data collection, a lot of work from our asset management team.

But I'll hop into the infrastructure audit.

So this task involved looking at the physical water meter and radio transmitters that are in front of all your customers' properties.

These two assets are critical to a utility's AMI system, and it's where utilities began their process of collecting revenue for water being consumed.

So it's crucial that this part is accurate.

So I'm going to take a minute or two to spend some time talking about the meter and the radio transmitter, because this is where a lot of the questions about this audit have come in.

So advanced metering infrastructure or AMI, it uses smart water meters to collect and transmit detailed usage data automatically, often hourly, instead of relying on monthly manual readings.

This near real-time data allows utilities and customers to quickly identify leaks, unusual usages, and inefficiencies before significant water loss occurs.

In desert communities such as ours, AMI is especially beneficial because it supports proactive water conservation, more efficient irrigation practices, and better long-term resource planning.

And AMI began gaining traction back in the mid-200s.

It's a successor to some of the earlier automated meter reading technologies, and it's expanded as communication and data systems have improved.

So adoption is accelerating today due to water scarcity, aging infrastructure, improved technology, and the need for more transparent data-driven conservation efforts.

So moving back to the audit.

Although we analyze data from all 92,000 customer meter accounts, we only physically tested a representative sample size of each of those.

It would be impractical to test every single meter, and it would have likely cost multiple millions of dollars to do all that.

So we developed our audit approach using the American Waterworks Association's Manual of Water Supply Practices for Water Audits and Loss Control, which outlines a process for performing water audits and gives case studies of similar sized cities.

The American Waterworks Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to drinking water and water infrastructure.

So it plays a central role in how U.S.

water systems are designed, operated, and regulated.

Using this standard, we chose the statistically representative sample size that gives us a greater than 95% confidence level that sample results are a true unbiased representation of all meters and radio transmitters.

We used a computer-based random number generator to select the meter sample size from all 92,000 meters in the system.

And to meet this sample size, 360 meters needed to be removed, replaced, and sent for off-site testing.

We actually selected 450 meters, which provides a 98% confidence level for our sample size.

To further explain this process, our team was on-site overseeing the removal of the randomly selected meters.

We were responsible for the chain of custody of the meters, recording the necessary data, and properly packaging them, where we then ship them off to a calibrated testing facility.

The town replaced each meter with a new manufacturer certified meter that will remain in place.

For the radio transmitters, so far the town has installed about 55,000 radio transmitters in their system.

So this sample size was slightly smaller than the meters, and they were two very separate tasks and samples.

So we chose 380 radios to achieve a greater than 95% confidence level in this sample size.

Our field staff went to each of these locations, recorded a physical meter reading, manually transmitted the data, and then recorded the transmitted data to compare the physical meter reading to ensure accurate data was transmitted back to the town systems.

Customers would know if their meter was physically replaced as a part of this audit by receiving a door hanger with information about the audit.

If anyone has not received a door hanger at their property by the end of this week, that means their meter was not randomly selected for testing and replacement related to this audit.

Because the radio transmission testing did not disrupt water service, advanced notification was not provided to residents.

However, information was provided on site if requested.

And then lastly, moving on to the operations and business practices audit.

The purpose of this was to review and identify opportunities to improve consistency, transparency, and overall customer confidence in the water billing process.

We are evaluating operational processes and customer service procedures related to billing and meter management to ensure they are clear, consistent, and well documented.

We are reviewing how billing adjustments are handled to confirm that workloads workflows are structured and apply consistently across all accounts.

We are assessing how meter work orders are tracked from start to completion, including documentation practices.

We are evaluating how high usage situations are investigated to ensure customers receive timely and thorough review.

Flagging and looking into those outlier cases to make sure if there's a leak or any other problem the town can see on the back end and address it as quickly as possible.

Finally, we are reviewing overall internal controls to confirm processes are applied consistently across the organization.

Now Paige is going to discuss the progress we've made to date.

Please note each of the three key parts of the audit are currently ongoing.

For the data audit, we are validating the town's previous and current billing systems by recalculating usage, cross-checking meter and billing data, and reviewing all accounts.

We've used computer-based analytics, custom programs and data inquiries to review the town's data and flag unusual patterns or outliers for follow-up.

We then investigated flags using custom data a custom dashboard that isolated individual accounts for meter reads, usage trends, and billing history.

Initial results show no system-wide issues.

There are outliers that are being analyzed individually with ongoing testing to confirm accuracy and recommend process improvements.

For the infrastructure audit, as of last week, we have collected 408 of the 450 meters, which have now been sent off sent off for testing.

Additionally, all 380 AMI meter radio transmitters selected as part of this audit have been verified, completing that field work.

Off-site testing of the physical meters is still taking place.

Meter calibration testing is ongoing, and all information gathered is going through a quality control process.

