Public Meetings - Queen Creek, Arizona

This regular session of the Queen Creek Town Council was held on December 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The council approved the consent agenda, a public hearing consent agenda, a wastewater capacity fee increase ordinance, and the town's 2026 Legislative Guiding Principles. All votes were unanimous (6-0). Consent Calendar - Approved the November 19, 2025 Regular Session minutes. - Approved additional spending authority of $3,564,648 for Swain Electric, Inc. for tank and booster site mechanical and electrical infrastructure (Projects WA030 & WA033), increasing total to $7,010,948. - Approved Amendment Number 1 to the Option and Site Lease agreement with Diamond Towers V LLC for additional tower pole height for fire and radio equipment. - Approved Amendment 02 to the contract with WSP USA, Inc. for Sossaman Road and Germann Road Intersection Improvements (Project A0904), increasing contract amount by $340,285 to a total not to exceed $1,851,574. - Approved a Professional Services Contract with Hazen and Sawyer, D.P.C. for a Water Resources Study not to exceed $286,462. - Approved paying off an existing $3 million interfund loan from the Water Capacity Fee Fund to the Water Operating Fund and authorized a new $33 million interfund loan from the General Fund to the Water Operating Fund via Resolution 1651-25. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah James Markham (address not provided; stated "the great blue beautiful Tempe") spoke during public comment. He opposed the construction of Mormon and Catholic churches in Queen Creek, referencing historical associations. He questioned the Preston Lord case, suggesting undisclosed details. He raised concerns about DEI matters, tree overgrowth in the downtown district, and the functionality of meeting recordings. He also urged caution regarding water resources, stating "God can't save us from a drought." Public Hearing – Wastewater Capacity Fee Increase - Deputy Town Manager/CFO Scott McCarty presented the proposed wastewater capacity fee increase from $2,901 to $6,144 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). The increase is driven by the need to add 2 million gallons per day of treatment plant capacity to accommodate growth over 10 years (70% single-family, 17% multifamily, 5% commercial, 8% industrial). The total infrastructure cost is $101.4 million, with $73.2 million to be recovered through fees. Council actions reduced the fee recovery by approximately $50 million ($4,234 per ERU). - Methodology changes: Multifamily fee will be calculated at 75% of single-family fee (based on census data showing 79% occupancy and water consumption at 74% of single-family). Large meter fees (2 inches or greater) will use the greater of a standard or project-specific calculation. - Effective date: January 5, 2026 – the earliest date allowed by state law. Delaying would require the town to cover lost revenues (up to $7.7 million). Staff recommended maintaining the January 5 date. - No public comments were submitted. The public hearing was opened and closed. Ordinance 883-25 was approved 6-0. Final Action – 2026 Legislative Guiding Principles - Heather Wilkie, Intergovernmental Relations Director, presented the town's 2026 Legislative Guiding Principles. Overarching goals include protecting local funding, self-determination, water resources, and economic development. Key changes from 2025 include: - Expanded objective on economic development alignment. - New objective to extend workers' compensation benefits to all public safety personnel when traveling to/from duty. - Opposition to preemption of zoning authority for data centers and elimination of the state tax credit incentive (estimated $38.5 million state impact). - Removed language on Maricopa County Library District funding (no longer a concern). - Updated water policy to align with Harquahala water purchases and oppose removal of financing options for water capacity fees. - Added support for a missing from care pilot program for youth group homes (in partnership with Senator Farnsworth) and campaign finance administrative closure upon candidate death. - Proactive legislative priorities include: 1. Lead coalition partner on Title 42 public infrastructure reimbursement program cap expansion (current cap at $200 million, $20 million remaining). 2. Lead on legislation to maximize water credits from Sunoki Wash for designation status. 3. Campaign finance administrative closure measure. 4. Workers' compensation parity for peace officers and firefighters. 5. Support for appropriations for a Queen Creek Police Department pilot program with Canyon State Academy/Desert Lily Academy. - Councilmember Brown thanked staff and offered council assistance with legislative relationships. The guiding principles were approved 6-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 6-0. - Public Hearing Consent Agenda approved 6-0. - Ordinance 883-25 (wastewater capacity fee increase effective January 5, 2026) approved 6-0. - 2026 Legislative Guiding Principles approved 6-0. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.

