Phoenix City Council Meeting: September 17, 2025 – City Manager Rehiring, Liquor Licenses, Zoning, and Public Safety
Phoenix City Council Meeting – September 17, 2025
The Phoenix City Council met on September 17, 2025, to address a wide range of agenda items, including the rehiring of former City Manager Ed Zirker, liquor license recommendations, shopping cart regulations, school resource officer classification, aviation land use, and multiple land use and rezoning cases. The meeting also featured extensive public comment on the city manager appointment and other topics.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of June 4, 2025, approved. (9-0)
- Boards and commissions nominations approved; new commissioners sworn in for the Human Trafficking Task Force. (9-0)
- Omnibus motion (items 29-84 with exceptions) approved. (9-0)
- Rules suspended to take item 83 (city manager employment agreement) out of order. (8-1)
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 13 (Liquor License – Champagne Cafe & Lounge/District 4): Ann Ender, a homeowner, expressed concerns about proximity to schools, crime, and lack of windows. The applicant noted a window was added. Council made no recommendation (9-0) to the state.
- Item 14 (Liquor License – District 4): No speakers; council made no recommendation (9-0).
- Item 83 (Employment Agreement with Ed Zirker):
- Support: Mike Huckins (Greater Phoenix Chamber), Jacques Avent (retired deputy city manager), Linda Clark (resident), Chip Malkins (Support Sky Harbor Coalition), Maria Tyne (Friends of Transit), Dominic Papa (Phoenix Community Alliance), Diane Barker (transit writer) – all praised Zirker’s experience, steady leadership, and ability to navigate challenges.
- Opposition: Nancy Lamb (Both Ed in Action) – criticized the secretive process, cited 187 police shootings and 113 police killings under Zirker’s tenure, and the DOJ investigation findings (excessive force, discrimination, First Amendment violations). Luke Black – called the process shameful and accused council of forcing Zirker on the city amidst white supremacy violence. Jackie Alcaraz – condemned rehiring, citing personal arrest experience and DOJ report. Cynthia Gonzalez – opposed, citing targeting of Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Roland Harris – said Zirker failed and quit; urged consideration of Lori Bays. Jose Anka – opposed, calling for a fresh analysis. Vonnie & Karen Olsen – opposed, citing police violence and lack of accountability.
- Item 40 (Classification and Pay Ordinance/SRO): No public comment.
- Item 45 (Shopping Cart Ordinance): Lisa Bednar (Arizona Food Marketing Alliance) expressed appreciation for collaboration and support for the registry.
- Item 53 (Homeland Security Grant): Leonard Clark supported (despite concerns about FEMA). Nancy Lamb opposed, citing terrorism liaison officer targeting of Black and Brown groups; she noted 10,092 records on Black Lives Matter vs. 2,126 on neo-Nazi groups.
- Item 55 (FEMA Task Force One Agreement): Leonard Clark supported despite reservations.
- Item 59 (Sky Harbor Terminal 3 Construction): Mark Cardinus, Leonard Clark, Stuart (Local 1912), Bill Ruiz spoke in support, emphasizing union labor and local investment.
- Item 62 (Trago Dugan Aviation Lease): George Williams (airport cleaner) and Christopher Hall urged a $25/hour minimum wage for contract workers; Williams supported the lease.
- Item 76 (Traffic Signal Optimization): Blue Crowley criticized funding priorities, arguing bus infrastructure was neglected for light rail.
- Item 81/82 (Rezoning – Yardley Baseline): Brian Greathouse (applicant) presented compromises (175 units, height limits, landscaping). Brittany Conklin (appellant) opposed, citing traffic, density, and lack of community input; she requested R2 zoning, second egress, and solar. Additional speakers (Jay, Joe Melton, Twee Petarak) opposed, citing safety and Rio Montana plan violations.
- Citizen Comment: Leonard Clark urged love over anger after Charlie Kirk’s murder. Blue Crowley advocated bifurcating transit funds. Noah James Marcom criticized police treatment of disabled individuals. Jarrett Maupin petitioned to rename a street “Charlie Kirk Way.” Diane Post warned about liability at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport regarding ICE transport.
Discussion Items
- Item 83 (City Manager Employment Agreement – Ed Zirker): The council debated the appointment for over an hour. Council Member Hernandez moved to continue to October 15, 2025; the motion failed 4-5. She then asked questions about the process (no position description, no formal interview, no community input, no internal candidates considered). She questioned Zirker on police violence (187 shootings, 113 killings under his tenure), ICE collaboration, police budget cuts, and housing. Zirker responded he would continue council direction, follow the law, and emphasized ongoing reforms. Council Members Robinson, Stark, Waring, O’Brien, and Gallego expressed support, citing stability, experience, and the need for steady leadership. Council Members Hernandez, Hodge Washington, and Pastor voted no, citing the process, lack of community input, and concerns over police violence.
- Item 40 (Classification and Pay Ordinance): Created a new job title for retired police school resource officers (SROs), enhanced compensation for forensic scientists, and added legal/OAT positions. Vice Mayor O’Brien highlighted the SRO solution to meet demand. Mayor noted forensic science week and DNA evidence solving cold cases. Passed 8-1 (Waring no on SRO compensation).
- Item 45 (Shopping Cart Ordinance): Requires retailers with many abandoned carts to install locking wheels or submit prevention plans. Council Member Guardado supported, citing 8,000 carts retrieved from 450 stores; most from 12 large retailers. Passed 9-0.
- Item 46 (Agreement with U-Mom/Haley Women’s Center): Replaced aging chiller system with modern AC units using CDBG funds. Council Member Hodge Washington highlighted domestic violence survivors. Passed 9-0.
- Item 47 (Aviation Land Reuse Strategy): Disposal of parcels acquired for aviation; community feedback led to pocket park design, community garden expansion, and rezoning transparency. Passed 9-0.