We are still awaiting results from the meters that were removed and sent for off-site testing.

All meters were randomly selected for testing, not because there was a known issue with any of the chosen meters.

We have found opportunities to improve inventory and GIS on the back end, which we will provide recommendations for.

Tools like our data dashboard will allow staff to identify problems quickly and clearly.

So Kimley Horn has created and been managing a project website, hotline, and email address.

This is where you can find the most up-to-date info regarding the audit.

Kimley Horn was also present at three listening sessions sessions hosted by the town.

So we gathered information on people's concerns so that it could be passed along to our data team and looked into further.

We have kept track of all interactions via communication log, which will be available in the final report.

Generally, the types of questions that have come in include why is this audit happening, why, and how certain properties were selected for testing, and how can the average person review the data being gathered.

We have also been investigating inquiries that have been that have been shared through other public forums to inform our audit.

All questions that have come directly to Kimley Horn regarding the audit process to date are being investigated and addressed.

This includes 16 comment cards from listening sessions, 13 unique hotline calls, 10 emails, and two surveys.

Again, the purpose of today was to provide a progress update.

And to date, no system-wide issues have been identified.

However, we are continuing to identify and review incoming data and test results.

On April 7th, we will be back to prevent to present a summary of the results.

And the final report will be posted to the project website for anyone to view at any time.

In the meantime, please visit our website shown on the screen to stay up to date.

We post project updates every other Wednesday.

We also have a specific project hotline and email if you have questions regarding the audit process.

You can also call and email the town if you have billing specific questions.

And of course, after the audit wraps up, our Kimley Horn phone and email will shut down.

So please at that time forward all inquiries to the town.

Can I interrupt?

Oh, yes.

Please so we are encouraging public input on this.

So if you are experiencing something that's abnormal or you have a question or grievance as a part of this audit, please reach out to one of these ways to contact us because we are reviewing every single one of those inquiries.

Just wanted to reiterate that.

Yeah, thank you.

And now we will open it up for QA.

Thank you.

Council, do you have any questions, comments?

We don't need to take action tonight, not till April 7th, so thank you for the update.

Thank you.

Welcome.

With that, we'll now move on to communications from citizens.

Councilmember Kaprowski.

Thank you.

During this portion of the meeting, communications from citizens.

This is the opportunity for the public to address the town council directly about issues impacting the town.

We value the participation of our community members and robust exchange of ideas.

However, it's essential that this discourse remains respectful and constructive.

Misinformation and personal attacks undermine our collective efforts and do not contribute to the protective dialogue necessary for our town's progress.

Couple of notes.

And at the conclusion of the open call to the public, our response is limited to individual members of the council responding to criticism made by those who have addressed the public body or asking staff to review a matter or asking that a matter be put on a future agenda.

However, please be assured that your concerns and input are heard and valued.

In accordance with our town code, each speaker is limited to three minutes.

Priority is given to Gilbert residents, business owners, and property owners, and our public comments are limited to 30 minutes total at the beginning of the meeting.

And if there are additional comments, they'll be heard at the conclusion of the public hearing items with the same three-minute limit per speaker.

When you come up to the podium, please state your name and city or town of residence.

My first question to her was why did you find it necessary to start three major projects and subsequent or substantially increase all three levels of utility service at the same time?

Her response was for the Town of Gilbert four utilities operate as enterprise funds, meaning they are self-supporting through user fees rather than tax revenues to ensure financial stability and uninterrupted services.

Two of these four uh two of these four enterprise funds are evaluated each year for fund solvency.

This approach helps prevent simultaneous rate increases across all four utilities, allowing adjustments to be phased and managed.

That appeared to be a great big fail in my book.

The major water related projects include the reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant and the construction of eight additional wells.

Gilbert is building the eight new wells now because of the Colorado River shortages, which have already begun.

So counting the North Water Treatment Plan in eight new wells adds up to nine projects, which may or may not be part of the 46 active capital improvement projects related to water infrastructure that you stated in the recent flyer included with our bill.

The numbers don't add up, so what's accurate information?

We seem to be lacking in that.

Speaking of accurate information, I and many, if not all of the residents of Gilbert would like to know exactly how many data centers are in Gilbert.

How are they impacting our water depletion?

And what fees are they contributing to the infrastructure and water?

I seem to recall there was also mention that contractors received discounts, probably not the correct word, on their impact fees.

What is the answer to that?

I think you owe it to all of us to answer these questions.

You could send an email, post it, or include it in our utility bill, but we deserve the answers.

The irresponsibility of the town manager, which unfortunately was prior to this lady here.

The managers overseeing water and sewer in the town council for not doing their jobs for the past ten years has now led to this extortion you are still imposing on the residents.

Your intention of continuous rate increases now till the end of time will get you nothing but a lot of empty apartments.