The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on November 19, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers, 20727 E Civic Parkway. The meeting was called to order, roll call established a quorum (all five members present), and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. An invocation was given by Rock Point Church. The council received committee reports from the Transportation Advisory Committee (November 13), Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (November 18), and Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee (November 18). The meeting included consent items, public hearings, a discussion item on telecommunications, and final action on three water-related resolutions. Consent Calendar - Approved the November 5, 2025 Regular Session minutes. - Approved reappointment of Jennifer Robinson to the Local Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board – Police (term commencing November 19, 2025). - Approved a Permanent Extension of Premises/Patio Permit Liquor Application for Queen Creek Olive Mill. - Approved expenditures over $75,000: Stanley Consultants Inc. for Hawes Road Improvement design ($187,352) and Vertech for well equipment/SCADA (additional $500,000, total $1,250,000). - Approved a Professional Services Contract with Sisu Global for engineering consulting (not to exceed $500,000). - Approved Ordinance 879-25 for the San Tan Blvd and Ellsworth Annexation (approx. 5 acres). - Item G (Ocotillo and Hawes Annexation, 0.14 acres) was continued to the December 17, 2025 council meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Linder (39413 N Taylor St, Santan Valley) spoke against the proposed annexation of two Pinal County parcels (SEC Ocotillo & Meridian Roads). He stated that the properties are bound by CC&Rs restricting use to residential only and that the community has repeatedly rejected commercial encroachment. He expressed opposition to any rezoning that would allow commercial development, noting past attempts to change CC&Rs failed with less than 20% support. His comments were entered into the record for the public hearing on the annexation. Public Hearing Consent Agenda - Ordinance 878-25 (Zoning Text Amendment to Design Standards for buffering adjacent to utility facilities) was approved with a single motion and vote (5-0) after a public hearing with no additional comments. - Public hearing for Case P25-0138 (SEC Ocotillo & Meridian Annexation, 6.9 acres) was opened; Mark Linder's comment was the only public input. The hearing was then closed, and the item was approved as part of the consent agenda. Public Hearings - Item 9A (Ocotillo & Hawes funeral home rezone, site plan, and conditional use permit) was continued to the December 17, 2025 council meeting by unanimous vote. - Item 9B (San Tan Blvd & Ellsworth Rezone and Site Plan): Principal Planner Sarah Clark presented the proposal to rezone 4.2 acres from R1-43 to C-1 with a PAD overlay for a medical/general office development (four buildings, 30,644 sq ft). The site includes 30-ft and 40-ft landscape buffers, a 6-ft solid wall, reduced lighting (2700 Kelvin, 50% reduction after 10 PM), and architecture with rural agrarian elements. A neighborhood meeting in March 2025 drew one supportive resident. The applicant, Sean Lake, spoke in favor. A public hearing was opened and closed with no further comments. The council unanimously approved the rezone and site plan (5-0). Councilmember Brown praised the buffering, access, and aesthetics. Discussion Items - Telecommunications Update: Senior Management Analyst Ryan McDonald presented an overview of investments over the past year. Key points included: - Three new macro towers agreed upon (two on town-owned property at Mansoe Carter Park and behind Fire Station 2, one on private property off Aquateo Road). - Small cell deployments: Crown Castle (23 nodes, 8 under construction, expected live January–February 2026) and Cox Communications (21 nodes near town center, expected live early 2027). Crown Castle installed 40.5 miles of fiber using Rapid Connect 2.0 nano-trenching. - Fiber agreements: Google Fiber has built 24 segments reaching nearly 10,000 homes, with planned full build-out by end of 2026. Other agreements (Giga Power, Novos, Orbital Communications) have not yet deployed; the town has a two-year termination window. - Conduit occupancy agreements allow in-kind leasing of town-owned conduit, expediting deployments and minimizing construction impacts. - Average permit review time for small cell sites was five days; expedited processing is in place. - Future goals: Oversee macro tower