Mesa City Council Study Session: December 4, 2025, Agenda Review and Policy Discussions

The Mesa City Council held a study session on December 4, 2025, to review the upcoming December 8 council meeting agenda. Key discussions included liquor license applications, camera maintenance contracts, sewer system contracts, an Amazon Web Services development, a Fujifilm expansion, and proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) zoning amendments. The council also received presentations on the Peregrine police data platform pilot, the Mesa Connected transit-oriented development plan, and e-bike code updates.

Consent Calendar

• Consent items 4G and 4H, originally recommended for denial, were resolved and will be recommended for approval on the December 8 agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded during the study session.

Discussion Items

• 4B & 4D – Liquor License Applications: Vice Mayor Taylor questioned the number of police calls (35 calls in four years, five with reports) at Royal Palms Golf Resort relative to alcohol licensing. Staff confirmed Mesa PD evaluates call nature and location, and in this case found no concern. For the Safeway at University and Valvista (item 4D), staff clarified a store can hold multiple licenses ("stacking") for different privileges (e.g., sampling).
• 5B – Camera Maintenance Contract ($175,000): Vice Mayor Taylor questioned the cost per camera (~$500) relative to a national average of ~$360. Staff explained the contract covers new camera purchases and installation; maintenance is done in-house. The contract was competitively bid with seven bidders, and the city does not further negotiate after bids are received.
• 5C – Sewer System Contract ($2 million): Vice Mayor Taylor asked for clarification on the multi-vendor contract covering cleaning and inspection of large-diameter pipes (ProPipe), sewer lining (Insituform), excavation repairs (BNF), and root control (Duke's). The total $2 million is contract authority for all vendors, not per contractor. Staff confirmed that manhole work on 24th Street and Pueblo was a capital project, not part of this contract. The city maintains over 30,000 manholes, aiming to rehab 500 per year.
• 5D – Water Supplies Contract Extension ($350,000): Vice Mayor Taylor questioned the need for a one-month extension (through January 25, 2026) for water system supplies. Staff explained the extension is needed due to emergency responses in September-October that consumed budget, and long lead times for parts. A new contract will be presented for council approval in the second half of January.
• 6A – Amazon Web Services Development: Vice Mayor Taylor asked about public outreach; staff reported no feedback from surrounding property owners for the large industrial site. Councilmember Duff asked why AWS is building its own substation; staff explained that SRP brings high-voltage power, and AWS steps it down for its operations. This is common for data centers. The substation requires a council use permit; SRP’s substation is exempt. The project is already under construction.
• 8B – Fujifilm Expansion: Vice Mayor Taylor asked about public comments and aesthetic improvements. Staff reported no feedback due to the industrial location. The expansion includes 80 new jobs and is part of the "Pirate Project" rail spur. New structures will be tall due to safety/OSHA requirements; staff is working on design screening.
• 9B – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Ordinance: Councilmember Duff opposed the recommended 1,000-foot separation from residential zones, citing costs to economic development, grid reliability, and clean energy goals. She presented research showing peer cities use 100-500 foot setbacks. Councilmember Go forth supported the 1,000 feet for safety, citing his hazardous materials background and examples of other jurisdictions (e.g., Santa Cruz County, 1,000 ft; New York State, 1,000 ft). Staff clarified that the 1,000-foot recommendation came after feedback from residents and leadership; the Planning and Zoning Board had recommended 400 feet. If the ordinance fails, BESS will not be permitted in Mesa. A map of existing industrial zones relative to residential and substation locations was requested. Staff noted the ordinance creates a "legally conforming" status for two pending sites; future sites would require rezoning with council's ability to enforce additional setbacks.
• 7A & 7B – Peregrine Police Data Platform (State-Funded Pilot): Lt. Stokes and IT Manager Wayne Quang presented the one-year pilot, describing Peregrine as a "Google for cops" that aggregates data from existing Records Management and CAD systems. Year one is fully funded by SB 1735 ($215,800); annual subscription thereafter is $21,500. The pilot is limited to police records and CAD data, not fire EMS. Regional data sharing will require a future MOU. Councilmember Taylor asked about future maintenance costs, customization, and the impact on public records requests; staff confirmed the tool could improve records response times.
• 2A – Mesa Connected Transit-Oriented Development Plan: Assistant Planning Director Rachel Phillips presented the 5-mile corridor plan (Mesa Riverview to Downtown) focused on land use strategies around transit. The plan is funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, with no local funds. It identifies 11 transit nodes (neighborhood, urban, regional) with context-sensitive strategies. The city is not obligated to any financial investments; future text amendments (e.g., a voluntary TOD overlay) will come to council for approval. Councilmember Taylor raised concerns about low public engagement (455 responses out of 72,000 residents, 0.6%). Staff explained outreach included mailers, surveys, focus groups, and pop-ups, and that the plan is a living document. Councilmembers Duff, Heredia, and Go forth expressed strong support, noting the corridor's organic growth and the plan's ability to guide development.
• 2B – E-bike Code Updates and Communication Strategy: Parks Director Andrea Moore and staff proposed allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and e-scooters in parks (Class 3 excluded) with a 5 mph speed limit, helmet requirement for riders under 18, and operation on sidewalks only. Councilmember Go forth questioned the 5 mph speed limit for e-bikes and suggested requiring motor disengagement, as in Tempe. Staff noted Parks Board feedback about mobility needs. Councilmember Taylor asked about enforcement (age limit, speed, modified bikes) and potential damage. Staff acknowledged enforcement challenges but emphasized the goal is to legalize existing behavior and improve safety through education. The ordinance introduction is set for December 8, with final vote January 12.

Key Outcomes

• Items 4G and 4H: Updated to recommended approval on the December 8 agenda.
• BESS Ordinance (9B): Council discussion revealed a split between safety concerns (1,000-foot setback) and economic/grid reliability concerns (400-foot). A map of industrial/residential zones and substation locations was requested. Action scheduled for December 8.
• Peregrine Pilot (7A & 7B): Council appeared supportive; action scheduled for December 8.
• Mesa Connected Plan (2A): Council appeared supportive; action scheduled for December 8. Councilmember Taylor requested more research.
• E-bike Code Updates (2B): Council requested further research on the 5 mph speed limit feasibility. Introduction on December 8; final vote on January 12, 2026.
• Water Supplies Contract (5D): Council appeared satisfied with the explanation.
• Sewer Contract (5C): Council was satisfied with the description.
• Camera Contract (5B): Council was satisfied with the explanation.
• Liquor Licenses (4B, 4D): Council was satisfied with staff responses.
• Special Council Meeting: Scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM; regular study session and council meeting at 5:15 PM. Council then goes on winter break.