Tempe City Council Regular Meeting - November 6, 2025

The Tempe City Council convened for its regular meeting to address a variety of routine administrative items, public safety reports, and significant zoning and development proposals. The meeting featured a declaration of Native American Heritage Month, a City Manager's report on a 21% reduction in violent crime, and extensive public testimony regarding the rezoning of the Shalomar Golf Course, the cancellation of surveillance contracts, and environmental ordinances. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, numerous fee adjustments, and key housing legislation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Board, Commission, and Committee meeting minutes (Items 4B1–4B9) passing 7-0.
• Approved minor bids, contracts, and resolutions for water, wastewater, solid waste services, and professional services contracts (Items 7A1–7B4, 7C1–7C4) passing 7-0.
• Accepted appointments to the Desert Conservation Commission and Rio Salado Enhanced Services Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Preservation of Green Space: Eric Johnston, Diane Melrose, Trudy Musigman, Elba Contero, Rob Kaplan, and Loretta O'Conner expressed strong opposition to the rezoning of the Shalomar Golf Course. They argued that the property provides essential social capital, a 60-year-old ecosystem, and neighborhood character, stating that high-density development would destroy the area and reduce property values without solving affordable housing issues.
• Police Surveillance Privacy: Robert Nichols and Tanya Pallat Hussein expressed concern for resident privacy and safety regarding the Flock Safety contract. They argued the technology poses privacy risks due to third-party data access and potential DHS/ICE backdoors, and they called for the immediate cancellation of the contract, citing fear among the immigrant community.
• Housing Supply and Affordability: David Sokolowski stated that Tempe has a severe housing shortage and must triple construction rates to meet General Plan goals, arguing the city is currently restricting supply to the detriment of the economy.
• Environmental Garden Codes: Diane Melrose urged the city to update ordinances to support pollinator habitats in residential yards, characterizing current code enforcement as subjective and destructive to sustainability efforts.
• Shalomar Traffic and Density: Charles Buss and Stephen Cook voiced concerns regarding the Dorsey Station development, specifically the adequacy of grocery store square footage (arguing 10,000 sq ft is insufficient for major grocers like Aldi or Sprouts) and fears of increased traffic on Hall Street.
• Support for Middle Housing: Robert Nichols expressed full support for the middle housing overlay ordinance (Item 8C1), stating it is a necessary step to address the housing crisis and improve housing justice.

Discussion Items

• Native American Heritage Month: Mayor Cory Woods declared November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month, acknowledging the Hohokam and Akamo, Atham, and Peaposh nations and the city's commitment to indigenous voices.
• Public Safety Report: City Manager reported that violent crimes in Tempe decreased by 21% in the first six months of 2025, attributing the success to real-time operations, special operations, and resource realignment under Chief McCoy and Chief Reese.
• Dorsey Station Development: Applicants Charles Huelmantle and Marshall presented a proposed mixed-use development at 1320 East Apache Boulevard and 1412 South Dorsey Lane. The developer confirmed 90% of the 400 units will be affordable, including 79 senior units (55+). Regarding the grocery store, they defended the 10,000 sq ft minimum as standard for modern urban models, though they expressed willingness to negotiate space for specific tenants like Trader Joe's or Sprouts if viable.
• Rio 2100 Residences: Applicant Sarah Sawyer introduced a mixed-use project for 315 units near the Loop 202/101 interchange, featuring public co-working space and a public art mural. The council requested information on the Voluntary Green Code and the mix of affordable vs. market-rate units.
• Zoning and Code Amendments: The council discussed and moved forward with several ordinance items, including amendments for photovoltaic standards, utility easements, and the adoption of a Municipal Administrative Review process to comply with HB 2447.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Passed unanimously 7-0.
• Fee Modifications: Passed unanimously 7-0 for water services (Item 8A1), wastewater services (Item 8A2), and solid waste services (Item 8A3).
• Contracts: Passed unanimously 7-0 for the purchase of solid waste vehicles via Phoenix contract (Item 8A4) and professional services for collection system assessment (Item 8A5).
• Middle Housing Ordinance (Item 8C1): Passed unanimously 7-0, establishing a middle housing overlay district to comply with state law.
• Administrative Review (Items 8C2, 8C3): Passed unanimously 7-0 to amend municipal administrative review duties in compliance with HB 2447.
• Veterans Commission (Item 8C4): Passed unanimously 7-0 to update powers and duties to include a Veterans Supportive Employers benchmark.
• EVR Charging/Easements (Items 8C5–8C8): Passed unanimously 7-0 for EV charging time limits and multiple easements for Salt River Project.
• Public Hearings Scheduled:
  • Dorsey Station (Item 8B1): Second hearing and vote scheduled for November 13, 2025.
  • Rio 2100 Residences (Item 8B2): Second hearing and vote scheduled for November 13, 2025.
  • Photovoltaic, Easement Abandonment, and Easement Grant (Items 8B3–8B4, 8B5, 8B8): Second hearing and vote scheduled for December 11, 2025.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.