Public Meetings - Queen Creek, Arizona

The Planning & Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on March 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Community Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing on a zoning text amendment regarding animal regulations, administrative updates, and a work study session covering the 2028 General Plan update and municipal planning area amendments. The commission deliberated extensively on the animal regulations amendment and voted to recommend changes, including a reduction in the square footage per animal unit from 30,000 to 3,000 for lots larger than one acre, and direction to staff to add homeschool affidavits as part of the educational exemption. Consent Calendar - Approved the February 11, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Sanderson (DD Mini Ranch, 4.8 acres, 75 sheep, 70 cattle seasonally) expressed full support for the 3,000 square foot per animal unit, stating 5,000 is acceptable but 3,000 is preferable. He noted the town's reactive code enforcement and stressed waste management. - Sharon Steinhauer (Rancho Hardenas, under one acre, three goats, six chickens, one tortoise) stated she is in compliance but criticized poor communication about the proposed changes, noting 85% of surveyed neighbors were unaware. She requested better notification (mailers or signs) in the future. - Angela Asky (Queen Creek, QCHS FFA alumni president) opposed increased town control over youth ag programs. She argued that 4-H and FFA are solutions, not problems; decisions about curriculum and animal care should remain with the organizations. She requested simple verification (membership confirmation) and removal of language allowing the town to modify or terminate projects. - Robert Asky (same address) supported returning to 3,000 square feet, calling the 30,000 square foot requirement a typographical error. He urged a clear grandfather clause for properties annexed from the county and recommended requiring (not just suggesting) involvement of qualified agricultural professionals in enforcement decisions. - Matthew Murray (19864 E. Via De Olivos, five homeschooled children, community pigs, chickens) expressed concern that requiring affiliation with a "bona fide organization" for educational exemptions could exclude homeschoolers who develop their own animal husbandry curriculum. He also suggested modernizing public notification methods. - Dr. Cachelle Southwick (18626 W. Chandler Heights) opposed the 5,000 square foot limit and advocated for 3,000. She proposed reclassifying animal units by type (e.g., horses should have different limits than cattle) and argued that a family of six should be able to keep a horse per person without exceeding limits. She stressed focusing on proper care rather than numerical restrictions. - Kelly Ahern (19535 E. Via De Olivos, 1.25 acres, three horses) supported the 3,000 square foot limit to accommodate families. She thanked staff for incorporating feedback and noted that a written educational curriculum from a homeschooling parent should suffice for exemptions. - Lola Hunt (21302 E. Nightingale Road, under one acre, 4-H chickens) opposed the 5,000 limit and requested 3,000. She argued that swine and rooster bans should be lifted, poultry should not be animal units, and multi-generational breeding programs (e.g., family stock) should not be subject to disposal requirements. She also opposed grandfathering that might not cover existing infrastructure. - Wendy Dennis (18601 E. Via Del Hardenas, just over an acre, horses, chickens, ducks, turkey, guinea fowl) echoed support for 3,000 square feet. - Brittany Quig (1914 E. Via De Palmas, vet tech, 4-H background) argued that 3,000 square feet per animal unit is appropriate and asked for re-evaluation of animal unit equivalencies (e.g., 10 chickens does not equal one cow). She requested clear grandfather language for structures built before code updates. - Todd Dennis (same as Wendy, five horses, 15 chickens, 11 guinea fowl, just over an acre) stated that animal care is more important than numbers; he has never had complaints. He urged the commission to focus on enforcement of nuisances (e.g., speeding ATVs) rather than restricting responsible owners. - Brian Roush (Mesa, 2/3 acre, raising quail, prospective Queen Creek resident) supported resetting to 3,000 square feet and emphasized management practices over strict animal counts. He praised the town's approach compared to other municipalities. - Sherrod (19321 E. Via De Palmas, 3.3 acres, 10 mother cows with seasonal calves) requested no restrictions and advocated for enforcement based on care, not numbers. He noted that his property serves as an educational opportunity for neighbors, including children who cannot afford formal programs. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – P25-0153 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Animal Regulations: Senior Planner Zachary Wardine presented proposed changes to animal unit counts, corral standards, public nuisance definitions, and educational allowances. The original proposal included a reduction from 30,000 to 5,000 square feet per animal unit for lots over one acre. Following stakeholder feedback, staff removed minimum corral size requirements, allowed natural shade, removed the 50-foot waste setback, and refined educational exemptions to be reactive rather than requiring pre-approval. The commission discussed concerns about home schooling, the small animal unit equivalency (10 chickens = one large animal), and the need for clear language on grandfather clauses. After public comment, commissioners expressed support for returning to 3,000 square feet. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve P25-0153 with Amendments: Vice Chair Ballard moved to approve the text amendment with a change to 3,000 square feet per animal unit for lots larger than one acre (down from the staff-recommended 5,000) and to direct staff and legal to add language inclusive of homeschool affidavits as a valid educational program for exemptions. The motion carried unanimously (Commissioner Young was disconnected but a quorum remained; all present voted in favor). - Direction to Staff: Commission instructed staff to draft language that includes homeschool affidavits as part of the educational exemption (alongside 4-H, FFA, or similar bona fide programs). The issue of redefining animal unit equivalencies (e.g., increasing the small animal count per unit) was deferred for a future text amendment, with staff noting it could be addressed in a few months following further research. - Administrative Updates: Planning Manager Erik Swanson reported that 78 residential permits were approved in the prior month, and several items received council approval. Work Study Session - 2028 General Plan Update: Principal Planner Sarah Clark presented the public participation plan adopted by council, formation of a citizen advisory committee, branding ("Rooted in Community, Planning for Tomorrow"), and upcoming outreach events (e.g., Spring into QC on March 28). The planning commission will serve as the primary working group for developing required elements (land use, transportation, water, etc.) over the next 18 months. - General Plan Amendments – Municipal Planning Area: Two areas are being evaluated for inclusion in the town’s planning area: (1) the Banner hospital area (south of Combs, 500 acres, 5,000 population) and (2) the Ironwood & Ocotillo area (900 acres, 1,400 population). A neighborhood meeting was held March 24. An introductory public hearing is scheduled for the April 8 commission meeting. No action was taken.

