Public Meetings - Mesa, Arizona

This study session of the Mesa City Council was called to order. Due to the provided metadata conflicting with the transcript's stated date of December 1, 2025, the meeting date is uncertain. The council reviewed the agenda, removed two consent items for separate discussion, and discussed a right-of-way reversion with ADOT. Consent Calendar - Items 7C and 7D were removed from the consent calendar per Vice Mayor's request to discuss them separately later. Discussion Items - Item 4A - ADOT Right-of-Way Reversion: City staff explained that ADOT is turning back approximately 100 feet of asphalt roadway at two locations to the City of Mesa, cleaning up maintenance boundaries. This is a routine process that has been done numerous times, including with the US 60 project. The council member asked clarifying questions about the exact boundaries. Key Outcomes - The council acknowledged receipt of board minutes (motion passed unanimously). - The meeting adjourned with no further actions.

The Mesa City Council held a special meeting on November 26, 2025, at approximately 17:18 UTC to consider the formation of the Apollo (Palo) Theme Park District on the former Fiesta Mall site. The council heard a presentation from Redevelopment Administrator Jeff Robbins, discussed key terms of the development and intergovernmental agreement, and voted unanimously to approve three actions: forming the district, electing two council members to its board, and approving the agreement. Discussion Items - Formation of Theme Park District: Jeff Robbins presented the purpose of theme park districts as a state-authorized economic development tool (Arizona Revised Statutes). The district would be a separate legal and financial entity from the city, with powers to levy an additional transaction privilege tax (TPT) on businesses within its boundaries, issue revenue bonds (not city debt), and acquire/construct facilities. The city would continue to collect its normal TPT. The district would be governed by a four-member board: two appointed by the city council (Councilmembers Francisco Heredia and Richard Adams), one by the Speaker of the House, and one by the Senate President. - Development and Intergovernmental Agreement (DIGA): Key terms included: the city bears no financial responsibility for district debts; public improvements must meet city standards and be dedicated to the city; the owner must maintain a replenishable expense fund for city oversight; the city must hire its own administrative staff for district oversight; the district, owner, and successor must indemnify the city; and businesses entering the district must sign a disclosure about potential additional district TPT. - Property Tax Exemption Question: Council Member Goforth asked about a potential secondary property tax exemption within the district. Robbins and City Attorney Jim (last name not given) explained that if the district chooses to own land and improvements (e.g., a stadium), that portion could become tax-exempt for all purposes, including the city's secondary property tax. The estimated fiscal impact on the city's secondary property tax was $17,100 (based on FY25). Council Member Goforth expressed concern that a for-profit enterprise could receive such exemption, but Robbins noted this is the same treatment as any other governmental entity operating in the city. - Zoom Participation: Vice Mayor Summers and Council Member Taylor joined remotely; they had no questions. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the resolution forming the Apollo (Palo) Theme Park District, appointing Councilmembers Francisco Heredia and Richard Adams to the district board, and approving the development and intergovernmental agreement. Motion made by Councilmember Heredia, seconded by Councilmember Duff. Vote: unanimous (all present voted aye). - Motion to adjourn the special meeting made by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Heredia. Vote: unanimous. Council wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. No public comments were received, and no consent calendar items were presented.

