Mesa City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on July 20, 2026, but the provided metadata states July 21, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date.

The Mesa City Council met with Vice Mayor presiding, as Mayor Freeman and Councilmember Goforth were absent. The meeting included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a consent agenda. Key items included a memorandum of understanding with the FBI for the Safe Streets Task Force, an intergovernmental agreement for School Resource Officers, and the introduction of a zoning case for a tire shop. Public comments were heard on each item, and all votes passed 5-0.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (5-0). Items included approval of minutes, liquor license for Ash & Ale, contracts for pipeline projects, cooperative contracts for equipment and services, property tax levy, intergovernmental agreement for school resource officers (later removed and considered separately), foreign trade zone agreement, and several ordinance introductions (zoning code amendments, speed limit changes, fleet-based services). Items 5B, 5C, and 6D were removed for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 5B – FBI Safe Streets Task Force MOU: Seven speakers opposed the agreement, citing concerns about federal overreach, racial profiling, and comparisons to other cities' task forces. Speakers included Zach White, Samuel Wandler, Rocío Patino, Adam Wenders, Jesse Hernandez, and Rachel Hohenadel Pates. The first speaker, Leanne McKelvey, did not appear. They argued that Mesa already has low crime rates and should invest in social services instead.
• Item 5C – School Resource Officer IGA: Jason Smithson spoke, requesting that Brady-listed officers be prohibited from serving as SROs, citing a specific case at Mesa High School. He argued for the highest standards of credibility.
• Item 6D – San Antonio Tire Shop Zoning (Introduction): Eleven speakers opposed the proposal, led by Tess Taylor, who presented four reasons: lack of justification, overreaching requests (general plan amendment, reduced parking, 24-hour operations), permanent impacts on the neighborhood, and the city's duty to protect residents. Other speakers included Reed Dunn (92-year-old native), Don Klinkert, Sandy, Carol West (48-year resident), James Adamick, Jarrett Butler, and Nolan West. Some speakers noted that the business currently lists 24-hour operations on Google. Concerns included noise, lighting, traffic, and compatibility with residential character.
• Items from Citizens Present: Three speakers addressed non-agenda items. Thomas Eyster criticized the council's decision on the Sun Air Women's Shelter (closing before opening), the sign ban, and what he saw as inconsistent governance and suppression of opposition. Stephanie Vrona raised concerns about data centers (electricity demand, minimal job creation) and advocated for a moratorium. James De La Toso delivered positive news about the Mesa Urban Farm project, which received a Certificate of Commendation from the U.S. House of Representatives for combating food insecurity.

Discussion Items

• Item 5B – FBI Safe Streets Task Force MOU: Staff explained that the MOU formalizes a 13-year existing relationship, reimburses Mesa for officer time investigating violent crimes (murder, kidnapping, armed robbery), and provides vehicles. Mesa officers operate under Mesa policies, not FBI direction. Councilmember Adam noted it is a cost reimbursement program. Councilmember Duff clarified it is a financial transaction and not related to immigration enforcement. Councilmember Heredia asked about racial profiling safeguards; Commander Reno stated they follow Mesa policies and training. Vice Mayor emphasized that Mesa already diverts behavioral health calls (8,185 since 2023). The motion passed 5-0.
• Item 5C – School Resource Officer IGA: Council discussed the proposal to prohibit Brady-listed officers from serving as SROs. Commander Derevan said such officers would not be assigned to schools and that personnel matters are handled administratively. Councilmember Adams questioned the nature of a Brady listing. The city attorney noted that amending the IGA could entangle personnel rules, and the issue can be addressed internally. The motion passed 5-0.
• Item 6D – San Antonio Tire Shop Zoning (Introduction Only): Staff (Evan Balmer) clarified that the proposed 24-hour operation is actually emergency roadside assistance after 8 p.m., not full service. The site has operated as a tire shop for two years without incident or complaint. The applicant's representative (Alex Hayes) stated that the business was told the use was permitted by a broker. Councilmember Adams requested data on code violations, police calls, and operational complaints. Councilmember Taylor noted Google reviews mention 24-hour service. The motion to introduce the ordinance passed 5-0, with a final vote scheduled for next week.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5B: Approved resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an MOU with the FBI for the Safe Streets Task Force. Vote: 5-0.
• Item 5C: Approved resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an IGA with Mesa Unified School District No. 4 for School Resource Officers, with an administrative commitment to review Brady-listed officer assignment. Vote: 5-0.
• Item 6D: Introduced the ordinance for the San Antonio Tire Shop zoning case (first reading). Final adoption scheduled for next meeting. Vote: 5-0.
• Consent Agenda: Approved all items as presented (with removal of 5B, 5C, 6D). Vote: 5-0.
• Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Councilmember Heredia, second by Councilmember Adams, carried unanimously.