Tempe City Council Regular Meeting – June 5, 2025
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Tempe City Council Regular Meeting – June 5, 2025
The Tempe City Council held its regular meeting on June 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The session included ceremonial proclamations, public comments on multiple topics, approval of a consent agenda, and public hearings on several items ranging from historic preservation appeals to a new heat safety ordinance. The meeting lasted several hours and concluded with council announcements.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of the May 22, 2025 Special Budget Meeting and April 24, 2025 Special Calendaring Meeting, as well as Aviation Commission minutes from April 16, 2025.
- Approved reappointments and appointments to the Audit Committee, Board of Adjustment, Development Review Commission, and Joint Review Committee.
- Approved the April 2025 Report of Payments Made.
- Approved a $300,000 transfer from the General Fund contingency to the Community Services Department for mobile park security cameras.
- Held public hearings and recommended approval of four liquor licenses (Series 09S for Sam's Club #4956; Series 12 for Bahaara Indian Kitchen, Sunshine Breakfast Bar Tempe, and AZ Pizza Company Deli + Market).
- Approved amended employment agreements for Presiding Judge Kevin Kane, City Clerk Kara A. DeArrastia, City Attorney Eric Anderson, and City Manager Rosa Inchausti (item 7A11, pulled for separate discussion).
- Awarded contracts for security camera systems, fleet management software, internet services, educational partnership MOUs, shelter services, generator maintenance, police motorcycles, waste equipment, water plant mechanic services, fire hydrant maintenance, fiber plan review, biofilter rehabilitation design, and Municipal Operations Center contract addenda.
- Adopted resolutions on the Pension Funding Policy for FY2025-26, designation of Chief Fiscal Officer, memoranda of understanding with firefighter, police, supervisor, and employee associations, a fire protection system service fee, donation of memorial benches, grant acceptance for ADU design competition, development agreement amendment, and grant acceptance for Mayor’s All-Abilities Awards.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Shalomar Golf Course Rezoning (multiple speakers): Residents Nancy Keith, Robert Tienny, Lance Warren, and Ann Till voiced strong opposition to rezoning the 44-acre Shalomar golf course for development. They argued the property should remain as green space, citing environmental benefits, community gathering, and the owner’s failure to maintain the course. Several noted a developer meeting the previous night drew about 500 attendees, all opposed.
- City Manager Support: Joel Stern and Sergeant Rob Ferraro (Tempe Officers Association) expressed strong support for City Manager Rosa Inchausti, praising her leadership, fair compensation, and commitment to public safety.
- Parks and Recreation Ordinance (8B4): Many speakers (Dave Wells, Ruth Currance, John Escobar, Sarah Covey, Catherine Covalis Edic, Alex Monty, Jack Maverick, Tom Brown, Ken Jacobson, Ann Till, Lane Caraway, Paul Sacco, and others) criticized the proposed ordinance changes, arguing they would criminalize mutual aid efforts to feed the homeless, restrict park use for gatherings over 30 people, and undermine community trust. Some residents (e.g., Steve Kisiel) supported the ordinance, citing safety concerns in their neighborhoods.
- Historic Preservation Appeal (8A1): Neighbors Joan Bahamondes, Jenny Lucier, and Jeffrey Wall spoke in favor of the proposed two-story addition, supporting preservation of the historic house.
- Heat Safety Ordinance (8C1): Christian Beardon (Workers Local 75) spoke in support, noting the need for water, shade, and rest for outdoor workers.
Discussion Items
- 8A1 – Historic Preservation Commission Appeal (Pramer Residence): The Council heard an appeal of the HPC’s denial of a certificate of appropriateness for a two-story addition. The applicant and homeowner Erica Pramer explained the design preserves the existing house and landscaping. Neighbors and the Maple Ash Neighborhood Association (via individual members) expressed support. The Council voted to approve the appeal, stipulating that original finishes on the historic structure be preserved.
- 8A2 – Leo Tempe Development Plan Review: Representative Nick Wood presented updated plans for a 20-story, 786-unit mixed-use development at 835 S. Rural Road. Changes included solar panels, covered loading areas, and improved landscaping. The Council approved the plan review 7-0.
- 8B1 – Marshall on Spence First Hearing: A proposed seven-story, 105-unit student housing project at 1026 E. Spence Avenue was introduced. Public testimony raised concerns about building height, parking ratio (0.31), and traffic on Spence Avenue. The Council discussed stepbacks, traffic mitigation, and the need for further community engagement. The item was continued to July 1, 2025.
- 8B2 – Zoning Code Amendments: Introduced new land uses for agritainment, data centers, and extreme water uses, along with clarifications. Public comment supported the agritainment district. Continued to July 1.
- 8B3 – Water Conservation Ordinance: Amended sections 33-140 to 33-142. No public comment. Continued to July 1.
- 8B4 – Parks and Recreation Ordinance Update: Proposed changes to special events and park rules. Extensive public testimony both for and against. The Council discussed the need for balanced regulation. Continued to July 1.