The Mesa City Council met on November 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (local time) with all members present except Councilmember Heretti, who was excused. Newly elected Councilmember Dorian Taylor was welcomed. The meeting began with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Derek Elliott and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sergeant Dan Stratton. The council addressed a consent agenda, a downtown parking and micromobility plan, a water capacity fee, the introduction of utility rate adjustments, and public comments on the 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement. Key votes included adoption of the downtown plan and approval of a water capacity fee. Consent Calendar - Approved by unanimous vote: minutes of previous meetings; liquor license applications for Mesa Drummer (1211 N Country Club Dr), Mojo's Smoke Palace No., Inspiration to Mesa (6220 E Broadway Rd), Toroko Sports (1738 W Rio Salado Pkwy), Rapid Refuel (6951 E Southern Ave); 31-month contract for Hack OEM equipment/parts/services (Water Resources); one-year contract with four-year renewal for pad-mounted insulated switchgears (Energy Resources); resolution to accept VOCA grant funds for Mesa Family Advocacy Center personnel; IGA with Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for Proposition 202 funds distribution; amendment to telecommunications license with Level 3 Communications; third addendum to agreement with Mesa Historical Society; and several resolutions/ordinances for utility rate schedules (electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, solid waste – items 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7G, 7H, 7I, 7J). Items 4C, 5D, 6A, 7A, and 7F were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4C (Sun Air furniture contract continuance): Reverend Sandy Johnson (Red Mountain United Methodist Church, Valley Interfaith Project) expressed strong support for the Sun Air housing project, thanked the council for prior approval, and requested a future meeting to discuss expanding affordable housing. Council voted to continue the item to a future meeting. - Item 5D (Downtown micromobility & parking plan): - Opposition: Mary Mabineau (District 5) argued the plan conflates parking with micromobility, would remove traffic signals, install road diets and roundabouts, and frustrate drivers. She urged separation of the parking component and voting down the overall plan. Kathy Carlson (District 5) echoed opposition, stating the changes are unnecessary for a few downtown blocks. David Winstanley asked for disapproval because the plan commits to unfunded projects like the $7 million Center Street change, and noted the Transportation Advisory Board was not consulted. - Support: Tim Sprague (downtown property owner, chair of Downtown Mesa Association) supported the plan, citing better wayfinding, parking signage, integration of micromobility for growing residential and ASU populations. James Grafe (Cal de Sac developer) supported for safety, reduced noise, and visitor experience. Jonathan Bush (downtown resident) described dangerous driver behavior and argued that well-designed streets encourage biking/walking, creating a virtuous safety cycle. - Item 6A (Water capacity fee): David Winstanley supported the fee, stating growth should pay for growth, and noted the fee will remove $400 million in utility bonds. Councilmember Doreen (District ?) emphasized that commercial/industrial growth, not just population, necessitates the fee. - Item 7A & 7F (Utility rate introductions): David Winstanley praised staff for forward planning but urged transparency on utility bills and a freeze on the 30% general fund transfer to avoid automatic tax increases. He cited a combined increase of $12/month for his water, wastewater, and trash. Kerry Davis questioned who pays the capacity fee (answer: developers, likely passed to homebuyers) and supported reducing the transfer to lower rate increases. Alex Franc criticized last year's 31% rate increase and the $16 million allocation to Cubs stadium upgrades, calling it a slap to residents. Several council members defended the Cubs obligation as contractual and voted in 2014. Councilmember Doreen noted the plan shifts burden to businesses, with a 20% water rate increase for businesses vs. 2.5% for residents. - Item 8 (Citizen presentations on 287(g) agreement): Reggie Braun opposed the 287(g) agreement, arguing it allows masked ICE agents to conduct unconstitutional actions, heightens fear in immigrant communities, and may lead to lawsuits. Ryan Jarra Birch (pastor?) opposed, stating the current administration's ICE is different, and the agreement creates fear among the 40% people of color in Mesa. Brian Eckerly supported the agreement, praising police training and safety for his family. Discussion Items - Item 4C (Sun Air furniture contract continuance): Staff requested continuance; Reverend Sandy Johnson spoke in support. Council granted continuance to a future meeting. - Item 5D (Downtown Mesa Micromobility and Parking Plan): Jeff McVay (Manager of Urban Transformation) presented the plan, explaining that short-term actions (striping, parking signage) are funded through existing