Public Meetings - Mesa, Arizona

The Mesa City Council held a study session on January 15, 2026, beginning at approximately 11:13 AM MST. The meeting focused on two major presentations: a proposed redevelopment toolkit to address blight and disinvestment, and an update on the Office of Innovation and Efficiency's efforts to use data and performance management to improve city operations. Council members provided direction to staff on both items, with no formal votes taken. Discussion Items Item 1A: Redevelopment Toolkit and Funding Options Staff presented a comprehensive redevelopment program aimed at reversing decline and stimulating reinvestment. The toolkit includes eight tools: vacant property registration, code compliance assistance, a revolving loan fund, commercial space activation, public infrastructure assistance, demolition and environmental remediation, strategic placemaking, and a potential brownfield grant program. The proposed funding is $3 million annually for a five-year pilot (total $15 million), sourced from one-time construction sales tax dollars, federal grants (e.g., EDA grant up to $2 million), and redevelopment revenues such as GIPLIT lease payments. Council members discussed the need for accountability, targeting small businesses, and ensuring ROI. Council directed staff to refine the toolkit, engage stakeholders, and return with more detailed proposals as part of the upcoming budget discussions. Council also suggested assigning oversight to the Audit and Finance Committee. Item 1B: Office of Innovation and Efficiency (OIE) – Performance Management The OIE team introduced the "Performance Plus" initiative to shift from output-based to outcome-based reporting. The initiative involves 30 departments, developing KPIs aligned with council priorities, and creating dashboards that include service delivery impact and budget impact. Examples of current projects include streamlining building permit reviews, predictive analytics for code compliance and water main breaks, and a quality indexing approach for economic development and public safety. Council members expressed strong support for data-informed decision-making and requested a sandbox to preview dashboards before budget decisions. The team will continue to refine the program and report progress to the council. Key Outcomes - Council provided direction to staff to proceed with developing the redevelopment toolkit and to return with detailed funding and implementation plans. - Council expressed support for the OIE Performance Plus initiative and requested future updates and dashboard access. - The council acknowledged receipt of board and commission minutes (unanimous vote). - The next study session is scheduled for January 22, 2026, with the January 29 session cancelled.

The City of Mesa Planning and Zoning Board convened on January 14, 2026, at 4:03 PM. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda and discussion of a rezoning and general plan amendment for the Lincoln development. All board members except one were present, achieving a quorum. The board voted unanimously on all items. Consent Calendar - Approved the December 10, 2005, planning and zoning minutes. (Note: date appears to be a typo in transcript; referenced as December 10th, 2005). - Item 3A (ZON25-00378): Angie's Prime Grill – a 1,692 square foot restaurant with a drive-through facility on 0.7 acres. Staff recommended continuance to the January 28, 2026, meeting; the item was continued as part of the consent agenda. - Item 4A (ZON25-00056): Destination at Gateway FLM – a council use permit for two freeway landmark monument signs on 117 acres. Staff recommended approval with conditions; the permit was approved as part of the consent agenda. The consent agenda passed with a 6-0 vote (one absent). Discussion Items - Item 5A (ZON25-00210) & 5B (Z125-00313): The Lincoln – A 9.1-acre site located approximately 340 feet west of the southwest corner of Hampton Avenue and Crisman Road. The request included: - 5A: Rezoning from Planned Employment Park with a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay to Multiple Residence 2 with a PAD overlay, along with a special use permit and site plan review to allow a 102-lot attached single-residence development. - 5B: A minor general plan amendment to change the place type from Urban Center to Urban Residential. - Board discussion: Vice Chair Peterson recommended adding a stipulation that the wall along the freeway frontage be increased to 8 feet high (from the adjacent 6-foot wall to the west). Other board members supported the suggestion, noting acoustic and visual benefits. The applicant agreed to the condition. No public comments were heard. Key Outcomes - The board voted 6-0 to approve items 5A and 5B with conditions, including the added stipulation for an 8-foot high wall along the freeway. - The meeting was adjourned with a 6-0 vote.

