Phoenix City Council Meeting - July 1, 2024

The Phoenix City Council convened on July 1, 2024, for a formal meeting preceded by a separate meeting of the Verdin Community Facilities District Board of Directors. The council addressed a consent calendar covering routine approvals, public hearings on the property tax levy and several development proposals, and discussion items including the South Mountain Activity Complex renovation and a zoning appeal at 24th Street and Camelback Road. All votes on consent items and the tax levy were unanimous (9-0). The meeting included a swearing-in of commissioners and recognition of the Mandela Fellows delegation.

Preliminary: Verdin Community Facilities District Board of Directors

• The board approved Resolution B-0-4 adopting the final district budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 (vote 9-0).
• The board approved Resolution B-0-6 for the proposed tax levy for fiscal year 2024-2025 (vote 9-0). No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved meeting minutes for previous dates (items 1-4), boards and commission nominations (item 5), liquor license applications (items 6-22), and ordinances/resolutions (items 23-69, with exceptions: items 25, 26, 35, 45, 54, 65-68 were excluded for separate consideration; item 41 was continued to August 26, 2024; item 69 was continued to September 4, 2024). All consent items passed 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 45 – South Mountain Activity Complex Renovation (Amendment): Two residents, Jerry Van Gast and Tim, spoke in opposition. They alleged the project is behind schedule (60% complete after seven years of a five-year plan), lacks public input, and involves questionable allocation of funds. They raised concerns about transparency and stated their attorneys are investigating.
• Item 67 – Downtown Code Text Amendment: Joan, a former planning commissioner, spoke in support of the reduced area approved by the Central City Village Planning Committee and Planning Commission. She noted the original applicant's request for a zoning variance could have been appropriate, but the text amendment was unnecessary and generated opposition. She expressed hope for future downtown code improvements.
• Item 68 – 24th Street and Camelback Road (Appeal): The applicant (Red Development, represented by Ed Bull) supported the approval, citing 18 years of established zoning and numerous public hearings. The appellant (Robert Marino, representing the Esplanade) did not oppose development but requested the project be sent back to the Village Planning Committee (VPC) for review, arguing the VPC chair’s decision to bypass a hearing was a “dereliction of duty.” The council did not support the request.

Discussion Items

• Item 26 – Property Tax Levy 2024-2025: The council opened a public hearing; no residents commented. The proposed levy reduces the tax rate. The council approved it 9-0.
• Item 35 – Wireless Communication Service, Accessory and Equipment: The motion to approve was made. The mayor noted that the city’s ITS department, with Bloomberg Associates, achieved a 42% reduction in wireless spending year-over-year in the fire department, and savings will be applied citywide. Approved 9-0.
• Item 45 – South Mountain Activity Complex Renovation (Amendment): Despite public opposition, the council approved the amendment 9-0. Staff had allocated additional funds for the activity center and other improvements. Project is in its seventh year of a five-year plan.
• Item 54 – Rezoning at Cave Creek Road and Quail Avenue (District 2): A resident (Spencer Freeman) asked about the zoning change. The council approved the rezoning 9-0.
• Items 65 & 66 – 19th Avenue and Baseline Road Rezoning: Both items were approved per the planning commission recommendation (votes 9-0).
• Item 67 – Downtown Code Text Amendment: Approved per the planning commission recommendation 9-0.
• Item 68 – 24th Street and Camelback Road (Tower Height Approval): The request was to approve a new tower (Building P) at the southeast portion of the Biltmore Fashion Park property, up to 140 feet (Option 1) or 165 feet (Option 2), per the 2006 zoning. The Planning Hearing Officer and Planning Commission recommended approval. The council approved unanimously 9-0 after a discussion on the review process and the VPC’s role.

Key Outcomes

• All substantive votes were unanimous (9-0) except where noted (none).
• The property tax levy for FY 2024-2025 was adopted with a reduced rate.
• Multiple housing and development approvals were granted, including 522 new units of housing citywide (mentioned by mayor).
• The South Mountain Activity Complex renovation amendment was approved despite unresolved public concerns.
• The appeal on item 68 was rejected; the tower height approval was confirmed.
• The council recognized the Mandela Fellows delegation and commissioned new board members to the Human Trafficking Task Force.