Water utilities manager Rebecca Hamill acknowledged the strain increases well place on households, but said the town has little choice.

Tell that to the young family that was barely getting by, the retired, the disabled, the retired veterans.

Their income cannot keep up with the type of increase.

Between you and the feds, Gilbert is a much bigger disgrace on their mismanagement of this town, which is a slap in the face, still trying to call this a town.

You have already destroyed that environment.

What is your game plan when there are no more poor and middle class people to squeeze blood out of?

You've placated us with your listening sessions and open house.

What we had to say didn't really matter.

You had already made up your decision.

This is disgraceful and shameful that this many people can be so incompetent.

You claim to not have any other options, but you do.

Thank you.

See you in April.

Thank you, Barbara.

Our next speaker will be Eric Torres.

Hi, my name is Eric Torres.

I'm here to speak on behalf on behalf of myself and my fellow neighbors of the ongoing midge flight uh infestation we have going on in the bridges uh neighborhood on the corner of Acateo and Gilbert.

Uh for the past ten years it has affected us.

Uh for the full decade we have not been able to fully enjoy our homes.

We can't sit outside in the evenings or talk to our neighbors.

We can't relax in our backyards or after work.

Simple things like grilling, watching the kids play, having quiet conversation on the patio are constantly interrupted by swarms of mid-flies covering our faces, getting in our hair and flying in and out of our faces, mouth and eyes.

We can't host birthday parties at the park without worrying about guests.

We'll have to leave because of the flies are overwhelming.

We can't even drive our cars with our windows down without filling them with the insects.

This may sound like a small inconvenience to some, but it happens every year for the last 10 years straight.

It stops being minor when it becomes serious quality of life issue.

This infestation infects our mental well-being, our property enjoyment, our sense of community, feeling trapped indoors during time of the year where we should be outside enjoying this Arizona's beautiful weather.

We pay taxes, we maintain our homes, we invest in the community, and yet for 10 years we've been struggling with this problem that has not been adequately resolved.

We are not just here to complain, we're here to ask for action.

We're asking for a clear plan, consistent monitoring, and a meaningful intervention so that families can reclaim their their yard and public spaces in the bridges of Gilbert community.

The last 10 years is long enough.

Our community deserves some relief, and we deserve to feel heard.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Thank you, Eric.

Our next speaker will be April Ellison.

Please state your name and city of residence prior to speaking.

Thank you.

Good evening.

My name is April Ellison and I am from Gilbert.

My home backs up to the South Gilbert Water Recharge Park.

We purchased our home in 2014, and before we purchased, like many buyers, we asked the builders about the bugs from the recharge park, and we were handed a printout from the town's website with ways that you're mitigating the midge flies.

The printout made it seem like it was very minor, and during our first midge fly season in 2015, we found out just how misled we were.

I've been in consistent contact with the town via the Gilbert app, conversations with town employees and council members, and we're always given the same blanket response.

I was interviewed by 12 news, and I sent you all that segment, and I hope that you took the time to watch it.

The video shows viewers the neglect of the town and the impact it causes on our daily lives.

The town did create some solutions, such as improving percolation, and while this temporarily alleviated some of the issues, the percolation holes have not been maintained.

I'm here tonight because the midge fly problem in our neighborhood continues to be unbearable, and frankly, we feel ignored.

What the town states is just a nuisance is anything but minor.

Midgefly season is during the nicest time in Arizona when we all want to be outside.

But for those of us in the bridges neighborhood, this is impossible, specifically those of us who back to the recharge.

They are present in overwhelming numbers.

These insects surround our homes.

Our children cannot play outside.

I've literally had to pick bugs out of my children's eyes.

These bugs are affecting more than just our comfort.

It's affecting property values and home sales.

Buyers see the swarms, they notice, and they ask questions, and this has real financial impact for homeowners.

We understand that the recharge park serves an important purpose to the town, but it needs to be managed responsibly.

This issue has persisted for over a decade, which tells us two things.

One, our current mitigation efforts are not working, and two, this problem has not been prioritized at the level it deserves.

We know that a long-term solution is possible.

This is not an unsolvable problem.

It's a management, budget, and prioritization issue.

What we need now is not another temporary or reactive measure.

We need long-term solutions.

We are asking for the implementation of lasting improvements.

Studies show that increasing water circulation significantly reduces larval survival rates.

Even modest aeration systems can reduce midge emergence by 50 to 80% when properly implemented.

Other towns have made this happen and demonstrated that it is solvable.

Now we need to see real action from Gilbert.

This is about our quality of life.

This is about our property values, and it's about accountability from the town.

We respectfully ask the town to treat this as the serious long-standing issue it is and to commit to a permanent solution.

Thank you.

Thank you, April.

Our next speaker will be Chris Cruzen.

Good evening, Council members.