The Mesa City Council met on January 13, 2026 (meeting began on the evening of January 12) to consider a consent agenda, several pulled items including an amendment to the city manager's contract, a new battery energy storage systems ordinance, an electric bicycle ordinance, and zoning cases. Public comment was heard on multiple items. The council voted on all matters. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included routine approvals: minutes, liquor and electric license applications, contracts for parks, fleet, water, public safety bonds, employment contract amendments for city clerk, attorney, and auditor, an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County, continuances to February 23, 2026, and introductions of ordinances (planning and zoning board changes, zoning cases, annexation, traffic regulations). Items pulled: 4L, 8A, 8B, 8D, 8E. Remaining items approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Carrie Davis opposed Item 4L (city manager salary increase), citing higher city spending and lower safety rankings than Chandler and Gilbert. - David Wyn Stanley (District 6) supported Item 8A's 1,000-foot setback for BESS based on engineering experience; also spoke on Item 8B requesting signage and enforcement for e-bikes. - Sipand Elizada (Arizona Technology Council) expressed concern that the 1,000-foot setback could harm Mesa's tech hub viability, urged future revisiting. - Court Rich (IPA Power) supported Item 8A as written to allow pending projects. - Buchanan Davis (Salt River Project) supported the ordinance but requested future review of setbacks. - Kyle Whittier (NextEra Energy Resources) supported the ordinance but asked for future revisit of restrictive provisions. - Brian Fink (Fire and Risk Alliance) commended the city's handling of the BESS ordinance. - Autumn Johnson (Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association) argued the 1,000-foot setback is arbitrary and 10 times national standards, asked for revisit in 2026. - Amanda Curtis (MWEG, Mesa resident) urged adoption of NFPA standards (50-150 foot setbacks), expressed concern over limiting viable sites. - Julie Moore (MWEG) spoke briefly in support of BESS with proper standards. - Noah James Markham supported Items 8D and 8E praising development in Mesa. - Jason Smithson (Webster Elementary PTO) thanked Councilmember Heredia's office for securing Christmas gifts for 600 students, criticized Councilmember Duff for non-response, asked to end 287G agreement with ICE. - Reginald Braun commented on police, ICE, and sexual assault clearance rates, advocating focus on violent crime. - Trent Heidke (pilot at Falcon Field) opposed proposed landing fees citing safety risks, urged city financial support for the airport. Discussion Items Item 4L – City Manager Contract Amendment - Council approved raising the city manager's salary from $345,000 to $386,000 plus 3% (total $398,000) based on benchmark of comparable cities. The mayor noted performance measures. Motion passed unanimously. Item 8A – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Ordinance - Councilmember Duff opposed the 1,000-foot setback from residences, wanting future revisit with shorter distances (400 or 100 feet). Councilmember Adams supported moving forward with agreement between parties but favored future review. Vice Mayor Summers supported 1,000 feet as appropriate now. The city manager committed to revisiting as technology and safety regulations evolve, working with Salt River Project. Ordinance passed 6-1. Item 8B – Electric Bicycles and Scooters in Parks - Councilmembers discussed enforcement, signage, and education. Councilmember Adams and Goforth supported as a first step. Councilmember Goforth noted potential unintended prohibition of adult e-bikes on sidewalks. The city manager noted state legislative activity. Ordinance passed unanimously. Items 8D and 8E – Zoning Cases - Item 8D (623 South Mesa Drive) and Item 8E (Dutch Bros on Power and Elliot) approved unanimously after brief public comment. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (remaining items) approved unanimously. - Item 4L (city manager salary increase) approved unanimously. - Item 8A (BESS ordinance with 1,000-foot setback) approved 6-1. - Item 8B (e-bike/e-scooter ordinance) approved unanimously. - Items 8D and 8E zoning cases approved unanimously. - Council will revisit BESS ordinance and e-bike enforcement in the future. - No action taken on citizens' comments regarding ICE agreement, Falcon Field landing fees, etc. Note: The transcript indicates the meeting began on January 12, 2026, but system metadata shows January 13, 2026. The meeting continued past midnight.

