Queen Creek Town Council Meeting – October 8, 2026

The Queen Creek Town Council met on October 8, 2026 at 7:15 PM. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, approval of consent agendas, a public hearing on the Summerwell Residence rezoning and site plan, approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the Queen Creek Irrigation District, and a discussion on utility rate proposals.

Consent Calendar

• The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously (5-0), with one council member unable to vote due to technical issues.
• The Public Hearing Consent Agenda was also approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Summerwell Residence Project: Six community members provided testimony during the public hearing.
  • Joe Klonick: Expressed opposition, citing prior council opposition, the General Plan, water security, and precedent.
  • Victoria Obenauer: Opposed the project, citing traffic, existing rentals, need for commercial space like therapist offices, and water supply concerns.
  • Liz Robinson: Spoke in support as a business owner and Cortina resident, noting improved security and potential economic benefit.
  • Brett Crosby: Supported the project, stating the site has been vacant for years and that residential use is preferable to an empty lot, with less traffic than commercial.
  • Tony Cosson: Expressed opposition via speaker card.

Discussion Items

• Summerwell Residence Project (Public Hearing): Principal Planner Les Johnson presented the proposal for a rezone from C-2 (commercial) to MDR (medium-density residential) with a PAD overlay. The 16.8-acre site near Power and Germaine Roads would include 150 rental units (102 single-family, 48 duplex), a clubhouse, pool, dog park, linear park, private streets, and 427 parking spaces. Staff reported 85 public comments (59 opposed, 26 in support). The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Applicant representative Brennan Ray argued that commercial development has not materialized due to market conditions and private deed restrictions, and that residential use would generate 90% less traffic. He requested approval.
  • Council discussion revealed divided views: Councilmembers Brown and Mayor Wheatley opposed, citing the General Plan, water concerns, and the buyer’s knowledge of existing zoning. Councilmembers Benning, Martinot, and Vice Mayor McClure expressed varying degrees of support, emphasizing improved design, lower density than prior proposals, and property rights. Councilmember Benning noted personal struggle but leaned favorable.
• Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Queen Creek Irrigation District (QCID): Assistant Town Manager Shay Yoakum outlined a plan to transfer the town’s irrigation assets to QCID. The IGA initiates a 12-month good faith negotiation process for the transfer. Scott McCarty explained that flood irrigation customers would be temporarily exempted from the proposed water resource fee, with the town covering an estimated $1.4 million annual cost from its operating budget during the transition. Council members expressed support.
• Utility Rate Discussion (Presentation Only): The council received a comprehensive presentation covering proposed water capacity fees, a new water resource capacity fee, and solid waste rates. Topics included a septic credit study, multi-year rate projections, and the need for a solid waste rate increase (first in 13 years, from $16.22 to $20.00 per month). No action was taken; remaining items were postponed to the October 21, 2026 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Summerwell Residence Rezoning and Site Plan: Motion to approve failed 3-2 (2 in favor, 3 opposed). The project was not approved.
• IGA with Queen Creek Irrigation District: Approved unanimously (5-0). Staff will proceed with negotiations.
• Water and Solid Waste Utility Rates: Discussion continued; next steps scheduled for the October 21 meeting.

Note: The meeting opened with proclamations for the East Valley Young Marines, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.