- Item 51 (Venture Cafe Partnership): Supports entrepreneurial gatherings and innovation. Passed 9-0 (Pastor not participating).
- Item 53 (Homeland Security Grant): Authorization to apply for funds for terrorism liaison officer program, threat mitigation, CERT, and rapid response. Council Member Guardado raised concerns about targeting of Black/Brown groups; he voted no. Chief clarified the program’s name change to “threat liaison” and focus on threat assessment. Passed 8-1 (Guardado no).
- Item 55 (FEMA Task Force One Agreement): Supports urban search and rescue. Passed 9-0.
- Item 59 (Sky Harbor Terminal 3 Construction): Amendment for construction manager at risk services; highlighted union labor. Passed 9-0.
- Item 62 (Trago Dugan Aviation Lease): Lease for SkyCap services. Passed 9-0; workers urged $25/hour.
- Item 64 (Cutter Aviation Lease – Deer Valley Airport): Second investment for corporate hangars, part of Deer Valley growth. Passed 9-0.
- Item 76 (Traffic Signal Optimization): Authorization for funding from MAG to optimize signals on Broadway, 7th St, 48th St, reducing stops and emissions. Passed 9-0.
- Item 79 (Rezoning – 20th Ave & South Mountain Ave): Modified stipulations from a previous approval; applicant confirmed new builder. Passed 8-0.
- Item 80 (Abandonment Appeal – 817 W Madison): Council overturned hearing officer decision and approved modified abandonment for a two-story outdoor assembly space (like Crescent Ballroom); includes 75% shade coverage. Passed 8-0.
- Items 81 & 82 (General Plan Amendment & Rezoning – Yardley Baseline): Approvals for 175 multifamily units (down from 188) with one-story perimeter, right-in/right-out access, enhanced landscaping. Rio Montana Plan cited. Passed 9-0 on both.
- Item 84 (Pulled for Public Comment): Approved 9-0.
Key Outcomes
- City Manager Ed Zirker rehired (5-4) effective upon departure of current City Manager Jeff Barton. Hernandez, Hodge Washington, Pastor voted no.
- Liquor Licenses (Items 13 & 14): Council made no recommendation (9-0), sending to the state.
- Shopping Cart Ordinance (Item 45): Adopted (9-0), requiring locking wheels for large retailers.
- SRO Classification (Item 40): Approved (8-1) to allow retired officers to serve as school resource officers without pension penalties.
- Homeland Security Grant (Item 53): Approved (8-1) with Guardado opposed.
- Rezoning/Final Actions (Items 79-82): All approved (8-0 or 9-0).
- Pocket Park & Community Garden (Item 47): Approved (9-0) with commitment to community engagement.
- Event Safety (Item 53 discussion): Chief noted plans to purchase anti-ramming vehicle barriers for large gatherings.
- Citizen Comment: Received; council took no action.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you for joining us. It is September 17th, 2025. We'll begin with an invitation from Rabbi Levritov. Almighty God, we turn to you at a time of increased anger and division in our country. This coming Monday, evening, sorry this coming Monday evening, Jews around the world will be ushering in the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Our sages teach that the Jewish New Year is not celebrated on the anniversary of the creation of the world, but rather on the anniversary of the creation of mankind of Adam and Eve on the sixth day of creation, not the first day. Almighty God, on Russia Hashanah, you remind us that the world was created for human beings. We matter. It is each of us that you call upon to help make the world into a garden. It is each of us who can reveal your divine essence in every moment and every interaction. Russia Shana reminds us that the world has meaning, that each of us is an integral part, and when even one is lacking, the entire world is incomplete. Lord, people face difficult lives and often look to the legislature to solve them and to bring them happiness. But no legislature, no politician can do that. Even if every individual were to receive the laws they desired, it would not bring true happiness. For happiness comes only from you. You have ordained governments among people, but their function is to secure the inalienable rights with which you have endowed us. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Happiness itself, they cannot provide. My name is Mario Guarajas, and I'll be serving as uh one of three interpreters that we'll be having today. Two downstairs, that would be El C Duarte and Oscar Mondroy. And I'll take a moment to introduce ourselves to our Spanish speaking residents. When I started this, my nombre is Mario Barajas y voamos estar bueno startrojando con mi equipo que consiste de El Cid Duarte y Oscar Monroy que van a estar haciendo la interpretación simultanea. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you so much. I'll now turn to our city clerk to read the 24 hour paragraph. The titles of the following ordinance and resolution numbers on the agenda were available to the public at least 24 hours prior to this council meeting, and therefore may be read by title or agenda item only. Ordinances number G 7416 through 7419, S52256 through 52296, and resolution 22329. And will the city attorney explain the role of public comment? Yes, thank you, Mayor. Members of the public may speak for up to two minutes to comment on agenda items. Comments must be related to the agenda item and the action being considered by the council. General comments that go beyond the scope of the agenda item should be made during this citizen comment session at the end of the agenda. The city council and staff cannot discuss or comment on matters related to pending investigations, claims, or litigation. Additionally, any member of the public who appears before the council in their capacity as a lobbyist must, as required by Phoenix City Code, disclose this fact before addressing the council. The city code states that speakers must express their comments respectfully and courteously. Use of profane language threats or personal attacks on members of the public, council members or staff are not allowed. Such comments are disruptive and unrelated to the council's business. Any person who violates these rules may lose their opportunity to speak further and could be asked to leave. Thank you. We'll begin with the meeting minutes. Councilman Gordado, do you have a motion on item one? Motion to approve item one. Second. We have motion and second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed. Councilman Pastor, do you have a motion on item two? I move item two. Uh the formal minutes on uh June 4th, 2025.
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