Mesa City Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

Vice Mayor Summers presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Freeman and Councilmember Adams, both excused. The meeting opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jackson Jones from Troop 54. Key actions included approval of a consent agenda with several items removed for separate discussion, passage of multiple contracts and agreements, and public comments on topics including a correction of record, data center concerns, and education funding.

Awards and Recognition

• The Mesa Gateway Library received the 2026 IFLA James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award, a global recognition. Library Director Polly Bennett noted over 170,000 visitors since opening in December 2025 and a 48% increase in library system program attendance. The award highlighted the library's community-centered design, maker spaces, sensory room, and water-efficient garden.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda (items 2, 3A–3F, 4A–4D, 4F–4L, 5A, 5D, 6A) was approved 5–0 with two absent. Items 4E, 4H, 4M, 5B, and 5C were removed for separate discussion. A statement from Mayor Freeman was read into the record expressing appreciation for the public-private partnership for the Mesa Convention Center and Amphitheater (item 5A).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason Smithson publicly apologized for stating at the June 20th meeting that an officer assigned to Mesa High School was on the Brady list. He corrected the record, confirming the officer is not on the list, and took full responsibility.
• Noah James Markham (Tempe resident) raised multiple topics including: congratulations to Nick Willis, desire for more businesses and apartments near Superstition Springs Mall, support for a Tokyo Data Center (citing Japanese American history), endorsement of former Mayor John Giles as Lieutenant Governor, and concerns about flaws in the FLAC program.
• Lee Ann McKelvey voiced strong opposition to data centers, citing risks of lithium battery fires (water usage), noise pollution harming wildlife and property values, strain on the electric grid potentially causing blackouts, and breaking the mayor's pledge to protect monarch butterflies.
• Kimberly Daly (District 5 resident) expressed concerns about the $6 million contract limit increase for office furniture (item 4M), questioning whether going back to competitive bidding could yield savings and whether cumulative increases reduce oversight.
• Margie Gomez spoke against three items: (1) item 5C (detention officer training), arguing funding for batons and tasers contradicts de-escalation; (2) item 7A (OVO project), urging that education funding not be reduced to subsidize the development; (3) item 8A (annexation), requesting transparency regarding Pacific Proving LLC's potential involvement with data centers.
• Councilmember Davis questioned the usage frequency and annual maintenance cost of the utility truck (item 4H). Staff explained it is used at every major incident (fires, hazmat) and the 2003 unit has 132,000 miles.

Discussion Items

• Item 4E: 15-month cooperative term contract for facility maintenance supplies for Water Resources. Approved 5–0 after a public comment expressing support for water resource management.
• Item 4H: Purchase of one E1 Cyclone Custom Cab Utility Truck for Fire & Medical, funded by 2024 public safety bonds. Staff detailed its role in providing light, air supply, and cooling at fire scenes. Approved 5–0.
• Item 4M: Dollar limit increase to the office furniture contract (WISC Business Supplies). Staff confirmed no new budget authority was involved; pricing was compared to state co-op contracts and found competitive. Approved 5–0.
• Item 5B: Notice of intent to enter into a retail development tax incentive agreement for the Cannon Beach Hotel project near Power and Warner Roads. Approved 5–0 after brief public comment.
• Item 5C: Intergovernmental agreement with Phoenix for detention officer training. Staff emphasized training mirrors AZ POST curriculum, includes de-escalation, and use of force is a last resort. Approved 5–0.
• Item 7A: OVO mixed-use project – Resolution approving a Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) agreement with Pride Ventures LLC. Staff assured that school districts (Mesa Public Schools, community college, EVIT) are made whole during the eight-year abatement and will receive higher taxes afterward. Approved 5–0.
• Item 8A: Public hearing for annexation case 25-0062 (Williams Field Road & SR 24). No council action taken; the petition for signatures will be released, with final consideration at a future meeting. Public comment (Margie Gomez) addressed, but no money or data center was involved.
• Item 8B: Public hearing for annexation case 25-00893 (Ellsworth & Williams Field). No public comments; hearing closed. Future council consideration.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda passed 5–0 (with two absent).
• All five items removed from consent (4E, 4H, 4M, 5B, 5C) were individually approved 5–0.
• Item 7A (OVO GPLET) approved 5–0.
• Public hearings for two annexations (8A and 8B) were conducted; no votes taken, petitions to be released.
• Meeting adjourned on a motion by Councilmember Goforth, seconded by Councilmember Taylor, all in favor.