pavement preservation budget and do not commit to traffic signal removal or roundabouts. Center Street changes would require future council approval and separate funding. Councilmember Adams sought confirmation that the vote only approves Phase 1 (striping and signage), not future phases. McVay confirmed. Councilmember Duff argued the plan is needed for safety, economic development, and to create a walkable downtown. Councilmember Goforth supported for safety and vibrancy. The mayor noted the parking confusion downtown and agreed with the plan. The motion to adopt 5D passed (voice vote, unanimous). - Item 6A (Water capacity fee – resolution to adjust fees): Staff explained the fee will be charged to developers for new connections. Councilmember Doreen clarified that the fee shifts the burden from existing ratepayers to growth. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Item 7A & 7F (Utility rate introductions – electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, solid waste): Staff provided context: the proposed increases are lower than originally proposed (originally 6%, now 2.5% for residential water). The 30% general fund transfer is a byproduct of utility revenues and supports public safety. Councilmember Doreen opposed the future 7% business water increase, calling it not business-friendly. Mayor noted the introduction only sets a date for final vote (December 1, 2025). Motion to introduce 7A and 7F passed (voice vote). - Item 8 (Citizen presentations on 287(g) agreement): No council discussion followed the presentations. The meeting adjourned. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Item 4C (Sun Air furniture contract) continued to a future meeting. - Item 5D (Downtown Micromobility and Parking Plan) adopted as Phase 1 only (striping and signage within existing pavement preservation budget; no commitment to further phases). - Item 6A (Water capacity fee) approved to shift costs to developers. - Items 7A and 7F (Utility rate introductions) introduced for final vote on December 1, 2025; the proposed water rate increase for residents is 2.5% (down from 3.5%), with a 20% increase for businesses phased in (13% now, 7% later). The 30% general fund transfer will be discussed during spring budget sessions. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Note: The transcript itself identifies the meeting date as November 17, 2025, but the provided timestamp specifies November 18, 2025. This summary uses the timestamp date as instructed. The Mesa City Council held a study session on November 18, 2025, to review the upcoming council meeting agenda, discuss a requested continuance of a furniture purchase, clarify a capacity fee ordinance, and hear council member updates on community events and staff commendations. Consent Calendar - Receipt of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from a previous meeting via voice vote. Discussion Items - Agenda Review for Evening Council Meeting: The council reviewed the agenda for the regular council meeting scheduled later that evening. City Manager requested a continuance of Item 4C (furniture purchase) to a date uncertain to allow further evaluation; council provided consensus to proceed. Mr. Smith also clarified a six-word adjustment to Item 6A (capacity fee) stating that replacing a meter with an identical size incurs no fee, and upsizing only charges the difference between the old and new meter sizes. This clarification was described as reflecting original intent. - Utility Rates: Mentioned as an item for introduction only, with no further discussion. - Current Events and Conferences Attended: - Councilmember Gofort reported attending a Boeing celebration marking 50 years of manufacturing the Apache helicopter in Mesa, with the governor and Congressmen Stanton and Biggs present, and hundreds of employees in attendance. - Councilmember Duff described attending a "Light the World Giving Machines" event, noting that two Mesa charities (Positic Cristo and Positive Paths) are among the beneficiaries across 107 cities in 13 countries, with nearly $50 million donated globally since the program started. - Vice Mayor expressed appreciation to Fire Department's Eric Payton and Development Services' Larry Snyder for assisting with a weekend house fire that involved numerous aquariums, saving most of the fish through coordination with SRP. - Upcoming Schedule: Turkey Tuesday photo is scheduled for 8:15 AM the following morning. Study sessions on November 20 (due to National League of Cities conference) and November 27 (Thanksgiving) are canceled; the next study session will be December 1, 2025. The agenda for the December 1 council meeting will be posted on November 19. Key Outcomes - Continuance Granted: The council agreed to continue Item 4C (furniture purchase) to a date indefinite for further staff evaluation. - Capacity Fee Clarification: The council acknowledged the clarification to the capacity fee ordinance (Item 6A) regarding meter replacement charges; no formal vote was taken but consensus was indicated. - Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of minutes. - Meeting Adjourned: The study session concluded with a motion to adjourn, seconded and carried unanimously.