This study session of the Mesa City Council was held on January 13, 2026 (though the transcript references January 12, 2026). The council reviewed agenda items for the upcoming regular council meeting, discussed clarifications on electric bike ordinances and fencing contracts, and shared community event updates. Discussion Items - Agenda Review for Regular Meeting: The council reviewed the agenda for that evening's regular council meeting. Councilmember requested that Item 8A be removed from the consent calendar for a separate vote. Staff clarified an earlier question regarding Item 8C: electric bikes are currently prohibited on all sidewalks citywide, but the proposed ordinance creates an exception allowing them on sidewalks within parks (shared use paths at 15 mph). - Question on Item 4C - Fencing and Gate Rental: Councilmember Taylor inquired about the $400,000 cost for temporary fencing and gate installation over two years with renewal options. Andrea Alcoat, interim Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Director, explained that the $400,000 covers three years (about $120,000 annually) and includes a buffer for unanticipated projects. The fencing is rented through a contractor via a competitive bid process. The annual cost was clarified to be for rental, not purchase. - Current Events and Community Updates: Council members reported on recent events: - Vice Mayor Summers announced ribbon cuttings for Gift Health (online pharmacy) and Comico (semiconductor components), each bringing approximately 200-250 jobs. - Mayor highlighted Comico's $100 million investment and job creation. - Councilmember Goforth attended a community event at Red Mountain Ranch. - Councilmember Taylor discussed meeting with a resident and speaking at the Mesa Republican Women's Club alongside Councilmember Adams. - Mayor attended the 100 Club's Supporting Our Heroes event and the professional firefighters memorial service. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Change: Item 8A was moved off the consent calendar for a separate vote during the regular council meeting. - Clarifications Provided: Staff confirmed that the electric bike ordinance only permits riding on sidewalks within parks, not citywide. The fencing contract costs were clarified as rental over three years at $120,000 annually. - Upcoming Meetings Announced: City Manager Butler informed that the regular council meeting would follow at 5:45 PM, the next study session on January 15, 2026, at 7:30 AM, and city offices would be closed on January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with an East Valley MLK parade and festival in downtown Mesa. - Adjournment: The study session was adjourned by motion and unanimous vote.

On January 8, 2026, the Mesa City Council held a study session to review the agenda for the January 12 council meeting and discuss several key items. Topics included the required setback for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), proposed e-bike regulations, revisions to the Planning and Zoning Board and Design Review Board structure, and comprehensive zoning code amendments to comply with state law. Council members provided direction and discussed next steps. Discussion Items Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Review of Agenda Item 8A - Councilmember Jennifer Duff argued for reducing the proposed 1,000-foot setback from residential uses to 400 feet, citing extensive research and expert consultations indicating no technical evidence supporting the larger setback. She emphasized the economic cost of wasted land and lost energy capacity. - Staff (Jim, Mary, Rachel) reported that the two of three proposed BESS sites can meet the 1,000-foot requirement. The third site (NextEra on Ellsworth) would require a rezoning of an RM4 parcel to industrial/commercial to comply, which is underway. - Councilmember Rich Adams noted a compromise had been reached among stakeholders and that the affected parties were satisfied without duress. - Councilmember Scott Summers supported the current approach, stating it addresses immediate energy needs and provides time for technology to evolve. - Councilmember Haley Goforth expressed concerns about the concentration of jobless land uses and public safety risks from toxic gases, citing studies on acute inhalation hazards within 1,000 feet. - Mayor John Giles indicated he would prefer a lower setback but acknowledged the current ordinance can be revisited later. He noted the Arizona Fire Marshals Association supports the 2024 International Fire Code adoption. - No vote was taken; the item is on the January 12 agenda for adoption of the 1,000-foot setback ordinance. Council cannot amend it Monday but can adopt and later revise. E-Bike Regulations – Review of Agenda Item 8B - The proposed ordinance establishes a 15 mph speed limit on shared-use paths (including canal paths) and a 5 mph limit when passing. It applies to Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. - Councilmember Adams raised enforcement concerns, noting the lack of practical means to monitor speeds on