Tempe City Council Regular Meeting – July 2, 2025

The Tempe City Council met on July 2, 2025, in a lengthy session that extended past 1:00 a.m. The primary focus was a controversial proposed ordinance to regulate park activities, including requiring permits for gatherings of 30 or more people. After extensive public comment—mostly in opposition—the council voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance. The meeting also covered numerous other agenda items, including the adoption of the Diablo West Character Area Plan and approval of various contracts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jack Maverick (Tempe resident, self-described internet troll): Spoke sarcastically in favor of the ordinance, using the acronym FUG (Friendly Unfettered Government) to mock what he saw as the council's hostility toward park users who are not wealthy or white. He concluded by praising Councilmember Rosa.
• Daniel Taylor (former Tempe resident, ASU alumni): Expressed concern about the ordinance's impact on weekly community events like Acro Yoga at Tempe Beach Park and Yoga & More in the Park at Papago Park. He noted these free, inclusive gatherings promote wellness and creativity and asked how the city can ensure public spaces remain accessible for grassroots events.
• Tom Brown (Tempe resident): Urged the council to improve the ordinance, noting it contains problematic and potentially legally impactful terms. He advocated for a continuance to gather more public input and encouraged respectful dialogue from all sides.
• Gretchen Reinhardt (30-year Tempe resident, Escalante neighborhood): Shared her experience with similar restrictions 30 years ago that pushed vulnerable people away. She argued the ordinance is not a solution, undermines care for the most vulnerable, and ignores the need for covered, safe spaces.
• Danielia (ASU student, Tempe resident): Voiced concern that the ordinance would make it difficult for student organizations to host arts and music events due to permit fees and the risk of being shut down. She urged the council to protect the local arts and culture community.
• Ken Jacobson (Tempe resident): Criticized the mayor and council for what he described as targeting the destitute and suppressing mutual aid efforts. He stated that feeding the hungry is a religious obligation and warned of moral consequences.
• Tamara Joe Schopper (TJ) (new Tempe resident): Shared positive experiences volunteering with New Deal Meals at Moore Park, describing the unhoused community as wonderful and loving. She argued there is no problem to solve and urged voting no on the ordinance.
• Alex Monty (Tempe resident): Argued the ordinance is unconstitutional and authoritarian, noting it gives the city manager discretion with no clear criteria. She referenced past selective enforcement and claimed the council is already using permits to criminalize mutual aid groups like Cloud Covered Streets.
• Nicholas Mink (South Scottsdale resident, Phoenix DSA, Vice Chair of Arizona Democratic Party): Opposed the ordinance, criticizing its placement at the end of the agenda, its unconstitutionality, and the impractical requirement to plan events two months in advance. He warned of political consequences for the council.
• Austin Davis (founder of AZ Hugs, Tempe): Read a poem dedicated to people who died on the streets from fentanyl. He invited the mayor to walk Mill Avenue after bar close to see the people the city is failing.
• John Farrell (Tempe resident): Expressed support for the ordinance, describing experiences with trash, drug paraphernalia, and human waste at Papago Park, as well as theft and property issues from homeless individuals in his neighborhood. He said the current situation is not working.
• Nathan Charlton (now Mesa resident, formerly Tempe): Opposed the ordinance as a volunteer with Aeris Foundation, which provides meals to children. He discouraged the council, warning of serious political consequences if the ordinance passes.
• Philip (South Phoenix resident, musician): Argued that restrictions on parks will harm the arts community, which is already seeing touring acts skip Arizona. He encouraged the city to open up more spaces for creative expression.
• Gilbert (Tempe resident): Accused the council of wasting time and using backhanded tactics, like putting the controversial issue at the end of the agenda. He stated the council's approach is fascist-enabling and called for a vote no, citing selective enforcement against mutual aid groups.
• Megan (Mesa resident, raising her sister's child): Opposed the ordinance, noting parks are where family members seek out homeless relatives. She highlighted the imbalance between police restrictions on park use and the need for resources like cooling centers and job services.
• Amanda Reef (North Tempe resident): Argued the ordinance is a band-aid that will only push the homeless problem elsewhere. She called for real solutions like rent control and repurposing vacant commercial real estate into transitional housing.
• Andrew Hinkle (ASU student, originally from Gilbert): Opposed the ordinance, stating it does not help the homeless issue. He closed with a reminder that he is a young constituent with time to canvass.
• Jim Sterry (Scottsdale resident): Warned the council of the 2024 election of Zoran Mandani in New York, suggesting that young voters can replace officials who do not follow through on promises. He criticized the council for not helping the homeless.
• Jules De La Hose (Tempe resident): Expressed appalled at the ordinance, calling it a clear attack on the homeless and unconstitutional. She urged a vote no and more community involvement.
• Christy Dargas (Tempe resident, formerly 10–15 years): Expressed concern about the unclear First Amendment implications of enforcing the ordinance. She urged pausing passage to get genuine community engagement.