The Queen Creek Town Council held its regular session on March 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Community Chambers at 20727 E Civic Parkway. The council took unanimous actions on the consent agenda, a council liaison appointment, and a public hearing consent item. The meeting lasted just shy of 30 minutes. Ceremonial Matters - Chaplain Philip Stowell of Queen Creek Fire & Medical delivered the invocation. - The council recognized the Queen Creek 4-H Club. The club president, introduced as Gillian Owens but self-identifying as Joanne Owens, described the club’s youth ages 8 to 18, its livestock and agricultural education work, and outreach programs. She invited the council and community to the Maricopa County Fair, with small stock and breeding animals shown April 3–5 and large stock and dairy breeding animals shown April 10–12. Committee Reports - Councilmembers had no comments on the listed committee reports. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident of 2626 South Hawes Road, who said she has lived in the unincorporated portion of Queen Creek for 42 years, expressed concern about upcoming PMZ (planning/zoning) matters related to livestock and building uses. She said Queen Creek historically has been a horse and farming community, and she worried that interpretations from newer residents could negatively affect Rancho Hardinas and other unincorporated areas. She asked the council to listen to those residents and consider grandfathered rights. Mayor Wheatley directed staff to provide her with packet information and the meeting date of March 25. - Holly Martinez, founder and CEO of Voices for the RARE, used text-to-speech because she is medically nonverbal. She said there has been an alarming rise in missing teenagers in Queen Creek and Santan Valley since January 1, and that disabled and foster youth have no local emergency shelter beds. She described this as a structural failure and a resource desert that could lead to human trafficking. She proposed a “bridge to care” pilot model repurposing underutilized infrastructure into medically accessible housing, aligned with HUD policy and Section 5004 compliance. She offered Pacific ADA Center training and requested a formal briefing. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Benning removed item C for separate discussion. A motion to approve the remaining consent agenda passed unanimously. Approved items included: - March 4, 2026 Regular Session minutes. - L.N. Curtis personal protective, respirator, and hazmat equipment and supplies: additional spending authority of $115,000, for a new total of $585,500. - Fire apparatus repair and maintenance services: additional spending authority of $105,000, for a new total of $605,000. - Compunet conference room hardware: additional spending authority of $70,000, for a new total of $230,000. - Motorola portable and mobile radios: additional spending authority of $250,000, for a new total of $2,159,865. - Dibble & Associates Amendment 01 to Project Order 01 for Sierra Vista Water Transmission: additional spending authority of $64,350, for a new total of $540,383. - Valley Rain landscape services for the Crismon Road roundabout: $95,000. Discussion Items - Item C: Consideration of appointing Vice Mayor Bryan McClure as the Council Liaison to For Our Town for the remainder of CY 2026. Councilmember Padilla questioned whether an official appointment was necessary and suggested it might reduce broad council participation. Mayor Wheatley and Councilmember Brown explained the liaison serves as the council’s seat on the organization’s planning committee or board and does not preclude other members from attending or participating. Vice Mayor McClure said he was supportive and encouraged continued participation. The motion to approve item 8C passed unanimously. Public Hearing Consent Agenda - The council opened a public hearing on a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store liquor license application submitted by Maria Danielle Burgess for Circle K Store 9230 at 21880 S Meridian Road. There were no public comments, the hearing was closed, and the motion to approve the public hearing consent agenda passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously with item C removed. - Vice Mayor Bryan McClure was approved as Council Liaison to For Our Town for the remainder of CY 2026. - The Circle K liquor license application was approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned after fewer than 30 minutes.

The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, committee reports, public comments, a consent agenda, two discussion presentations (Police Missing from Care program and Water Resource updates), and one final action item. The council approved a loan agreement to help the newly incorporated Town of San Tan Valley, approved a contested annexation (6–1), and unanimously adopted a public participation plan for the 2028 General Plan update. Consent Calendar - Items A, B, D, F approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda after items C and E were removed for separate discussion. Item A: Approval of February 18, 2026 Regular Session Minutes. Item B: Three-year small government enterprise license agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. not to exceed $196,366.95. Item D: One-year contract with up to four renewals for block fencing materials and installation not to exceed $2,000,000 annually. Item F: Maintenance, Retention and Parking Agreement with Creation RE LLC for the Switchyard Development. - Item C (IGA loan to San Tan Valley) was pulled by Councilmember Brown for comments. The loan provides up to $400,000 per month to San Tan Valley until they receive state-shared revenues, with interest repayment beginning November 1, 2026. Councilmember Brown explained the loan supports a newly incorporated community unable to access funding until July 1, 2026. Motion by Brown, second by Vice Mayor McClure; passed unanimously. - Item E (Ocotillo & Meridian Annexation) was pulled for separate discussion and public testimony. The annexation involves two Pinal County parcels totaling 6.9 acres at the southeast corner of Ocotillo and Meridian roads. The property would receive equivalent zoning (R1-45, single-family only) and does not include a rezoning request. Public speakers Mark Linder and Rebecca Thuwer opposed the annexation, citing existing CC&Rs that restrict use to residential, the community's rural character, and the potential for future commercial rezoning. Councilmember Benning voted against, stating the annexation creates a burden with no financial benefit to the town. The motion passed 6–1. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Linder (39413 N Taylor Street, San Tan Valley) opposed the Ocotillo & Meridian annexation, stating the properties are subject to covenants requiring residential use only. He argued the town is interfering with their contract and that the annexation would destroy one of the few remaining rural neighborhoods in the area. - Rebecca Thuwer (39413 N Taylor Street, San Tan Valley) also opposed the annexation. She read a letter describing the Country Mini Farms community as having horses, cows, and irrigated land, and noted that one parcel has been out of compliance with Pinal County zoning for four years. She requested the council preserve the rural community and deny the proposal. Discussion Items - Police Department "Missing From Care" Program (ARS § 8-810) – Police Chief Randy Bryce presented a detailed overview of the program, which addresses juveniles missing from group homes in Queen Creek. Key points: - 1,063 missing person cases since 2022 across three juvenile facilities (Canyon State Academy, Desert Lily, and one smaller home). Only 8 cases remain outstanding. - Missing from care calls represent 30% of all calls for service at these facilities, and 3% of total town calls for service. - The program focuses on prevention, rapid response, and victim-centered investigation. Over 500,000 social media views and 3,500 shares on 47 missing persons posts. - Risk factors when juveniles are missing: 1 in 5 are exposed to sex trafficking, and 1 in 7 if unhoused. The department has recovered most juveniles within hours, and longer-term investigations have resulted in convictions (e.g., a 20-year sentence from a 2022 case). - Chief Bryce noted the