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.