paths. Councilmember Taylor asked about applicability to private HOA neighborhoods; staff confirmed the ordinance does not apply there. - Councilmember Duff noted the state legislature is considering bills that may set uniform speed limits, but local jurisdictions can adopt stricter limits. - Vice Mayor Summers highlighted efforts to distinguish e-bikes from electric motorcycles, which cause most complaints. - Council directed staff to move forward with the introduced ordinance on January 12 and continue exploring enforcement and legislative partnerships. Planning and Zoning Board and Design Review Board Changes – Review of Agenda Item 7A - Staff presented proposed amendments to Title II and Title 11 to add three alternate members to the Planning and Zoning Board and modify its composition to include three design professionals (one contractor/developer), four community representatives, and alternates with at least one design professional. - The changes aim to ensure full board attendance and quorum, and to align with new state requirements for administrative design review based on objective standards. - The Design Review Board’s role would shift to handling alternative compliance requests and appeals, while site plan and design review would be consolidated under the Planning Director and, for major projects, the Planning and Zoning Board. - Council generally supported the direction and confirmed it would be on the January 12 agenda for introduction. Administrative Review Amendments (House Bill 2447 Compliance) – Review of Agenda Item 7B - Extensive discussion on comprehensive zoning code revisions (approximately 150 pages) to implement objective design standards and streamline site plan and design review processes, as required by state law. - Staff recommended delaying the introduction from January 12 to February 23 to allow additional stakeholder review, as land-use attorneys and developers requested more time. - Councilmember Goforth asked to see redlined versions and emphasized the importance of council weighing in on which design standards are codified. - Councilmember Taylor inquired about grandfathering for projects in process; staff confirmed existing applications can choose to use prior or new standards. - Council agreed to the delay, with the item to be introduced on February 23, 2026. Key Outcomes - BESS Setback: Council will consider adopting the 1,000-foot ordinance on January 12. No decision made today; further review of setback distance is anticipated as technology evolves. - E-Bike Ordinance: Staff will proceed with the introduced ordinance on January 12. Council committed to ongoing evaluation and enforcement strategies. - Planning and Zoning Board Changes: Direction given to move forward with the proposed amendments on January 12. - Administrative Review Amendments: Introduction postponed to February 23, 2026, to allow for additional stakeholder input and council review. - Appointments and Minutes: Council approved appointments to various boards and committees and acknowledged receipt of board minutes (motions carried unanimously).

The Mesa Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on December 15, 2025, to consider consent agenda items, proposed amendments to the city code regarding board organization and duties (Item 6A), and a comprehensive update to administrative review procedures and development standards to comply with Arizona Revised Statutes 9-500.49 (Item 6B). The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, Item 6A, and Item 6B with a condition to clarify the definition of "change of use." Consent Calendar - Item 2A: Approval of minutes from the November 12, 2025 Planning and Zoning Board meeting. - Item 3A: ZON 25-00827 – Cadence DU multi-residence (17 acres, 302 units) at Chrisman and Williamsfield Roads. Site plan review and special use permit for parking reduction. Recommended approval with conditions. - Item 3B: ZON25-00324 – Circle K Pecos and Sossaman (6.3 acres, 5,200 sq ft service station) at Pecos and Sossaman Roads. Recommended approval with conditions. - Item 4A: ZON24-00525 – 202 RV Valley Storage Expansion (15.5 acres, 58,845 sq ft boat and RV storage) at 8839 East Main Street. Recommended approval with conditions. - Item 4B: ZON 25-00397 – Department of Child Safety of Arizona (3 acres, 24,000 sq ft office) at University Drive and 80th Street. Site plan modification and amendment to conditions of approval. Recommended approval with conditions. - Item 5A & 5B: The Lincoln (9.1 acres, 113 attached single residence lots) – Rezone and minor general plan amendment. Continued to January 14, 2026 Planning and Zoning Board meeting. All consent items were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Adam Baugh (2121 East Highland, representing himself) spoke on Item 6B. He raised three concerns: 1. The final draft was released only 48 hours before the meeting, limiting public review and stakeholder input. 2. The proposed amendments add discretion and public hearings for certain site plan modifications (major modifications), which he argued contradicts the state statute's directive for objective standards without public hearings. 