Public Meetings - Mesa, Arizona

Note: The user-provided meeting date is 2025-09-09, but the transcript states the meeting occurred on September 8, 2025. This summary uses the date from the transcript. The Mesa City Council held a brief study session on September 8, 2025. The council reviewed the evening's council meeting agenda, received board minutes, heard councilmember reports on community events, and discussed future meeting schedules. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Duff pulled consent item 5A (Coldistack Agreement) so that members could speak on it during the evening meeting. Discussion Items - Review of Agenda for Tonight's Council Meeting: The council reviewed the agenda. Councilmember Duff pulled consent item 5A (Coldistack Agreement) for discussion. No other items were pulled. - Receipt of Board Minutes: Councilmember Bilsbury motioned to receive the board minutes, seconded by Councilmember Duff. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. - Councilmember Reports and Conference Attendances: - Councilmember Duff announced the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (September) and noted upcoming celebrations including the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's multicultural fair and El Grito on September 13 in Pioneer Park. - She also reported on Love Your City week, a week of service, and described her visit to Aster Aging where she spoke with veterans, particularly a Vietnam War veteran named Big A. - Councilmember Julie (last name not stated) highlighted the 9/11 Day of Service on Saturday, encouraging participation via the City of Mesa website or justserve.org. - Councilmember Gilforth mentioned a groundbreaking at a single FBO (Fixed Base Operator) at the airport that is investing and expanding to its third location. - Councilmember Heredia (via Zoom) and Vice Mayor Summers had no additional comments. - Councilmember (likely the Mayor) mentioned the first edition 224 groundbreaking last week, well-attended and needed in that district. Key Outcomes - Consent item 5A was pulled for further discussion at the evening meeting. - Board minutes were received unanimously. - The meeting adjourned with a unanimous motion after discussion of future schedules. The council will reconvene on Thursday morning, September 11 (noted as a remembrance of 9/11), for a study session where they will review an early draft of the September 22 meeting agenda, since the following week's strategic planning session will prevent a review on that day. Future Schedule - Next study session: Thursday, September 11 (9/11 anniversary), to review early draft of September 22 meeting agenda. - Strategic planning session: September 18 (morning). No public comments were made. No other votes.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on September 4, 2025, to review the upcoming formal council agenda (September 8) and discuss several key items, including an amendment to the Employment Opportunity (EO) district to support a partnership with Arizona State University, a ground lease for the development of Site 17, and a proposed capital improvement project for Center Street. The session also included acknowledgment of minutes and updates on community events. Discussion Items - Review of September 8 Council Agenda - The council reviewed three items for introduction: a zoning amendment in Council District 1, a zoning amendment in Council District 2, and amendments to Chapter 36 of the Mesa Code. - Assistant Planning Director Rachel Phillips presented a detailed overview of Item 6-8, an amendment to the Employment Opportunity (EO) district (Chapter 14 of the zoning ordinance). The amendment repeals and replaces the chapter to enhance flexibility, particularly for political subdivisions (e.g., ASU) to develop mixed-use projects. Key changes include reducing the minimum area requirement from 160 to 140 contiguous acres, allowing additions to existing EO districts without a minimum, and updating references to current place types. The purpose is to facilitate the ASU innovation zone at the Polytechnic campus, modeled after the Novus Corridor in Tempe. City Manager Jim Butler noted that this is foundational work for future development agreements. - Councilmembers asked about applicability to school districts and the rationale for the 140-acre minimum. Staff confirmed that fewer than five parcels of that size exist within the city, but other overlay tools are available for smaller projects. - Ground Lease for Site 17 (Cul-de-Sac Project) - Jeff McVay and Jimmy Chiracchio presented the ground lease and development agreement for Site 17. The project comprises three phases: Phase 1 – 144 for-sale townhome units (construction to commence by 2027), Phase 2 – 225 residential units, Phase 3 – 425 residential units, plus 25,000–50,000 square feet of commercial space and 25,000–50,000 square feet of residential amenity space. The design includes significant green space with public access maintained by the developer. City incentives are provided. Staff confirmed that no substantial changes occurred since the previous council presentation; negotiations finalized minor points. - Councilmember Adams asked whether any major concessions were made; staff responded that business terms remained consistent. - Center Street Capital Improvement Project - Eric, from the Transportation Department, presented a refocused project on Center Street from Main Street to University Avenue. The goals are to enhance pedestrian and bicycle travel, create a gateway to downtown, and connect the convention center. Proposed elements include: reducing travel lanes from four to two (with turn lanes at University, First Street, and Main Street), widening sidewalks with shade, adding separated bike lanes (6.5 feet with four-foot buffers on each side), parallel parking, a roundabout at Second Street, and reducing the speed limit to 25 mph. - Traffic