Public Meetings - Mesa, Arizona

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on March 25, 2026, but the provided timestamp records March 26, 2026. This summary uses the supplied date per instructions. The City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board convened on March 26, 2026, for a public hearing. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda and voted to recommend four development items (general plan amendments and rezoning) to the City Council. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Item 2A: Approval of the Planning and Zoning Board minutes from March 11, 2026. - Item 3A: Request ZON 25-00966 (Live at Eastmark) – Site plan review for a 208-unit multiple residence development on 8.5 acres near South Ellsworth Road and East Ray Road. Staff recommended approval with conditions. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Discussion Items (Items 4A–4D) The board opened a public hearing for these items, but no members of the public spoke. The board then voted to recommend approval to the City Council. - Item 4A (GPA 25-00283): Haven at Destination – Major general plan amendment for 28 acres at South Meridian Road and Arizona Route 24, changing place type from Urban Center to Mixed Residential. Staff recommended adoption. - Item 4B (ZON 25-00288.5): Related planned area development overlay and residential product approval for a 155-lot single-residence development. - Item 4C (GPA 25-00233): Haven at Hawes – Major general plan amendment for 38 acres at South Hawes Road and East Mesquite Street, changing place type from Local Employment Center to Urban Residential. Staff recommended adoption. - Item 4D (ZON 25-00234): Haven at Hawes – Rezoning from Agricultural to Residential Small Lot 2.5, with a planned area development overlay and residential product approval for a 230-lot single-residence development. Staff recommended approval with an added condition: if the eastern wall is in disrepair, the applicant must provide a wall consistent with the project's architecture. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Items 4A–4D: Recommended for approval to the City Council by unanimous vote (7-0). - Next Steps: The recommendations will be forwarded to the Mesa City Council for final action.

The Mesa City Council met on March 24, 2026, to consider a range of agenda items, most notably a resolution to modify fees and charges for Falcon Field Airport, including the introduction of landing fees. After extensive public testimony and council deliberation, the council voted unanimously to approve the resolution. Other actions included approval of a sewer lift station project and a storage facility expansion, as well as public comments on drink spiking prevention and immigration enforcement. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda unanimously. Items included approval of minutes, liquor license applications for several businesses (Jin's Smokeshop, Paladino's Italian Eatery, La Tienda One Stop, Happy Food Mart, Mama's Soul Lounge, Salt Sea and Land Tacos), a three-year contract with renewal options for streetlight painting services, and the introduction of two zoning ordinances (25-774 and 25-326) related to industrial and commercial developments. Several items were removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration: 4A (emergency communications contract), 4C (cooperative contract), 4D (North Higley lift station), 5B (Falcon Field fees), and 7C (storage facility development agreement). Items 5B and 5C were initially on consent but were pulled; 5C (Falcon Field fees) was moved to the front of the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony Falcon Field Landing Fees (Item 5C) - Opposition speakers (pilots, flight school owners, aviation organizations, and residents): Argued that landing fees would hurt flight training (80% of Falcon Field traffic), increase safety risks (pilots might disable ADS-B), drive away based aircraft and businesses, and reduce the airport's $811 million annual economic impact. They requested deferral for further study and creation of an advisory board. Specific concerns included the burden on flight schools (e.g., Leopard Aviation facing $65,000/month in fees), the negative impact on nonprofit programs like Young Eagles and Aviation Explorers, and the lack of transparency in the fee-setting process. Speakers also noted that landing fees on based aircraft are rare among general aviation airports and that alternative revenue sources (e.g., fuel flowage tax, hangar fees) should be explored first. - Support speakers (residents, business owners, and a former mayor): Argued that the airport should be self-sustaining and that users should pay for the costs they generate. They cited deferred maintenance, a $2 million annual shortfall in the airfield cost center, and the principle of fairness to Mesa taxpayers who do not use the airport. Some noted that landing fees are common at other airports and that the proposed fee ($20 per landing after 10 free landings) is reasonable for a business cost. Supporters emphasized that taxpayers should not subsidize airport operations. - City Attorney Smith: Stated at the outset that the fees are not intended to reduce noise or flight traffic, nor to discriminate