The Mesa City Council held a special meeting on November 17, 2025, to canvass the results of the November 4, 2025 special recall election and swear in newly elected Council Member Dorian Taylor for District 2. Councilmember Haredi was excused. The meeting was brief and included unanimous approval of the election results and a ceremonial swearing-in. Consent Calendar - Resolution Canvassing Recall Election Results: The council unanimously approved a resolution declaring and adopting the results of the special recall election held on November 4, 2025. The motion was made by the Vice Mayor and seconded by Mr. Adams, passing without dissent. Discussion Items - Swearing-In of Council Member Dorian Taylor: Following the resolution, Dorian Taylor was sworn in by the Mayor as the new Council Member for District 2. She took the oath of office and delivered remarks thanking God, her husband Stephen, and over a thousand unpaid local volunteers who supported her campaign. She acknowledged support from groups including Turning Point Action, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, and the Center for Arizona Policy. Her remarks emphasized servant leadership, accountability, and representing the general welfare of District 2. Key Outcomes - The resolution canvassing the special recall election was approved unanimously. - Dorian Taylor was sworn in as Council Member for District 2. - The council then adjourned to a study session at 5:00 p.m. followed by a regular council meeting at 5:45 p.m.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on November 13, 2025, covering a review of the upcoming Monday agenda, a discussion on furniture for the Sun Air facility, the micro-mobility plan implementation, proposed water utility rate adjustments, and regulation of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Councilmember Adams participated via Zoom. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session. Consent Calendar - Knowledge of Receipts: Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Agenda Review for November 17, 2025: Council clarified that item 6A (Sun Devil Auto) was continued to December 8, and capacity fees would become the new 6A. Staff noted a corrected agenda would be posted. - Sun Air Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) – Item 4C: Staff presented a $430,000 contract with Goodman's (state contract) to outfit 64 rooms with bed frames, tables, shelving, and mattresses. Councilmembers questioned local business participation and competitive pricing. Staff explained that state contracts offer best pricing due to volume, but local vendors can be considered through separate solicitations. Council expressed preference for giving Mesa businesses opportunities in future procurements. The item was left to proceed to the Monday agenda. - Micro-Mobility Plan Implementation – Item 5D: Jeff McVay presented a slide deck on short-term implementation of parking signage, drop-off areas, and a parking app funded within current budgets. Council clarified that voting on the micro-mobility plan is a policy guide, not a direct approval of specific projects like Center Street changes. A parking app in beta test was discussed, with potential additional cost of $30,000–$60,000 for full deployment. The app will have dual-use cameras for public safety. Council supported continued development. - Water Utility Rate Adjustments – Item 2A: Brian Richel presented three scenarios for residential rate increases: 0%, 2.5%, and the original 3.5% (along with corresponding commercial rate changes). Discussion focused on parity between residential and commercial customers, the impact on small businesses (especially those with triple-net leases), and the 30% transfer to the general fund. Councilmember GoForth questioned the justification for the transfer amount. Councilmember Adams requested historical accuracy of projections. After debate, consensus emerged for a 2.5% residential increase, which would increase commercial rates (e.g., commercial usage from 13% to 20%). Staff noted that the original notice of intent allows only up to noticed rates; additional commercial increases would require a separate process with effective dates in January and April 2026. - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Regulation: Rachel Phillips presented two options: staff’s recommendation of 1,000-foot separation from residential uses and P&Z’s recommendation of 400 feet, both with increased accessory use nameplate capacity to 5 MW. Councilmembers expressed safety concerns, with Vice Mayor Summers and Councilmember Adams favoring 1,000 feet, while Councilmember Aretti preferred 3.5% residential but noted the need for business friendliness. No consensus was reached; staff will continue discussions with applicants and bring both options to the December 1 meeting, possibly with a third compromise option. Key Outcomes - Water Rates: Council directed staff to prepare the ordinance for a 2.5% residential increase (with corresponding commercial increases) for introduction on Monday, November 17, with effective dates in January (residential/part commercial) and April 2026 (remaining commercial). - BESS: No decision made; staff will gather additional information from applicants and present two or three options for council consideration on December 1. - Consent Item: Knowledge of receipts approved unanimously. - Future Meetings: The next study session is November 17 at 5:00 p.m., with no meetings on November 20 or 27. The next regular council meeting is December 1.

This study session covered three major items: water and wastewater capacity fees and utility rate adjustments, an update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and a comprehensive presentation on the city's response to homelessness. The council also heard current events and conference reports. Discussion Items - Water and Wastewater Capacity Fee Update (1A) - Director Brian Richel and Water Resources Director Chris Hassart presented an update. The capacity fee aims to raise $400 million over 10 years for growth-related water and wastewater infrastructure. The fee is a one-time charge for new development to ensure growth pays for itself. - Staff met with development community stakeholders. Most were resistant, preferring an impact fee process (which has a longer grandfathering timeline). However, one prominent single-family homebuilder offered constructive feedback and suggested middle-ground solutions. - Two modifications to the draft ordinance were proposed: (1) grandfathering any development that submits a completed permit application before January 1, 2026, exempting them from the fee; (2) offering a 50% discount on the fee for 3/4-inch and 1-inch meters for the first six months, benefiting single-family homes and small businesses. - The fee for a typical single-family home (3/4-inch meter) is set at approximately $9,500, placing Mesa in the lower-middle range compared to neighboring cities (e.g., Tempe $4,000–$5,000, Gilbert $18,000, Phoenix up to $30,000 in some zones). - The alternative of an impact fee would delay cost recovery by about three years (one year for study, two-year grandfathering), putting the burden on existing ratepayers. - Next steps: Introduction of the ordinance on November 17, council adoption on December 1, effective January 1, 2026. - Utility Rate Adjustments (1A continued) - Staff presented a recommended rate adjustment for water, wastewater, solid waste, gas, and electric. With the capacity fee, the overall residential increase was reduced from an initial 5.5% to 3.5% (service charge + usage), equating to an average monthly impact of $5.77 for a typical customer (6,000 gallons/month). - Councilmember Adams proposed a scenario to avoid any residential increase this year by shifting the burden entirely to commercial and commercial landscape customers. Staff agreed to run multiple scenarios (zero residential, zero residential + multi-unit, and others) and report back at the next study session on November 13. - Vice Mayor Summers raised concerns about unintended consequences: higher commercial rates would increase costs for HOAs (landscape), potentially lead to water waste, and affect city buildings paid from the general fund (sales tax dependent). - Councilmember Spilsbury advocated for the current incremental approach, noting other cities are adopting Mesa's model to avoid large future spikes. - Staff noted that the notice of intent (NOI) limits the maximum rates; they will bring analysis to the November 13 study session to allow possible adjustments before introduction on November 17. - ARPA Fund Update (1B) - Finance Director Irma Ashworth reported the city received $105 million in ARPA funds, all obligated by the December 31, 2024 deadline. As of September 30, 2025, $92 million has been spent, leaving $13 million to be spent by December 31, 2026. - Completed projects include: PD Real-Time Crime Center, 911 mental health response, energy commodity cost relief, United Food Bank distributions, Business Builder at the Studios, and premium pay for essential workers. - Active projects: downtown Wi-Fi broadband (90% complete), restaurant incubator, Leaf/East Valley Men's Center expansion, Hellman House transitional housing, Phoenix Rescue Mission heat relief, and the Off the Streets program (Windemere/Sunair). - Interest earned on ARPA funds totals $4 million. This interest is being used for payroll on construction contracts after the obligation deadline, unanticipated infrastructure costs, and furniture for the Sun Air facility ($750,000). At program closeout, any remaining interest will transfer to the general fund. - Councilmember Goforth requested dollar amounts by project, which staff provided separately. - Homelessness Response Overview (1C) - Lindsay (Office of Homeless Solutions) along with court staff (Danica Sanchez, Sean Flam) and public safety liaison Jason Flam presented a detailed overview. - History: Prior to 2018, the city relied on cite/release and arrest cycles. Community Court began in 2018 after the Martin v. Boise ruling. The Off the Streets (OTS) program started in May 2020 using COVID CARES funds. The Office of Homeless Solutions was established in 2022. The Grants Pass ruling in 2024 lifted shelter requirements for enforcement. - Trends: Number of Mesa residents seeking homeless services has risen steadily. Countywide data shows for every 10 people placed in housing, 19 new individuals become homeless. Eviction rates in Mesa are rising; estimated 10,000 for FY2024 (two months missing). Rents and mobile home lot rents have increased sharply. - Programs: - Community Court (pre-adjudication): Participants work with navigators to address root causes (IDs, housing, treatment). Recidivism rates improved: from 15% in 2023 to 5% in 2024 for community court; from 19% to 11% for SMI (seriously mentally ill) court. Graduation numbers decreased due to higher readiness standards. - Heat Safety: In 2025, the city operated portable AC loan program (48 households served), heat safety transport service, 22 cooling locations, and an emergency AC replacement program (64 units). Heat-related deaths decreased from 55 (2024) to 34 (2025 as reported). Resurrection