department collaborates with facilities, DCS, and state partners. Councilmembers expressed strong support and highlighted the need for state-level funding and legislation (Senate Bill 1550 and House Bill 2666). Vice Mayor McClure also encouraged community service at the facilities. - Water Resource Update – Utility Director Mark Skozipic and Water Resources Manager Nicole Sonnenberg presented on Colorado River uncertainties, the Harquahala water acquisition, and the WIFA in-state water augmentation program. - Colorado River: Queen Creek relies on CAP water for less than 10% of its annual demand (2,000–3,000 acre feet out of 32,000). The Colorado River system faces a 9%–70% chance of reaching deadpool at Lake Mead depending on the alternative chosen. The draft EIS alternatives may lead to 50–80% cuts to CAP supplies, though the state anticipates lower cuts. Queen Creek submitted comment letters supporting CAP's position and protecting its fourth-priority entitlement (Cebola). Litigation is considered likely. - Harquahala: On February 17, 2026, the town closed on Lot 6 (700,000 acre-feet) for $240 million, with $100 million placed in escrow for Lot 7 (500,000 acre-feet) expected to close in July 2026. The aquifer contains over 8 million acre-feet of water. - WIFA Application: The town's application for up to $96 million in funding for the Harquahala project was referred to the full committee for due diligence on February 18, 2026. An update is expected at the next council meeting. - Councilmember Brown noted the state water director has stated indoor tap water is not at risk even with major cuts. Council members praised staff for securing long-term water supplies and reducing reliance on the Colorado River. Key Outcomes - Approved (6–1): Annexation of two Pinal County parcels at Ocotillo & Meridian (Item E). Councilmember Benning dissented. - Approved (Unanimous): IGA loan amendment to the Town of San Tan Valley (Item C). - Approved (Unanimous): Resolution No. 1664-26 adopting the Public Participation Plan for the 2028 Town of General Plan Update. - Approved (Unanimous): Consent agenda items A, B, D, F. - Discussion Only: Police Missing from Care program and Water Resource updates. No action taken, but council signaled strong support for staff efforts and state legislation (SB 1550, HB 2666). - Next Steps: The General Plan update public launch workshop is targeted for late April/early May 2026. The next council meeting (March 18, 2026) will include a WIFA update. The town continues to monitor Colorado River negotiations and execute Harquahala acquisitions.

The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on February 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, committee reports, approval of consent agendas, and discussions on the annual Hometown Christmas event, the General Plan Municipal Planning Area boundary, and a Capital Improvement Program update. All council members were present. The meeting began with an executive session and concluded with a final executive session wrap-up. Consent Calendar - Approved the Summary Action Plan from the January 30-31, 2026 Strategic Planning Session and February 4, 2026 Regular Session Minutes. - Approved expenditures over $75,000 and items of public policy interest, including additional spending authority for generator maintenance ($25,000), well equipment ($350,000), and a project order amendment for Hawes Road ($83,246). - Approved acceptance of a $5,000 donation from Crown Castle to the Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee (separately voted after a presentation). - Approved contracts for water tank cleaning/inspection services (up to $150,000 annually), an amendment to the Impact and Capacity Fee Study Agreement ($35,750), $8.5 million in budget adjustments from the Wastewater Capacity Fee Fund, and $19,326,309 in budget adjustments for water resource infrastructure, including $12,100,000 for Southwest Waterworks and $5,100,000 for Swain Electric, and a $400,000 consulting contract with Hazen and Sawyer for the Harquahala Valley Water Acquisition Project. - Approved Delegation Resolution 1663-26 for the Schnepf Road Waterline Phase 3B and 2A (CIP Projects WA264 Phase 3B and WA265 Phase 2A) not to exceed $4,505,776.80. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted or made in person. Discussion Items Queen Creek Hometown Christmas Event Recap and Future Plans - Parks and Recreation Director Adam Robinson presented a recap of the 2025 event. Attendance was approximately 6,000: 2,000 at the Friday night tree lighting and 4,000 at the Saturday parade. The tree lighting was moved to the east side of the library, creating a more cohesive space but requiring road closure of Ellsworth Road for safety. The parade had a maximum of about 70 entries due to mobilization constraints. Challenges included safety concerns (vehicle attacks), impact on local businesses (e.g., Papa John's delivery drivers), and wildcat vendors. Future plans include standardizing road closures, enhancing collaboration with police (using raptor barriers), exploring a “Queen Creek Hometown Christmas” umbrella for multiple events, and possibly adjusting parade themes and entry fees. Council members expressed strong support for keeping the event in town center, praised the improved layout, and suggested improvements such as better communication for spectators, increasing entry opportunities for schools, and revisiting the candy-throwing policy. The council also discussed the need to balance business impacts with community benefits. General Plan Municipal Planning Area Boundary - Development Services Director Brett Burningham presented two areas within the town’s planning area but outside municipal limits: a northern area (461 parcels, 1,380 residents) and a southern area (1,580 parcels, 5,000 residents), both developed under Pinal County standards. The newly incorporated town of Santan Valley may be interested in annexing these areas. Staff presented options: leave the boundary as is, amend it to exclude the areas, or process an annexation if desired. Council members expressed unanimous support for releasing both areas from the planning area, citing the high cost of providing services (public safety, parks) without offsetting revenue from impact fees or taxes. They noted that the areas were developed under county standards and that the town has not collected fees for infrastructure. The council directed staff to begin the process of amending the General Plan boundary, which is expected to take about four months. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Update - Capital Projects Director Dave Lipinski provided an update on major projects. Accomplishments included the ribbon cutting for the Gail Barney Queen Creek Public Safety Support Facility (full building turnover expected Monday, K9 facility in two weeks, shooting range in three to four weeks) and the completion of the aquatic rec gym floor (two weeks ahead of schedule). Projects in design include the new police department headquarters (groundbreaking late spring/summer 2026), a new fleet building (expandable), and Power Road widening (Chandler Heights to Riggs Road) – construction to start in two weeks, low bid $7.8 million vs. engineer’s estimate of $8.8 million. ARPA-funded water line improvements: a $35 million grant from Pinal County; the Schnepf Road waterline bid came in at $3.7 million (engineer’s estimate $5.9 million) with 13 bidders. Tank sites are under construction (steel tanks, 1 million gallons each). The LG infrastructure phase is complete, with no traffic interruptions. Council members praised the progress and noted favorable bidding conditions. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Crown Castle Donation: Approved unanimously (separate vote). - Public Hearing Consent Agenda: Ordinance 887-26 (Zoning Text Amendment – Setbacks in R1-43 and R1-35) approved unanimously. - General Plan Boundary: Council directed staff to initiate the process to remove the northern and southern areas from the town’s Municipal Planning Area, with a timeline of approximately four months. - Hometown Christmas: The discussion was informational; no formal action taken. Staff will incorporate council feedback into planning for the 2026 event. - CIP Update: Informational; no action required. Staff will proceed with construction and design as outlined.