My name is Chris Cruzan.

I'm a mechanical engineer, and I have lived in the bridges community in Gilbert for 12 years.

My house backs up to the South Recharge Basins, where four to six weeks at a time during fall, winter, and spring, massive swarms of midges render outdoor spaces unusable.

My children can't play outside, and my own backyard is useless.

This is not uh localized to just my property.

It is widespread, uh impacting the entire bridges community, Barbella Vineyards, and the surrounding areas.

I want to take a moment uh to put you in my shoes.

Back in October of 2025, I was loading my trailer uh for a family camping trip.

As I walked back and forth between my house and the trailer, midges were bouncing off my face, buzzing my ears, and going up my nose.

After 40 minutes of frustration, I stopped.

I sat down on the step of my trailer and looked out across the south recharge in disbelief.

Backlit by the sunset, there were millions of midge swarms.

So many it looked like steam coming up from the ground.

I felt defeated in that moment, thinking to myself, how did it get to this point?

What can and should be done?

Uh it's been 12 years of complaints with no major improvements.

Then I thought to myself, when the time comes, how am I ever going to sell my house?

It was a very deflating moment.

Fast forward to this year, during the entire month of January, uh, up to February 22nd, mid-fly swarms were horrendous again, rendering front yards, backyards, streets, and parks unusable.

Women when doors to my house opened, midges would fly in every time.

Midges in our food, midges in our water cups, and endless midges dead on windowsills and entryways.

This year alone, I have spent 450 dollars on fogging services and pesticides, trying to find enough relief to enjoy my backyard during this amazing Arizona weather.

Sadly, my efforts were uh unsuccessful.

I'm here today with other bridges community members requesting the town council to take meaningful action to help solve the midge fly problem at the South recharge.

There are proven solutions in wastewater treatment, such as aeration used across the U.S.

to mitigate mid-fly populations.

The South recharge should be no different.

The bridges and surrounding communities are not going anywhere.

We are here to stay.

Customers will choose to shop or visit alternative locations due to the severity of the situation.

In closing, it is long overdue for the town of Gilbert to act.

No more short-term band-aids.

We need real action that provides long-term solutions for all communities surrounding the Southern Recharge sites.

Thank you, and I look forward to your guys' response.

Thank you, Chris.

Our last speaker tonight will be Jason King.

Hi, my name is Jason King, resident of Gilbert, Arizona.

I like many of my other residents are here concerned for the health that we have in our neighborhood.

We moved here from Minnesota.

Wanted to enjoy the outside.

Not being able to enjoy that time uh has really affected us.

We have a new puppy, and uh going outside in the artificial grass, getting onto the fur.

That's hard to see when your pup comes in and they're just scratching.

When I sent this letter, I had attached a video and photo that many others have also included.

It's becoming a health hazard.

The residents of Gilbert pay taxes, and now an increased water bill.

Gilbert can do better than this for the residents.

As others have stated, this happens every time around this year.

Uh I had talked with Roy uh through the Gilbert 311 app as well as an email, and he talked about how the recharge facility gets filled with the basins that they cannot send that water elsewhere.

My question is when you're at home, why can you not use a spigot and turn it off?

Why is that water constantly filling out these basins?

It's uh it's it's not enjoyable, it's not fun.

And as other residents have spoken, we need to find a resolution for this.

It is affecting our health, it's affecting our property values, and we can't enjoy our quality of life that we love in Arizona.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Jason.

Um the next portion of the meeting will be the consent calendar led by councilmember Buckley.

Um excuse me.

Um ladies and gentlemen that are leaving.

Don uh is gonna make sure some people are in touch with you regarding this and some of the things that staff has taught or councils talked about.

Yeah, Jessica's going out to have some conversations.

Fantastic.

Okay, say something too, real quick.

Mayor.

In addition to that, uh, Don, I'd like some something out of economic development or from development services about data centers and how many data centers are in Gilbert.

Thank you.

Mayor.

Mayor.

Chuck.

Chuck.

Yes, Councilmember Bongiovanni.

Chuck, can you hear us?

Yes, yes, sorry.

I'd like to see staff investigate natural predators for these midge flies, also.

Um, if they could get that to us, I'd appreciate it.

We'll do.

Thank you.

Vice Mayor.

Any other comments from council?

All right.

Councilmember Buckley.

All right.

Thank you, Councilmember Koprowski.

Uh I I have a couple of notes here prior to beginning the consent calendar.

And good evening, everyone.

Um to the council, we will be doing a voice vote at the end.

And also, we're gonna pull number eight.

Uh, Councilmember Bongiovani would like to discuss that.

And then for we will be adding number item number 22 to the consent calendar.

So to begin the consent calendar portion of the meeting, I will pass the time over to the town manager, uh Don Prince to provide an overview of the items on the consent calendar, and those are items number four now through 22.