studies show fewer than 10,000 vehicles per day on this segment, indicating adequate capacity. The roundabout is intended as a traffic-calming gateway feature, but staff acknowledged the need to study its compatibility with parade routes (Center Street is a historic parade route). Staff seeks council direction to proceed with detailed design using $7 million from the 2024 bond package. - Councilmember Spielsbury expressed safety and connectivity concerns, urging quick progress. Councilmember Ancajas emphasized economic benefits (citing a case study from Lancaster, California) and the need to create a pedestrian-friendly downtown. Councilmember Adams stressed the importance of preserving parade functionality. Councilmember Goforth advocated for safety improvements for all users, noting that a vibrant downtown requires changes. The council generally supported moving forward. Key Outcomes - The council directed staff to proceed with detailed design and public outreach for the Center Street project, including a thorough study of the roundabout’s impact on parade routes. - The council will vote on the EO district amendment and the Site 17 ground lease at the formal meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025. - The council acknowledged receipt of minutes from previous meetings. - The meeting adjourned after updates on community events, including the groundbreaking of Fire Station 224 and a tour of Waymo’s manufacturing facility.

The Mesa City Council met on August 28, 2025, to receive two major presentations: a proposed agreement for the Cul de Sac mixed-use development on city-owned land at the southwest corner of University and Mesa Drive (Site 17), and a bond-funded plan to revitalize the historic Sarine House with urban agriculture and dining. Council also acknowledged the receipt of minutes and heard community event updates. Consent Calendar Acknowledgment of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the receipt of minutes from prior meetings. Discussion Items 1A. Presentation on Proposed Agreements for Cul de Sac Development (Site 17) - Staff and the developer, Cul de Sac, presented a lease-to-purchase structure for the 19.14-acre site. The 50-year ground lease allows Cul de Sac to purchase the land in three phases after completing public improvements and starting vertical construction. - Phase 1: 5.5 acres, minimum 140 for-sale townhomes (2-3 bedrooms), with 100% of land sale proceeds ($3.2 million at $1,344/sq ft) reimbursed for public infrastructure. Phase must start within 24 months of lease execution. - Phase 2: Minimum 250 units (mix of rental and potentially for-sale), 10,000 sq ft commercial, 50% of land sale proceeds for off-site improvements. - Phase 3: 610 market-rate rental units, 40,000 sq ft commercial, 35% of land sale proceeds for off-site improvements. Overall build-out expected within 9 years. - Parking: Phase 1 provides one off-street space per townhome (140 total), with additional on-street parking. Councilmember Spillsbury expressed skepticism about adequacy, while Councilmember Heredia and others supported the car-light concept as appropriate for downtown. - Neighborhood Integration: Staff emphasized a gradual density transition and green buffer along Second Street to protect the adjacent Wilbur Historic Neighborhood. Mobility hubs for pedestrians, bikes, and autonomous vehicles (e.g., Waymo) are included. - Councilmember Vice Mayor Summers questioned the cost estimates for off-site public improvements, noting the development agreement was not yet finalized. Staff said an exhibit lists priorities but costs are not yet estimated; the city is only obligated up to the land sale proceeds. - The project will come back for a formal vote on September 8, 2025. 1B. Presentation on 2024 Bond-Funded Improvements to Historic Sarine House - The $5 million voter-approved bond will fund a $4.3 million revitalization of the city-owned Sarine House (built 1896, on National Historic Register). Work includes an urban farm, education pavilion, dining/farm stand, gathering areas, and food truck parking with shore power. - Urban Farmer: Steadfast Farm, already operating in Eastmark, was selected via competitive RFQ. They will manage the site, offer free urban agriculture classes for Mesa residents, and operate the farm. - Destination Dining: Chef Derek Christensen (James Beard-nominated) will run a barbecue concept on site, cooked from scratch. - Schedule: Construction starts late 2025, completion in fall 2026, with a ribbon cutting by end of 2026. - Council expressed strong support, noting the site's location in a USDA food desert and its potential to preserve history while providing fresh produce and community gathering space. Councilmember Updates - Mayor reported on the Faith Leaders Breakfast (approx. 125 attendees) focused on teen mental health and community collaboration. - Councilmembers noted attendance at the Chamber of Commerce board dinner and the new Dinkin Dine pickleball venue at Riverview. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the two presentations; both will return for future council action (Cul de Sac on September 8; Sarine House construction contract via a job order contract listing). - Minutes acknowledged unanimously. - Meeting adjourned following scheduling announcements for the Audit, Finance, and Enterprise Committee meeting and the Labor Day holiday.