against any user, and that such considerations are not permissible under FAA policy. Item 4D – North Higley Lift Station - Speaker Louis More (as Lumar Isabeth Garza): Questioned the tie between Item 4D and Item 7C, and expressed concern about water usage during a drought, asking if the project would use recycled water for drinking. - Speaker Nathan Allen: Criticized the city for approving water-intensive projects while asking residents to conserve water. - City staff (Lance Webb, Joe Judice): Clarified that 4D is a wastewater (sewer) lift station project, not a water supply project. It collects and treats wastewater, with effluent delivered to the Gila River Indian Community in exchange for Colorado River water. The project is funded by capacity fees from new development and serves both existing septic areas and undeveloped land. Item 7C – Storage Facility Expansion - Speaker Louis More: Reiterated concerns about the relationship between 4D and 7C, and noted the lack of online publication of the original development agreement. - Applicant Reese Anderson: Explained that the amendment adds four acres acquired from ADOT to an existing RV/boat storage facility, with improved landscaping and restricted uses. He noted that the closest residential neighborhood is 1,300 feet away. Items from Citizens Present - Jason Smithson: Proposed a drink spiking prevention ordinance requiring late-night alcohol establishments to carry detection kits, post signage, and train staff. He cited statistics (91% of incidents unreported, 31% of ASU students surveyed reporting victimization) and urged Mesa to lead on this issue. - Kevin Teichu: Opposed 287G (immigration enforcement cooperation), arguing that immigrants, regardless of legal status, deserve dignity and that family separation and detention are inhumane. He shared his own experience as a naturalized citizen. - David Winstanley: Discussed using localized taxing districts (CFDs) to fund community amenities, comparing how Eastmark Great Park was funded vs. citywide bonds. He suggested that residents in districts wanting urban amenities should pay via local taxing districts rather than general city funds. Discussion Items Falcon Field Landing Fees (Item 5C) - Council questions: Vice Mayor Summers asked about the difference between Falcon Field and Mesa Gateway Airport (Gateway has no landing fees under 12,500 lbs, is a separate authority, and receives city membership fees). Airport Director Corinne Nystrom explained the cost center approach: the airfield cost center has a $2 million annual deficit, which the landing fee is designed to address. She noted that staff reviewed alternatives (fuel flowage fee, business fee) but determined a landing fee is the most equitable way to spread costs across all users. Council Member Duff inquired about exemptions for nonprofits like Young Eagles; staff responded that exemptions are limited to emergency medical flights due to administrative tracking difficulties. Council Member Adams asked about deferred maintenance affecting safety; Nystrom confirmed safety concerns if not addressed. City Manager Jim Butler affirmed the city's due diligence and FAA compliance. - Council Member Goforth (lead for this item, as Falcon Field is in her district): Summarized the process, noted the necessity of the fee to avoid burdening general taxpayers, and stated that the proposal was adjusted from 5 to 10 free landings based on stakeholder feedback. She supported the resolution, emphasizing that delaying would only increase costs. Item 4D – North Higley Lift Station - Council clarified that the project is for wastewater only, not drinking water. City Engineer Lance Webb and Water Resources Director Joe Judice explained that the lift station will provide sewer capacity for undeveloped land and overloaded areas, supporting growth while enabling water exchange with the Gila River Indian Community. Items 7A, 7B, 7C – Storage Facility Expansion - Council Member Goforth raised concerns that a new residential neighborhood built since the original 2021 rezoning had not been given an opportunity to review the expansion plans. She moved to continue the items to April 20, 2026, to allow for additional public outreach. The motion failed on a tie vote. The council then approved the package (7A, 7B, 7C) on a motion by Council Member Duff, with a second by Council Member Saretti, carrying unanimously (with Council Member Adams absent). The applicant confirmed that the closest resident is 1,300 feet away and that the expansion includes enhanced landscaping and use restrictions. Key Outcomes - Falcon Field Landing Fees (Item 5C): Approved unanimously (6-0, with Council Member Adams absent). The resolution (26-0280) establishes landing fees for all aircraft, with 10 free landings per month per tail number for based aircraft, and fees applicable after that threshold. The fee is intended to make the airfield cost center self-sustaining, covering a $2 million annual deficit. Exemptions are provided only for emergency medical flights. - Consent Agenda: Approved as presented, with items 4A, 4C, 4D, 5B, and 7C pulled for separate discussion. - Item 4A (Emergency Communications Contract): Approved unanimously (with Council Member Adams absent). - Item 4C (Cooperative