Date: February 11, 2026 | Time: 6:00 PM (Regular Session), followed by Work Study Session Location: Community Chambers, 20727 E. Civic Parkway, Queen Creek, AZ The Planning & Zoning Commission held a regular meeting and a work study session on February 11, 2026. The regular session included a consent agenda (meeting minutes and a continuance of an animal regulations text amendment), a public hearing on a setback reduction for large-lot residential districts, and an administrative update on development activity. The work study session featured presentations on code enforcement and a proposed animal regulations text amendment, with no votes taken on work study items. Consent Calendar - Minutes of January 14, 2026 – Approved by unanimous motion (Vice Chair Ballard moved, seconded). - P25-0153 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Animal Regulations – Continued to the March 25, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The continuance was requested and will allow the full public hearing and possible action at that later date. Emails received on this item were noted for the record for the March 25 hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comment (Items Not on Agenda): No members of the public requested to speak. - Public Hearing on P26-0003 (Setback Reduction): No speaker cards were submitted; the public hearing was opened and closed without comment. - Work Study Session (Animal Regulations Discussion): No formal public comment was taken, but staff acknowledged receiving emails and social media feedback containing incorrect information about the proposal. Discussion Items 1. PUBLIC HEARING – P26-0003: Setbacks in R1-43 and R1-35 Districts - Presenter: Eric Swanson, Planning Manager. - Proposal: Reduce front setbacks from 40 feet to 30 feet in the R1-43 and R1-35 zoning districts. - Rationale: Provide greater flexibility for developability of larger lots, following previous text amendments (side setbacks, accessory structure setbacks, increased lot coverage). Comparison with neighboring communities: Gilbert (40 ft), Chandler (20–55 ft based on right‑of‑way), Mesa (22 ft for homes, 30 ft for garages). - Commission Discussion: No questions from commissioners. The item was moved and seconded for approval. 2. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS – Planning Recent Activity Update (Eric Swanson) - Permits: 54 residential permits issued in the previous month (January 2026), a decrease from year-end highs. - Council Approvals: Text amendment for outdoor storage (previously recommended by the commission) was approved by Town Council. - Administrative Approvals: Four applications under review or approved administratively (not requiring commission action). - General Plan: Update presented to Council the prior week; similar presentation to the commission will occur at the March 25 meeting. - Upcoming Meeting: Next scheduled meeting is March 25, 2026 (moved from second Wednesday due to spring break). 3. WORK STUDY SESSION – Animal Regulations Text Amendment (P25-0153) - Presenter: Zach Werdean, Senior Planner. - Background: Proposed amendments to zoning ordinance Section 6.2 addressing animal keeping. The item was continued several times due to public confusion and stakeholder refinement. Eric Swanson clarified that this session was for commission feedback only; no public hearing or vote occurred. The official public hearing and possible action will be at the March 25 meeting. - Four Major Proposed Changes: 1. Minimum Corral/Pasture Area per Animal: Proposed 500 sq. ft. for large livestock, 200 sq. ft. for medium livestock (accumulative). Feedback received suggested 200 sq. ft. may be too small. Maricopa County uses 1,200 sq. ft. per horse; Pima/Tucson use 400 sq. ft. regardless of size. Language clarified that this applies to open pasture/corral space, not stall size. Commissioners discussed the need to avoid over-prescription; trees providing shade may suffice for shelter. 2. Shelter Requirement: Require structurally sound shade or shelter for animals kept outdoors. Current language requires a structure; commissioners suggested including trees or natural shade. Staff indicated openness to revising language. 3. Animal Unit Count (AUC) Adjustment: Proposed change from 30,000 sq. ft. per additional animal unit above one acre back to 5,000 sq. ft. (correcting a 2015 drafting error that mistakenly set 30,000). This would allow more animals on larger lots and bring existing non‑conforming properties into compliance. Commissioner Baldwin expressed concern that 5,000 sq. ft. might still be restrictive for boarding operations and urged further stakeholder outreach. Zach Werdean noted that he had consulted with local ranchers (e.g., Ellsworth Mini Ranch) and found 5,000 sq. ft. balanced both sides; properties over one acre would still start with the base allowance (e.g., for a 2‑acre lot, today’s limit is 6 animal units; proposed change would allow 15). 4. Educational Allowances: Clarify requirements to exceed AUC for educational programs (4-H, FFA, SIMA). A letter of authorization from the sponsoring organization would be required. Swine remain prohibited except for approved educational purposes. Enclosure setbacks: 25 ft from property line, 100 ft minimum corral; these may be adjusted if the program’s sponsor suggests an alternative setup. - Commission Comments: Commissioner Baldwin emphasized the importance of preserving Queen Creek’s agricultural character and urged continued dialogue with the animal‑keeping community. The chairman noted that the proposal aims to fix an unintentional error and is not an attempt to reduce animal allowances. Other commissioners thanked staff for the thorough work. 4. WORK STUDY SESSION – Code Enforcement Division Update - Presenter: Victor Martinez, Code Enforcement Manager. - Overview: Code enforcement handles property preservation, zoning compliance, noise, signs, graffiti, nuisance. Works with police and town attorney (Cliff). Currently three full‑time staff (manager, senior officer, entry‑level officer). - Enforcement Statistics: - 2022: 14 Notices of Violation (NOV), 2 citations, 2 code hearings - 2023: 192 NOV, 64 citations, 8 hearings - 2024: 250 NOV, 84 citations, 15 hearings - 2025: 459 NOV, 130 citations, 49 hearings (increase due to hiring in‑house team; prior years used contractors) - Key Improvements: Expedited repeat offender process (skip NOV for known violators); three contracted hearing officers for conflicts of interest; updated procedures for unpaid fines – now can file liens on properties; recovered thousands of dollars in unpaid fines. - Enforcement Philosophy: Education and voluntary compliance preferred; enforcement only after exhausting other efforts. - Commission Questions: A commissioner joked about the clarity of the presentation slides; otherwise no substantive questions. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous. - P26-0003 (Setback Reduction) Approved: Unanimous. The text amendment will reduce front setbacks from 40 ft to 30 ft in R1-43 and R1-35 districts. - Animal Regulations Text Amendment (P25-0153) Continued: The public hearing and possible action are scheduled for the March 25, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (with potential Town Council date of April 15, 2026). Staff will incorporate commission feedback and finalize language for public review prior to that date. - Next Regular Meeting: March 25, 2026 (second Wednesday adjusted due to spring break). - Work Study Items: No action taken; feedback recorded for future refinement.

