Phoenix City Council Formal Meeting and Community Facilities District Board Meetings - June 12, 2024

The meeting on June 12, 2024, began with two Community Facilities District (CFD) boards—Park Central and Verdin—before convening the regular Phoenix City Council meeting. The council addressed a wide range of items including budget adoption, liquor licenses, zoning, pension funding, and public comments. The budget was adopted unanimously for the first time since 2009.

Consent Calendar

• Park Central CFD Board (Items 3-8, 10-11): Approved minutes, adopted final FY2024-25 budget (Resolution PC19, 10-0), and authorized amendment of development financing agreement (Resolution PC20, 10-0).
• Verdin CFD Board (Item 3): Approved proposed district budget for FY2024-25 (Resolution V-03, 8-0).
• City Council Minutes (Items 1-4): Approved minutes from February 2, 16, and March 2, 2022, all unanimously.
• Item 5: Continued to next council meeting.
• Item 6: Approved Mayor and City Council boards and commissions nominations unanimously; followed by a swearing-in ceremony.
• Items 7-17: Liquor license approvals passed unanimously.
• Items 18-146 (exceptions): Approved in a block with roll call 9-0, excluding specific items for public comment (Items 35, 44, 65, 68, 71, 93, 94, 99).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 35 (Ballot Language): Leonard Clark expressed support for council pay raises, citing inflation and the full-time nature of the role.
• Item 44 (CleanSign RFP Protest): Francis Veercutter, representing CleanSign, requested the RFP be rebid, alleging inaccurate review process, poor communication, and insufficient diversity adherence. He stated CleanSign was the lowest bidder and a certified SBE/DBE company.
• Item 65 (Funding for Homeless Services): Two speakers opposed the $250,000 allocation for community court and navigation services, arguing it criminalizes mental health and addiction instead of providing medical solutions.
• Item 68 (Human Services Assessment): Diane Barker spoke in support, noting the importance of cooling centers and hydration, and suggested providing water bottles at libraries.
• Item 71 (Code Enforcement Policy): Multiple residents from Grand Families Apartments and Matthew Henderson Senior Apartments reported maintenance issues, rent increases, lack of security, and inadequate staffing. Councilwoman Hodge Washington connected them with staff for follow-up.
• Item 94 (Budget Disbursement for Police): Jessica opposed embedding crisis intervention teams within police, advocating instead for water stations, extended heat relief hours, and eviction legal assistance.
• Citizen Comment: Several speakers addressed ongoing concerns:
  • Dana Burns and others from Grand Families and Matthew Henson Senior Living highlighted unsafe conditions, rent burdens, and a suicide linked to eviction.
  • Ann Ender (Operation Blue Ribbon) criticized the police staffing report for lacking key hiring data and urged transparency.
  • Tim Sarkowski and Elizabeth Venable alleged illegal dumping in South Mountain Park, requesting investigation and accountability.
  • Tony and Carol Moore detailed poor lighting, lack of security, and maintenance at Grand Families Place.
  • A speaker urged more housing and services for homeless individuals.
  • Another speaker raised concerns about moral mandates and compliance with federal injunctions.

Discussion Items

• Budget Adoption (Items 27-31): The council held a public hearing (no comments) and then adopted the final FY2024-25 operating ($50949), capital ($50985), and reappropriated ($50950) budgets, all 9-0. The budget was described as investing in city employees and services, with Councilwoman Guardado noting it reflects community values. This was the first unanimous budget adoption since 2009.
• Item 32 (Amendment to Current Budget): Adopted 9-0 to close out FY2023-24 and proceed with annual audit.
• Item 35 (Ballot Language): Procedural vote (9-0) to approve the form of the ballot for three November 2024 measures: General Plan update, Home Rule adoption, and an automatic referral of a salary commission recommendation for council pay increases. Councilwoman O'Brien voted yes but stated she does not support the salary increase.
• Item 44 (CleanSign RFP): Motion to approve passed 8-1 (Councilwoman Pastor voted no).
• Item 52 (Pension Funding Policies): Two separate votes: COPRS pension funding policy passed 8-0 (Councilman Robinson declared conflict), and PSPRS pension funding policy passed 8-0 (Robinson declared conflict on this as well).
• Item 65 (Funding for Homeless Services): Approved 9-0. The $250,000 allocation supports services for people exiting jail and experiencing homelessness, part of broader efforts including $10 million for Mercy Care behavioral health units.
• Item 68 (Human Services Assessment): Approved 9-0 for $152,000 competitive consultant contract.
• Item 71 (Code Enforcement Policy): Approved 9-0 after public testimony. Council directed staff to follow up on resident complaints.
• Item 93 (School Resource Officers): Approved 8-0 (Councilman Waring did not participate).
• Item 94 (Crisis Intervention Teams): Approved 9-0.
• Item 99 (Budget Disbursement): Approved 9-0.
• Planning and Zoning Items:
  • Item 143 (Street abandonment in District 7): Approved 9-0 per abandonment hearing officer's decision.
  • Item 144 (26th Street and Camelback Road, District 6): Approved 9-0 per June 7, 2024 planning memo.

Key Outcomes

• Final FY2024-25 budgets (operating, capital, reappropriated) adopted unanimously (9-0).
• FY2023-24 budget amendment adopted (9-0) to enable audit.
• Ballot language for three November measures approved (9-0).
• CleanSign RFP protest denied; item approved 8-1.
• Pension funding policies (COPRS and PSPRS) adopted 8-0 each.
• Funding for homeless services ($250,000), human services assessment ($152,000), code enforcement policy, school resource officers, and crisis intervention teams all approved 9-0 or 8-0 as noted.
• Two zoning items approved 9-0.
• Council directed staff to connect with residents of Grand Families Apartments and Matthew Henderson Senior Apartments to address maintenance, security, and rent concerns.
• Citizen comments on South Mountain dumping and police staffing were noted for potential follow-up.