Contract): Approved unanimously (Council Member Adams absent). - Item 4D (North Higley Lift Station): Approved unanimously (Council Member Adams absent). - Item 5B: Approved unanimously (Council Member Adams absent). - Items 7A, 7B, 7C (Storage Facility Expansion): Approved after a failed motion to continue; vote was 5-0 (Council Member Adams absent). The development agreement amendment adds four acres and restricts certain uses such as multifamily, drive-through restaurants, and data centers. - Citizen Comments: No immediate action taken; the council received the information for consideration. - Next Steps: For Falcon Field, staff will implement the landing fee through a third-party vendor using ADS-B or camera systems. The council will review fee impacts and adjust as needed in the next budget cycle. The applicant for Item 7C agreed to conduct additional outreach as requested by Council Member Goforth, though not required by the final vote.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on March 24, 2026, to review and discuss several agenda items scheduled for the upcoming regular council meeting. All council members were present. The session focused on a senior affordable housing project, a construction manager at risk contract, public safety technology upgrades, and a facility asset management software investment. No formal votes were taken; the discussions were intended to inform council decisions at the subsequent meeting. Discussion Items - Item 5A – Helix Apartments Senior Affordable Housing Project - Staff presented a proposed ground lease and option-to-purchase agreement with Commonwealth Development Company for a 0.92-acre parcel at 1731 and 37 West University Drive, adjacent to the city’s senior center and Aster Aging. - The project would create 62 units of senior (age 55+) affordable housing, with affordability guaranteed for 50 years (extendable to 75 years). - The city used federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to purchase the land. No local general fund dollars are required for construction or ongoing maintenance. - The developer will apply for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LITEC) in the 2026 or 2027 cycle; the ground lease option provides the developer with additional points. The project is expected to score 180 out of 185 possible points. - Council members expressed support for the project, noting the high demand for senior affordable housing, though one member raised concerns about concentrating senior housing in the downtown area. - Item 4D – Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Contract - Lance (staff) explained the rationale for using a CMAR delivery method for a project near Higley and the 202, involving work with ADOT, Longbow development, and other entities. - Reasons included complexity of terrain (caliche, rock, deep trenching up to 40 feet), need for flexibility in design, and coordination with multiple adjacent owners. - The CMAR approach allows for collaboration during design, potential cost savings, and a guaranteed maximum price to limit city exposure to unknown conditions. - Council members agreed that the CMAR method was appropriate for this project. - Item 4A – 911 Technology Software Upgrade - Staff recommended replacing the current Variant system with a new Eventide platform, sourced through a cooperative purchasing agreement at a cost of $647,000. - The current system is approaching end-of-life and has been experiencing quality issues. The new system will be used by police, fire, and fire medical dispatch, and will be cloud-based with an annual maintenance cost of approximately $84,000. - The new software includes automated quality assurance, data analytics, and will improve training feedback for call takers and dispatchers. - Council members asked about ongoing costs, comparison to other bids, and the transition timeline. Staff confirmed the new system is a proven, better product at a significantly lower cost than alternatives. - Item 4C – Asset Management and Capital Planning Software - A proposal for a comprehensive asset management system for the city’s 300+ buildings (nearly 5 million square feet) and parks facilities, at a cost of $1.2 million. - The software will replace current spreadsheet-based tracking, enabling real-time condition assessments, deferred maintenance planning, and lifecycle cost analysis. - Council member Taylor questioned the high price tag; staff explained the scope includes on-site assessments of thousands of assets and the software itself, which will ultimately save money by moving from reactive to proactive maintenance. - Staff noted that the tool is critical to addressing the city’s backlog of deferred maintenance, a priority identified by the city manager. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the study session. Council members expressed general support for all discussed items, with the understanding that formal action would occur at the regular council meeting. - The council agreed to move item 5C (Falcon Field) to the front of the consent agenda, but it was not discussed further. - The council deferred the “current events and conferences” item to the next study session. - The study session adjourned, and the council proceeded to the regular meeting.