3. The new language on "change of use" could require a rezoning for many redevelopment projects (e.g., converting a bank to a retail store or a restaurant to a market) because it treats subcategories within a commercial district as distinct uses, delaying development approvals for infill and redevelopment sites. He noted this could increase the workload for land use attorneys but would complicate projects. Staff responded that the process has not changed; only projects already tied to a rezoning ordinance with a site plan stipulation would be affected. They clarified that the state statute addresses objective design standards, not site plan standards, and that many projects are not captured by this requirement. Discussion Items - Item 6A – Amendments to Chapters 66 and 67 (Board Organization and Duties): The board discussed and adopted amendments modifying membership and qualifications of the Planning and Zoning Board, repealing and replacing sections on the board and the Design and Review Board, and adjusting appeal bodies. No public comments were received. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 6B – Comprehensive Code Amendments (Administrative Review and ARS 9-500.49 Compliance): The board considered amendments to numerous chapters of Title 11 to streamline land use application procedures, update development standards, and incorporate objective standards. After public comment and debate, the board discussed: - The need for clarity on what constitutes a "change of use" to avoid confusion among applicants and board members. - Board Member Farnsworth asked about the timeline for public review; staff noted the agenda was posted on Thursday (December 11) and a public open house was held earlier, though only four people attended. - Board Member Peterson requested clarification on the definition of "change of use" in the modification criteria. - Chair Ayers expressed concern about potential litigation stemming from the ambiguity. - Staff (Christina, Rachel, Kirsten) confirmed that they would work with the city attorney to clarify the language. Key Outcomes - Item 6A: Motion to adopt the proposed amendments to Chapters 66 and 67 passed unanimously with no discussion. - Item 6B: Motion to adopt the comprehensive code amendments with a condition that staff clarify the meaning of "change of use" in Section 11-69-5 (or related section) passed unanimously. The motion was made by Board Member Farnsworth and seconded by Board Member Carpenter. The condition will be included in the recommendation to the City Council. - Next Steps: The amendments are scheduled for City Council introduction on January 12, 2026, with a potential final action on January 26, 2026. A council study session is set for January 8, 2026.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on December 8, 2025, to review the evening's council meeting agenda, discuss continuances, and deliberate on policy items including e-bike speed limits in parks, the transit-oriented development plan, and extensive code updates. Council members also shared reports on community events and initiatives. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the receipt of board minutes (Item 2) via motion by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Reddy. - Items 8A (applicant request) and 9B (battery storage) were continued to future meetings. Item 8A was continued to the January 26, 2026 council meeting at the applicant's request. Vice Mayor Summers moved to continue Item 9B to the January 2026 council meeting and place it on the consent calendar, citing ongoing negotiations to protect public health and safety while supporting economic growth. The motion was approved by council. Discussion Items E-Bike Speed Limits in Parks (Item AD/Ordinance) - Council discussed proposed speed limits: 15 mph on shared use paths (existing) and a new 5 mph limit for e-bikes on park properties. Councilmember Adams expressed initial concern that 5 mph is too slow compared to regular bikes, but was willing to move forward with the understanding that the ordinance could be amended later. Vice Mayor Summers reported that a legislative bill mirroring the proposal has been introduced, and that a staff test of an e-bike at 5 mph found it manageable. Mayor expressed concern about enforceability, questioning how police would enforce the limit without stationing officers at parks. Staff responded that enforcement would be education-based initially, with resources deployed to parks with complaints; LIDAR can detect speeds at 5 mph. Vice Mayor Summers noted that the park ranger program is being reconstituted to handle enforcement. Councilmember Duff raised a constituent request to consider a 20 mph speed on shared use paths for commuters, but staff noted that 15 mph is the national standard and that a state bill also proposes 15 mph on shared use paths. Staff agreed to research neighboring city speed limits. Transit-Oriented Development Plan (Item 6B) - Councilmember Taylor requested a continuation of the item to the first council meeting in