This regular session of the Queen Creek Town Council was held on February 4, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, committee reports, public comment, approval of consent and public hearing consent agendas, and two discussion-only items: an update on the 2028 General Plan and a presentation on a proposed limited municipal court pilot. Ceremonial Matters - Proclamation: School Resource Officer Appreciation Day (February 15, 2026) – Officers Allen, Weber, Shipman, Lieutenant Scott, and Commander Newman received copies. - Proclamation: International Mother Language Day (February 21, 2026) – Encouraged attendance at a celebration in Tempe on February 15. - Proclamation: Lunar New Year – Recognized LG Energy Solution (LGES) as a future employer and celebrated the Year of the Horse. Committee Reports - Economic Development Committee (January 28, 2026): Eric Swanson provided an overview of the General Plan update; consultant Civic Solutions conducted a SWOT analysis. Next meeting: April 22, 2026. - Downtown Arts & Placemaking Advisory Committee (January 29, 2026): Director of Queen Creek Performing Arts Center reported on activities; committee discussed a downtown mural program and directed staff to explore parameters and funding. Next meeting: February 26, 2026. Public Comments - Noah James Markham (Tempe resident): Expressed concerns about naming of Jake Hoffman in the building, pool access policies, and lack of meeting videos on YouTube. Urged support for DEI and opposed ICE. - John Wooten (1930 E Via De Palmas, Queen Creek planning area): As president of Friends of Horseshoe Park, introduced new general manager Caden Peterson of Roots and Boots Queen Creek. Invited the community to the event March 17–22, 2026 at Horseshoe Park. Consent Agenda The consent agenda was approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember Brown, second by Councilmember Benning). Items included: - Approval of January 21, 2026 Regular Session minutes. - Expenditures over $75,000: - Wist, Office Depot, Staples, Amazon Business for office supplies and furniture: $200,000 (FY25/26 Budget Items). - Sunrise Engineering – Design of a transmission water main along Pima Rd from Meridian Rd to Ironwood Rd: $131,212 (CIP). - Black and Veatch – Project Order 3 for design services for Meridian Water Recharge Facility: $662,989 (includes 10% contingency, CIP). - Sunrise Engineering – Design services for Stagecoach Well: additional spending authority of $56,049.50 (total contract $122,542.50, Utilities). - Sunrise Engineering – Project Order 12 for design services for three additional well sites: $164,790 (Utilities). - Resolution No. 1662-26 authorizing IGAs with Maricopa and Pinal Counties for 2026 elections and voter registration services. - Delegation Resolution No. 1661-26 authorizing road improvements on Power Road (Riggs Rd to Chandler Heights Rd) not to exceed $9,602,383 (CIP Project A1405, FY26 budgeted). Public Hearing Consent Agenda - Item A: Approved a new Series 12 Restaurant Liquor License for Pita Jungle (20491 E Rittenhouse Rd, Ste 103) – no public comments. - Item B: Continuance requested to the April 15, 2026 Town Council meeting for a zoning ordinance text amendment regarding animal regulations (animal unit counts, stable/corral standards, public nuisance definition, educational allowances). The motion to approve the public hearing consent agenda as published (with continuance noted) passed unanimously. Discussion Items General Plan 2028 Progress Update Eric Swanson (Planning Administrator) presented the update. The process began July 2025 with an RFP; contract awarded to Michael Baker International in October 2025. Consultant team includes Rounds Consulting (economic development), PlaceIt (community visioning), and Small Giants (branding). All town departments (except HR/IT) were engaged in initial meetings. The plan will include 17 elements (6 new) due to population growth exceeding 75,000. The citizen advisory committee and public participation plan are being developed. The draft plan is expected by spring/summer 2027 and will go to voters in November 2027. Councilmember Brown questioned whether the planning area should be adjusted to remove non-aspirational areas to reduce workload. Councilmember Benning clarified the General Plan sets land use (not zoning). Mayor noted the plan is updated every 10 years and requires voter approval. No action was taken (discussion only). Proposed Limited Municipal Court Pilot Chief Randy Bryce presented a proposal to create a limited pilot municipal court to address gaps in enforcement of juvenile curfew, civil code enforcement cases, and potentially civil traffic violations. Key points: - Current issues: Contract courts dismiss juvenile curfew cases due to non-compliance; no parent accountability; officers write 10–30 curfew tickets/year but cases go nowhere. Code enforcement spends $40,000–$50,000 annually on hearings for 40–50 citations. Traffic enforcement: over 12,000 traffic stops in 2025, 4,500 civil traffic citations; population up 8% and vehicle circulation up 150%, crashes up only 6%. - Proposed scope: Initially focus on civil code enforcement, juvenile curfew (status offense), and related parent/guardian violations. Could later include certain civil traffic violations. Will not handle criminal misdemeanors, felonies, jail/detention, or juvenile delinquency (except curfew). - Staffing estimate: 3 FTEs (court administrator, court clerk, case manager) costing $265,000–$300,000 annually; contract judge at $46,000–$84,000 for one weekly docket; one-time consultant for implementation. Total timeline: 18–24 months to launch, with at least 6 months for evaluation. - Next steps: Chief requested council direction to engage superior court judges, local JPs, and municipal court officials for more detailed information. Councilmembers expressed interest but requested more detailed cost data and examples of enforcement gaps. Vice Mayor McClure asked about curfew effectiveness and cost offset from fines; Chief noted full cost recovery is unlikely. Councilmember Brown emphasized public safety spending and asked whether staffing could be temporary. Town Manager Bruce suggested exploring this further during budget process. Councilmember Padilla noted that Maricopa County Superior Presiding Judge ordered all juvenile crime to superior court, but Chief clarified that applies only to state-level charges, not town code. Council consensus was to allow Chief to proceed with further research and return with more detail. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda and public hearing consent agenda approved unanimously. - A continuance was granted for the animal regulations zoning text amendment (P25-0153) to the April 15, 2026 Town Council meeting. - No formal votes were taken on the General Plan update (discussion only). - The Chief of Police was given informal direction to continue investigating the feasibility of a limited municipal court pilot, focusing on juvenile curfew enforcement, and to report back with refined costs and operational details.

The Queen Creek Town Council met on January 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, committee reports, public comment, approval of consent agendas, a discussion on the sale of $244 million in certificates of participation to fund a water purchase, and final actions on audit reports, impact fees, displaying “In God We Trust,” and appointing a new Vice Mayor. The meeting also included an executive session before and after the regular session. Ceremonial Matters - Proclamation: National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Vice Mayor Martineau read the proclamation, noting the global impact and local efforts. Representatives from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Not In Our City spoke. - Proclamation: National School Choice Week (January 25–31, 2026). Councilmember McClure read the proclamation recognizing educational diversity. Committee Reports - Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (Jan 13, 2026): Chair David Dopps reported on Santan Youth Football end-of-season (1,600 participants), water strategy presentation, trail system updates, and FY work plan progress including youth sports partnership templates and field allocation recommendations. - Mayor’s Teen Advisory Committee (Jan 20, 2026): Chair Gabby Chambers reported on the Teen Drive & Movie event (over 100 attendees, positive feedback), plans for the spring QC event with a restructured teen area, and exploration of late-night teen-only programs at the Recreation Center. Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Ibanez (Legato community resident) expressed concern about dead trees and brush in the Queen Creek wash near Power Road, citing flood risk and potential wildfire. He requested mitigation and a forward-looking flood management plan. The Mayor directed staff to follow up. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (motion by McClure, second by Benning) the consent agenda including: - Approval of December 17, 2025 meeting minutes. - Council committee assignments for 2026. - Additional spending authority of $75,000 for Well and Booster Pump maintenance (total $150,000). - Annual Report on Dedicated Sales Tax Revenues. - Amendment to contract with Arrington Watkins Architects for Police HQ (increase of $691,784, total $5,028,485). - Lease agreement with Hughes Fire Equipment for 5,600 sq ft at Public Safety Complex. - First renewal of IGA with Town of Gilbert for reclaimed water delivery. - Resolution 1660-26 vacating right-of-way on McKenzie Road. - Resolution 1657-26 setting election dates for Primary and General Elections. Public Hearing Consent Agenda - Approved unanimously (motion by Brown, second by Martineau) including: - New Series 12 Restaurant Liquor License for Queen Creek Olive Mill. - New Series 12 Restaurant Liquor License for Valley Taproom Queen Creek. - Ordinance 885-26 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Wireless Communications). - Ordinance 886-26 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Outdoor Storage in residential zones). No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Results from Sale of Certificates of Participation: Deputy Town Manager/CFO Scott McCarty presented the successful sale of $244 million in Certificates of Participation to fund the purchase of 1.2 million acre-feet of water from Harquahala Valley (a 100-year water supply). Key results: 40-year term, 7 years interest-only, actual interest rate of 4.9% (below the expected 5.0-5.5%), and annual debt service between $11 million (interest-only) and $16 million (principal and interest). The bonds were rated AA (highest possible for this transaction). Major investors included BlackRock, Fidelity, Vanguard. The council praised staff for securing favorable terms and ensuring water security. No vote required. Key Outcomes - Resolution 1658-26: Approved unanimously (motion by Olifant, second by Brown) to accept the Town’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 financial statements and audit reports. The audit received a clean opinion with no material weaknesses. Outstanding purchase orders of $16.2 million noted. Year-end fund balance of $213 million in various reserves. - Resolution 1655-26: Approved unanimously (motion by Brown, second by Benning) to accept the FY 2024-25 Development Impact Fee and Capacity Fee Reports. Collected $23.4 million in combined fees. Single-family impact fee reduced from $7,000 to $4,000 per the May 2025 update; current total fee $9,795 including capacity fees. - Display of “In God We Trust”: The council approved (5-2) a resolution to acknowledge and affirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto and to display it prominently in the Community Chambers in one or more locations. Supporters (Vice Mayor McClure, Councilmembers Martineau, Padilla, Wheatley, Olifant) argued it promotes patriotism and reflects community values. Opponents (Councilmembers Brown and Benny) expressed concerns about inclusivity and priority. The vote was 5-2. Council directed staff to bring location suggestions to agenda briefings. - Appointment of Vice Mayor: Mayor Wheatley recommended Councilmember Bryan McClure as Vice Mayor for a term ending January 2027. The council unanimously approved. Outgoing Vice Mayor Leah Martineau was thanked for her service. Note: The meeting began and ended with executive sessions (not open to the public) to discuss legal matters.

