Queen Creek Town Council Special Meeting and Executive Session - September 17, 2026

The Queen Creek Town Council held a special meeting on September 17, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, committee reports, public comments, and a major discussion on proposed water utility fees. The council voted unanimously to initiate a 60-day public notice process for new and increased water fees, while committing to explore alternatives for irrigation customers. Other items included updates on capital improvement and transportation projects.

Ceremonial Items and Proclamations

• The council recognized Constitution Week with a proclamation read by Councilmember Martineau, noting the 239th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Winners of a town Constitution Week contest were honored.
• Councilmember Brown read a proclamation for National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, highlighting services provided by the Queen Creek Unified School District Family Resource Center.
• Vice Mayor McClure read a proclamation for Military Families Month, recognizing the Military Moms of Queen Creek and Santan Valley for 20 years of service.
• The council recognized Christabel Emin, a third-year member of the Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee (MTAC), for her service as vice chair and volunteer contributions.
• MTAC was presented with the Youth Enrichment Award from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association for organizing a teen drive-in movie event.

Committee Reports

• MTAC Chair Tristan Streeter reported that MTAC met on August 11 and September 15, 2026. Plans for the upcoming Founders Day (September 19) and a new Teen Fall Fest (October 17) were discussed.
• Councilmember Martinow reported on the Downtown Arts and Placemaking (DTAP) Advisory Committee meeting of September 3, which included elections for chair and vice chair, a review of murals for the Switch Yard Development, and judging of the Constitution Week contest.
• PRAC Chair Denine Ryder reported on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting of September 8. Key items: QC Heat Softball program had 548 participants, 153 volunteers contributing over 19,000 hours, 90% satisfaction, and $3,400 reinvested. Staff presented updates on water strategy, MTAC work plan, Placer.ai foot traffic data, and park usage. Six new PRAC members were welcomed.
• Councilmember Benning reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting of September 10. The committee approved minutes, elected Skylar Russell (chair) and Carrie Thomas (vice chair), and received updates on general plan, water strategy, CIP projects, low-cost high-impact projects, and the transportation safety action plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• G. Richie (first public comment) expressed concerns about Flock safety cameras, arguing they invite misuse and abuse, and questioned the justification for continuous surveillance.
• Multiple speakers addressed the proposed water resource fee during the public comment period for Item 9 (final action items):
  • A resident from a 30-lot irrigated neighborhood stated their annual water bill could reach nearly $21,000 by year six, totaling $83,000 over six years. He questioned why CAGRD-exempt properties should pay the fee and why septic users do not receive a wastewater credit.
  • Fernando Vigil (irrigation customer) said the fee could cost a quarter of his annual salary and blamed overbuilding for the water situation.
  • Wendy Feldman Kirk urged the council to study the impact on large-lot, septic, and CAGRD-exempt properties before adoption, asking that the historic distinction not be eliminated without analysis.
  • Robert Schneider (county island resident) said the fee would be life-changing and potentially force him and others to leave, noting that residents pay water bills but cannot use town parks.
  • Lance Coleman (irrigation customer) provided detailed calculations: his monthly irrigation bill could rise from $391 to $2,131 in year one, a 445% increase. He asked that irrigation customers be removed from the fee or a separate study be performed.
  • Amanda Parker argued the fee structure disproportionately favors high-density development over large lots, with multifamily receiving an 80% credit while water-only customers get none. She requested publication of usage data.
  • CJ Og (Orchard Ranch resident) said the fee would destroy the