- 8B5 – Development Agreement (108 E. 7th Street): First hearing for a development agreement with Core Tempe 6th, LLC. No public comment. Continued to July 1.
- 8B6 – Utility Easement Abandonment (Rural/Warner): First hearing. No public comment. Continued to July 1.
- 8B7 – Mayor and Council Salary Ordinance: First hearing to set salaries with an estimated 4.1% increase for FY2026-27. No public comment. Continued to July 1.
- 8C1 – Heat Safety Standards for Outdoor Workers: Second public hearing. The Council adopted Ordinance O2025.19, adding Article IV to Chapter 13A, requiring employers to provide water, shade, and rest. Councilmembers praised the ordinance as the most robust in the state. Vote: 7-0.
- 8C2 – Conveyance of City-Owned Properties to TCAH: Second public hearing. Adopted Ordinance O2025.20 to convey three properties to the Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing. No public comment. Vote: 7-0.
- 8C3 – Abandonment of Alley (1328 E. Apache Boulevard): Second public hearing. Adopted Ordinance O2025.21. No public comment. Vote: 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0, with item 7A11 (city manager amended employment agreement) pulled and approved separately by a 7-0 vote after Mayor Woods defended the $370,000 base salary as aligned with East Valley benchmarks and emphasized the city’s commitment to equal pay.
- Historic Preservation Appeal (8A1): Approved 7-0, granting the appeal with stipulation to preserve original finishes.
- Leo Tempe Development Plan Review (8A2): Approved 7-0.
- Contract Renewals and Resolutions (8A3–8A6): All approved 7-0.
- First Hearing Items (8B1–8B7): Introduced and held first public hearings; second and final hearings scheduled for July 1, 2025.
- Heat Safety Ordinance (8C1): Adopted 7-0.
- Affordable Housing Conveyance (8C2): Adopted 7-0.
- Alley Abandonment (8C3): Adopted 7-0.
- Council Announcements: Upcoming events include Juneteenth celebrations (June 14 and block party), father’s day greetings, Koanis Dog Park opening, and the Pride Party on June 7.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Tempe City Council regular council meeting. I don't remember what is called to order. Council meetings can be watched in real time via Cox Cable Channel 11 and at Tempe.gov slash Tempe11. Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually through Microsoft Teams. If you have signed up to speak on items later on in the agenda, please know that it's the presiding officer. I have the discretion to introduce items out of their regular order as listed on the agenda. I may change the order of items from time to time to accommodate scheduling to allow us to address items with a large number of speaker cards. So those wishing to speak on those items don't have to wait until later in the meeting or to otherwise expedite the business of the meeting. If you wish to speak on an agenda item and you haven't filled out a speaker card yet, please make sure to fill out and submit your completed card to the city clerk prior to the item coming forward for council discussion. I will call your name when it is your turn for public comment. Now I'd like to invite everyone who's willing and able to stand and join me in a for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. Or actually, in reverse. Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Tonight's agenda has a number of items that the city council must consider in order to conduct city business. Guidelines for conduct of city council meetings are on the table near the entrance for those in attendance at tonight's meeting. We will now play a video with the proper protocol for ensuring the appropriate conduct at City Council meetings. The City of Tempe welcomes public comment at this time. Disruptive behavior will not be allowed. Continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers. We need to be able to hear everyone in the room. Behavior that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of any city council meeting is not helpful and is not permitted. This includes behavior both inside and outside of the council chambers. Should individuals inside the council chambers become disruptive so that city business is not able to be conducted. The mayor will first ask that the individuals allow city business to be completed. There will be time for public comment during the call to the audience portion of the meeting. If no cooperation, the mayor will issue a verbal warning and let them know that the continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers. If there is still no cooperation, the mayor will issue a second verbal warning and let them know that the continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers. If there is no cooperation after asking and two verbal warnings, then the mayor will ask security officers to remove only those individuals who are causing the disruption. Security personnel should not engage in any way but only escort them from the council chambers. If individuals refuse to leave, security personnel shall warn them that they are trespassing, and that the next step will be arrest by a Tempe police officer. Tempe officers may have to arrest if individuals refuse to leave. Charges for trespass and disorderly conduct may apply, as well as other charges. Should anyone be asked to be removed, the mayor will recess the meeting. These ancestral lands of the Otham, known as Pima, Pash, known as the Maricopa, and their ancestors extend far beyond our city. This land continues to be spiritually connected to the Otham of the Salt River Pima, Maricopa Indian Community, and Gila River Indian Community. We accept the responsibility of stewarding those places and solemnly pledge to consider this commitment in every action. All right. Next up, item number four at meeting minutes. Tonight I'll be assisted by Councilmember Hodge. Councilmember Hodge. Thank you, Mayor. I move to approve. Okay, excuse me. I move to approve the city minute meeting minutes from item 4A1 through 4A2. Okay, it's been moved by Councilmember Hodge and seconded by Councilmember Keating. Please vote. Yes.
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