Queen Creek Town Council Regular Session - March 4, 2026

The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, committee reports, public comments, a consent agenda, two discussion presentations (Police Missing from Care program and Water Resource updates), and one final action item. The council approved a loan agreement to help the newly incorporated Town of San Tan Valley, approved a contested annexation (6–1), and unanimously adopted a public participation plan for the 2028 General Plan update.

Consent Calendar

• Items A, B, D, F approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda after items C and E were removed for separate discussion. Item A: Approval of February 18, 2026 Regular Session Minutes. Item B: Three-year small government enterprise license agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. not to exceed $196,366.95. Item D: One-year contract with up to four renewals for block fencing materials and installation not to exceed $2,000,000 annually. Item F: Maintenance, Retention and Parking Agreement with Creation RE LLC for the Switchyard Development.
• Item C (IGA loan to San Tan Valley) was pulled by Councilmember Brown for comments. The loan provides up to $400,000 per month to San Tan Valley until they receive state-shared revenues, with interest repayment beginning November 1, 2026. Councilmember Brown explained the loan supports a newly incorporated community unable to access funding until July 1, 2026. Motion by Brown, second by Vice Mayor McClure; passed unanimously.
• Item E (Ocotillo & Meridian Annexation) was pulled for separate discussion and public testimony. The annexation involves two Pinal County parcels totaling ~6.9 acres at the southeast corner of Ocotillo and Meridian roads. The property would receive equivalent zoning (R1-45, single-family only) and does not include a rezoning request. Public speakers Mark Linder and Rebecca Thuwer opposed the annexation, citing existing CC&Rs that restrict use to residential, the community's rural character, and the potential for future commercial rezoning. Councilmember Benning voted against, stating the annexation creates a burden with no financial benefit to the town. The motion passed 6–1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Linder (39413 N Taylor Street, San Tan Valley) opposed the Ocotillo & Meridian annexation, stating the properties are subject to covenants requiring residential use only. He argued the town is interfering with their contract and that the annexation would destroy one of the few remaining rural neighborhoods in the area.
• Rebecca Thuwer (39413 N Taylor Street, San Tan Valley) also opposed the annexation. She read a letter describing the Country Mini Farms community as having horses, cows, and irrigated land, and noted that one parcel has been out of compliance with Pinal County zoning for four years. She requested the council preserve the rural community and deny the proposal.

Discussion Items

• Police Department "Missing From Care" Program (ARS § 8-810) – Police Chief Randy Bryce presented a detailed overview of the program, which addresses juveniles missing from group homes in Queen Creek. Key points:
  • 1,063 missing person cases since 2022 across three juvenile facilities (Canyon State Academy, Desert Lily, and one smaller home). Only 8 cases remain outstanding.
  • Missing from care calls represent ~30% of all calls for service at these facilities, and ~3% of total town calls for service.
  • The program focuses on prevention, rapid response, and victim-centered investigation. Over 500,000 social media views and 3,500 shares on 47 missing persons posts.
  • Risk factors when juveniles are missing: 1 in 5 are exposed to sex trafficking, and 1 in 7 if unhoused. The department has recovered most juveniles within hours, and longer-term investigations have resulted in convictions (e.g., a 20-year sentence from a 2022 case).
  • Chief Bryce noted the department collaborates with facilities, DCS, and state partners. Councilmembers expressed strong support and highlighted the need for state-level funding and legislation (Senate Bill 1550 and House Bill 2666). Vice Mayor McClure also encouraged community service at the facilities.
• Water Resource Update – Utility Director Mark Skozipic and Water Resources Manager Nicole Sonnenberg presented on Colorado River uncertainties, the Harquahala water acquisition, and the WIFA in-state water augmentation program.
  • Colorado River: Queen Creek relies on CAP water for less than 10% of its annual demand (~2,000–3,000 acre feet out of 32,000). The Colorado River system faces a 9%–70% chance of reaching deadpool at Lake Mead depending on the alternative chosen. The draft EIS alternatives may lead to 50–80% cuts to CAP supplies, though the state anticipates lower cuts. Queen Creek submitted comment letters supporting CAP's position and protecting its fourth-priority entitlement (Cebola). Litigation is considered likely.
  • Harquahala: On February 17, 2026, the town closed on Lot 6 (700,000 acre-feet) for $240 million, with $100 million placed in escrow for Lot 7 (500,000 acre-feet) expected to close in July 2026. The aquifer contains over 8 million acre-feet of water.
  • WIFA Application: The town's application for up to $96 million in funding for the Harquahala project was referred to the full committee for due diligence on February 18, 2026. An update is expected at the next council meeting.
  • Councilmember Brown noted the state water director has stated indoor tap water is not at risk even with major cuts. Council members praised staff for securing long-term water supplies and reducing reliance on the Colorado River.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (6–1): Annexation of two Pinal County parcels at Ocotillo & Meridian (Item E). Councilmember Benning dissented.
• Approved (Unanimous): IGA loan amendment to the Town of San Tan Valley (Item C).
• Approved (Unanimous): Resolution No. 1664-26 adopting the Public Participation Plan for the 2028 Town of General Plan Update.
• Approved (Unanimous): Consent agenda items A, B, D, F.
• Discussion Only: Police Missing from Care program and Water Resource updates. No action taken, but council signaled strong support for staff efforts and state legislation (SB 1550, HB 2666).
• Next Steps: The General Plan update public launch workshop is targeted for late April/early May 2026. The next council meeting (March 18, 2026) will include a WIFA update. The town continues to monitor Colorado River negotiations and execute Harquahala acquisitions.