Queen Creek Town Council Regular Meeting and Special Meeting – May 20, 2026
Queen Creek Town Council Regular Meeting and Special Meeting – May 20, 2026
The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular meeting on May 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM, followed by a special meeting to adopt the FY 2026-27 final budget. The council addressed a wide range of items including a $90 million WIFA water loan, an annual wastewater bill update, a capital improvement project (CIP) update, the final action on the police department headquarters delegation resolution, adoption of the corporate strategic plan, a new e-bike ordinance, a conditional use permit for a Circle K fuel station, and approval of the town's fiscal year budget. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes and Expenditures: Approved the April 15, 2026 Budget Meeting and May 6, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes. Also approved expenditures over $75,000 including: Team Fishel fiber installation ($140,000), E1 conference room AV system replacement ($230,000), and Microage police storage infrastructure (additional $225,000, total $445,000).
- Resolution 1670-26: Adopted the updated Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Gabby Chambers (MTAC Chair): Reported on the May 19, 2026 Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee meeting, covering e-bike safety education, volunteer uniforms, and the planned fall event on October 3, 2026 at Frontier Family Park. She also announced her graduation and departure from the committee.
- Noah James Markham (Tempe resident): Spoke about Navajo code talkers, light rail, water conservation, and other topics. Not all comments were directly related to agenda items.
- Len Sambro (Queen Creek resident, 21485 S 230th Place): Opposed the Circle K fuel station, citing traffic congestion on Meridian, concerns about a 24-hour establishment inviting crime, and the abundance of existing gas stations.
Discussion Items
- WIFA $90 Million Loan Notification: Deputy Town Manager/CFO Scott McCarty reported that the town closed a $90 million loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) at a subsidized 3.9% interest rate for 30 years, with the first two years interest-only. The funds will pay for a portion of the 1.2 million acre-feet Harquahala water purchase, freeing up $90 million for associated infrastructure. The loan is repaid through a new water resource fee to be implemented in January 2027. No action was taken.
- Annual 'Winter Average' Update to Wastewater Monthly Bills: Scott McCarty explained the annual reset based on usage (December–February average, discounted to 70% of indoor flow). No rate changes were made. The net effect is a $428,000 revenue decrease due to lower usage. Water conservation staff highlighted outreach efforts. No action was taken.
- CIP Update: Capital Projects Director Dave Lapinski presented a quarterly update on projects: the police headquarters groundbreaking set for June 1, 2026, Power Road construction ongoing, and ARPA-funded projects (two tank sites, Schnepf Road water lines) progressing. No action was taken.
Final Action Items
- Delegation Resolution #1669-26 – Police Department Headquarters: Approved 7-0. The resolution authorizes $11,318,915 in spending for construction start (site demo, long-lead items). The total project budget is $96 million, funded 78% from town reserves and 22% from growth (impact fees and construction sales tax). The facility will consolidate police operations and is expected to take just over two years.
- FY 2026-27 Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP): Approved 7-0. Management intern Jordan Thornton presented updated strategic priorities, standardized key result areas, and a new public-facing community data dashboard. The CSP aligns with the budget and guides resource allocation.
- Ordinance 890-26 – E-Bike and Related Devices (Emergency): Approved 7-0. The ordinance addresses dangerous behavior by restricting e-bikes and similar devices from town parks (except on trails and parking lots), establishing a 15 mph speed limit, prohibiting cell phone use while riding, and allowing police to seize devices for high-risk violations. Seized bikes will be held for 72 hours; owners must attend an education class to retrieve them. The ordinance also holds parents/guardians accountable. Council members noted a 94% increase in juvenile e-bike calls for service in Q1 2026 vs. Q1 2025.
Public Hearing Consent Agenda
- Series 009 Liquor License – Safeway Fuel #209: Approved 7-0 without public comment.
Public Hearings
- Circle K Fuel Station Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan (Cases P25-0080 and P25-0081): Approved 7-0. The site is at the northwest corner of Ocotillo and Meridian Roads, within the Avalon Meridian commercial center. The 2-acre site has been zoned commercial since 2016, predating nearby residential development. Staff and applicant addressed concerns about traffic, 24-hour operation, and environmental safeguards. Public comment included opposition from a resident.
- FY 2026-27 Final Budget – Public Hearing: No public comments were submitted. The hearing was closed.
Special Meeting – Final Budget Adoption
- Resolution 1668-26 – FY 2026-27 Final Budget: Approved 7-0. The $840.6 million budget allocates 56% ($472 million) to infrastructure, including $177.5 million for water resources (Harquahala final payment) and $106 million for public safety (including $79 million for the police headquarters). The budget also reflects the fourth year of the property tax freeze (saving $5.1 million in FY 2026-27), a $13.1 million reduction in water replenishment fees, and the elimination of street light fees ($300,000). Staffing increases focus on police (6), fire (4), public works (4), and utilities (4). Employee compensation increases 3% with flat health care premiums.
Key Outcomes
- All votes were 7-0 in favor.
- Police Headquarters: Construction delegation approved; groundbreaking June 1, 2026.
- E-Bike Ordinance: Effective immediately (emergency) with a warning/education period before enforcement.
- Budget Adopted: Fiscal year begins July 1, 2026; property tax levy will be set at a subsequent meeting.
- Next Steps: Staff will implement the strategic plan, begin police HQ construction, and continue public outreach on e-bike rules and water resource fees.
Meeting Transcript
This meeting is now called to order. Maria, would you please call roll? Councilmember Padilla? Here. Councilmember Brown. I'm here. Councilmember Olifant? Here. Mayor Wheatley? Here. Councilmember Martinell? Here. Councilmember Benning. Vice Mayor McClure. Mayor, we do have a quorum. Here. Great. Thank you. We do have a quorum. The executive session will be handled as the first item on today's agenda. We will adjourn for the from the executive session at six thirty and reconvene for the regular session at that time. If any items remain on the executive session agenda after we reconvene for the regular session, they will be handled as the final item on today's agenda. Do I have a motion to adjourn to executive session? Second. And any opposed. Councilmember Panina. Here. Councilmember Brown. I'm here. Councilmember Olifant? Here. Here. Councilmember Martinow? Here. Councilmember Benny. They were on the phone earlier. They may join us a little later. We do have a quorum mayor. Thank you. Please fill out the request to speak card located near the entrance of the community chambers and return the card to the box, and it will be provided to the town clerk. During the corresponding agenda item, you will be called to the podium and are limited to three minutes. Only one comment, either in person or via email per person per agenda item will be allowed. Please ensure that the topics are within the town's purview. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please be seated. This evening we have Reverend Sylvia Harris from Song of Life United Methodist Church. Thank you so much for joining us this evening. Thank you. Please join me with hearts and minds turned toward reflection, gratitude, and unity as we begin this evening's proceedings.
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