construction, finalize a text amendment for entitlement processing, ensure small cell go-live, execute drive tests, and continue working with Google Fiber. - Councilmember Brown noted the public safety importance of increased wireless capacity (911 access). Councilmember Padilla mentioned that private property owners can host cell towers and be compensated. The council thanked staff for the update. Final Action Items – Water Resources - The council heard a joint presentation from Town Manager Bruce Gardner, Utilities Director Mark (last name not given), and Finance Director Scott McCarty on securing a 100-year water supply. Key details: - The town has ample groundwater but faces rising replenishment costs from the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD), fees currently $900–$1,000 per acre-foot and rising to $1,100+. - The town has saved customers approximately $58 million over seven years through mitigation efforts. - The town authorized the purchase of 5,000 acre-feet/year from the Harquahala Valley earlier in 2025; the second phase will acquire an additional 1.2 million acre-feet over 100 years (12,000 acre-feet/year) at a purchase price of $244.4 million (reduced from original by $8 million). - This purchase will reduce groundwater reliance to under 10% (6%) and move the town toward becoming a designated water provider with self-sufficiency. - Financing: Certificates of Participation (COPs) not to exceed $250 million (40-year term, interest-only first 7 years) and a loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) of Arizona (expected $52 million at 4% interest over 30 years). - Resolution No. 1650 directs staff to evaluate and develop a new Water Resource Fee to repay past, current, and future water acquisitions. The fee will apply to all accounts, with a 50% credit for combined water/wastewater accounts. The fee is not being created tonight; staff will return in fall 2026 for implementation, with an effective date of January 1, 2027, coinciding with exit from CAGRD. - Councilmember Brown praised the staff's expertise and the legacy decision. Vice Mayor and others expressed confidence in the plan. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (items 7A–7G): Approved 5-0. - Public Hearing Consent Agenda (items 8A and 8B): Approved 5-0. - Item 9A (funeral home rezone): Continued to December 17, 2025 by unanimous vote. - Item 9B (San Tan & Ellsworth rezone/site plan): Approved 5-0. - Resolution No. 1649-25 (COPs up to $250 million for water acquisition): Approved 5-0. - Resolution No. 1653-25 (WIFA loan application): Approved 5-0. - Resolution No. 1650-25 (direction to evaluate and develop a Water Resource Fee): Approved 5-0. - The meeting then recessed to complete executive session business before final adjournment.

The Queen Creek Planning & Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM local time (13:00 UTC) at Community Chambers. The meeting included two public hearings for development proposals, an administrative update, and a work study session discussing several zoning text amendments. No minutes were provided for this meeting. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda listed approval of the October 22, 2025, meeting minutes. However, the transcript indicates that the consent agenda was not discussed or voted upon; the chair moved directly to the public hearing portion after public comment. This discrepancy is noted. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for items not on the agenda. - For the first public hearing (San Tan Blvd & Ellsworth), one resident attended the neighborhood meeting (March 24, 2025) and raised no concerns, only general inquiries about access and screening. - For the second public hearing (Ocotillo & Hawes), six residents attended the neighborhood meeting (June 23, 2025); the main question was about cremation, and the applicant confirmed no crematory on site. One written comment in opposition was received from a non-adjacent property owner, citing incompatibility with residential uses and increased traffic. Discussion Items Public Hearing A: San Tan Blvd & Ellsworth Rezone (P24-0101) and Site Plan (P24-0103) - Staff presented a request to rezone a 4.2-acre vacant site (southwest corner of San Tan Blvd and Ellsworth Rd) from R1-43 to C-1 with a PAD overlay and approve a site plan for a 30,644-square-foot medical/office development with four single-story buildings. The site is a Maricopa County island; annexation will be heard by council on November 19, 2025. - The project exceeds parking requirements (141 stalls vs. 127 required) and landscaping requirements (32% vs. 15%). A 30-foot