The Planning & Zoning Commission met on January 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Community Chambers, 20727 E. Civic Parkway. The meeting covered a consent agenda with two continuations, a public hearing on an outdoor storage text amendment, and a staff summary of recent development activity. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The December 10, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by a single motion and vote (no opposition reported). - Item P25-0153 (Animal Regulations Text Amendment): Continued to the February 11, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. - Item P25-0155 (Mural Definition Text Amendment): Continued to the February 11, 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during the public hearing. Discussion Items Public Hearing – P25-0152 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Outdoor Storage Staff Planner Zachary Wardine presented the proposed text amendment, which prohibits outdoor storage of heavy commercial and industrial vehicles and equipment in residential zones. Key revisions from the prior meeting included: - Clarified definition of "inoperable vehicles" as those that are visibly inoperable (missing tires, broken windows, etc.) to allow enforceability without requiring an engine start. - Added a provision allowing decorative antique tractors, farm implements, and semi-agricultural equipment on rural and auto lots, provided they do not create a public hazard. - Explicitly tied the zoning ordinance language to existing town code (public nuisance designations) to ensure consistency. - The amendment does not create new rules but aligns zoning ordinance with already-enforced town code provisions. Commissioners expressed strong support for the responsiveness of staff to prior concerns, particularly the preservation of Queen Creek's rural character. Vice Chair Ballard asked how the proposed regulations compare to neighboring municipalities; Wardine noted that Queen Creek's allowances for agricultural lots and decorative antique tractors are unique and more supportive of rural uses. Key Outcomes - P25-0152 – Outdoor Storage Text Amendment: Approved unanimously by the Commission (motion by Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner Hill; all in favor). - Consent Calendar Items B and C: Continued to the February 11, 2026 meeting as requested. - Staff Summary: Eric (staff) reported that the Akatiwa Haas annexation (northwest corner of Akatiwa and Haas) was approved by the Town Council for a future funeral home use. He also noted that 209 single-family building permits were issued in December 2025, a 167% increase over the same month the prior year, attributed to year-end builder activity. Adjournment The regular session adjourned following the staff summary.

The Queen Creek Town Council held its regular session on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. After opening with an executive session, the council reconvened, recognized community honorees, approved the consent agenda, conducted a public hearing on a funeral home rezoning, reviewed the 2025 Citizen Survey and a 2026 rate/tax/fee outlook, and unanimously approved two water-related resolutions. Mayor Julia Wheatley returned from a leave of absence and welcomed her father as a new Queen Creek resident. Ceremonial Matters - Recognized For Our Town Queen Creek, a partnership between the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce and the town launched in September 2023 to connect nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and schools. Mayor Wheatley noted the initiative's first survey identified youth mental health as the top issue and highlighted support for the QC Teen Summit, Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee, teen recreation programming, Run for Resilience, Ruck for Freedom, and Praise in the Park. Chamber CEO Chris Clark and founder John McCadden attended. - Presented the Queen Creek Citizen Award to Brian Webster. On December 5, 2025, Webster entered a burning house near Rittenhouse and Village Loop South three times and helped save two cats and three dogs. The first-alarm fire drew crews from Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Mesa; no injuries were reported. Webster said, "You don't really think it's what you should do. You try to help people." Committee Reports - Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee Chair Gabrielle Chambers reported on the December 16 meeting at the Queen Creek Recreation Center. MTAC reviewed volunteer assignments for QC Hometown Christmas, enjoyed helping with crafts at the December 5 tree lighting, and served as parade judges. The committee also received a final walkthrough of the free Teen Drive-In and Movie event on December 20 at Frontier Family Park, heard from parks and recreation staff about teen programs including Link QC, Late Night at the Rec, and Esports, and discussed future projects focused on mental health awareness and volunteer opportunities. A formal proposal will be brought to the council later. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved unanimously 7-0 in one motion. It included: - Approval of the December 3, 2025 Regular Session minutes. - Budget adjustment of $54,686 from contingency to reconfigure cubicle furniture at the Municipal Services Building second floor. - Police and Fire-Sworn mid-year market adjustments required by town policy, with a $184,611 contingency budget adjustment. - Authorization of a mid-year Fire Engineer-40 hour FTE for Queen Creek Fire and Medical, with $170,685 ongoing and $71,480 one-time contingency transfers. - Downtown Arts & Placemaking Advisory Committee 2026 Work Plan. - Ordinance 881-25, Case P24-0023, annexation of approximately 0.14 acres at the northwest corner of Ocotillo and Hawes roads. - Intergovernmental Agreement with ADOT for the State Route 24 and Ironwood Drive interchange. - Re-appointment of Mayor Julia Wheatley as the town's representative on the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board of Directors as of December 18, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Ibenez of 18849 E Strawberry Drive, a Legato community resident, raised concerns about limited right-turn access into Legato from Sossman and Ocotillo, predicting accidents as traffic increases and asking the council to review the access. He also praised town staff Mike Williams, a ClickFix employee named Kevin, and Town Manager Bruce Gardner, and noted he is a retired California municipal firefighter of 35 years. Public Hearing: Ocotillo & Hawes Funeral Home (Ordinance 882-25) - Principal Planner Les Johnson presented the request by Sean Lake of Pew and Lake PLC, on behalf of the property owner and SCI, to rezone about 2.72 acres from R1-43 Rural Residential to PAD C-2 Commercial; approve a site plan; and grant a conditional use permit for a 7,630-square-foot funeral home with 66 parking spaces at the northwest corner of Ocotillo and Hawes roads. The PAD would lock in the funeral home use. The site has full access off Ocotillo near the west end and a right-in/right-out access on Hawes. Staff noted there would be no crematory on site, a six-foot perimeter wall, pony walls along the Ocotillo