January 2026 to allow her more time to study the plan, as she is new to the council. Some council members expressed concern about setting a precedent for delays due to new members and that the plan has been in development for two years. Vice Mayor Summers and others supported the continuance, noting that staff could continue working and that the timeline (grant paperwork due by end of February) could still be met. The council agreed to continue the item to the first meeting in January 2026. Code Updates (Items 11A–J, 12A) - Councilmember Taylor asked for elaboration on the extensive code updates, seeking assurance that they are not stifling development. Staff explained that the codes (building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire, etc.) are updated every three years by the International Code Council, and Mesa adopts on a six-year cycle to align with the valley. The updates incorporate new technologies and safety features, such as battery storage fire safety. The process involved a year of stakeholder engagement with the development community, resulting in broad support. Staff noted that the updates are pro-business by providing uniformity across communities. The codes will take effect 30 days after adoption, with flexibility for projects already in the permit process. Councilmember Edward shared his experience serving on a plumbing code commission, confirming the standard nature of these updates. The fire code update also impacts the city's ISO rating, which affects insurance rates. Key Outcomes - Continuances: Item 8A continued to January 26, 2026; Item 9B (battery storage) continued to January 2026 and placed on consent calendar; Item 6B (Transit-Oriented Development Plan) continued to the first council meeting in January 2026 (expected January 8, 2026). - Approved: Receipt of board minutes unanimously. - Next Steps: Staff will research neighboring city speed limits on shared use paths. Council will vote on the e-bike speed ordinance and code updates at the regular council meeting (likely December 8, 2025 evening meeting). The council will go into winter break after the meeting, reconvening on January 8, 2026 for a study session.

The Mesa City Council met on December 8, 2025, to address a consent agenda and several contested items, including a liquor license recommendation, a police data platform purchase, an e-bike ordinance, and public comments on immigration enforcement and Falcon Field flight traffic. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by recognition of retiring deputy communications director Glenn Stephens. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: minutes, bingo application, multiple liquor licenses (except those pulled), contracts for forensic DNA, CCTV cameras, sewer services, bronze water service items, zoning cases (6A, 6B continued, 8A continued, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8F – amended city code for e-bikes and electric vehicles in parks), middle housing ordinance, water utility rate notice, building code updates (11A-11J), and fire code adoption. - Items 4B, 6B, 7B, 8E, 9B were removed for separate discussion or continuance. Public Comments & Testimony - Liquor License 4B (Mojo's): Thomas Durh (opposed) argued the location is 184 feet from a childcare center with a playground, urging denial. Douglas Ashley, Catherine Ellis, Sam S., and Creighton Smith also expressed opposition. Council voted to recommend denial based on proximity to childcare (factors 8 and 12), with Vice Mayor noting a positive crime record at the address (four incidents since November 1, 2020, two being burglar alarms and one a traffic stop). - Police Data Platform 7B: Linda Patrick Hayes expressed concerns about flock camera data integration with the new platform. Commander Reno clarified the pilot program only uses police records management and dispatch data, not flock cameras or fire EMS data. Councilmember Teller confirmed future integration would require further discussion. - E-bike Ordinance 8E: David Winstanley (District 6) described dangerous encounters with class three e-bikes in parks and shared paths, advocated for clearer language and a 15 mph speed limit. Council discussed signage and education; Councilmember Adams opposed the ordinance, citing enforcement challenges and unsafe speeds. - Citizen Presentations (Item 13): - Jason Smithson (District 4) opposed 287G immigration enforcement, arguing it harms children's education and family stability, urging council to put it on a future agenda for a vote. - Reggie Braun (Asian community member) warned that an ICE task force would threaten the Asian district's economic growth ($1.2 billion in annual revenue, subsidizing each Mesa household by roughly $432 per year) and cited a 140% surge in tourism from China and Japan but a 300% increase in ICE arrests of Asians this year. He referenced a 60% revenue drop in Chicago's Little Village after enforcement and urged rejection. - August Palmasano (Red Mountain Ranch, 27-year resident) raised health and safety concerns about Falcon Field flight schools: flight traffic has