Street Ministries had over 13,000 visits (3,257 unique individuals; 88.5% unhoused, 483 age 60+, 98 under 18). - Street Outreach: 12 Phoenix Rescue Mission navigators operate 7 days/week up to 16 hours. From July–September 2025, they engaged 719 people; placed 31 in PRM residential, 77 in other shelters, 24 in permanent housing; 96 entered recovery programs (Feb–Sep). Transportation provided 431 times. - Off the Streets Program: Currently rents 85 rooms at Windemere Hotel. Moving to Sun Air property (64 rooms) in spring 2026. Positive exit rate is 85% (clients move to next positive housing step, not back to homelessness). The new property will have enhanced security (fence, single entry) and will serve seniors, families, and domestic violence survivors. Single women experiencing homelessness (over 90% have domestic/sexual violence history) will qualify. Single men not in these categories will be referred to East Valley Men's Center or other resources. - Councilmember Adams questioned tracking by race; staff noted it is HMIS system data used to ensure balanced service and combat perceptions. Councilmember Spilsbury praised the program's human approach. Councilmember Duff highlighted the 85% success rate and the holistic program model. - Current Events and Conferences - Councilmembers reported attending: United Food Bank Breakfast, Greater North Fulton Chamber Summit, EVIT Foundation Breakfast, Shamrock Food Warehouse grand opening, groundbreakings, and community events. The Veterans Day parade is Tuesday, November 11. The annual BBQ Classic takes place in downtown Mesa November 7-8. Key Outcomes - Capacity Fee: Staff will bring the draft ordinance for introduction on November 17 with the two proposed modifications. The fee is set for adoption December 1, effective January 1, 2026. - Utility Rates: Staff will present scenario analyses (zero residential increase, zero residential + multi-unit, etc.) at the November 13 study session. Based on that direction, the rate ordinance will be introduced on November 17. The Notice of Intent sets maximum rates that can be adopted; increasing commercial rates above the NOI would require a new 60-day notice. - ARPA: All funds are obligated; remaining $13M must be spent by December 2026. Interest earnings will cover unanticipated costs; remaining interest will go to general fund after closeout. - Homelessness: Council acknowledged the programs and their effectiveness. The transition from Windemere to Sun Air will continue. Staff will provide data on Mesa residency of OTS participants as requested. - Next Meeting: Study session on November 13 at 7:30 a.m. to review utility rate scenarios.

The Mesa City Council met on November 3, 2025, for a business meeting that included a proclamation declaring November as Be Kind America Month, passage of the consent agenda and a related item, and public comments on the climate action plan, city governance, and immigration enforcement. Councilmember Adams participated via Zoom. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (items marked with an asterisk) was approved unanimously by a vote of all members present, including Councilmember Adams via Zoom. Items included: approval of previous meeting minutes; liquor license applications for Zong Smokeshop, Main Burger, and Crust Simply Italian; contracts for the Greenfield Water Reclamation Project reliability improvements and Fire Station 202 rebuild (funded by 2022 public safety bonds); a dollar limit increase for Motorola and Kenwood radio equipment parts for the police department; term contracts for street sweeper/sewer cleaner parts and masonry wall cleaning/painting/repair services; continuance of a furniture contract for Sun Air to the November 17 meeting; a contract for excess workers' compensation insurance; a resolution to accept Victims of Crime Act grant funds for the prosecutor's office victim services unit; a resolution for a property exchange with Sunshine Acres Children's Home for a sewer lift station; and a resolution for a general plan amendment (item 6A) for 60 acres at Warner and Hawes Roads, changing the place type from urban center to urban residential. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 6B (removed from consent): Kerry Davis spoke in support, stating that single-family home housing is very beneficial to the community and that he would like to encourage more single-family building and less multi-family, high-density building. - Citizen Comment (Item 7): David Winstanley (resident of Encore at Eastmark, District 6) asked the council to revisit the Mesa Climate Action Plan for three reasons: a perceived change in consensus on climate change (citing Bill Gates and Bjorn Lomborg), the plan's heavy reliance on expected federal funding that he believes will not materialize, and the argument that small local changes cannot meaningfully compete with emissions from China. - Florence Shemoy accused the council of being complicit in stripping citizens' rights, particularly regarding racial profiling and sentencing in Mesa's prison system, and criticized the council for not reading public comments and for limiting public participation. - Tim Meyer expressed strong support for the city's 287(g) immigration enforcement plan, thanking the council for their support on that issue. - City Clerk Mosley noted that numerous online comments were submitted and will be posted on the city webpage the following day. Discussion Items - Item 6B (General Plan Amendment 25-462): After public comment, the council entertained and unanimously approved a motion to approve the item (vote: all members present, including Councilmember Adams by Zoom). The nature of the item was not specified in the transcript beyond its removal from the consent agenda. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and item 6B. - November was declared Be Kind America Month in Mesa, and the city was designated an official "Be Kind City" by the Be Kind People Project. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote. - No further action was taken on citizen comments regarding the climate action plan, city governance, or immigration enforcement.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on October 30, 2025, to review the upcoming November 3rd council meeting agenda, receive updates on workforce development and building/fire code adoption, and make a board appointment. Councilmember Adams was excused; Councilmember Heredia participated via Zoom. Discussion Items Sewer Lift Station Property Exchange Staff presented a proposed property exchange between the City of Mesa and Sunshine Acres for a sewer lift station at Higley Road and Longbow Boulevard. The city would trade underutilized parcels acquired in 1984 (appraised at $519,453) for a 21,000-square-foot lot owned by Sunshine Acres (appraised at $462,462). No money would change hands. The exchange would save an estimated $3 million and 12–18 months compared to alternative sites, and it would enable a regional wastewater collection system, unblocking development north of the 202 freeway that has been stranded due to a misaligned sewer sleeve. Staff explained that a phase-one gravity line from 56th Street to Higley is expected to begin within 60 days, and the lift station would serve the remaining area. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the solution, noting long-standing development barriers. Workforce Development Strategic Plan Update Economic Development Director Jay O'Donnell and Education and Workforce Administrator Sarah Toller presented an update on Mesa's workforce development strategic plan, highlighting the link between educational attainment and economic prosperity. They reviewed historical milestones (e.g., Achieve 60AZ, Mesa College Promise) and showed data from the Arizona Progress Meter on third-grade reading proficiency and post-high school enrollment. Councilmember Goforth challenged the effectiveness of city investments, noting that attainment metrics have not improved since 2010. Staff responded that the city’s role is as a convener and supporter, not a direct educator, and that long-term programs like Mesa College Promise are beginning to show results. Councilmember Summers asked about data granularity and observed that a spike in post-high school enrollment around 2006–2008 warranted investigation. Councilmember Spilsbury defended the roundtable’s work, emphasizing that similar trends exist statewide and nationally, and that ceasing efforts would be worse. The presentation outlined four strategic priorities: supporting workforce alignment, building intentional connections, enhancing internal workforce development, and improving post-secondary attainment. Building and Fire Codes Update Building Official John Shefford and Fire Marshal Sean Alexander presented the proposed adoption of the 2024 International Codes (building, fire, plumbing, electrical, energy, etc.) with Mesa-specific amendments, replacing the 2018 codes. Key amendments include: increasing thresholds for restroom/drinking fountain requirements for small businesses, adopting more stringent water conservation fixture flow rates, measuring residential setbacks from framing, adding optional accessibility guidelines for houses, reducing sprinkler requirements for remote park/golf course buildings, limiting firefighter air replenishment systems to high-rise buildings only (≥75 ft), requiring 3D construction drawings for commercial buildings three stories and up, and strengthening battery energy storage system (BESS) regulations—including requiring the latest NFPA 855 (2026 edition), independent lab testing, and fire apparatus access roads designed to break large BESS sites into 300x300-foot arrays with 26-foot-wide lanes for ladder trucks. Staff reported extensive outreach to the Development Advisory Forum (May and September) and a public meeting (October 2). The Home Builders Association, SRP, and Southwest Energy Efficiency Project have endorsed the proposal. Adoption would improve Mesa’s ISO rating (currently Class 2), which affects homeowners’ insurance. The timeline calls for introduction on December 1 and action on December 8, with a January 8, 2026 effective date. Councilmembers asked about BESS firefighting strategy (let container burn, protect adjacent) and cost impacts; staff noted a 7% energy efficiency gain with a 3–4 year payback. Key Outcomes - Board Appointment: The council voted unanimously to appoint Bryan Hearld to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board. (Motion by Vice Mayor Summers, second by Councilmember Spilsbury) - Minutes Approval: The council voted unanimously to receive and approve the board minutes and city council minutes. (Motion by Vice Mayor Summers, second by Councilmember Spilsbury) - Sewer Lift Station Property Exchange: No formal action taken; the item is on the November 3 council agenda for potential action. - Building and Fire Codes: Staff will return with the proposed ordinance for introduction on December 1 and action on December 8. - Workforce Development Plan: Council provided feedback; staff will continue to track metrics and use the plan to guide partnerships. The meeting also included updates from councilmembers on community events and a report from Acting City Manager Ken Cost that a Mesa police officer shot in the line of duty is recovering at home without surgery.