landscape buffer, 40-foot southern buffer, double row of trees, six-foot wall, and warm-colored lighting dimmed 50% after 10 p.m. are proposed to transition to adjacent residential uses. Building elevations feature agrarian design (brick, standing seam metal, gable roofs, wood brackets). - Staff recommended approval with a revised condition (4) clarifying water line placement. Applicant Sean Lake spoke in support, emphasizing the need for medical office space. - Commissioners expressed support; no public speaker cards were submitted. Public Hearing B: Ocotillo & Hawes Rezone, Site Plan, and Conditional Use Permit (P23-0173, P24-0071, P25-0088) - Staff presented a request to rezone 2.72 acres (northwest corner of Ocotillo and Hawes) from R1-43 to C-2, and approve a site plan and conditional use permit for a 7,630-square-foot funeral home with 66 parking spaces (exceeding requirements). The property includes a 0.15-acre unincorporated island to be annexed concurrently. - The site currently has two rental units and outbuildings; the funeral home will have two gathering spaces, a catering area, and no crematory. Access includes full access on Ocotillo and right-in/right-out on Hawes. A six-foot perimeter wall and landscaping buffer are proposed along the west side adjacent to three residential homes. A stormwater drainage channel runs along the west property line. - Applicant Sean Lake (representing owner and SCI, the largest funeral home operator in North America) spoke in support, noting the low-intensity, low-traffic nature of the use and compatibility with the mixed-use area. Commissioners commented that the use is a good fit for the corner and a needed community service. - No public speaker cards were submitted. Administrative Items: Planning Recent Activity Update - Planning Manager Erik Swanson reported that 105 permits were issued in the previous month, up from the prior month. Summarized annexations (including the two projects on the agenda), approval of the middle housing tax amendment, and staff-level approvals: Empire Granger (church on Riggs and Signal Butte), Caldwell County signage, and a parking lot expansion at Song of Life United Methodist Church. Work Study Session: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Updates - Principal Planner Les Johnson presented several proposed text amendments (no action taken): - Outdoor Storage: Prohibit non-standard storage (e.g., shipping containers, inoperable vehicles, buses) and limit visible storage in front and side yards. Enforcement is complaint-driven; short-term storage (e.g., construction trailers) is not targeted. Commissioners discussed definition of inoperable vehicles and education outreach. - Animal Regulations: Introduce minimum open space size for livestock pens, clarify educational use provisions (including swine), and increase animal units per acre on lots over one acre (citing the DD Mini Farms project). - Wireless Communication Facilities: Streamline review by making the commission the final decision body for conditional use permits (instead of council) and allow administrative approval for stealth antennas (integrated into buildings) and small cell antennas on private property. Commissioners discussed examples like the Ellsworth Loop near Olive Garden. - Downtown Core Parking: Propose eliminating minimum parking requirements for properties under 5,000 square feet on the east side of Ellsworth (from Ellsworth Brewing Company to Aldecoa) to preserve character and enable reuse of small lots. Commissioner Hale expressed concern about ADA compliance and potential parking congestion, suggesting at least one space be required. Staff noted parking studies are ongoing with consultants. - Murals: Define “mural” in the code to distinguish from signage and avoid conflict with sign regulations. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing A: Motion to approve P24-0101 and P24-0103 with the revised condition 4 was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. The recommendation will go to Town Council for final action on November 19, 2025, along with the annexation. - Public Hearing B: Motion to approve P23-0173, P24-0071, and P25-0088 was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. The recommendation will go to Town Council for final action. - Work Study Session: No formal action taken; staff will incorporate commissioner feedback (e.g., parking minimum concerns) and return with refined text amendments at a future meeting. Note: The consent agenda item (minutes approval) was not addressed in the transcript; a discrepancy exists between the agenda and the meeting record.