This study session focused on the proposed fees and charges for Falcon Field Airport, including landing fees and increases to hangar and tie-down rents, aimed at making the airport financially self-sustaining. The council also approved routine appointments to various boards and committees. The meeting was held on March 17, 2026, as directed, though the transcript references March 12, 2026. Discussion Items - Falcon Field Fee Proposal (Item 1A): City staff, led by Corinne (Airport Manager), Sam Schultz, and outside legal counsel Jill Owens, presented a recommendation to address the airport's financial sustainability. Key points included: - The airport enterprise fund has been balanced using a one-time $4.6 million land sale proceeds and conservative budgeting, but rising costs and deferred maintenance (e.g., pavement, 411 city-owned hangars) now threaten sustainability. - The airfield cost center has a $2 million annual shortfall, with current revenues ($374,000 from fuel flowage fees and other sources) covering only a fraction of $2.4 million in costs. - Proposed increases: 10% for hangar rents, 23% for open tie-downs (currently $55/month), and 11% for covered tie-downs. Landing fees are proposed for non-based aircraft with exemptions for based aircraft (first 10 landings free), emergency, government, medical, and training flights. - Staff emphasized the FAA's requirement (Grant Assurance 24) for self-sustainability and that fees are not intended to reduce noise or traffic. - Councilmembers discussed impacts on other airports, competitive fuel pricing, and the need to avoid further deferred maintenance. Councilmember Goforth expressed strong support for the cost-center approach and moving to a vote on March 23. - The city manager noted that Falcon Field receives no general fund subsidy. - Appointments to Boards and Committees (Item B): A motion to approve appointments was made by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Duff, and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - The council will vote on the proposed fees and charges for Falcon Field at the March 23, 2026 council meeting. If approved, the changes would take effect May 1, 2026. - The appointments to boards and committees were approved unanimously. - Councilmembers reported on upcoming events, including budget meetings, Lehigh Days, and the National League of Cities conference travel.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on March 10, 2026, to review items for the upcoming regular council meeting and to receive updates from council members on recent events and community activities. Councilmember Adams was excused and absent. Agenda Review - Council reviewed the agenda for the evening's regular council meeting. No additional questions were raised by council members. Council Member Reports & Community Updates - Councilmember Taylor reported attending a Japanese business reception in Phoenix, hosted by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Arizona Commerce Authority, where she met Mesa-based Japanese-owned businesses. She noted that 50 additional businesses are considering locating in Arizona, potentially in Mesa. - Councilmember Duff described attending the fire department's family day (demonstrations of crisis events), a junior sons basketball championship at Eagles Community Center, downtown Mesa's baseball block party (featuring Sparky from ASU and former Diamondbacks players), and the Save the Family Elegance and Hope gala (18th annual, raising significant funds for families in need). - Councilmember Radio highlighted Dobson High School receiving the A+ School of Excellence designation from Arizona, one of only a few schools in the state. - Councilmember Goforth reported that the Mountain Bridge and Madrid communities received the Firewise designation for fire prevention efforts, coordinating with Arizona State Forestry. She also attended an America 250 block party at Segara Ranch, the America 250 exhibit at Red Mountain Library (featuring a Liberty Bell replica, attendance over 100), and the final day of the We Run Mesa program at Keno Junior High. - The mayor discussed police department efforts: five e-bike safety sessions conducted by Superstition Division officers, with soft enforcement (education-focused) expected to begin within the next two weeks; criminal violations will still be enforced. - Budget meetings were announced: the first community budget hearing at the Northeast Public Safety facility had only 4 residents attend, with 35–40 staff present. Two additional meetings are scheduled: Tuesday, March 11, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Post (west side) and Wednesday, March 12, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Gateway Library (district six). Councilmembers urged public participation. - Councilmember Taylor noted that advisory board and committee applications