Gilbert Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - May 20, 2026

This regular meeting of the Gilbert Town Council was called to order on May 19, 2026, and continued into May 20, 2026. The meeting included proclamations, a consent calendar with numerous routine approvals, a public hearing on a contentious rezoning case, and adoption of the preliminary FY2027 budget. Key actions included approval of a rezoning for a Target-anchored retail center on a 4-3 vote, adoption of the consent calendar with two items pulled for separate votes, and unanimous approval of the budget.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026): Councilmember Kaprowski presented the proclamation, recognizing public works staff for their contributions to infrastructure and community wellbeing.
• Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2026): Councilmember Buckland presented the proclamation with remarks from Miss Awatuki (Stephanie Delion) and community initiative coordinator Letitia Gilmore. Resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline were highlighted.
• Gilbert Visual Art League Recognition: Councilmember Buckley recognized artist Jane Bradley for her piece "The Hitchhiker," the first recipient of the Gilbert Town Art Award. Donna Fenter of the GVAL board described the league's activities.

Consent Calendar

• The interim town manager presented 19 consent items (items 4-22), covering contracts for hazardous waste disposal, bus shelter cleaning, custodial services (item 6 was pulled for further study), landscape monitoring, deferred compensation consulting, traffic signal projects, trail repairs, park renovations, fire equipment maintenance, and more.
• Item 6 (Custodial Services): Pulled by Councilmember Torgeson for further review of potential in-house options. The existing contract expires June 30, 2026; staff will study cost-effectiveness.
• Item 21 (SS4A Grant): Pulled by Councilmember Torgeson due to concerns about federal overreach and zero-fatality goals. After clarification that no penalties exist for not meeting goals, the item passed 4-3.
• The remainder of the consent calendar (excluding items 6 and 21) passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Open Call to Public (Barbara Colby): Colby criticized the council for not responding to questions from previous meetings, alleged incompetence regarding water rate increases, and accused the council of failing to plan for infrastructure needs. She stated, "You have thrown the original good people of this town under the bus."
• Item 24 (Higley and Aquillo Retail Center Rezoning): 75 speaker cards submitted; 43 in favor, 33 opposed. Key speakers:
  • In favor: Kim Drogas (resident, supported transparency), David Basha (property owner, stated family tried to find tenants for 23 years), Ryan Day (resident, supported facts over emotions), Christine Zimmerman (resident, wanted larger store in South Gilbert), Lori Ray (resident, cited convenience and economic benefits), Whitney Georgevich (resident, argued Target is the gold standard and brings revenue), Sean Miller (resident, emphasized jobs and tax revenue).
  • Opposed: Kegan Salah (cited 700+ petition signatures, argued project doesn't fit, raised concerns about traffic and safety), Kevin Sproul (called the project "inappropriate" for the neighborhood), Christine (healthcare provider, feared traffic and safety near the park), Chad Brossman (architect, presented data showing 48 similar Targets average 50.54 acres, this site only 16), Robert Gerlock (resident, opposed due to traffic and loss of quiet neighborhood), Tracy Pagano (resident, questioned traffic study and enforcement of truck routes), Andy (argued project only works with rule bending), Bill Brothers (urged study after bridge opens).

Discussion Items

• Item 24 – Z25-13 (Southeast corner of Higley and Aquillo, rezoning from Shopping Center to General Commercial for a Target store):
  • Staff presented the case: the site is 16.14 acres, currently zoned Shopping Center (SC) which caps single-user footprints at 75,000 sq ft. The applicant seeks General Commercial (GC) to allow a single user up to 128,000 sq ft (with other pads totaling ~139,000 sq ft). Staff noted a legal protest was filed but did not meet the 20% area requirement. Planning Commission recommended approval.
  • Applicant (Reese Anderson) argued the change solely addresses the square-footage limit, and that the project meets or exceeds SC standards on setbacks (meet or exceed 75-ft residential setbacks, 280 ft south, 170-240 ft east), landscaping (29% open space vs. 15% required), and building height (single-story, actual height ~22 ft measured to roof). He offered to add a condition limiting uses to those permitted under SC. Traffic study showed the proposed project generates fewer trips than potential SC development (16% fewer daily trips). A condition to restrict trucks from turning south on Wilson Way was proposed.
  • Council discussion: Councilmember Buckland supported, citing Target's crime lab partnership, revenue benefits, and data showing reduced parking needs due to online shopping. Councilmember Lyons noted the site could host two 75,000 sq ft buildings without council review and emphasized revenue. Councilmember Buckley opposed, citing quality of life, traffic, and fit. Vice Mayor Bongiovanni opposed, arguing the project doesn't complement the neighborhood and noting potential for less desirable uses under SC. Councilmember Torgeson expressed caution but noted the inevitability of traffic and the risk of unwanted uses (e.g., car wash, apartments) if the rezoning fails. Councilmember Kaprowski questioned land-use differences but supported after considering potential negotiations. The motion to approve with staff conditions passed 4-3.
• Item 29 – CIP Program: Councilmember Kaprowski recused herself due to a potential conflict of interest. The motion passed 6-0.
• Item 30 – FY2027 Property Tax Levy: The preliminary budget setting the secondary property tax levy at $36.635 million (rate of $0.98 per $100 assessed value) was presented. Councilmember Buckland requested future consideration of adding motorcycle officers. The motion passed 7-0.
• Item 31 – Preliminary Budget Adoption: The budget for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 was adopted 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 4,5,7-20,22): Approved 7-0.
• Item 6 (Custodial Services): Pulled for further study; staff to report back.
• Item 21 (SS4A Grant): Approved 4-3.
• Items 23,25,26,27,28 (Public Hearings): Approved unanimously.
• Item 24 (Z25-13 Rezoning): Approved 4-3, with conditions including use limitations to SC uses and truck routing signage.
• Item 29 (CIP Program): Approved 6-0 (one recusal).
• Item 30 (Property Tax Levy): Approved 7-0.
• Item 31 (Preliminary Budget): Approved 7-0.
• Councilmember Buckland's request to explore adding motorcycle officers in FY2028 was noted.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for June 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM.