Tempe City Council Regular Meeting – July 1, 2025: Business License, Park Ordinance, and Affordable Housing
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Tempe City Council Regular Meeting – July 1, 2025
The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on July 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public appearances, consent and non-consent agenda items, and a budget meeting after recess. Key actions included adoption of a general business license, approval of a new park use and special events ordinance, acceptance of a $1 million cemetery donation from the Jerry Brock Foundation, and a $2 million cap on annual transfers to the Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing.
Proclamations & Appointments
- Disability Pride Month: July 2025 declared Disability Pride Month in Tempe.
- Guadalupe Teen Court Program Day: June 12, 2025 recognized.
- Mark Richardson Lifetime of Service Recognition Day: May 31, 2025 declared.
- Scholarship Recognition: Key Club of Tempe Edward Busch Family Scholarship awarded to Olivia Windsor (Tempe High, physics at Barrett Honors College), Rajelio Carbajal (Boston University), and Benedict McWorter (University of Notre Dame).
- Appointments: Justine Parnell to Family Justice Commission; Katie Boglowitz to Library Advisory Board.
Consent Calendar
- Approved meeting minutes (subcommittee and joint meetings) and board/commission minutes.
- Approved May 2025 Report of Payments ($48,049,069.76).
- Approved amended subdivision plat for Drivetime Tempe HQ.
- Approved elimination of condition from 1999 site plan for Alexan Apartments.
- Approved liquor license recommendations for Catalyst Crafted Ales, Foch Café & Bistro, Life Time Fitness, Twin Locos, George’s Breakfast and Brunch, and Riliberto’s Fresh Mexican Food.
- Approved settlement agreement in Jade Shone et al. v. City of Tempe et al. (CV2025-003243) for $2,100,000, with $2,000,000 budget transfer from Risk Management Fund contingency.
- Approved multiple contracts and resolutions (detailed in agenda) including:
- Investment management services (PFM Asset Management, $300,000).
- Outside legal services contract renewals ($230,000).
- Downtown Historic Core Plan contract (MIG, Inc., $300,000).
- Real estate services renewals ($200,000).
- GPEC membership ($94,676).
- Cancer screening program (Vincere Cancer Center, $400,000).
- EOD trailer (Quality Vans, $115,000).
- Tactical ballistic vests increase ($10,616 to $153,474).
- Animal welfare services renewals ($105,000).
- Vehicle towing services renewals ($100,000 city cost; $1,800,000 market value).
- Versaterm contract increase for cloud migration ($240,352 to $774,121).
- Commercial fire equipment inspection services (Brycer, LLC, no cost to city).
- Pool chemicals renewals ($150,000).
- Rockwell-Allen Bradley supply renewal ($250,000).
- Dam hydraulic cylinder repair (SunSource, $200,000).
- EV charging stations (National Car Charging, $850,000).
- Vehicle bodywork services ($250,000).
- Wellhead treatment engineering contracts for Well 11 ($789,023) and Well 10 ($667,330).
- Storm drain improvements engineering ($380,280).
- Recharge wells engineering at Ken McDonald Golf Course ($733,140).
- Wired telecommunications license with Light Source Communications.
- Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grants ($352,870).
- Fee schedule amendment for short-term rental, tobacco, and general business licenses (Resolution R2025.77).
- Designation of Lisette Camacho as Chief Fiscal Officer (R2025.78).
- Intergovernmental agreement with Scottsdale for fire training (R2025.79).
- Grant agreements for emergency telecom services ($296,868), HIDTA warrant detail ($8,000), HIDTA sergeant position ($184,500).
- Agreement for police services at Arizona Mills Mall ($160,124).
- Grant from USTA for Kiwanis Tennis Center ($62,000).
- IGA with Tempe Union High School District for 3.5 FTE positions (fully district-funded, $373,599).
- Resolution approving Emerging Youth Movement as diversion program (R2025.86).
- First amendment to agreement with Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing (capping annual transfer at $2,000,000) (R2025.87).
- Grant from Tempe Diablos Charities ($65,000).
- Modification of flood irrigation rates over five years (increase of $585,000).
- Development agreement with Dorsey Development Partners for three parcels near Apache and Dorsey.
- Items pulled for separate consideration:
- 7B10: Vehicle towing services – corrected fiscal impact read; approved 7-0.
- 7C10: IGA with Tempe Union High School District – Councilmember Hodge abstained (conflict as Governing Board member); approved 6-0.
- 7C12: Hometown for All funding cap – Public comment by David Sokolowski questioned the cap; Mayor Woods explained the $20 million loss of rental tax revenue and the $32 million bond approved by voters; approved 7-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
General Public Appearances (Item 6) Multiple speakers addressed the council on various topics:
- Shalomar Golf Course redevelopment: Residents urged preserving the 44-acre green space, citing environmental and community benefits. Carl Streit (president of Shalomar Association) sarcastically proposed building on Kiwanis Park dog park to illustrate opposition. Steve Norris estimated a $135,000 loss in property value. Over 500 neighbors attended developers’ meeting; thousands signed petitions.
- Heat safety and transit shade: Diane Melrose criticized inadequate shade at bus stops and called for accelerated canopy efforts.
- Police and ICE actions: Matthew Yannis alleged unconstitutional trafficking by ICE; Alex Monte expressed fear of rising authoritarianism.
- Traffic enforcement cameras: Nolan Williams supported cameras, noting over 2,000 red-light violations in first month.
- General business license (item 8C1): Multiple small business owners opposed the $25 fee, citing burdens on home-based and nonprofit businesses. Joe Forte called it a “local tariff.” Laura Briscoe (Tempe Chamber chair) supported improved data collection. The chamber president noted the fee is low and funds would support workforce development.
- Park and special events ordinance (item 8C7): Over 40 speakers, largely in opposition. Concerns included infringement on First Amendment rights, burden on mutual aid groups, impact on community gatherings (yoga, running groups, birthday parties), and vague language. Supporters (e.g., Kim Gaffney Lozo, Georgia Kohler, Lane Caraway) cited trash, safety, and secondary effects on neighborhoods. David Sokolowski questioned the lack of public process. Robert Nichols (attorney) called the ordinance unconstitutionally vague. Senator Lauren QB warned of constitutional violations. New Deal Meal organizer Dave Wells asked for clarity on permits for weekly meals. Mutual aid groups argued the ordinance targets homeless assistance. Several speakers urged tabling the vote for more community input.
- Other: Hugh Hallman praised the council and noted Jerry Brock’s $2 million contribution to TCAA.
Discussion Items
8A1 – Annual CDBG Action Plan, Consolidated Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan Staff presented the five-year consolidated plan and annual action plan. The city expects $1,533,148 in CDBG funds (down $87,000), $400,000 in HOME funds (down $26,000), and $0 in ESG (previously $153,432). Public comment period ends July 8. Approved 7-0.
8A3 – Jerry Brock Foundation Donation for Double Butte Cemetery Resolution to accept $1,000,000 donation (first installment $105,000) for cemetery rehabilitation. Mr. Brock spoke of his history in Tempe and desire to give back. Multiple council members thanked him. Approved 7-0.
8C1 – General Business License Ordinance (Second Hearing) After public comment and staff clarification on exemptions for nonprofits and home-based business privacy, the council adopted the ordinance 7-0. Mayor Woods cited benefits for curating business mix and regulating unlicensed sober living facilities. The first five months of registration are free (17 months free for early sign-ups).
7C2 – Fee Schedule Amendment for Business Licenses (related to 8C1) – Approved 7-0.
8C7 – Park and Special Events Ordinance (Second Hearing) Staff presented updates to Chapters 5 (special events) and 23 (parks). Key changes: 30-person threshold for permits, new limited park use permit, exemption for spontaneous First Amendment events, civil and criminal enforcement. After extensive public comment, council discussion noted that fees for Ramada reservations remain $25 (resident) and $50 (non-resident), same as for over a decade. Staff clarified that many activities (basketball pick-up games, runs not requiring exclusive use) do not require a special event permit. The ordinance was approved 7-0. Council noted the need to balance public safety with community use.
8C2 – The Marshall on Spence – Continued to August 28, 2025 at applicant’s request.
8C3-8C8 – Various Zoning and Code Amendments: Adopted as part of consent calendar or separate votes.
Budget Meeting – The council recessed after 11:50 p.m. to conduct the budget meeting, reconvening to complete remaining items.
Key Outcomes
- Adopted general business license (fee $25 annual) with exemptions for nonprofits and early sign-up grace period.
- Adopted park and special events ordinance with 30-person permit threshold, new park use permits, and First Amendment protections.
- Accepted $1,000,000 donation from Jerry Brock Foundation for Double Butte Cemetery.
- Approved $2,100,000 settlement in lawsuit over death of Isla Lefkow.
- Capped annual Hometown for All transfers to Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing at $2,000,000.
- Approved IGA with Tempe Union High School District for 3.5 FTE positions (fully district-funded).
- Approved $352,870 in Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grants.
- Authorized development agreement with Dorsey Development Partners for three city-owned parcels.
- Approved multiple contracts for infrastructure, police, fire, and community services.
- The council recessed at approximately 11:50 p.m. to hold the budget meeting, then reconvened to complete adjournment.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Tempe City Council regular council meeting. Item number one 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. Due to limited seating in the council chambers, overclosed space is available in the engineering conference room on the ground level of City Hall. Live streaming and additional seating are provided in that location. Those who have signed up to speak will be called in advance to allow them their time to make their way into the council chambers. If you signed up to speak on item 8C7 regarding city code updates to chapters 5 and 23 related to special events and park use permits, please note that public comment will take place after the staff presentation on that item, which appears later in tonight's agenda. Although, just as a note too, since there's so many speakers for that item, I'm going to be moving that item a little further up in the agenda to make sure that you're not here all evening. Uh, along with some of the other areas where I know there's some public comment. So uh if you wish to speak on a matter not listed on tonight's agenda for discussion or legal action, please visit the public speaker sign-in table at the back of the room. Let staff know if you are speaking during public appearances, which is item six, so your name can be added to the speaker list for that section. It's important to understand that if you speak on an agenda item during public appearances, that will be your only opportunity to speak on that topic. You may not also speak again during the scheduled hearing for that item later in the meeting. If you pre-register to speak, please check in with staff at the sign-in table to confirm your place in the speaker queue for the item you're addressing. If you have not signed up yet but wish to speak, you may do so by checking in at the sign-in table now or before the item is called. Speakers are called in the order in which they registered. When I announce a group of speaker numbers, such as speakers number five through number 10, those individuals should move towards the front just to make sure that they're ready when they're called. Thank you. Tonight's agenda has a number of items that the City Council must consider in order to conduct city business. Guidelines for conduct at 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. Okay, we will now play a video conveying the City of Tempe's native land acknowledgement statement. We wish to acknowledge that Tempe is the homeland of the Native people who have inhabited this landscape since time immemorial. These ancestral lands of the Otham, known as Pima, Pipash, 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, meeting minutes. Tonight I will be assisted by Councilmember Amberg. Councilmember Amberg. Thank you, Mr.
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