are open for the new fiscal year starting July 1, with many positions becoming available. - Councilmember Taylor mentioned attending a ribbon cutting for Brewster's Ice Cream (near Costco on South), the owner's first business. - The mayor announced that Representative Stanton presented a check for $430,000 for a shot detection system technology. The system will differentiate between gunshots, fireworks, and other loud noises, and will be integrated with the real-time crime center. - Councilmember Goforth reiterated the Firewise recognition for Mountain Bridge and Madrid, emphasizing the defensible space volunteer work involved. - The mayor reported that Lehigh Days rodeo (March 8) drew over 3,000 attendees, with support from solid waste, parks, and police departments. He also attended an America 250 concert by the U.S. Army Field Band and Chorus at the Mesa Arts Center. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken during the study session. - The regular council meeting was scheduled for 5:45 p.m. immediately following the study session. - A study session and community and cultural development committee meeting will be held on Thursday, March 12 (7:30 a.m.). The study session originally scheduled for Thursday, March 19 was canceled. - The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous voice vote.

This regular Mesa City Council meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout Troop 484. Councilmember Adams was absent and excused. The council approved the consent agenda (with several items removed for separate discussion) and subsequently voted on six pulled items, all passing unanimously. Public comment included three speakers on police militarization, privacy, and the 287G immigration agreement with ICE. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meetings. - Acting liquor license for Zach's Cigar Bar (7310 East Main Street). - Dollar limit increase for landscape maintenance services term contract. - Term contract for traffic signal loop detection installation services. - Cooperative contract for pavement management services. - Items 4B, 4C, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 7A were removed from consent and considered separately. Public Comments & Testimony On Agenda Items - Reggie Braun (data engineer, Mesa resident) spoke on 4B (safety/medical supplies), 4C (ballistic helmets), 4F (traffic management video wall), and 7A (code amendments). He expressed concern that safety and medical supplies contracts include tactical items like ballistic helmets and face masks, characterizing the purchases as prioritization of militarization. He noted that violent crime has been reduced but the sexual assault clearance rate is less than 12%, arguing resources are misallocated. On the video wall, he asked whether data interfaces with federal enforcement; Transportation Director Eric Kaderian confirmed feeds are shared with the police department and real-time crime center but could not track further use. Braun also criticized delays in public records requests (over 70 days overdue) and requested greater transparency. - Noah James Markham (Tempe resident) spoke on 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, and 6A. He expressed distrust of the Mesa Police Department, particularly regarding treatment of people with disabilities, and opposed the safety/medical supplies contract. He supported the solar power purchase agreement (5A) but opposed the intergovernmental agreement with Gilbert Unified School District (5B) due to lack of trust in Mesa handling waste collection in Gilbert. He rejected the RV/boat storage zoning case (6A) as uninteresting. His remarks referenced the 287G agreement multiple times. Items from Citizens Present - Leanne McGelvy (Mesa resident, originally from Texas) urged the council to end the 287G agreement with ICE, stating it destroys community trust and public safety. She cited the economic benefits of immigrants and quoted Proverbs 31:14. - Adela Ramos (junior high student, Mesa resident) asked the council to cancel the 287G agreement, arguing that fear of police among immigrant families makes Mesa less safe for everyone. She appealed to the council's conscience and cited historical figures (Lincoln, MLK, Cesar Chavez). - Michelle Cleveland (Mesa resident, naturalized citizen) expressed support for the 287G agreement and urged police to enforce all laws. She stated that illegal immigrants disrespect those who waited in line legally and that supporting illegal immigration creates an underclass. She emphasized that many Mesa residents share her view but are too busy to attend meetings. Discussion Items Item 4B – Safety and Medical Supplies Contract Increase - Reggie Braun questioned the inclusion of ballistic helmets and shields under a safety/medical supplies contract, suggesting a priority on militarization. He also noted the contract’s language obfuscates details. - Noah James raised concerns about face masks resembling those used by ICE; the mayor clarified they are for biohazard protection similar to hospital use. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Item 4C – Replacement of 200 Ballistic Helmets - Reggie Braun reiterated his concern about funding helmets when sexual assault cases remain unsolved at a low clearance rate. He argued the $400,000 increase could be better spent on rape kits, research, or counseling. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Item 4F – Traffic Management Video Wall Upgrade - Reggie Braun asked whether the system’s video feeds interface with federal enforcement agencies. Transportation Director Eric Kaderian confirmed feeds are shared with police and the real-time crime center but could not say where they go after that. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Item 5A – Power Purchase Agreement with Panel Solar - Noah James asked if the company was related to Pinal County; after clarification, he expressed support for solar energy and hoped it would help Pinal County, which he praised over Mesa. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Item 5B – Intergovernmental Agreement with Gilbert Unified School District for Solid Waste Collection - Noah James opposed the agreement due to distrust of Mesa; Vice Mayor Summers clarified that the schools are physically located within Mesa city limits. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Item 6A – Zoning Case: Mesa Premier RV & Boat Storage Phase Two - Noah James rejected the storage facility as unnecessary and unexciting. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Item 7A – Code Amendments (Chapters 1–87 of Title 11) - Reggie Braun expressed concern that the amendments reduce administrative overhead but noted his own public records requests are overdue, implying a lack of compliance with state law. The mayor stated the changes are mandated by the Arizona Revised Statutes. - Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Adams absent). Key Outcomes - All six items pulled from the consent agenda were approved by unanimous votes (Councilmember Adams absent). - No amendments or directives were issued beyond the approvals. - The council adjourned without further business.

This study session reviewed the agenda for the March 9, 2026 regular council meeting, discussed pavement management, traffic signal detection, a new solar and battery storage power purchase agreement, and received an extensive update on the Sun Air renovation and the Off the Streets homelessness program. Council members debated the future of the emergency shelter program and directed staff to explore alternative funding and partnership models. Discussion Items - Item 4E – Pavement Management Services Contract: The Transportation Department presented a new pavement management software and a three-year LIDAR survey plan for all city roadways. Staff explained the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scale (0-100, target average 70), typical treatment types (fog seal, seal coat, slurry seal, mill and overlay), and costs. They noted that proper maintenance can extend road life from 15 years (no maintenance) to 40-45 years. Council members asked about specific neighborhoods, in-house equipment cost savings (about half of contractor costs), and fiber‑optic installation repairs. The procurement was on the Monday council agenda. - Item 4D – Traffic Signal Loop Detection: Staff described that Mesa has about 508 traffic signals using induction loops and video detection. Recent standard prefers loops for reliability, especially avoiding sun washout in March and September. The contract is for maintenance and replacement of existing loops. - Item 5A – Power Purchase Agreement for Solar and Battery Storage: Energy and Sustainability Director Scott Boucher and Coordinator Deb Ferraro presented the Panal Solar Project – a 20-year agreement for 25 MW solar at $29.63/MWh and 20 MW battery storage at $13/kW-month, located in Pinal County and transmitted to Mesa via existing contracts. The project will supply 21% of Mesa’s power portfolio and help achieve 57% renewable energy. It is Mesa’s first utility‑scale solar and first battery storage. Council discussed the rationale for a 20-year fixed price, the role of hydropower (18%) and contingency plans with WAPA for Colorado River water levels, and the ability to use battery storage during peak demand. The final resolution was on the Monday agenda. - Item 2A – Sun Air Renovation and Off the Streets Program Update: This was the longest item, covering homelessness data, program operations, and financial analysis. - Regional Data: Lindsay Belinke (Community Services Deputy Director) reported that in Maricopa County in 2024, 19 new individuals entered homelessness for every 10 who exited. Mesa has 6% of regional shelter beds (296 of 4,898), with 163 Off the Streets beds at the leased Windermere hotel. The county lost 74 shelter beds recently. Federal funding changes threaten 205 Mesa-based housing vouchers. - Police Partnership: Assistant Chief Dom Sterlin emphasized that the Off the Streets program provides officers with an alternative to arrest, reducing time spent on social service issues. In 2025, police made 22 documented referrals to shelter. He stated the department cannot arrest its way out of homelessness and needs continued service partnerships. - Program Details: Human Services Administrator Jasani Goodman described the program: up to 90-day stays, case management, zero-tolerance drug policy, closed campus, and focus on Mesa residents. In 2025, 489 unique individuals were served; 52% of homelessness was due to financial/employment issues. Positive exit rate was 86%, but that includes transitions to other shelters (48% of exits). Councilmember Adams raised concerns about the clarity of success metrics; staff acknowledged the need for better long‑term tracking. - Sun Air Facility: The city purchased the former Grand Hotel with ARPA funds ($13.2M acquisition and renovation) to replace the Windermere lease. The new facility will have 64 rooms (down from 85) but only 5 fewer beds due to better room configuration, improved security (interior hallways, cameras), and will serve families, seniors, and domestic violence survivors (not single men outside those categories). Annual operating cost is projected at $2.5M (vs. $3M at Windermere), and $1.7M of that can be covered by HOME‑ARP funds for the first three years, reducing general fund impact to $800k/year. A food program (two grab‑and‑go meals) will be added. - Alternatives Presented: Staff outlined two alternatives if council chose not to use Sun Air: (1) make it available to a nonprofit with no city operating funds—conversations with nonprofits found no interest. (2) sell the property, which could require repaying $4M to Maricopa County (due to IGA) and potentially up to $9.2M to the federal Treasury, with exact amounts uncertain. Continuing at Windermere would cost $3M/year, with risk from future mixed‑hoteling legislation. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed varied views. Councilmember Taylor (district of Sun Air) opposed city ownership and operation, preferring private/nonprofit models. Councilmember Duff passionately defended the program, citing personal stories of families and the need for the city to lead. Councilmember Heredia supported the transition, noting cost savings and regional leadership. Mayor Smith proposed not proceeding with the move to Sun Air at this time, asking the city manager to negotiate more and explore other options. Councilmember Adams supported the mayor. Vice Mayor Summers suggested exploring grants, CDBG funds, and an RFQ for a nonprofit operator to reduce general fund reliance. Key Outcomes - Board Minutes: Council unanimously acknowledged receipt of board minutes (Item 3). - Direction on Sun Air / Off the Streets: Council gave the city manager direction to continue exploring alternative funding sources (federal grants, partnerships) and operational models (RFQ for nonprofit operation) while keeping the Windermere program running. No immediate decision was made to move into Sun Air; staff will return with more concrete options. The existing Windermere contract runs through the calendar year but ARPA funds are expected to deplete before the end of the fiscal year. - Items for Monday Council Meeting: The procurement items (4D, 4E) and the solar power purchase agreement (5A) will be presented for a vote at the March 9 regular council meeting. - Future Meetings: The study session on March 19 is canceled; next study session is March 9 at 5:15 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 5:45 p.m. An executive session on Falconfield Airport followed the study session.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on February 26, 2026, at 7:30 AM to receive a presentation on the fiscal year 2026-27 general governmental and utility fund budget principles, priorities, and forecasts. All council members were present, with Vice Mayor Summers participating via Zoom. The presentation, led by Deputy Director Brian and Chris Olby from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), covered a five-year financial forecast, revenue and expenditure pressures, and updated projections showing improved financial stability. Consent Calendar - Council unanimously approved acknowledging the receipt of board minutes. Discussion Items - Homeowner Cost Comparison: Mesa remains the third most affordable city in the Valley when comparing property tax, sales tax, and utility costs. The city has no primary property tax and no food tax. - Revenue Pressures: The city faces an $18 million annual loss from the elimination of residential rental tax (January 2025), a $6 million annual impact from the state flat tax, a $3 million reduction due to Santan Valley incorporation, and a potential $6 million annual loss from tax conformity with federal HR1 (starting 2027-28). Sales tax revenue has been flat for three fiscal years: $330 million (FY23), $329 million (FY24), $331 million (FY25). - Expenditure Pressures: Cumulative inflation since 2020 is 25%, driving significant cost increases in fleet maintenance (51% increase for police/fire over four years), software licensing (135% increase for police/fire), landscaping (55%), custodial (64%), and medical/dental (40%). - General Governmental Fund Forecast: The updated forecast shows structural balance (revenues matching expenses without using reserves) by FY 2029-30, two years earlier than the prior forecast. The fund balance reserve percentage is projected to remain above 20% throughout the forecast period, well above the council's principle of 10-15%. This improvement is attributed to department-wide 2% budget reductions ($10 million annually), conservative revenue estimates, and stronger-than-expected retail sales tax growth. - Utility Fund Forecast: The utility fund (water, wastewater, solid waste, natural gas, electric) forecasts a drawdown of reserves through FY 2027-28, then recovering to above 20% by FY 2029-30. The adoption of a capacity fee for water and wastewater growth projects ($400 million) removed those costs from base utility rates, enabling previously deferred infrastructure projects to be reinstated. An impact fee study for other growth-related costs will be conducted. - Reserve Policy Discussion: Council discussed the rationale for maintaining a 20% reserve balance (above the policy minimum of 8-10%), including credit rating benefits, ability to weather emergencies (e.g., a $15 million water main break), and smoothing rate increases. Staff noted that strong reserves allowed the city to draw down reserves to keep utility rate increases lower than otherwise necessary. - Water Strategy for Economic Development: Council emphasized the need to prioritize economic development that generates high sales tax revenue per gallon of water used, and the city has declined leads from companies with high water usage and low job creation. Key Outcomes - The updated forecast accelerates structural balance by two fiscal years compared to the adopted budget, despite new pressures like potential tax conformity. - The council will continue budget discussions with public meetings starting March 4, 2026, at the Northeast Public Safety Facility. - The city manager's proposed budget will be presented on April 2, 2026, with adoption scheduled for June 1, 2026. - Council acknowledged the importance of legislative bills that could restrict local revenue sources (e.g., moratorium on utility rate increases, changes to online sales tax collection). - No formal votes were taken on budget matters; the study session served as an informational briefing. Current Events and Conferences - Council members reported attending the Arizona Baseball Museum ribbon cutting, a tour of the city's natural gas and electric grid, the Queen Creek State of the Town event, and an AI literacy roundtable discussion.

The City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board convened on February 25, 2026, for a public hearing. All seven board members were present except Board Member Carpenter, who was excused. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the approval of prior meeting minutes and two development-related items, and then adjourned without further discussion or public comment. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the January 28, 2026, Planning and Zoning Board meeting. Passed unanimously. - ZON 25-00774 (Blue Sky Pest Control): A major site plan modification and amendment of conditions of approval for 2.4 acres located at the northwest corner of East Ray Road and South 71st Street. The request allows for a 26,000 square foot industrial building in District 6. Staff recommended approval with conditions. Approved as part of the consent agenda. - ZON 25-00326 (RMDC Dance Studio): A rezoning from limited commercial to limited commercial with a bonus intensity zone overlay and site plan review for 1 acre located approximately 350 feet east of the southeast corner of East Warner Road and South Mountain Road. This request allows for a 15,344 square foot commercial building in District 6. Staff recommended approval with conditions. Approved as part of the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted, and no blue cards were presented during the hearing. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda passed with all present board members voting in favor (6-0, with one excused). - The board voted to adjourn after confirming no additional updates or discussion items.