Public Meetings - Mesa, Arizona

The Mesa City Council met on June 2, 2026 (the transcript references June 1, 2026), with all members present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Tani Garcia and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the unanimous appointment and swearing-in of Jacob Brown as City Magistrate. The council then addressed the consent agenda, public hearings, and items removed from the consent agenda, before hearing citizen comments. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included approval of previous meeting minutes, contracts for private security guard services, vehicle glass services, bus shelter cleaning, a sewer project, intergovernmental agreement amendments, fee modifications for multiple departments (Development Services, Municipal Court, Office of Urban Transformation, Transportation), designation of the general election date (November 3, 2026) with bond questions and charter amendments, the city's expenditure limitation report, new personnel rules, charter amendments (sections 211 and 209-A), and a rezoning case (Ascension, 46-lot single residence). Items 4A, 6B, 6F, 6G, 6I, 6O, and 7D were removed for separate discussion. The remaining consent agenda was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah James Markham (supporting liquor license for China City Super Buffet, item 4A): Expressed support for Chinese American representation. - Reggie Braun (against item 6B): Argued crime analysis data infrastructure masks resource misallocation, criticized 287G agreements, and claimed public record requests were suppressed. - Joe (Jeff Netmeyer) (on item 6B): Questioned data security for integration of school cameras and suggested hiring in-house analysts instead of contracting with ASU. - Mary (speaker on 6F and 6G): Questioned the justification for fee increases given budget cuts and the flat tax law; opposed raising admission fees to the i.d.e.a. Museum and adding a $1.50 fee for paper utility bills. - Reggie Braun (on item 6I): Attempted to discuss code compliance fees but was redirected; raised concerns about transparency. - Wynn Stanley (in favor of item 6O, transportation bond): Supported the bond but urged timely project completion and recommended reviewing shared-use paths, specifically Gateway Three. - Reggie Braun (on item 7D): Raised unrelated animal abuse complaint; stayed briefly on zoning case. - Noah James Markham (on item 7D): Expressed support for the church zoning case. - Crystal Price (citizen comment, item 9): Described illegal occupancy and crime at a foreclosed property near her home; requested code enforcement and nuisance abatement. - Noah James Markham (citizen comment): Spoke in favor of Flock cameras, voiced support for Israel and Palestine, praised Congressman Greg Stanton for addressing ICE facilities, and advocated for private restrooms for transgender people. - Jim Bannon (citizen comment): Complimented the council, claimed he has been unable to meet with Police Chief Dan Butler to present a program, and requested an appointment. Discussion Items - Item 6B – ASU Crime Analysis Amendment: Reggie Braun and Joe (Netmeyer) raised concerns about data transparency, security, and outsourcing. Chief Nesbitt responded that analysts work in-house, undergo background checks, and the program contributes to Mesa being the safest major city of its size. He noted the partnership also serves as a hiring pipeline. - Item 6F & 6G – Fee Modifications: Mary opposed fee increases. City staff explained that fees are reviewed annually by subcommittee and reflect cost recovery from users rather than general taxpayers. - Item 6I – Code Compliance Fees: Reggie Braun attempted to discuss unrelated enforcement issues; council redirected him to the specific fee item. - Item 6O – Special Bond Election: Wynn Stanley supported the transportation bond but requested lessons learned from past delays and a review of shared-use path priorities. - Item 7D – New Life Fellowship Hall Rezoning: Reggie Braun was redirected for off-topic comments; Noah James Markham supported the rezoning. No opposition was voiced. Key Outcomes - Jacob Brown was unanimously appointed and sworn in as City Magistrate. - The consent agenda (as modified) was approved unanimously. - All seven items removed from the consent agenda (4A, 6B, 6F, 6G, 6I, 6O, 7D) were approved as a group by a unanimous vote. - The five-year capital improvement program for fiscal years 2027–2031 (items 8A/8B) was approved unanimously following a public hearing with no speakers. - Staff committed to follow up with Crystal Price regarding the foreclosed property issue. - Council adjourned without further business.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on June 2, 2026, to review the upcoming regular and special council meeting agendas, discuss the city's budget, and hear a report on the police department's partnership with Arizona State University. Council members also addressed constituent questions, acknowledged board minutes, and shared updates on community events. Consent Calendar - Council unanimously approved a motion to acknowledge receipt of various board minutes (items 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D). Item 2E was removed from the agenda to allow additional time for review and will be brought back at a future study session. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made directly from the audience. However, Councilmember Goforth and Councilmember Taylor raised constituent questions during the discussion. Councilmember Goforth asked Police Chief Butler about the value and necessity of the partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), given budget constraints. Councilmember Taylor also inquired about the program's funding and whether general funds were being used. Additionally, a resident watching the session asked via email about how the city is ensuring proper funding for the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) as the liability grows. Discussion Items Arizona State University Police Partnership - Chief Butler outlined the police department's partnership with ASU, which began in 2022. The program brings in paid interns (master's level students) to work as crime analysts, helping the department move from a reactive policing model to a predictive, data-driven approach. The grant-funded program costs up to $224,000 per year, with the grant covering $184,000. The city has rolled over $30,000 from the previous year's grant. To date, no general funds have been used for this program; it was initially funded by public safety sales tax and later by grants. Councilmember Goforth expressed initial concern about using general funds during budget cuts but noted that since the program is grant-funded, she saw no issue. Councilmember Taylor acknowledged the program's value in avoiding additional full-time hires. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Discussion - City Manager Mr. Butler reported that the city has cut $56 million from the general fund over three years through efficiencies and belt-tightening. He emphasized that the budget deficit was not due to overspending but to external revenue reductions. The city used reserves responsibly and is on track to return to a balanced budget two years earlier than projected. - Brian Richel, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, explained the difference between the February forecast (negative $16 million net sources and uses) and the April proposed budget (negative $36 million). The change was due to additions such as the $3 million redevelopment toolkit, $5 million from sworn MOU negotiations, $2.2 million in transit contract costs, and other adjustments including carryover and new positions. - Councilmember Goforth asked about the reserves, which total $474.5 million. Of that, $300.9 million is carryover from the prior year. The remaining $173 million includes $77 million for contingencies, $40 million for one-time projects, and $20 million for the pension stabilization fund. Mr. Richel and Mr. Butler clarified that the city budgets for a maximum expenditure limit under state law, which requires including all potential expenses even if not all are spent. The reserve policy is 8–10% of the general governmental fund, but the city targets 15%. - Councilmember Taylor asked about PSPRS funding. Sam (finance staff) explained that the city is on a 25-year plan to reach 100% funded status by 2042, which is more aggressive than the state mandate of 30 years. The city contributes at least $109 million annually, which is above the actuarial required contribution. This year, the unfunded liability was reduced by $60 million, and the city has moved from negative amortization to paying down the liability. Additional contributions may accelerate the timeline. Key Outcomes - Council unanimously approved the motion to acknowledge board minutes (2A–2D). - No final votes were taken on the budget; it will be considered at the special council meeting later that evening. - Council received information and clarified details on the ASU partnership, budget reserves, and PSPRS funding. The city manager will share the PSPRS presentation with inquiring residents. - The study session concluded with a moment of respect for Colonel Bruce Crandall, a Medal of Honor recipient and longtime Mesa employee, who passed away at age 93.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on May 21, 2026, preceded by separate board meetings for Eastmark Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 1 and CFD No. 2. The council heard presentations on the public safety pension system (PSPRS), the proposed secondary property tax levy, and the Off the Streets homeless shelter program, ultimately voting to continue the program at the Windermere Hotel after extensive debate. Consent Calendar - Eastmark CFD No. 1 Board: Unanimously approved prior minutes and held a public hearing on the proposed budget and tax levy, then unanimously adopted resolutions for the final budget and tax levy. - Eastmark CFD No. 2 Board: Unanimously approved prior minutes and, after a public hearing with no speakers, unanimously adopted the final budget and tax levy resolutions. - Council Study Session: Unanimously acknowledged receipt of minutes from various boards and committees. Public Comments & Testimony - David Winstanley (Eastmark CFD No. 1 resident): Spoke in favor of the CFD's resolution but asked the council to consider the additional tax burden on Eastmark residents. He noted the average tax increase of $591 (his was $900), and contrasted the self-funded Eastmark Great Park with the city-funded Red Mountain Park. He thanked staff for reducing the O&M rate. Councilmember Duff opposed including HOA/master-planned community costs in city comparisons, noting these costs are disclosed at purchase. Board members noted this was the fourth consecutive year of tax rate reduction. Discussion Items - PSPRS Pension Funding Policy (Item 6P on June 1st agenda): Sam Schultz, Assistant Budget Director, presented the annual update. The city’s unfunded liability decreased by $60 million due to additional contributions and investment gains. The city remains on track to reach 100% funded status by June 30, 2042, under a 25-year amortization plan. A $20 million pension stabilization fund has been set aside. The council will be asked to adopt the funding policy at the June 1st meeting. Councilmembers praised staff’s conservative management and noted the long-term strategy avoids pension obligation bonds. - Secondary Property Tax Levy (Special Council Meeting June 1st): City Treasurer Mark Hute presented the proposed levy for FY 2026-27. The tax rate is proposed to decrease by 1% to $0.85 per $100 of limited property value, generating a levy of $46.4 million. Mesa’s total taxable property value rose to $5.5 billion. The median homeowner would pay $166 annually. Councilmember Taylor explained the benefit of using utility transfers instead of a primary property tax, as it spreads costs to tax-exempt entities (government, churches, schools). The council will hold a public hearing and adopt the levy in July. - Off the Streets Program (Item 2A): Deputy City Manager Candace Canistrao, along with Lindsay Belinke and Josani Goodman, presented an update. The program currently operates 65 rooms at the Windermere Hotel, serving families, seniors, and domestic violence survivors. Over the past 12 months, 235 children, 100 seniors, and 202 survivors were served; 109 individuals are on the waitlist. Staff sought direction on funding and location. They identified federal funds (HOME-ARP and ARPA interest) that can fully cover the program’s $2.5M annual cost for three years without local sales tax. A Request for Information to nonprofits for takeover received only one response, which requested $2.5M in city support. The city-owned Sun Air property (64 rooms, 158 beds) is ready with a certificate of occupancy and a preferred provider (Mercy House) under a notice of intent to award. The Windermere option costs the same annually but provides 111 beds. Councilmember Duff strongly advocated for Sun Air, citing the $14M investment and greater capacity. Councilmembers Taylor and Adams opposed the program expansion and favored discontinuing or limiting it. Councilmember Heredia and Vice Mayor supported continuing the program. Police Lt. Dennis Thomas confirmed the program gives officers an alternative to enforcement. Key Outcomes - Off the Streets Program – Continuation: Council voted 4-2 to continue the program (Duff, Heredia, Vice Mayor, and Mayor in favor; Taylor and Adams opposed). - Off the Streets Program – Location: After a 2-2 split on Sun Air vs. Windermere (Duff and Heredia for Sun Air; Taylor and Adams for Windermere), the Mayor directed continuation at the Windermere Hotel. Staff will maintain the Sun Air property (secure and activate) while awaiting U.S. Treasury guidance on allowable uses of ARPA funds. - Pension Policy and Secondary Tax Levy: These items will proceed to a public hearing and final adoption at the June 1st regular council meeting and July 20th special meeting, respectively. - Flood Control IGA (Item 6A): Staff confirmed the intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County Flood Control District allows the city to draw $500,000 in grant funds for the Baseline Road drainage project, which is already underway. The work primarily occurs north of the road; traffic impacts will be minimized. - Next Steps: A strategic planning session follow-up is scheduled for May 28, 2026 at the Gateway Library.

Note: The transcript references May 18, 2026, but the instruction specifies the meeting date as May 19, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The study session included a review of the upcoming council meeting agenda, a detailed presentation on the Downtown Mesa Association (DMA) services and budget, and routine acknowledgment of board minutes. Councilmembers discussed parking challenges, event successes, and future priorities for downtown. Consent Calendar - Acknowledgment of Board Minutes: A motion to receive and file various board minutes was moved by Vice Mayor Radio, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Agenda Review (Item 1): The council reviewed the agenda for the evening's council meeting. Staff reported that item 11B had been withdrawn at the applicant's request, moving forward only with 11A (lower density, consistent with sub-area plan). Vice Mayor asked about the applicability of House Bill 2721 (middle housing) to the case; staff clarified that switching to middle housing would require a new rezoning application and council approval. Councilmember Adams expressed support for the direction, noting the importance of the sub-area plan. - Downtown Mesa Association (DMA) Presentation (Item 2): Jimmy Chiraccio, new executive director of DMA, and Jeff McVay, manager of urban transformation, presented DMA's accomplishments and future plans. Key points: - Clean Team: Removed 29 tons of trash, reduced graffiti through rapid removal, and increased landscaping maintenance at Mesa City Plaza and the Post/Neon Garden. - Parking Management: Managed 2,000 permits, issued 2,600 tickets and nearly 2,000 warnings, with enforcement focused on on-street and employee parking. Discussion included ASU students parking in three-hour zones and a potential circulator shuttle to remote garages. - Events: Mesa Amplified drew 27,000 attendees; Barbecue Classic had 20,000. The new story time program attracted 80–100 people per session. Marketing efforts generated $7 million in media value from a $30,000 PR investment. - Future Plans: Grow signature events, add a bluegrass component to Barbecue Classic, launch an alley activation pilot with a pending grant, and enhance summer marketing to support businesses. - Budget: Total DMA budget of $982,000, funded by property tax assessments ($350,000), city self-assessment ($230,000), and enhanced services contract ($400,000). Parking permit revenues are passed through to the city. - Council Questions: Councilmember Adams praised the clean team and asked about coordination with Visit Mesa; Chiraccio noted board membership and regular collaboration. Councilmember Taylor inquired about business feedback methods (in-person visits, surveys, email) and the number of businesses served (over 100). Councilmember Heredia asked about wayfinding signage; staff reported ongoing updates to parking signage and a future wayfinding program. - Protest Letters: Mayor noted two protest letters from property owners regarding the DMA assessment. Staff responded that one owner had three parcels, two of which are residential and not assessed; the other is an out-of-state owner of a vacant property. Staff argued the low number of protests reflected the quality of DMA services. Key Outcomes - The council will proceed with item 11A (lower density) at the evening council meeting, with 11B withdrawn. - The DMA's annual statement of work and budget will be presented for approval at the council meeting. - The motion to acknowledge board minutes was approved. - Future meetings: Study session on Thursday, May 22, with early agenda review for June 1 council meeting, and a strategic planning session on May 28. - Councilmembers shared attendance at the firefighter recruit graduation, America 250 event, and ULI City Council Day.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on May 19, 2026, with all members present except Councilmember Adams participating via Zoom. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Gregory Dansby and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Samuel Palmer. The council approved the consent agenda, conducted a public hearing on the Mesa Town Center Improvement District, and heard public comments on various topics including immigration enforcement and literacy. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including items 5C (sewer drainage improvements), 7A (fellowship hall building), and 11A (housing), which were initially removed and bundled for a single vote. Other items included approval of minutes, multiple liquor license applications (Casa de Mambo, Grab and Go, Target, Zaytona, Circle K), various contracts for fleet services, transportation, water resources, technology, and public safety bonds, as well as resolutions for grant funds, intergovernmental agreements, and personnel rules. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah James Markham spoke in support of items 5C, 7A, and 11A, expressing appreciation for the fellowship hall and housing initiatives. - Jason Smithson thanked Councilmember Heredia for supporting a swim day field trip, praised the K Ready and Beyond initiative for early literacy, and highlighted the Family Literacy Program's success over 35 years. He stressed literacy as a public safety and economic issue. - Maya Peterson spoke against the 287G agreement with ICE, alleging racial profiling, excessive force, and inhumane conditions in detention centers. She criticized the council for changing meeting procedures and accused them of lying and violating ethics, calling for 287G to be placed on the agenda. - Bob Hethcock supported the 287G agreement, citing Mesa's status as the safest major city in the U.S. He noted a 14% drop in violent crimes and high case clearance rates, attributed to police and community efforts. He opposed making Mesa a sanctuary city. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (including items 5C, 7A, and 11A) and a resolution for the Mesa Town Center Improvement District (Item 12B) with no rate increase. - The city clerk announced a new randomized speaker selection process for public comments under "Items from Citizens Present," effective June 1, 2026, intended to ensure equal opportunity regardless of arrival time. - The meeting adjourned after the public comments.