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on August 25, 2025, to review the agenda for the upcoming council meeting, discuss a zoning case (Sienna Ridge) in District 5, and share updates on conferences and community events. The session began at approximately 5:00 PM and lasted under an hour. Discussion Items - Rezoning of Sienna Ridge (District 5): Staff presented a rezoning request for a 29-unit, 4-rent product development at Sienna Ridge. A key point of debate was the garage size deviation of 8 inches from the code-required 20x20 feet. Councilmember Summers opposed the deviation, arguing that shrinking garage depth (to 20 feet) would not accommodate SUVs and full-size trucks, potentially leading to parking problems on private streets and bleeding onto public streets. The applicant claimed all cars and full-size trucks fit in the garages. Councilmember Go Forth noted that the development includes two garage types: plans one and two have 19'2"x20' garages, while plans three and four have 25'x20' garages. The project provides 17 guest and ADA spaces against a requirement of 61 spaces, a ratio of less than half. Councilmember Duff supported the deviation, stating it aligns with surrounding municipalities, reduces home costs, and preserves living space. Councilmember Smith (district representative) agreed, noting that buyers can choose floor plans based on their vehicle needs. Key Outcomes - Councilmember Summers maintained his opposition to the garage size deviation, but the majority of council expressed comfort with the plan. The item was scheduled for a vote at the regular council meeting later that evening as a 7A item. - Council removed the item from the consent calendar after prior discussion, leaving it for a separate vote. Conference & Event Reports - Arizona League of Cities & Towns: The mayor, vice mayor, and several councilmembers attended the annual conference, where councilmembers Go Forth and Duff moderated panels on transportation funding and public safety hiring/retention, and the mayor participated in a resolution committee on public safety. - Civic Craft Program: Councilmembers Adams, Duff, and Allen (noted as "Julie") joined a new year-long leadership program through the Arizona League. - Community Events: Councilmember Adams reported attending Waterworld in Lehigh, where he became dehydrated and injured a hamstring, with Mesa Fire and Medical staff and Officer Nick Curitan providing care. Councilmember Allen won a cinnamon roll bake-off with the fire department. Councilmember Go Forth attended Smith Junior High's curriculum night to support youth engagement, and the mayor attended the Mesa International Film Festival (130+ films), which aligns with the ASU Sidney Poitier New American Film School. - Water Advocacy: The mayor joined other mayors in the Arizona Municipal Water Use Association to advocate for CAP water resources. Future Meetings - A study session and Audit, Finance, and Enterprise Committee meeting were scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:30 AM.

The Mesa City Council convened on August 26, 2025, at 7:19 PM (transcript start) for a regularly scheduled meeting. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, debated a rezoning proposal for a 20-unit development (Siena Ridge), heard public comments on the city's 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement, and adjourned. All council members were present. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Minutes of previous meetings; liquor licenses for Last Stop Mesa, Best Tacos, and Thanks a Bunch; a dollar limit increase for McNeil's OEM parts; a three-year contract for special event management services; a six-year Motorola system upgrade contract; a three-year contract for communications tower support; a five-year term contract for water and wastewater chemicals; an ordinance repealing and replacing Title VIII, Chapter 4 (Sanitary Sewer Regulations); an ordinance adopting rates for natural gas utility transportation and gas service; and a bingo application for East Mesa Moose Lodge 2082. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah James Markham – Expressed gratitude for the ocean and surfing features in Mesa, urged the city to end the 287(g) agreement with ICE and Mesa PD, cited historical Japanese American incarceration, and criticized the removal of a deaf school from Mesa. - Jeannie Fasanella (District 3 resident) – Urged Mesa to withdraw from the 287(g) agreement, stating ICE today does not follow due process, operates unsafe detention centers, and has deported people without trials. She noted that no neighboring cities have such an agreement. - David Wynstanley (District 6 resident) – Thanked Mesa first responders, defended the 287(g) agreement, stated that immigration status is not typically discussed during traffic stops, and argued that the majority of Mesa residents support the current policy. He noted that one of the previous speakers did not live in Mesa. - Additional names were read into the record (without speaking) supporting changes to the 287(g) agreement: Ryan Jara Birsch, Richard James, John Bush, Cassandra Winchester, Robert Hathcock, Michael Stanley, Gillian Ryan, Trinity Schwabaker, Nathan James, Rachel Dugan, Christopher Cody, Alita West, Betsy Soderquist, Francesca Bauer, and Emma Lynn. Discussion Items - Item 7A – Rezoning of Siena Ridge (20-unit multiple residence development, northwest corner of East Broadway and South 90th Street). The plan requested a deviation from the code requiring 20-by-22-foot garages to 19.2-by-20-foot or 25-by-20-foot garages (11 units exceed code depth, 18 are short). Vice Mayor expressed opposition, citing undersized garages that would force parking onto streets and erode quality of life in a car-dependent suburban area. Councilmember Adams sympathized but noted the project has fewer objections than others and said the outcome should be monitored. Councilmember Spilsbury supported the project, stating guest parking appears sufficient, but reiterated a need to revisit garage standards for this type of product. The item passed on a 5–2 vote. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously. - Rezoning of Siena Ridge – Approved 5–2. - Public Comments on 287(g) – No council action taken; Police Chief Butler stated that Mesa PD's procedures have remained consistent across multiple administrations. - Meeting Adjourned – Motion passed unanimously.

