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.