Thank you, Councilmember.

So to get started on our consent agenda items overview.

I want to start with a slide that talks about our three pillars.

So to ensure a continued focus on preparing for the future and ensuring resilience.

Um, we we focus on three pillars strong economy, prosperous community, and exceptional built environment.

Agenda item number four is a cooperative contract, cooperative contracts for vehicle parts, services, and tires.

This one falls under our exceptional built environment pillar.

And this is a motion to approve cooperative purchase agreements for the purchase of vehicles, vehicle parts, tires, and sublet services to maintain the town's operational readiness by acquiring reliable and mission critical equipment to maintain fleet assets.

These agreements include aftermarket vehicle parts and supplies with genuine parts company DBA NAPA Auto Parts and an amount not to exceed 1.5 million over the term of the contract, which is expiring in 2032, medium and heavy duty cab and chasis chassis with freight liner of Arizona LLC in an amount not to exceed 11,100,000, tire and tire services for light and heavy duty vehicles with southern tire marked in an amount not to exceed 3 million dollars.

These items will be funded by the individual departments whose vehicles require repair or maintenance work at the time of their service.

Item number 4A is an IGA with the Arizona Department of Transportation.

This is under our exceptional built environment pillar, and this is a motion to approve an IGA between the town and the Arizona Department of Transportation and contingency funding for project management of the ACT grade crossing railroad crossing elimination study grant.

This project will assess and enhance residents' quality of life while improving freight safety, mobility, and efficiency.

The town was awarded grant funding of 2,448,000 for this project, and the town will be responsible for a 20% match of 612,000.

This project will assess and evaluate all public at grade crossings, prioritize them for reconstruction into grade separation and complete project assessments.

Safety and improved transportation efficiency are the primary goals of this study.

This item will be funded via ADOT and CIP contingency from the outside sources revolving fund.

Item number five is an agreement for services with Madden Media, which is under our strong economy pillar.

Is a motion to approve a contract with Madden Media in an amount not to exceed $50,000 per year for a term of five years to produce the Discover Gilbert official guide, an annual publication that is printed and available for digitally visit digitally for visitors, new and existing residents and businesses for distribution to guests and visitors to promote tourism within the town.

This item is funded through proposition 302 monies distributed by the Arizona Office of Tourism, which supports destination marketing organizations in Maricopa County.

Item number six is a consult consulting contract with Hazen and Sawyer, and it is under our exceptional built environment pillar.

It is a motion to approve a contract with Hazen and Sawyer for professional consulting services and an amount not to exceed 150,840 dollars for the CIP project WA 1633, the Northwater Treatment Plant finished water pump station.

This contract will address technical changes within Gilbert's water system by updating the analysis of the 2022 Integrated Water Resources Master Plan and the 2023 technical memorandum to reexamine the scope, build out capacity and delivery dates of the seven CIP projects originally identified in the master plan based on an updated well data, changes to the system, and demand projections.

Item number seven is a license agreement with Vexus Fiber LLC.

This is also under our exceptional built environment pillar, and this is a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the execution of a license agreement with Vexis Fiber LLC DBA Metronet, allowing the private utility to construct, install, repair, maintain, replace, operate, lease, install, and remove a fiber-based telecommunications network with certain public within certain public right of weights in the town of Gilbert.

There is no cost to the town for this item.

Item number eight.

I'm gonna go through this one, but I recognize that it is being pulled, and we'll have someone come up uh afterwards just to the council's aware.

Item number eight is a contract with Summit West Signs.

This is under our exceptional built environment pillar.

This is a motion to approve a contract with Summit West Signs and an amount not to exceed $229,000 to replace deteriorated outfield graphics at Cactus Yards.

This item is funded from the general fund supported parks and rec budget.

Item number nine is professional services master agreement with strategic value solutions incorporated.

This is under our exceptional built environment pillar, and this is a motion to approve a professional services master agreement with strategic value solutions incorporated.

The agreement amount will not exceed $111,867 and covers the master plan concept for capital improvement plan projects.

These projects include the traffic operations center, the Santan Police Station, and the large apparatus maintenance facility.

Additionally, there is a request for the approval of a contingency amount of $37,289 from the traffic operations center.

These items support top priority quality of life initiatives and will enable the town to plan these projects using a value-based planning framework.

This item is supported by general fund general funds, roadway and maintenance funds, and contingency from the traffic operations center.

Item number 10 is a purchase order contract with Clark Transportation Services.

This falls under our exceptionally built environment pillar.

This is a motion to approve a purchase order contract with Clark Transportation Solutions and an amount not to exceed $1,057,149 for the purchase of 732 preemption devices to be installed at various intersections, providing enhancements to emergency response times and safety.

The total contract value, which shall not exceed $1,057,149, is funded by the town's roadway and maintenance fund.