The Mesa City Council met on August 19, 2025, to consider a consent agenda, a public hearing on the proposed Beverly Apartments development, an annexation hearing, and public comments on the 287G agreement with ICE. The council approved the consent agenda unanimously and approved the Beverly Apartments project on a 5-2 vote after extensive discussion about density, traffic, and neighborhood concerns. Public comments focused on opposition to the 287G agreement and overdevelopment. Consent Calendar - Approved all items on the consent agenda by a unanimous vote, including: approval of previous meeting minutes; liquor license applications for Main Market and Mountain Mike's Pizza; contracts for Broadway Road Improvements Phase 1, 2nd Avenue Union Pacific Railroad Sewer Rehabilitation, traffic signal controllers, helicopter airframe parts, body scanner (funded by opioid settlement funds), camera system, office furniture, time terminals, and data center co-location services; resolutions for a development agreement with CBDG Mesa, extinguishing an easement, declaring sanitary sewer regulations a public record, and declaring natural gas utility transportation gas service schedules a public record; and introduction of ordinances for sanitary sewer regulations, natural gas utility rates, and zoning case 25-265 (rezoning approximately 4 acres for a 29-unit multiple residence development). Items 9A and B were removed from the consent calendar and considered separately. Public Comments & Testimony - Beverly Apartments (Items 9A & 9B): - Linda Spy (resident of 1019 West 2nd Street) expressed support for the project but opposed the density, stating 36 units is too many and three stories is out of character for the neighborhood. She noted the developer had been cooperative. - Nachita was listed as opposing but did not speak. - Jennifer Sandstrom (222 North Beverly, 35-year resident) opposed the project, citing concerns about traffic, vandalism, and proximity to light rail. She requested a cul-de-sac on Beverly between Main and 2nd Street or an alternative route to Alma School. She also proposed a separate "Homeless World" project. - Madison Reynolds (239 North Beverly) opposed the project, requesting a traffic impact study paid for by the developer, reduction to 24 units, or a guarantee of one vehicle per tenant. She argued that 36 units would triple traffic and endanger children, elderly, and disabled neighbors. - Items from Citizens Present (287G Agreement and Overdevelopment): - Jillian Ryan (Indivisible Mesa, zip 85202) opposed the 287G agreement with ICE, stating it is optional, costly, leads to racial profiling, and distracts from violent crime. She argued the council can end the agreement. - Amanda Snyder (parents are longtime Mesa residents) opposed the 287G agreement, stating it makes Mesa unsafe, undermines police-community trust, and is expensive. She noted that over 70% of ICE detainees have no criminal conviction. - Mike Ziegler (1019 West 2nd Street) opposed overdevelopment, predicting a housing glut as immigrants leave and urging the council to slow development. - 14 additional blue cards were read: one regarding decriminalizing psychedelics (T.J. Jensen), one on public safety (Jane Wakefield), 12 on the 287G agreement (10 opposed, 2 in support, 1 neutral). Discussion Items - Beverly Apartments (Items 9A & 9B): The council conducted a public hearing on a minor general plan amendment (from traditional residential to mixed residential) and rezoning (to RM4) for a 36-unit workforce housing project at the northeast corner of Ellsworth Road and Railroad. The developer, COPA (represented by Taylor Earl), presented the project as affordable housing at 50-60% AMI, designed with a three-story building, 44 parking spaces (one per unit), and an 80-foot setback to the north. They argued the site’s proximity to light rail and employment centers reduces car dependency. A traffic study showed only 86 additional trips per day (about one extra car every 20 minutes). Council members questioned density, parking enforcement, traffic impact, and consistency with the general plan. Councilmember Adams expressed concerns about density and character; Councilmember Freeman opposed the project. Councilmember Duff and others supported the project as a needed affordable housing near transit. The council voted on a combined motion for both items. - Annexation (Item 10A): The council held a public hearing for signature release on annexation case 25-00231 at the southeast corner of South Hawes Road and East Musquite Street. No public speakers or council comments. The hearing was closed; no action taken, as the item will return for future consideration. - City Manager Comments: Scott Butler responded to public comments on the 287G agreement, stating the city’s 16-year involvement has been fact-based and the program has not impacted actions taken outside the jail facility. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Beverly Apartments (Items 9A & 9B): Approved on a 5-2 vote (no votes from Councilmember Adams and Mayor Freeman). The motion combined the minor general plan amendment, rezoning, and site plan approval. - Annexation Hearing: No action; petition for signatures released; future consideration expected. - Public Comments: Recorded; no council response allowed per state law; follow-up may occur by staff or councilmembers.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on August 19, 2025, to review upcoming meeting agendas, discuss a proposed garage size reduction for the Siena Ridge PAD amendment, receive board minutes, and hear updates on current events and future meetings. Councilmember Adams participated by Zoom. Review of Agendas - August 18, 2025 Council Meeting Agenda: Staff clarified that the staff recommendation and P&Z board recommendation labels for items 9A (zoning case) and 9B (general plan) were inadvertently flipped — 9A is approval with conditions, 9B is adoption. The P&Z board voted 4-0 on both. Council may consider keeping both items together or separating them. - August 25, 2025 Council Meeting Agenda: Staff reported that item 3a (liquor license) originally had a recommendation for denial due to fire safety and outstanding debt issues, but those have been resolved. However, a zoning inconsistency remains (a legal non-conforming former gas station site). Staff now recommends approval for the license, as zoning alone is not a reason for denial. The applicant must resolve zoning issues before opening. Discussion: Siena Ridge PAD Amendment (Item 5C for August 25) - Proposal: Reduce garage sizes from the code standard of 20 ft by 22 ft. Plans 1 and 2: 19 ft 2 in by 20 ft; plans 3 and 4: 25 ft by 20 ft. The development is 29 units with two-car garages and 16 guest parking spaces. - Concerns: Vice Mayor Summers questioned shrinking garages while vehicles are getting larger, potential overflow parking onto 90th Street (a county road), and adequacy of guest parking. Councilmember Spillsbury noted that each unit's two-car garage is typically occupied, leaving only 0.1 spaces per unit for guests, and worried about neighborhood impact if garages cannot accommodate two cars. - Staff Response: The project meets required parking (2.1 spaces per unit). The smaller garages are still claimed to accommodate most vehicles, including full-size SUVs and trucks. Staff will provide a comparison of garage size standards in nearby jurisdictions before the August 25 meeting. - Position: Councilmember Adams advocated for consistent minimum dimensions rather than case-by-case reductions. Council decided to keep the item on the agenda for introduction but will evaluate further after receiving data. Acknowledgment of Receipt of Board Minutes - Vice Mayor Spillsbury moved to acknowledge receipt; motion passed unanimously with a voice vote (all in favor). Current Events and Conferences Attended - Vice Mayor Summers noted the deployment farewell ceremony of the 653rd Regional Support Group (Army Reserve) at Mesa Gateway Airport. - Councilmember Duff reported attending the ASU congressional dialogue on small modular nuclear reactors and the Arizona Korean Association's 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. - Councilmember Spillsbury attended a meeting at Sunland Village HOA to hear updates on the Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline. - Councilmember Goforth attended the Mayor's Institute on City Design in Providence, RI, showcasing the old Mervyn's property for future development, and moderated a water panel for the Mesa Chamber. She also attended India's 79th Independence Day celebration. Future Meetings - The League of Arizona Cities and Towns conference is this week in Scottsdale; the Thursday study session is cancelled. The next study session will be Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. Key Outcomes - The August 25 meeting agenda will include the revised liquor license recommendation (approval) and the Siena Ridge item with additional comparative data on garage sizes to be provided to council. - Board minutes were formally acknowledged. - No votes were taken on substantive items; the session was informational.