Phoenix City Council Formal Meeting - December 18, 2024

The Phoenix City Council held its final formal meeting of 2024 on December 18, starting at approximately 9:45 AM. The meeting included approvals of routine consent items, several significant actions on affordable housing, a public art project, and a major police equipment contract. The council also heard public comment on a range of issues and took action to set the minimum age for electric scooters and bicycles.

Consent Calendar

• Approved meeting minutes of June 12, 2024 (unanimous).
• Approved mayor and city council boards and commissions nominations as revised (unanimous). New commissioners were sworn in for village planning, workforce investments, and the Phoenix Economy.
• Approved items 3 through 27, except item 27 (continued to January 15, 2025) (unanimous).
• Approved items 28 through 114, with exceptions including items continued to January 15, 2025 (items 58, 82, 89 as corrected), and excluding items for public comment (items 44, 49, 52, 60, 62, 63, 64, 66, 73, 90) (unanimous, roll call 9-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 49 (Classification and Pay Ordinance): Scott Kirk, a residential inspection supervisor, expressed concern that the proposed changes would result in less qualified personnel being paid more than building inspectors, creating inequity and animosity. Human Resources Director Dave Matthews explained that a second study for electricians led to the pay grade increase, and further adjustments for affected classifications would come in February.
• Item 60 (Shelter and Affordable Housing Agreement): Bill Moreland (CASS) and Brittany (Steel and Spark) thanked the council for supporting the intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County to keep 600 people off the street and fund innovative affordable housing.
• Item 64 (Janitorial Services): Jerry Van Gas (public watchdog) thanked Deputy City Manager John Chan for correcting a wrongful termination of a janitorial contract for park restrooms, but demanded further investigation.
• Item 73 (Police Equipment Contract - Tasers): Multiple community members spoke in opposition, arguing that the $22 million should instead fund community services, housing, lighting, parks, and education. Speakers cited police violence, the DOJ report, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. One speaker, Ann Ender (Operation Blue Ribbon), supported the purchase, stating it provides needed resources and less-lethal options for officers.
• Item 90 (Electric Scooter and Bicycle Age): No public testimony.
• Citizen Comment Session: Several speakers addressed animal welfare (feral cat crisis, proposed animal welfare office), transit security and bus stop adoption, historic preservation concerns (Sunny Slope, fear that city council won't support historic overlays), park access and trail heat closures (opposition to expanded closure times at South Mountain), and the legacy of Romaine Brisbane (10-year remembrance).

Discussion Items

• Item 44 (Solar Container Farm): Councilwoman Guardado described a collaborative project between the city, SRP, and ASU to grow leafy greens using indoor vertical farming and solar panels in District 5. Homer Farms will donate 20% of produce and train residents. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for January 24, 2025. Approved 9-0.
• Item 49 (Classification and Pay Ordinance): Council discussed equity concerns raised by the public comment. HR Director Matthews assured that a study for electricians was completed due to a 35% vacancy rate (56 vacancies), and that additional classifications affected would be reviewed by HRC and presented to council in February. Approved 9-0.
• Item 52 (Habitat for Humanity Affordable Townhomes): Councilwoman Guardado highlighted the project on two vacant city-owned properties adjacent to John F. and Mary P. Long Homestead Park, providing eight owner-occupied townhomes for families at or below 80% AMI. The design was developed with community feedback and includes sustainable features. Approved 9-0.
• Item 63 (55th Avenue Public Art Project): Councilwoman Guardado described three vertical shade elements made of steel and acrylic depicting the moon, monarch butterflies, and ancient/modern Phoenix. Developed in partnership with the community and students. Approved 9-0.
• Item 73 (Police Equipment Contract - Tasers): The council debated the purchase of Axon Taser 10 devices at a total cost of $22 million over five years. Police representatives explained that the new taser has a 45-foot range (vs. 25 feet for current), an audible deterrent, and lower voltage. The pilot program in Maryvale (28 officers, 9 deployments, 8 effective) showed reduced deployments because of the deterrent sound. Council discussed budgeting: year one funded from current year police savings ($1.9M for half year); years 2-5 require budget increases (~$5M annually). Councilwoman Pastor requested monthly data on taser use to track effectiveness and transparency. Councilwoman O'Brien noted the taser sevens are outdated and no longer supported. The item passed 9-0 despite public opposition.
• Item 90 (Electric Scooter and Bicycle Minimum Age): The motion was to approve amending city code to lower the minimum age from 18 to 16. Councilwoman O'Brien moved to amend to age 14, citing school transportation and safety concerns. Councilwoman Hodge Washington and others expressed concerns about safety of younger teens on roadways. Councilwoman O'Brien's amendment failed; the original motion for age 16 was approved 8-1 (O'Brien dissenting). Councilman Robinson voted for 16 citing community reports of accidents involving 14- and 15-year-olds.

Key Outcomes

• New boards and commissions members sworn in.
• Item 27 continued to January 15, 2025.
• Items 44, 49, 52, 60, 62, 63, 64, 66, 73 approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 90 approved 8-1 (minimum age set at 16).
• Council directed staff to provide monthly data on Taser 10 use and to involve community in future deployments.
• Council acknowledged need for improved Spanish interpretation at meetings.
• Citizen comments will be considered for future policy review (e.g., animal welfare, historic preservation, park trail closures).

The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 PM.