Tempe City Council Meeting January 8, 2026

The Tempe City Council convened its regular meeting on January 8, 2026, to address routine consent items, public announcements, and non-consent agenda items including new housing developments and municipal leases. The meeting featured public testimony regarding the potential rezoning of the Shalomar Golf Course and the preservation of live music venues in downtown Tempe, alongside discussions on a new high-density residential project at 250 West Rio Salado. Several ordinances were introduced for public hearing, with a specific rescheduling of the drink spiking prevention ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from items 4A1 and 4B1-4B10 unanimously (7-0).
• Approved the renewal of multiple contracts for city facility repair and maintenance (Item 8A1) unanimously (7-0).
• Approved the one-year contract renewal with Humana for group Medicare Advantage plans (Item 8A2) unanimously (7-0).
• Awarded a construction contract to Felix Construction Company for well improvements at the South Tempe Water Treatment Plant (Item 8A3) unanimously (7-0).
• Authorized the city manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement for properties at 520 and 526 South Mill Avenue (Item 8A4) unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Walt Dubois (Tempe Resident): Expressed opposition to high-density housing in his neighborhood, citing obstructed exit visibility due to existing wall height violations and concerns regarding increased traffic on local streets like Balboa and Alameda. Position: Opposed high-density development in his area.
• Nathan Beaver (Tempe Resident, Shalomar Neighborhood): Opposed the rezoning of the Shalomar Golf Course, stating the proposal would eviscerate the community, increase traffic, and lead to residents moving away. Position: Strongly opposed rezoning Shalomar. Compared the developer's lack of foresight to historical Midwest land developers.
• Mario Martinez (Tempe Resident): Condemned statements by City Chief Kenneth McCoy regarding a recent bomb threat (Queen Curtis case), calling the statements false and a violation of First Amendment rights. Position: Supported the accused individual's rights and opposed the Chief's handling of the case.
• David Alter (Homeless Resident): Delivered a speech advocating for the city to look inward regarding its treatment of vulnerable populations, the unhoused, and the poor. Position: Urged the council to prioritize compassion, mercy, and justice over development and profit, asking the city to be a place where no one is cast aside.
• Kathy Holland (Shalomar Resident): Opposed the rezoning of Shalomar Golf Course, warning it would ruin the quiet character of the neighborhood by turning it into a "crowded" environment comparable to the 101 freeway. Position: Strongly opposed rezoning and stated she would move if approved.
• Stephen Bercy (Tempe Resident): Opposed the rezoning, questioning where children would play in high-rise complexes and arguing that rezoning for one family (the new Heisels) is unfair. Position: Opposed rezoning and suggested current zoning be maintained or the land sold without rezoning.
• Cole Lightfoot (Shalomar Resident): Opposed the rezoning, citing loss of property values, backyard views, and neighborhood character. Position: Strongly opposed rezoning of the golf course area.
• Steve Norris: Expressed support for golf courses as community hubs for socialization and fundraising. Position: Opposed rezoning Shalomar to preserve the golf course.
• David Stewart (Shalomar Resident): Opposed the rezoning, arguing the current owners bought the land at a lower price reflecting the AG1 zoning and have no right to request rezoning for profit at the expense of neighbors' property values and lifestyle. Position: Strongly opposed rezoning.
• Lauren Whitaker (Shalomar Resident): Opposed the rezoning, raising three concerns: failing infrastructure (cracks, sewer lines) that cannot support additional density, the neglect of the golf course ecosystem allowing pests and odors, and the high concentration of rentals (70-75%) changing neighborhood stability. Position: Strongly opposed rezoning.
• Lori Herman (Tempe Resident): Supported the residents of Shalomar and opposed the development, citing the need for trees at bus stops for shade and the importance of the golf course ecosystem for cooling the city. Position: Opposed rezoning and opposed new housing demand.**

Discussion Items

• Shalomar Golf Course Rezoning: Several council members acknowledged the public's strong opposition to the rezoning proposed by the current owners (Heisels). The discussion focused on the residents' concerns regarding traffic, infrastructure, and neighborhood character.
• 520 and 526 South Mill Avenue Acquisition: The City Manager and Council discussed the acquisition of these historic properties. Councilmember Hodge asked about the future of the Darkstar music venue. Staff responded that the primary goals are preserving history and providing affordable market-rate leases to local small businesses. Councilman Hodge expressed strong support for maintaining the live music culture. Councilmember Adams noted that current owners Mr. Seifer and Wexford Developments are already supporting local tenants.
• 250 West Rio Salado Parkway (Item 8B1): Applicant Gavage & Vurnham PLC presented a plan to rezone from office to residential (1210 dwelling units). Staff and Council discussed the preservation of the historic Ash Avenue roadbed, the integration of a veterans memorial with a "dog tag tree," and the use of triple-pane windows to mitigate airport noise. Developers confirmed the units will be owner-occupied and short-term rentals are prohibited. Councilmember Hodge asked about parking mitigation for Tempe Beach Park visitors, with developers outlining a plan for an interior garage and using adjacent parking structures managed by the developer.
• Ordinances Introduced for First Hearing:
  • Item 8B2: Proposed amendments to Tempe City Code regarding sewers and sewage disposal.
  • Item 8B3: Proposal to abandon three waterline easements and one sewer and one water easement.
  • Item 8B4: Drink Spiking Education and Prevention Ordinance (continued to Jan 22 due to stakeholder meetings).

Key Outcomes

• Adjournment of Drink Spiking Ordinance: The first public hearing for the Drink Spiking Education and Prevention Ordinance (Item 8B4) was rescheduled to January 22, 2026; no testimony was taken this evening.
• Approval of 250 West Rio Salado Presentation: The Planned Area Development (PAD) for 250 Rio was presented and scheduled for a second hearing and vote on January 22, 2026.
• Approval of Sewer Code Amendments: The first public hearing for sewer code amendments (Item 8B2) was held and scheduled for final adoption on January 22, 2026.
• Approval of Easement Abandonment: The first public hearing for easement abandonment (Item 8B3) was held and scheduled for final adoption on January 22, 2026.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Item 8C1): Adopted the ordinance amending short-term rental regulations to conform to Arizona State Legislature changes; passed unanimously (7-0).
• Future Agenda Item: Added Re-examination of the crosswalk at Mill and Fifth Street (requested by Councilmember Adams).
• Council Announcements:
  • Tempe Public Library: Launching "Lend a Rock and Roll" recycled art series.
  • Tempe Leadership Class 41: Hosting a live music fundraiser for the Storm to Shade initiative.
  • Tribute: Councilmember Hodge honored the late Ron Denny for his work in youth emotional wellness.
  • Heist: Preview of the opening night production at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for January 22nd, 2026. Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.