tripled over the last six months, with touch-and-go training from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., two planes side by side every 40 to 60 seconds, property values dropping, and toxic leaded fuel exhaust over neighborhoods. He noted a scheduled discussion on Thursday (Councilmember Goforth). Discussion Items - Liquor License 4B Recommendation: Council debated whether to recommend denial due to proximity to a licensed childcare facility. City Attorney Ed Smith advised that council can recommend denial based on factors 8 and 12, triggering a state hearing where facts would be examined. Motion to recommend denial passed unanimously. - Police Data Platform 7B: Approved after clarification that it only accesses police records management and computer-aided dispatch, not flock cameras or fire EMS. Councilmember Teller noted future integrations require separate discussion and funding. - E-bike Ordinance 8E: Council discussed definitions (class one/three e-bikes), signage, and enforcement. Councilmember Adams opposed, citing enforcement difficulties and unsafe speeds. Mayor noted amendments could be made later. Motion to approve 8E passed 6-1 (Councilmember Adams dissenting). The ordinance sets 5 mph in parks and 15 mph on shared-use paths, with definitions consistent with state statute. - Transit Oriented Development Plan 6B: Continued to January 12, 2026, with public speakers accepting continuance. - Battery Energy Storage Systems 9B: Continued to January 12, 2026, with several speakers noted (support and opposition). - Zoning Case 8A: Continued to January 26, 2026. - Water Utility Rate Notice 10A: Approved, setting a public hearing for February 9, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (all items except those removed). - 4B (Mojo's liquor license): Council voted unanimously to recommend denial to the state liquor board based on proximity to childcare (factors 8 and 12). - 7B (Police data platform): Approved unanimously. - 8E (E-bike and park vehicle ordinance): Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Adams voting no). - Public comments noted: Council will consider a future agenda for 287G discussion; Falcon Field issue scheduled for a Thursday study session. - Continuances: 6B, 8A, 9B continued to January 12 or 26, 2026. - Meeting adjourned unanimously.

The Mesa City Council held a study session on December 4, 2025, to review the upcoming December 8 council meeting agenda. Key discussions included liquor license applications, camera maintenance contracts, sewer system contracts, an Amazon Web Services development, a Fujifilm expansion, and proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) zoning amendments. The council also received presentations on the Peregrine police data platform pilot, the Mesa Connected transit-oriented development plan, and e-bike code updates. Consent Calendar - Consent items 4G and 4H, originally recommended for denial, were resolved and will be recommended for approval on the December 8 agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the study session. Discussion Items - 4B & 4D – Liquor License Applications: Vice Mayor Taylor questioned the number of police calls (35 calls in four years, five with reports) at Royal Palms Golf Resort relative to alcohol licensing. Staff confirmed Mesa PD evaluates call nature and location, and in this case found no concern. For the Safeway at University and Valvista (item 4D), staff clarified a store can hold multiple licenses ("stacking") for different privileges (e.g., sampling). - 5B – Camera Maintenance Contract ($175,000): Vice Mayor Taylor questioned the cost per camera ($500) relative to a national average of $360. Staff explained the contract covers new camera purchases and installation; maintenance is done in-house. The contract was competitively bid with seven bidders, and the city does not further negotiate after bids are received. - 5C – Sewer System Contract ($2 million): Vice Mayor Taylor asked for clarification on the multi-vendor contract covering cleaning and inspection of large-diameter pipes (ProPipe), sewer lining (Insituform), excavation repairs (BNF), and root control (Duke's). The total $2 million is contract authority for all vendors, not per contractor. Staff confirmed that manhole work on 24th Street and Pueblo was a capital project, not part of this contract. The city maintains over 30,000 manholes, aiming to rehab 500 per year. - 5D – Water Supplies Contract Extension ($350,000): Vice Mayor Taylor questioned the need for a one-month extension (through January 25, 2026) for water system supplies. Staff explained the extension is needed due to emergency responses in September-October that consumed budget, and long lead times for parts. A new contract will be presented for council approval in the second half of January. - 6A – Amazon Web Services Development: Vice Mayor Taylor asked about public outreach; staff reported no feedback from surrounding property owners for the large industrial site. Councilmember Duff asked why AWS is building its own substation; staff explained that SRP brings