An intergovernmental agreement established in 2024 between the town and ADOT ensures fiscal reimbursement.

Of this amount, $990,635 will be reimbursed through the federal funding administered by ADOT.

After reimbursement, the town's final expense will be $66,514.

Item number 11 is a purchase order contract with atmosphere commercial interiors.

This is under our exceptional built environment pillar.

There's a motion to approve a purchase contract with atmosphere commercial interiors in an amount not to exceed $914,700 to provide and install commercial office furniture for the Gilbert Advocacy Center CIP project.

Funding for this item is supported by federal coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds and town general funds.

Item number 11A is a purchase is purchase order contracts with three GIS LLC and HR Green.

This falls under our exceptional built environment pillar, and this is a motion to approve purchase order contracts with three GIS LLC in an amount not to exceed 298,635 and HR Green Incorporated in an amount not to exceed 134,630 and for CIP contingency approval from the outside sources revolving fund for $434,000 to support the CIP project of fiber optic build-out services with the procurement and installation of a fiber mapping software system.

This software will enhance the town's ability to document existing fiber infrastructure devices, components, and locations.

The contingency request totals 434,000 and is supported by the outside sources revolving fund, an intergovernmental agreement established in 2023 between the town and the Arizona Department of Transportation ensures fiscal reimbursement.

Of the total amount, 409,262 will be reimbursed through federal funding administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

After the reimbursement, the town's final expense will amount to $24,738.

Item number 12 is a construction contract with Hayden Companies LLC, and this is under our exceptional built environment pillar.

This is a motion to approve phase two GMP two of the construction contract with Hayden Companies LLC for the construction manager at risk CMAR services.

The total amount for this contract shall not exceed $49,460,466,149.

This phase includes pavement reconstruction, replacement of necessary water lines and valves, and the installation of ADA ramps and ADA compliant driveways as part of the Val Vista Lakes Improvements and Storm System Rehabilitation Capital Improvement Projects.

This project is funded via the 2022 General Obligation Transportation Bonds and the Rate Supported Water Replacement Fund.

Item number 13 is a contract and job order approval with TF Contracting Services LLC and Consort Incorporated.

This is under our exceptional built environment pillar.

This is a motion to approve job order number eight with TF Contracting Services LLC in an amount not to exceed $4,993,071, and phase number four for a contract with Consort Incorporated to provide project management construction management services in an amount not to exceed 441,555 as part of a CIP project that proactively addresses corrosive components of force main pipelines throughout the wastewater system.

This project is phased over multiple years and completes the rehabilitation and replacement of wastewater force main pipelines based on their criticality within the system.

This project is rate supported through the wastewater replacement fund.

Item number 14 are change orders with DIC and FreeShip and Hill International Incorporated.

This is under our exceptionally built environment pillar.

This is a motion to approve change orders with DIC and FreeShi Design Group, DFTG, and Hill International Incorporated for the construction of the Gilbert Advocacy Center.

As this project is partially federally funded and requires a design bid build approach, the contractor was not involved in the design phase, which included presenting alternative construction options to maintain costs and quality.

The alternatives selected now require increased review hours, more extensive field documentation and coordination by the design team and project management.

This change order provides additional professional service hours to complete the project.

These funds are funded from the general fund and from the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery fund in the amount of for DFGG International not to exceed $247,800 and for Hill International Incorporated not to exceed $249,989.

Item number 14A is AE service is an AE services change order with Kimley Horn and associated associates.

This is under our exceptional built environment pillar, and this is a motion to approve AE services change order number three for Kimley Horn and Associates in the amount not to exceed $107,490 for Aquatillo Road Improvements between Greenfield and Higley.

This item is supported by a development reimbursement lien agreement with Simon CRE C550 V LLC and GB Investments, which was approved by the council during the meeting on February 17, 2026.

Under this agreement, the developer of a private development adjacent to the capital improvement project will reimburse the town for the necessary off-site improvements related to construction and design.

The reimbursed design will be performed by the town's consultant for the developer's off-site improvements and will coordinate construction simultaneously with the capital improvement project.

This approach will minimize further disruption to the public and reduce unnecessary cost from repetitive construction.

Funding for this item will be from the CIP Contingency Outside Sources Revolving Fund and reimbursed by Simon CRE.

Item number 15 is our health plan FY27 premiums and administrators, and this is under our Prosperous Community Pillar.

This is a motion to approve Maritane Health as the third-party administrator for employee medical plans, optimum health trust as the pharmacy benefit manager and to approve the recommended health and dental premium rates and fund balance for FY27.

The town operates a trust to self-insure employee health benefits and has a board of trustees to provide fiduciary oversight.

Based on reserve strength, staff recommendations, claims trends, and market factors.

The following items are presented for council consideration with the trustees recommendation for approval.