frontage, and a monument sign at the corner. - Public participation included a June neighborhood meeting with six residents and a unanimous November 12 Planning Commission recommendation. Staff received one email of opposition about two months earlier from a resident roughly a mile west. - Jake Ellsworth, 1993 East Ocotillo Road, opposed the commercial zoning, saying existing Ocotillo congestion already prevents him from getting in and out of his property with horse trailers or a car. He argued the corner would be a single commercial island with no commercial on other corners and said he could gather many signatures of opposition if more time were available. - Applicant Sean Lake responded that the parcel is an isolated 2.5-acre arterial-corner site, the town recently improved Ocotillo Road, proper notices were given, and the funeral home is a low-intensity use. SCI representatives described traffic as typically off-peak, with event capacity around 100 people and 66 parking spaces. - Councilmembers generally supported the application. Councilmember Oliphant asked about driveway turning restrictions; Councilmember Padilla discussed congestion and said nearby residents were excited to see the property improved; Councilmember Benning called it a better use than prior proposals and noted Arizona is a property-rights state; Councilmember Brown noted the voter-approved General Plan allows C-2 commercial on up to 20 acres adjacent to arterials and said she would have opposed a convenience store or fuel station. - The public hearing was closed, and the council approved Ordinance 882-25 unanimously 7-0. Discussion Items 2025 Queen Creek Citizen Survey Results - Communications manager Constance Wilson introduced the biennial survey. Dr. Sarah Strickhauser of Summit Survey Research reported that 8,500 letters were mailed to randomly selected households, with a margin of error of plus or minus four points and demographics matching census data. - Quality-of-life ratings: 88% excellent/good for overall quality of life; 90% for neighborhood; 91% as a place to raise children; 89% as a place to live; 76% as a place to recreate, retire, and work, up from 73% in 2023. Public safety was rated excellent/good by 84%; parks, paths, and trails by 82%; traffic received the lowest rating at 13%. - Crime victimization in the past 12 months was 4%; Mayor Wheatley later described the result as down 11% to 4%. Among those who interacted with police, 64% rated the experience excellent/good. - Residents' top liked themes were small-town community feel, safety/family-friendliness, and convenience of shopping/parks/services. Top disliked themes were traffic/congestion, pace and pattern of growth, and growth's impact on town character. Hopes for the future included road/safety improvements, growth/infrastructure/water/open-space planning, and more unique local dining and shopping. - Engagement and services: 86% visited a town park; 45% used the library; about 40% attended a town event; about one in five participated in recreation programs, sports leagues, outreach, or volunteering. Excellent/good ratings for town employee interactions were 94%, 92%, and 91%. Queen Creek Fire and Medical rated 94% for services, while streets/sidewalks rated 76%. - Communication preferences favored social media and the website; 90% used the town website and about one in five used ClickFix. Governance ratings: citizen involvement 75%; value of services for taxes paid 70%; overall direction 66%; listening/responding in the 60s. A majority supported hypothetical tax increases for roads, public safety, and trails; general government support was 50.2%. - Council comments: Benning questioned the 66% rating on educational opportunities given the number of local schools and noted long-term residents may feel disgruntled; Brown noted the town lacks post-secondary institutions; Padilla focused on traffic signal coordination and water messaging; Martinell highlighted the "family and community" word bubbles; McClure praised public safety and the 88% quality-of-life rating. The full report was said to be posted online the next day. 2026 Rate, Tax, and Fee Evaluation - Deputy Town Manager/CFO Scott McCarty presented an introductory framework for 2026 work on utility rates, fees, and taxes, saying no decisions were requested. The town is about 60% built out, with buildout expected in 15-25 years, making it a good time to review who pays and whether policies align. - Recent actions include a 15% water rate increase in October, a new wastewater capacity fee effective January 5, 2026, the third year of a five-year property tax freeze, and elimination of the town center sales tax. Projected operating revenues were about $174 million and expenditures about $166 million, with three major future public safety costs: police headquarters debt service, a new fire station at about $4 million per year, and a future 911 dispatch center, totaling roughly $15 million more per year by the end of the third year. - Utilities under review: solid waste (about 28,000 addresses and 56,000 carts), wastewater, water capacity fees, the future water resource fee, and the remaining water rate study. Staff said the water capacity fee will likely be one of the first items brought to the council in 2026. The water resource fee is intended to replace CAGRD customer charges and is targeted for January 2027. - Tax review focus: the primary property tax and the grocery/food-for-home-consumption sales tax. Councilmembers expressed support for further property tax reduction, with Vice Mayor Martinell and Councilmember Padilla open to eliminating or reducing it, and Councilmember Padilla supporting elimination of the food sales tax. Councilmember Brown cautioned that reductions must not harm public safety or transportation. McCarty said comprehensive decisions would come late summer/early fall 2026. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously 7-0. - Ordinance 882-25 was approved unanimously 7-0, approving the Ocotillo & Hawes PAD rezone, site plan, and conditional use permit for the funeral home. - Resolution 1654-25 was approved unanimously 7-0, affirming the November 19, 2025 council actions related to water self-sufficiency, including Harqua Hala water acquisition financing through certificates of participation and a WIFA loan application, and direction to develop a future water resource fee. - Resolution 1652-25 was approved unanimously 7-0, directing staff to buy down CAGRD replenishment assessments for consumption year 2025. Full implementation will save customers $11.6 million in the next billing cycle, reduce their total CAGRD bill to $4.8 million versus $16.4 million without the policy, and brings cumulative savings to about $60 million since 2018. - Water staff noted the Harqua Hala purchase is a 1.2 million acre-foot, 100-year allocation for $244.4 million, with payments split between February and July. The goal is to move customers away from CAGRD and reduce the town's groundwater portfolio share from about 90% to roughly 6-8%. - Discussion items required no vote. Staff will continue rate, tax, and fee analysis through 2026 and present further details at the strategic planning session and budget process.