Phoenix City Council Formal Meeting – November 20, 2024

The Phoenix City Council held a formal meeting on November 20, 2024, beginning at 9:30 AM. The meeting included an invocation by Police Chaplain Bob Fesmeyer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of minutes. The council addressed numerous agenda items, including liquor licenses, ordinances, resolutions, planning and zoning matters, election canvassing, and citizen comments. Key decisions involved accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and short-term rental regulations, as well as the adoption of the city's election results.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–4 (Minutes and Boards/Commissions): Unanimously approved. The minutes of April 17, 2024, and May 1, 2024, were adopted. Mayor and council nominations for boards and commissions were approved, and new commissioners were sworn in.
• Items 5–20 (Liquor Licenses): Approved 9-0, except Item 16. Item 16 (in Council District 7) received a vote of no recommendation (9-0) to allow the neighborhood to file a protest with the state liquor board, after the business owner and neighborhood reached an agreement.
• Items 21–66 (Ordinances, Resolutions, Planning & Zoning): Approved 9-0, excluding Items 22, 32, 37, 60, 61, and noting that Items 62–63 were withdrawn, and Items 65–66 were add-ons.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rosa Pastrana (District 7 resident, 28-year Maryvale resident): Thanked Councilman Galindo for efforts to reduce homelessness and commended police-community communication. Criticized the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) for not coordinating effectively with police, stating that the best employees are sent to Laveen, leaving Maryvale underserved. Urged better inter-departmental coordination to support police in moving people and providing services.
• Christine Ader (City of Phoenix employee since 1998, COMEA member since 1998): Alleged possible fraud and unethical business practices within the COMEA employee resource group. Claimed that five NSD members overspent $10,000 at eight events, hired family members, and double-charged COMEA; also reported that $55,000 was moved from an investment account to an operating account to cover overspending. Offered to provide documentation for investigation. City Manager Jeff Barton responded that an audit had already been conducted and follow-up information would be provided to council.

Discussion Items

• Item 22 – Canvass of Votes (Election Results): Councilman Galindo (District 7) reported earning 53% of the vote, transitioning from appointed to elected status. He thanked voters and emphasized continued focus on public safety, heat mitigation, homelessness, and parks. Councilwoman Guardado (District 5) thanked voters for re-electing her for a third term. Vice Mayor Stark (District 3) noted 82% voter turnout. Councilwoman O'Brien (District 1) expressed gratitude for a second term. Mayor Gallego noted he was the only Maricopa County mayor re-elected in November. The canvass passed 9-0.
• Item 32 – Deferred Compensation Program (Ordinance G7325): Amended city code to replace one citizen member with a retired city employee who is a current plan participant. Passed 9-0.
• Item 37 – Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit Fee (Ordinance G7324): Adjusted the permit fee; the film office celebrated its 50th anniversary, with $21.8 million total spend and over 1,300 projects. Passed 9-0.
• Item 60 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): The council adopted amended ADU rules per state law, which removed local requirements that ADUs be used for housing (not short-term rentals). Several council members (Pastor, Vice Mayor Stark, O'Brien, Hodge Washington) expressed disappointment that the state preempted Phoenix's more protective ordinance, but voted yes to comply with state law and avoid financial penalties. Councilman Waring voted no, stating the legislation strips residents' voice and eliminates the public process. Passed 8-1.
• Item 61 – Short-Term Vacation Rentals (Ordinance G7323): Amended city code to comply with state law, removing the city's prohibition on short-term rentals in ADUs. Council members expressed similar concerns but voted to comply. Passed 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• Election Canvass Approved 9-0: Councilman Galindo, Councilwoman Guardado, Vice Mayor Stark, and Councilwoman O'Brien were re-elected; Mayor Gallego returned for a third term.
• ADU Ordinance Passed 8-1: The amendment aligning with state law was adopted over the objection of Councilman Waring, who cited loss of local control.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance Passed 9-0: City code updated to comply with state preemption, removing local restrictions on short-term rentals in ADUs.
• Liquor License Item 16: No recommendation sent to state, allowing neighborhood protest (9-0).
• Citizen Comment Follow-Up: City Manager confirmed an audit of COMEA had been conducted and will provide additional information to council.
• All other consent and regular agenda items approved unanimously.