The final impact for this item will be the town's contribution to the premium rates.

Staff will work closely with the benefits broker over the coming year to conduct a comprehensive review of plans and create strategy for sustainable coverage for employees.

And I note that um item number 22 was added.

It's not on my slides, uh, but that one um is also a part of the consent based on being brought forward.

That's correct.

Thank you, Don.

Um we uh I and I think it would be easier if we just go ahead and have the presentation on eight, and then we can vote for everything.

Council Member Buckley.

I don't necessarily need a presentation nor a separate vote.

I just want to make a comment on number five and and number eight.

Um number five is I really hope that our um the dance team will work with Airbnbs to promote that um that uh new publication uh so we can get the maximum amount of benefit from that with the taxpayers' money.

And for number eight, um, you know, I've been going around three years now on number eight uh with this issue.

I really think that we need to start looking at companies to start paying for advertising for these graphics so we can put their company names on the uh on cactus yards, just like real real baseball fields do.

So this way the taxpayers aren't stuck with a 225,000 dollar bill.

If we can get companies, whether we need to work with the chamber or put out RFPs.

I I I've been I've been discussing this for a number of years, and I I know you're brand new over there, so like so.

I just I just want to you know let everyone know how I feel about this, and I I will not be supportive of it next year if this comes up, but I am supportive of it now.

Uh mayor and council, if I can respond.

Uh first of all, uh just apologize if I'm hobbled.

I was trying to think of a lie of something cool that I did to hurt my back.

I just did something very stupid and I'm paying the price for it.

But uh to give you some context on not only the signage but our sponsorship opportunities.

We went forward with a budget package last year of 400,000.

The intent was to refresh the graphics within Cactus Yards.

Uh we had one solicitation that um submitted during the RFP process that allowed us to enter into exclusive negotiations with that vendor.

We were able to get that price down to the 229,000 that's before you with those savings.

We will be doing other improvements throughout Cactus Yards to include replacing the wood paneling and doing turf improvements.

Uh to Vice Mayor Bongiovan's point, uh, our team and I are working on a phase sponsorship approach.

Uh, we are building an RFP right now for the first phase, which is essentially physical signage throughout Cactus Yards.

Uh, the reduction in the scope for the uh unique signs is to accommodate the signage that Vice Mayor Bongiovanni is referring to.

We will be working with vendors and we will also be working with the economic development team to find vendors that can provide signage opportunities uh for that first phase.

The second phase of that will be an experiential sponsorship opportunity where we will leverage our existing assets and programs and events to see how we can provide more value for those vendors.

Uh but with that I'll be happy to answer any other questions that you may have.

Thank you, Michael.

I appreciate that.

Just one needed to get an update on it.

Okay.

Anyone else have a question for him?

Michael, I just want to say thank you for having me included in those discussions.

Uh some of you recall I had a huge problem years ago where uh we didn't get what we were paid for, what we paid for in this project.

And this year uh since this is a field on a subject matter expert, I felt you picked a great firm.

Somebody I occasionally do in business with.

I have no fiscal tie to this whatsoever, but uh I know they came to the table wanting to work with the town of Gilbert, very much wanting to establish a relationship.

And you guys worked extremely hard to bring in something uh I would have quoted you higher.

So he obviously did uh uh very good job sharpening this pencil and the fact that you were addressing uh advertising the sponsorship in the future.

I would I'm just thrilled to know that it's it's coming along.

So I just want to say thank you for a great job.

Uh mayor and council member Torgeson uh definitely appreciated your feedback.

Um the the nuances that you provided as far as the specifications really helped us out, and we are very pleased with the price that we got down to, and we're really really looking forward to uh jumping into this sponsorship opportunity and trying to leverage some of that to uh help our cost recovery in the department.

Okay, anyone else have a question for him?

All right, thank you very much.

Appreciate it.

Um also um council member Torgeson has noted that he would like to have some discussion, correct?

On item number eight, twelve, and fourteen.

Do you want a presentation on any of those?

No, eight has already been answered.

Okay, uh 12 was just is the uh the Valvestal Lakes improvements.

Are they are this part of the private streets there inside of their uh HOA?

Gated community, Mayor Council.

Um, to answer that question, there is private streets within the Valvista subdivision, but this does not include any of the private streets with the um we are trying to work with some of the HOAs on some of the water lines that the town owns property or owns the water line within some of those private streets that we're working with the HOAs on replacing some of those water lines.

Okay, anyone else have a question for him?

Okay, continue.

And uh number 14.

I'm curious as to is this part of the 70 million dollar project, or is this in excess of what we've already approved?

Um for item number 14 The Outdoor Center.

No, this is um this change order is within the existing um FY26 budget.

So this is just paying.

This isn't for any of the additional phases, it's for the current phase that we're currently working on on advocacy one.