Discussion Items

• Parks and Public Spaces Ordinance (Item 8C7): The council discussed the proposed ordinance that would create a tiered permit system for use of parks. Mayor Corey Woods explained that the intent was to simplify the process for small events (like renting a ramada) and to separate them from large-scale events. He emphasized the $25 fee is standard for Tempe residents and has not been raised in years. Vice Mayor Amber Garland defended the council's commitment to all residents, including the unsheltered, and noted that many residents who support the ordinance are not comfortable speaking publicly. Councilmember Kevin Brake condemned racial attacks during public comment and defended the council's care and effort. After extensive discussion, a motion to approve the ordinance passed 7-0.
• Diablo West Character Area Plan (Item 8A2): Jacob Payne, Principal Planner, presented the final character area plan for the Diablo West area (east of 48th Street, north of the High Line Branch Canal, west of Priest Drive, south of the Salt River). The plan was developed over 10 years with public input and includes 12 themes focusing on extreme heat management, shade, sidewalks, and public health and safety. It is non-regulatory but will guide future development. Vice Mayor Garland noted the plan is overdue and praised the work. Councilmember Keating joked about staying awake. The resolution was approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Parks Ordinance (Item 8C7): Approved 7-0. The ordinance creates a permit system for park use, with a $25 fee for most small events, while larger events will require a more complex process.
• Diablo West Character Area Plan (Item 8A2): Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Keating temporarily absent). The plan serves as a policy guide for future development in the Diablo West area.
• Other Consent and Non-Consent Items: The council approved numerous items, including:
  • 8A4: Contract with Perdovo Radiology for MRI services.
  • 8A5: Cooperative contracts with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile for wireless services.
  • 8A6: Contract for operational consultant services at the Kyren Water Reclamation Facility.
  • 8A7: Contract renewals for vehicle repair services and parts.
  • 8A8: Contract renewal for vehicle fuels.
  • 8A9: Storm drain improvements on Roosevelt Street (project 5810911).
  • 8A10: Recharge wells at Ken McDonald Golf Course.
  • 8A11: Well improvements at South Tempe water treatment plant.
  • 8A12: Engineering services for recharge wells at Ken McDonald Golf Course.
  • 8C3: Zoning code amendments for aggregate mining, data centers, and other land uses.
  • 8C4: Water conservation code amendments.
  • 8C5: Development agreement for property at 108 East 7th Street.
  • 8C6: Partial abandonment of utility easements on Rural Road and Warner Road.
  • 8C8: Ordinance setting salary rate for mayor and city council.
• Items Introduced/Set for Second Hearing on August 28, 2025:
  • 8B1: Amended planned area development overlay for Revelry at 955 East University Drive.
  • 8B2: Code text amendment for adaptive reuse of commercial office and mixed-use buildings, related to HB 2110.
  • 8B3: Lease agreement for city-owned property at 34 East 7th Street.
  • 8B4: Continued to August 28 at the applicant's request.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1:43 a.m.