This study session was held on May 14, 2026, to review the agenda for the regular council meeting on May 18, 2026, discuss proposed 2026 general obligation bonds, and consider amendments to the city charter. Council member Goforth was excused; members Taylor and Haredi participated via Zoom. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was presented. The council later acknowledged receipt of board minutes by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the study session. Discussion Items - Review of May 18 Agenda Items: - Vehicle Detection System (4B): Council member Taylor questioned whether the technology involves license plate reading or facial recognition. Eric Kadarian confirmed it is only presence detection for traffic signals, no driver data. Data belongs to Mesa and is stored on city servers; police cannot access without warrant. The contract is for a new form of detection to replace older video and in-ground systems. - Apple Computer Products (4E): Discussion on the three- to five-year replacement schedule for Apple products. CIO Scott Kahn explained that e-waste proceeds are donated to community schools via a matching program. If equipment is not replaced, technical debt would reduce staff effectiveness. - Fire Truck Purchase (4G): The purchase of nine pumpers, two heavy rescues, and one ladder truck (total $16.9 million) is front-loaded to save $980,000. Lead times have increased to three to four years. Fleet Director Jason Mickelson detailed costs: pumpers $1.1–$1.2 million, ladder truck $2.6 million. Vice Mayor noted potential litigation against manufacturers for anti-competitive practices; a future executive session will discuss joining that litigation. - Hohokam Stadium/Fitch Park Improvements (4K): Required under the 25-year lease with the Oakland A’s (first 10-year interval). Improvements include a hitting lab and upgrades to locker rooms, dining, and sports medicine. Joe from the A’s spoke about the partnership and community impact. Brian Richell reported a $3–4 million bump in March sales tax from spring training. - Foreign Trade Zone Extension for Apple (5D): Apple is expanding its FTZ sub-zone by seven acres for manufacturing server cabinets, not for the data center. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oversees compliance. Vice Mayor questioned whether the FTZ is being used for a data center; staff clarified only manufacturing areas qualify. Mesa has ample FTZ capacity (2,000 acres; currently under 150 used). Three new operators are in process. - Ordinance 11A/11B (Citrus Sub-area zoning): Two competing recommendations: staff recommends approval with a condition to keep density at RS-35 (1.24 dwelling units per acre); Planning & Zoning Board recommends approval without the condition (1.27 du/ac). Council member Adams favored staff’s recommendation to honor the sub-area plan. Discussion on the new middle housing law (HB 2721) and its potential impact. Council decided to proceed with introduction of both ordinances for further debate. - 2026 General Obligation Bonds Presentation: - Public Safety Projects ($150 million): Includes $44.7M for a new public safety training facility (joint police/fire), $16.8M for a joint training building, $5M for acquisition of two future fire station sites, $28.7M for central station expansion and tenant improvements, $3.9M for warehouse relocation, $37M for West Yard fleet facility upgrade, and $10.1M for Mesa’s share of regional Topaz radio network upgrade. Discussion emphasized employee retention, training needs, and leveraging grants. - Transportation Projects ($135 million): Includes $38.2M for Warner Road bridge (70% reimbursable from Prop 479), $50.8M for Mesa Drive phase three (70% reimbursable), several shared use paths (Lehigh, Gateway, US 60, downtown, Thomas Road), and safety improvements on Higley and Broadway. Discussion on leveraging regional funding and coordinating construction to minimize disruption. - Tax Impact: For a home valued at $250,000, the estimated annual cost is $69 (public safety $36, transportation $28). Treasurer Mark Hughes clarified that the limited property value is what is taxed; the full cash value is higher. The impact will be phased over six years as bonds are issued. - Charter Amendments Presentation: - Section 209A (Council Meetings): Proposal to conform with state law regarding meeting frequency, public notice, and executive session purposes. Would allow flexibility (e.g., one meeting per month when appropriate) while maintaining state-law notice requirements. - Section 211 (Ordinances): Proposal to update posting and publication requirements: require posting on city website, reduce physical postings from three to one, and allow modern publication methods (e.g., reference to website instead of full text in newspaper). Expected savings in publication costs (currently $20,000–$25,000 per year). - Both amendments follow state law and modern technology practices. Council expressed support. Key Outcomes - Council gave direction to proceed with placing two GO bond questions (public safety and transportation) on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The resolutions will be introduced on May 18 and adopted on June 1. - Council gave direction to proceed with two charter amendment questions (Section 209A and Section 211) for the November ballot. The ordinances will be introduced on May 18 and adopted on June 1. - Council acknowledged receipt of board minutes by unanimous voice vote and adjourned.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on May 7, 2026, preceded by three Community Facility District (CFD) board meetings. The primary focus of the study session was a presentation and discussion on the proposed redevelopment and expansion of the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AZMNH) into a world-class cultural attraction and mixed-use destination. The council also conducted an executive session on magistrate interviews and voted to advance a candidate for appointment. Consent Calendar - Cadence CFD Board Meeting: Unanimously approved prior minutes and the tentative FY 2026-27 budget, setting May 21, 2026, for the public hearing on the final budget and tax levy. Board members Heredi and Duff absent and excused; Taylor participating by Zoom. - Eastmark CFD 1 Board Meeting: Unanimously approved prior minutes and the tentative FY 2026-27 budget, setting May 21, 2026, for the public hearing. Board members Reddy and Duff absent and excused; Taylor participating by Zoom. The mayor noted receipt of 49 emails in support of the budget (a tax cut). - Eastmark CFD 2 Board Meeting: Unanimously approved prior minutes and the tentative FY 2026-27 budget, setting May 21, 2026, for the public hearing. Board members Heredi and Duff absent and excused; Taylor participating by Zoom. Public Comments & Testimony - During the Eastmark CFD 1 board meeting, the mayor stated that 49 emails were received in support of the budget. No other public comments were made during the CFD meetings or the subsequent council study session. Discussion Items - Arizona Museum of Natural History Economic Redevelopment Project – The council received a comprehensive presentation from city staff and consulting partners (GNA, Jones Studio, Gallagher & Associates, Benefactor Group) outlining a vision to transform the AZMNH into a 118,000-square-foot museum integrated with a 170,000-square-foot mixed-use development including a hotel, retail, restaurant, and event spaces. Key points included: - Return on Investment/Impact: The museum currently attracts 175,000 visitors annually (0.7% of the valley’s potential audience), ranking 25th out of 30 peer museums nationwide. A new, purpose-built facility could increase visitation to 515,000–630,000 annually, drive economic impact (3–4× current arts/culture sector), and boost cost recovery (currently 70–80%). The project is positioned to capture growing tourism and STEM economy. - Community Engagement: Surveys and an in-person event engaged 650 people. Findings showed strong loyalty, desire for adult programming, more dinosaurs, immersive experiences, and deeper representation of Arizona’s indigenous heritage and regional character. - Architecture and Experience Design: The design, organized around “Journeys of Discovery,” uses braided storytelling themes (cosmos, earth, life, people). The building concept incorporates Arizona-inspired materials, rammed earth, canyon-like interior atrium, double-height spaces, a rooftop observatory, and indoor-outdoor connections. Councilmember Taylor emphasized that observatory views should face the mountains. - Funding Model: A $300 million project is envisioned with three equal legs: public investment, private commercial investment (hospitality), and private philanthropy. Case studies from the Natural History Museum of Utah and Milwaukee Public Museum were cited. Philanthropic potential in the metro area is strong (120,000 high-net-worth households; $3–4 billion in annual giving). The foundation has committed $760,000 over the past two years for planning. - Next Steps: Staff requested approval to proceed with a two-year, $6 million work program (funded by one-time city revenues) to complete an economic impact study, community outreach, fundraising capacity building, and preliminary architectural/site design (5–10% design). Council would receive formal updates each May. - Councilmember Questions and Comments: - Councilmember Adams requested more case studies and suggested more frequent public updates. He supported moving forward and praised the foundation’s dedication. - Councilmember Taylor raised concerns about the exclusion of creationism, stating that “both theories must be represented fairly.” She also queried the source of the $6 million and asked about the foundation’s contribution. Staff replied that the funds are one-time revenues and that the foundation will be a partner. - Councilmember Go Forth emphasized the need to justify the price tag, asked about alternate outcomes if fundraising falls short, and requested a detailed breakdown of the $6 million. She supported the project’s ambition but noted the challenge of convincing voters. - Vice Mayor Summers noted the historic significance of the existing 1937 building and asked for integration into the design. - Mayor read a letter from Councilmember Duff expressing full support, noting the project has evolved from a $180 million concept to a $300 million mixed-use destination, and urged council to proceed. - Councilmembers expressed informal consensus to move forward with the two-year process. Key Outcomes - Council Direction: The council indicated support for proceeding with the two-year, $6 million work program for the AZMNH redevelopment project, including design development, economic impact study, and fundraising capacity building. Formal approval will be required at a future voting meeting. - Magistrate Appointment: Following an executive session, the council unanimously voted to place Jacob Brown on a future city council agenda for appointment as city magistrate. - Adjournment: The study session was adjourned.

Note: The transcript opens with a reference to "May 4th," but the provided meeting timestamp is 2026-05-05 15:13:02+00:00. This summary uses the given date; the discrepancy is noted. This study session reviewed the upcoming council meeting agenda, fielded questions on specific items, acknowledged board minutes, and included council member reports on recent events. No formal votes were taken on agenda items, except for the unanimous acknowledgment of board minutes. Discussion Items - Agenda Review (Item 1): Council reviewed the evening's council meeting agenda. Councilmember Taylor inquired about Item 5B (amendment to the 2122 Home American Rescue Plan) and whether funds would be allocated to the Sun Air project. Staff (Candace) clarified that the action is an administrative designation change with HUD and that no funding allocations have been determined. A follow-up from staff added that they will return to council for direction on the Office Streets program before any funding is allocated, so the vote would not authorize such funding. - Item 3A (O'Kelly's Liquor License): Councilmember Adams requested further details on police calls for O'Kelly's. Staff provided data: in 2025, the building (with multiple businesses) had 15 calls; O'Kelly's specifically had 12 calls (noise, trespassing, assault, DUI). In 2026 so far, three calls for the building, two for O'Kelly's. Councilmember Adams noted a protest on the license triggers a liquor board review. Councilmember Heredia expressed no issue and indicated he would refer the item to the LICO board for a decision. - Acknowledgment of Board Minutes (Item 2): Vice Mayor moved to acknowledge various board minutes; the motion passed unanimously (all ayes). Current Events & Conferences - Councilmember Summers reported attending the Historic Preservation Art and Essay Contest, the East Valley Fire Cadet graduation, and Mesa Amplified concert series. Downtown was well-attended. - Vice Mayor attended the Salt River Pima Indian Community's cultural center soft opening. - Mayor reported participating in a Taiwan U.S. Science Park Initiative pitch, speaking at a Rotary District conference, and visiting Sister Cities exchange students from Peru. - Future meetings: Full council meeting at 5:45 PM; Thursday study session at 7:30 AM starting with East Mark and Cadence Community Facility District meetings. The Mesa Hydration Campaign kicks off tomorrow with United Food Bank. District 3 Spring Blast at Rhodes Aquatic Complex on Friday. - Councilmember noted Mental Health Awareness Month and the city's proactive programs. The mayor made a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Day, with many wearing green. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on substantive agenda items. The acknowledgment of board minutes passed unanimously. - Staff clarified that Item 5B does not authorize any specific funding allocation; further council direction is needed. - Item 3A will be referred to the LICO board for decision on the liquor license. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time, with council moving to the full council meeting upstairs.