high-voltage power, and AWS steps it down for its operations. This is common for data centers. The substation requires a council use permit; SRP’s substation is exempt. The project is already under construction. - 8B – Fujifilm Expansion: Vice Mayor Taylor asked about public comments and aesthetic improvements. Staff reported no feedback due to the industrial location. The expansion includes 80 new jobs and is part of the "Pirate Project" rail spur. New structures will be tall due to safety/OSHA requirements; staff is working on design screening. - 9B – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Ordinance: Councilmember Duff opposed the recommended 1,000-foot separation from residential zones, citing costs to economic development, grid reliability, and clean energy goals. She presented research showing peer cities use 100-500 foot setbacks. Councilmember Go forth supported the 1,000 feet for safety, citing his hazardous materials background and examples of other jurisdictions (e.g., Santa Cruz County, 1,000 ft; New York State, 1,000 ft). Staff clarified that the 1,000-foot recommendation came after feedback from residents and leadership; the Planning and Zoning Board had recommended 400 feet. If the ordinance fails, BESS will not be permitted in Mesa. A map of existing industrial zones relative to residential and substation locations was requested. Staff noted the ordinance creates a "legally conforming" status for two pending sites; future sites would require rezoning with council's ability to enforce additional setbacks. - 7A & 7B – Peregrine Police Data Platform (State-Funded Pilot): Lt. Stokes and IT Manager Wayne Quang presented the one-year pilot, describing Peregrine as a "Google for cops" that aggregates data from existing Records Management and CAD systems. Year one is fully funded by SB 1735 ($215,800); annual subscription thereafter is $21,500. The pilot is limited to police records and CAD data, not fire EMS. Regional data sharing will require a future MOU. Councilmember Taylor asked about future maintenance costs, customization, and the impact on public records requests; staff confirmed the tool could improve records response times. - 2A – Mesa Connected Transit-Oriented Development Plan: Assistant Planning Director Rachel Phillips presented the 5-mile corridor plan (Mesa Riverview to Downtown) focused on land use strategies around transit. The plan is funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, with no local funds. It identifies 11 transit nodes (neighborhood, urban, regional) with context-sensitive strategies. The city is not obligated to any financial investments; future text amendments (e.g., a voluntary TOD overlay) will come to council for approval. Councilmember Taylor raised concerns about low public engagement (455 responses out of 72,000 residents, 0.6%). Staff explained outreach included mailers, surveys, focus groups, and pop-ups, and that the plan is a living document. Councilmembers Duff, Heredia, and Go forth expressed strong support, noting the corridor's organic growth and the plan's ability to guide development. - 2B – E-bike Code Updates and Communication Strategy: Parks Director Andrea Moore and staff proposed allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and e-scooters in parks (Class 3 excluded) with a 5 mph speed limit, helmet requirement for riders under 18, and operation on sidewalks only. Councilmember Go forth questioned the 5 mph speed limit for e-bikes and suggested requiring motor disengagement, as in Tempe. Staff noted Parks Board feedback about mobility needs. Councilmember Taylor asked about enforcement (age limit, speed, modified bikes) and potential damage. Staff acknowledged enforcement challenges but emphasized the goal is to legalize existing behavior and improve safety through education. The ordinance introduction is set for December 8, with final vote January 12. Key Outcomes - Items 4G and 4H: Updated to recommended approval on the December 8 agenda. - BESS Ordinance (9B): Council discussion revealed a split between safety concerns (1,000-foot setback) and economic/grid reliability concerns (400-foot). A map of industrial/residential zones and substation locations was requested. Action scheduled for December 8. - Peregrine Pilot (7A & 7B): Council appeared supportive; action scheduled for December 8. - Mesa Connected Plan (2A): Council appeared supportive; action scheduled for December 8. Councilmember Taylor requested more research. - E-bike Code Updates (2B): Council requested further research on the 5 mph speed limit feasibility. Introduction on December 8; final vote on January 12, 2026. - Water Supplies Contract (5D): Council appeared satisfied with the explanation. - Sewer Contract (5C): Council was satisfied with the description. - Camera Contract (5B): Council was satisfied with the explanation. - Liquor Licenses (4B, 4D): Council was satisfied with staff responses. - Special Council Meeting: Scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM; regular study session and council meeting at 5:15 PM. Council then goes on winter break.