Okay, so it's already budgeted.

Correct.

Okay, thank you.

You're welcome.

Okay.

All right, does anyone else have any questions on item four through item 22?

Okay.

If there's no other questions, um I will move to approve the consent agenda items number four, four a five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, eleven a, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fourteen a, fifteen, sixteen, and item number twenty-two.

Do you have a second?

Second.

All right.

So it has been the motion and a second.

We will be having a voice vote.

So all in favor say aye.

Aye.

All right.

It sounds like it was surveilled.

Oh, is it a it's um seven zero vote, right?

Yes.

Uh Councilmember Buckley, you may want to ask any opposed.

Uh oh, well, I okay.

Is anyone opposed?

Okay.

Every okay, seven that it passes seven zero vote.

Um, okay, I will turn this back over to Mayor Anderson for the public hearing.

Thank you.

On public hearings, we have items 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

Uh does any council member want to pull any of those?

If not, I'll entertain a motion or I'll open the public hearing and close the public hearing and entertain a motion.

I move to accept 17 through 21 as written.

It's been moved.

Is there a second?

Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we accept.

Items in public hearing, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

All in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carries seven zero.

Uh future meetings.

Uh, you can see the what's on the schedule there for study sessions communications report from the town manager.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just have a couple of slides to go through on our department and division highlights.

Okay, the first thing I'd like to share with you all is that uh National Engineers Week was February 22nd through the 28th.

Gilbert's engineers often work behind the scenes, but their work is woven into the fabric of the community's everyday life.

Thoughtful planning, technical knowledge, and a commitment to the standards of excellence.

Gilbert is known for ensures safer streets and reliable transportation now and for generations to come.

Thank you to all of Gilbert's engineers.

Also want to share with you.

We recently had our 15th annual Gilbert Water Festival on February 23rd and 24th, the Water Resources Division, and 75 volunteers from the Gilbert staff team, Camp of Verdi High School, and the community hosted 1,600 fourth grade students from Gilbert Public Schools on the town hall lawn lawn.

At this event, students learned about the water cycle, water conservation, and groundwater reflecting another important piece of Gilbert's work to preserve the future of our water resources.

Also want to share that the Special Olympics Athletes Four Peaks competition recently occurred.

So Gilbert Parks and Recreation Athletes competed in the Special Olympics Arizona Four Peaks competition at the end of February, bringing home medals in multiple divisions.

The intermediate basketball team earned bronze.

The advanced basketball team earned silver, and the Gilbert Cheer team earned gold.

So we're very excited about that.

These achievements highlight the importance and impact of Gilbert's adaptive recreation program offering inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities to stay active, build community, and try new activities.

Congratulations to our special Olympics athletes.

And with that, I will pass it back to you, Mayor.

Thank you.

Reports, any reports from the council.

I do.

Councilmember Lyons.

I just wanted to um put out there that we are doing our banner orders for the uh Veterans Advisory Board and the uh re-hanging if anybody wants to redisplay their their banner, please look at our website and we're promoting that right now.

This is a good time to do that.

And we will display those uh during our national holidays related to uh veterans.

So thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Kamrowski.

In just a few weeks, we will have our season finale for the Gilbert Symphony Orchestra.

It will be Monday, March 23rd at 7 p.m.

at Higley Center for the Performing Arts.

The program includes Johannes Brahms, Symphony Number Two, and Claude Debussi, Rhapsody for English Horn and Orchestra.

Um so we hope you can join us there and continue to enjoy um this free event for the community.

Thank you.

Anything else?

Mayor, I have one.

Chuck.

Thank you.

First of all, I want to thank uh council member Lyons for not taking advantage of me in the hospital and show some cool graphics.

So I appreciate that.

Um let's talk about concerts in the park.

Grab a blanket uh on your or your favorite lawn chair and join us for live music during our free conference in the park series.

Uh enjoy some delicious takeout uh from one of Gilbert's many nearby restaurants and enjoy the tunes.

The spring lineup includes the main squeeze, Austin Beef Sweetie, and Double Deuce.

Dates are every Thursday evening in March at the Water Tower Plaza from 6:30 to 8:30.

And then finally, our high school pickleball social, calling all high schoolers.

Grab your friends and join us for fun and casual pickleball social at Gilbert Regional Park.

Whether you're a seasons player or trying or trying it out for the first time, this is a perfect way uh to meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition.

We'll have pizza and plenty of courts available.

And that is on March 19th, and that's at Gilbert Regional Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The only communication I have is we'd like to recognize the birthdays of some of our council members.

Councilmember Buckland, Councilmember Kabrowski, and Councilmember Buckley.

Happy birthday.

Yay for March.

You want us to sing?

No, you don't want us to sing.

Okay.

Thank you.

I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

We are adjourned.

Thank you.