Gilbert Town Council Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Gilbert Town Council held a regular meeting on September 2, 2026, with Mayor Scott Anderson, Vice Mayor Chuck Bon Giovanni, Councilmembers Bobby Buckley, Monty Lyons, and Jim Torgeson present. Councilmembers Kenny Buckland and Yan Kaprowski were absent. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Brad Myers and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Bon Giovanni. Key agenda items included presentations, proclamations, public comments, consent calendar approval, and a continuance of a public hearing item.

Presentations

• America 250 Commemorative Plaque: Rich Ganley and Dominic Longo presented a plaque to the town to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Councilmember Lyons accepted on behalf of the town. Ganley explained that he and Longo jointly purchased the plaque at a charity auction and donated it to express gratitude for the town's public servants.

Proclamations

• Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September 2026): Councilmember Torgeson presented the proclamation to the Gilbert Police Department's Crisis Response Team (Sergeant Dias, Officers Richter, Galardo, Lopez, and Kelly). The team handles approximately 40% of mental health calls in Gilbert. Speakers emphasized destigmatizing mental health and using resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Gilbert High School Tiger Pride Marching Band: Vice Mayor Bon Giovanni presented a proclamation honoring the band's selection to participate in the 2027 Rome New Year's Day Parade. Drum major Emily Graves thanked the council, noting the band's excitement to represent the community on the world stage.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4–21 were approved unanimously (5–0). These included intergovernmental agreements, contracts for infrastructure improvements, pavement maintenance, security systems, drone equipment for police/fire, and a law enforcement mental health grant. Councilmember Torgeson had requested additional information on several items, which was provided by the town manager.

Public Comments & Testimony

Three speakers addressed the council:

1. Barbara Colvin (Gilbert resident): Criticized the town's water and sewer rate increases, citing a presentation by Water Resources Manager Lauren Hickson. She argued that the town had failed to prepare for infrastructure needs over 40 years and accused staff and council of negligence and incompetence. She also questioned the salaries of seven senior staff members and asked when it became acceptable for a council member to tell a resident to “F off” on social media.
2. Carissa Arnold (Gilbert resident): Alleged that the town and councilmembers Torgeson and Bon Giovanni engaged in corruption, cover-up, and harassment related to a sexual assault case involving her daughter. She claimed that police records were mishandled, that the Attorney General's initial investigation relied only on statements from town officials, and that the councilmembers used her unredacted documents to intimidate witnesses and influence an election. She demanded the resignation of Chief Solbert.
3. Charles Montenegro (Gilbert resident): Suggested two water conservation ideas: (1) a town program to install recirculating pumps on water heaters to save water while waiting for hot water, and (2) a partnership to repurpose pool water (when drained) by giving homeowners a credit on future bills, since the water is already treated.

Council Responses to Public Comments:

• Councilmember Bon Giovanni stated he has never spoken to an investigator about the allegations and denied lying.
• Councilmember Torgeson said he has never been interviewed about the assault, which occurred before he was on council, and that he has not seen the case details. He expressed frustration at being accused of corruption and urged Carissa Arnold to let her daughter heal. Both councilmembers denied any cover-up.

Discussion Items

• Item 25 – General Plan GP25-05 / Zoning Z25-14 (Residences at the Reserve): This public hearing item was pulled for separate consideration. Town Attorney explained that due to only five council members present, rezoning and general plan amendments require four affirmative votes (a supermajority). The applicant's representative, Taylor Earl of Earl & Curly, requested a continuance to the next available hearing to allow a full council to hear the case after three years of work. The council unanimously (5–0) granted a continuance to September 15, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 5–0 (items 4–21).
• Public Hearing Items (22–24, 26–30): Approved 5–0 as a block.
• Item 25 Continuance: Granted unanimously to September 15, 2026.
• Administrative Items: Approved 5–0.
• Future Meetings: Study session and regular meeting dates noted.
• Recognition: Town Manager recognized Lieutenant Porti for his five-year leadership of the Gilbert Police SWAT team; he will return to patrol operations.
• Council Reports: Upcoming events announced: Gilbert Family Triathlon (September 19), Viva Hispanic Heritage celebration (September 25), classic car show at Water Tower Plaza, and 9/11 ceremony at the municipal center (September 11).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned by motion.