Mesa City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025

The Mesa City Council met on December 2, 2025, with Councilmembers Duffin and Heredia excused. The meeting included a consent agenda, public hearings, and discussions on battery energy storage system (BESS) regulations, utility rate increases, and public comments on immigration enforcement. The council approved most items, with notable votes on BESS and utility rates.

Consent Calendar

• Approved all consent agenda items (Items 2–6) as a group, including approvals for contracts, cooperative agreements, code adoptions, and intergovernmental agreements. Items 7A–7D, 9A, and 10A were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Multiple speakers addressed the proposed setback requirements. Mary Mabinow (District 5 resident) opposed the 1,000-foot setback, citing fire hazards, noise, and visual impacts. Jeff Crockett (attorney for renewable energy companies) urged adoption of the 400-foot option (7C/7D) and supported the 1,000-foot option (7A/7B). Autumn Johnson (Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association) opposed the 1,000-foot setback as excessive, recommending 100–150 feet based on national standards. Court Rich (Rose Law Group, representing IPA Power) thanked staff for the ordinance but noted it is strict. Matt Quinn (fire protection consultant) stated the 1,000-foot setback lacks justification and recommended NFPA 855 standards. Sepand Alzadeh (Arizona Technology Council) urged a reasonable setback, noting the rigorous permitting process.
• Utility Rate Increases: Several residents spoke in opposition. Carrie Davis pointed to the $9.4 million increase in the utility fund transfer to the general fund and suggested excluding that amount. Mark Kimball, Reed Gottschuk, Mark Hunsaker, Nathan Scott, Nancy Thompson, Leslie Wilson, Bradley Bitoncourt, and Mary Mabinow all opposed the rate increases, citing financial hardship and lack of transparency. Leslie Wilson noted the $16 million obligation for the Chicago Cubs facility and urged a no vote. Bradley Bitoncourt (Dobson Ranch HOA president) cautioned that commercial rate increases affect HOA assessments.
• Citizens Present (Item 11): Reggie Braun opposed the 287(g) agreement with ICE, citing liability risks and diversion of police resources. Elizabeth Lee (nurse and candidate) urged transparency and data publication on ICE referrals. Noah James made comments on religion and urged removing the ICE agreement and supporting the Fiesta Mall project.

Discussion Items

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (Items 7A–7D): The council debated two options: Option 1 (7A/7B) with a 1,000-foot separation from residential areas and 400 feet from sensitive receptors, and Option 2 (7C/7D) with a 400-foot separation from all. Staff presented the rationale for the 1,000-foot residential setback, citing quality of life, while the Fire Marshal confirmed that NFPA 855 sets a 100-foot minimum from equipment to property line, which is separate from the zoning separation. Councilmember Adams argued for a 1,000-foot residential setback, citing fire experience and community safety. Councilmember Taylor questioned why sensitive receptors such as schools were not also given a 1,000-foot setback. The council voted to introduce only 7A and 7B (the 1,000-foot option) for a future vote; 7C and 7D were not moved.
• Utility Rate Increases (Items 10A–10E): Staff presented a revised proposal reducing the residential increase from 5.5% to 2.5% after council discussion, while increasing commercial rates to achieve equity. The adjustment was part of a broader effort to smooth rates over time. Councilmember Adams noted he proposed a zero increase but accepted the compromise. Councilmember Taylor stated she would vote no, citing a $54/month increase for her household and calling for more creativity in budgeting. Vice Mayor Goforth supported the gradual increase as necessary for infrastructure and long-term water security. The council voted to approve all five utility rate items (10A–10E) with the 2.5% residential increase.
• Capacity Fee (Item 9A): Passed without discussion after brief public comment from Noah James on water scarcity.

Key Outcomes

• BESS Setback: Approved introduction of Option 1 (7A and 7B) with a 1,000-foot separation from residential areas and 400 feet from sensitive receptors. The motion passed, with Councilmember Taylor voting no. Option 2 (7C and 7D) was not introduced. Final adoption will occur at a future meeting.
• Utility Rate Increases: Approved all five rate ordinances (10A–10E) with the following increases: electric (2.1% for 2023-24, 1.9% for 2024-25, 1.7% for 2025-26), natural gas (smooth adjustments), water (2.5% residential, higher commercial), wastewater, and solid waste. All motions passed, with Councilmember Taylor voting no on the water rate increase (10C).
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Next Steps: The final adoption of BESS regulations (7A/7B) is scheduled for the December 8 council meeting. Utility rate adjustments will take effect on April 1, 2026, for non-residential rates, with a notice of intent for additional commercial increases to be considered on December 8.