The Mesa City Council convened on May 5, 2026, at 3:12 PM UTC. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Ann Leiter from St. Matthew United Methodist Church (formerly Velda Rose United Methodist Church) and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Xander Rogers of Boy Scout Troop 54. Items on the agenda included a consent agenda, public hearings for two developments (Haven at Hawes and Haven at Destination), citizen comments, and a proclamation recognizing David Rousseau. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meetings. - Liquor license applications: 309 Sports Lounge (2050 West Guadalupe Road) and AW Smoke Shop (1232 East Southern Avenue). - Contracts: pavement marking materials (three-year term with two-year renewal options), variable frequency drivers for Water Resources, emergency/non-emergency generator rental services, generator purchases and installation services, and a statewide fire incident management system (grant-funded). - Resolutions: submission of the City of Mesa Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 for HUD and Human Services Funds; substantial amendment to the fiscal year 2021-2022 Home American Rescue Allocation Plan; right-of-way occupancy license with Bureau Fiber Networks. - Introductions of ordinances: amendments to city auditor duties (Title I, Chapter 31); zoning cases 25-256 (minor vehicle service/repair at Southern Avenue and Signal Butte Road), 26-81 (minor auto repair at Ellsworth and Elliott Roads), and 25-917 (hotel and commercial development at Wrecker Road and Longboat Parkway). Item 7A was continued to June 1, 2026. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously via voice vote (Councilmembers Heredia and Taylor participated via Zoom, all others present). Public Comments & Testimony - Reggie Braun: Reported a May 2, 2026 adoption event at a park where approximately 14 puppies were allegedly kept in inadequate shade and water (92-94°F), in their own urine and vomit, and in distress. The organization claimed to be Phoenix Rising (associated with PetSmart), but Braun later identified it as Puppy Love Rescue, which he stated has prior animal cruelty charges in Phoenix and Cave Creek (filed June 2025). Braun stated he contacted Mesa PD but officers and a supervisor did not examine the animals, and he was asked for ID and about weapons. Braun urged the council to protect dogs and prosecute the individuals. The council did not respond due to state law restrictions. Proclamation - David Rousseau Day: Mayor read a proclamation honoring David Rousseau, fourth-generation Arizonan and former president of Salt River Project (serving over 20 years). Rousseau’s family history includes building Roosevelt Dam; he was founding partner of Russo Farming Company (over 10,000 acres, 20 commodities). He served on boards of Banner Health Foundation, Phoenix Art Museum, The Nature Conservancy, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council. The proclamation declared May 5, 2026 as David Rousseau Day in Mesa. Rousseau thanked the council and noted his navigation issues finding the meeting location. A photo was taken with council. Discussion Items - Haven at Hawes Development: Public hearing held for items 8–8C (annexation ordinance, major general plan amendment resolution, zoning case). No public or council comments. Motion to approve by Vice Mayor Summers; passed unanimously. - Haven at Destination Development: Public hearing held for items 9A–9B (major general plan amendment resolution, zoning case). No public or council comments. Motion to approve by Vice Mayor; passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (including continuation of item 7A to June 1, 2026). - Haven at Hawes development (items 8–8C) approved unanimously. - Haven at Destination development (items 9A–9B) approved unanimously. - Proclamation recognizing David Rousseau Day in Mesa. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.