The Queen Creek Town Council met in regular session on November 6, 2025. The printed agenda lists the meeting as November 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM, while the meeting timestamp provided for this summary is November 6, 2025, at 13:30 UTC. A quorum was present. After an initial executive session, the council heard ceremonial presentations, committee reports, public comments, approved consent and public hearing consent agenda items, discussed two removed consent items, and received a downtown development update before returning to executive session. Ceremonial Matters - Councilmember Oliphant read a proclamation recognizing November as Epilepsy Awareness Month. The proclamation stated that epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder, nearly 3.4 million people in the U.S. (including 77,000 in Arizona) live with active epilepsy, and 25% of the general public say they would be nervous around a person with epilepsy. - Councilmember Padilla read a proclamation declaring Small Business Saturday on November 29. It cited that more than 50% of U.S. consumers are anticipated to shop or eat at small independent retailers or restaurants, about 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local economy, and every dollar spent creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity. - The town received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, its 20th consecutive year. CFO Scott McCarty and finance team members were recognized. - The Economic Development Team was recognized for receiving the 2025 Golden Prospector Award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development for its inaugural Economic Development Annual Report in the Marketing Brochure category. - LG Energy Solution made a community donation supporting public safety departments and downtown holiday lighting. Company representative Mr. Ra said the company aims to be a responsible, contributing member of Queen Creek, not only a builder of a battery manufacturing facility. Committee Reports - During council reports, Councilmember McClure highlighted the Light the World Giving Machines coming to Queen Creek for the first time at Pecan Lake Entertainment from November 14 through December 7, noting the global program has raised over $50 million. - Councilmember McClure reported on the Economic Development Commission’s October 22, 2025 meeting: Grant Terrian was elected chair, Mark Valenzuela vice chair; the FY25-26 work plan was recommended for approval; Deputy Public Works Director Julian Dressang presented the Transportation Master Plan; and the next meeting is January 28, 2026. - Councilmember Padilla reported on the Downtown Arts & Placemaking Advisory Committee’s October 30, 2025 meeting, describing its monthly work to beautify Queen Creek and create a cultural, unique hometown feel. He also thanked town employees during the Employee Appreciation Barbecue. - Molly Jacobs, Queen Creek Performing Arts Center director, gave the Queen Creek Cultural Foundation annual update: the center is in its 22nd year, hosted more than 425 events with over 250,000 attendees, kept family theater tickets at $14 and $16, and is addressing ticket reseller issues. She said Matilda will involve more than 300 youth, and community members Krista Richards and Mary Simmons testified that the center provides unique cultural opportunities and serves as a lifeline, especially for seniors. Public Comments & Testimony - Sylvia Barrett, a Queen Creek resident for more than 30 years, urged the council to rescind its support for Resolution Copper. She cited concerns about 30 wells in the Santan Valley Desert Wells area pumping 400 gallons per minute for 40 years, a 22-mile copper concentrate pipeline, a 24/7 filter plant and loadout facility, 2 to 4 feet of subsidence identified in the 2025 FEIS, noise and rail traffic, power demands on SRP, and potential harm to water supplies. She asked the council to contact the governor and attorney general. - Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, asked the council to consider building crystal lagoons or surf lakes, indoor tennis courts, a Zippy’s restaurant, more year-round downtown lighting, removal of trees to expose downtown buildings, and new downtown apartments with air conditioning and heating. He also questioned the Mayor’s leave of absence and expressed opposition to additional Mormon churches in Queen Creek. - Jeff Wold, a Queen Creek resident, explained the Light the World Giving Machine Initiative: 150 locations worldwide, more than $50 million raised over eight years, and seven charities (three local, two statewide, and two global). The machines will be at Pecan Lake Entertainment from November 14 through December 7. He described donations such as shoes, socks, school supplies, and goats, and encouraged residents to participate. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Padilla removed items B and F for separate discussion. The remaining consent agenda passed 5-0. It approved: the October 15, 2025 regular session minutes; the Economic Development Commission Work Plan for FY25-26; the 2025 Transportation Master Plan; a $321,470 U.S. DOJ grant for a de-escalation and crisis response training program using scenario-based simulation; an intergovernmental loan agreement with the Town of San Tan Valley; a seven-year master lease/purchase and maintenance agreement totaling not to exceed $1,316,403 for a CO2 decontamination machine and turnout gear cleaning system; a Memorandum of Agreement with Arizona Training Center for police training ranges; FY24-25 budget adjustments and cash transfers for in-lieu property taxes, franchise fees and return-on-investment payments; $34.6 million in budget adjustments and transfers related to the updated 2024 impact fee study; budget adjustments and accounting entries related to the LG Energy Solution Development Agreement including defeasance of the $50M Series 2023 obligation; $45,664,834 CIP carryforward to contingency for new water resources; $16,175,951 in FY25-26 carry-forward budget reallocations; Amendment 3 to Delegation Resolution 1537-23 increasing the Public Safety Support Facility authorization by $400,000 to $51,721,662; Resolution 1645-25 authorizing a $3,000,000 interfund loan from the General Fund to the Fire Development Impact Fee fund; and Transportation Advisory Committee appointments and reappointments. Separate Discussion: Items B and F - Item B (Parks and Recreation Deputy Director-Recreation FTE; $248,221 ongoing and $5,900 one-time costs): Councilmember McClure opposed adding the position, citing annual parks maintenance costs that have climbed from over $3-4 million five years ago to over $10 million. Councilmember Benning supported the position, saying the parks and recreation department has matured and Director Robinson has done a fantastic job. Staff said the position was in the five-year plan and would add leadership across recreation and parks divisions. The motion passed 4-1. - Item F (Professional Services Contract with Civic Solutions Partnership, LLC, not to exceed $85,000, for the Economic Development Strategic Plan update): Councilmember McClure said consultant fees for economic development were not a proper government expense. A motion to approve passed 3-2. There was a procedural clarification that the earlier combined vote applied only to item B; item F was voted separately. Public Hearing Consent Agenda - The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comments. Council approved the agenda 5-0: Case P24-0023 Ocotillo Hawes Annexation, approximately 0.14 acres at the northwest corner of Ocotillo and Hawes roads; and Ordinance 877-25 (Case P25-0126), the HB2721 Middle Housing Text Amendments, amending Article 1.14 Definitions, Article 4.6 Use Regulations, Table 4.6-1 Permitted Uses, and adding Article 4.15 Middle Housing Overlay District. Discussion Items - Downtown update (discussion only): Downtown Development Manager Jennifer Lindley reported roughly $200 million in private investment and nearly 230,000 square feet of commercial projects under construction, up from only 4,000 square feet in 2023, which she said was 57 times greater. She reviewed projects including a 124-room hotel expected to open in early 2027; Sacred Pine; QC Accounting expansion; The Perch development, with 62,000+ square feet and opening by the end of 2026; Circle K; The Switchyard, with Phase 1 of nearly 48,000 square feet expected in Q3 2026 and announced tenants Postinos, Shake Shack and SNOOS, plus Phase 2 multifamily; Rusty Buckle Saloon expected mid-2026; Magma Plaza, about 8,500 square feet of commercial space; and The Matheson, about 20,000 square feet of office space. She also previewed a new marketing campaign to reframe construction as progress, using signs and social media and directing people to InvestTheQC.com. - Councilmember Benning praised the downtown team and described the benefit of economic spillover along Ocotillo and Ellsworth Roads, saying he has served on the council for almost 16 years and is excited to see the planning come to fruition. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously voted to enter executive session at the start and to return to executive session after the regular agenda for remaining items. - Consent agenda minus items B and F: approved 5-0. - Item B (Parks and Recreation Deputy Director-Recreation FTE and budget transfer): approved 4-1. - Item F ($85,000 Civic Solutions Partnership, LLC contract): approved 3-2. - Public Hearing Consent Agenda items 9A and 9B: approved 5-0. - Downtown update was for discussion only; no action was taken. The new downtown marketing campaign is expected to roll out in the next few weeks.

Training and zoning commission held a regular meeting and subsequent work study session on October 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Community Chambers. The meeting was chaired remotely by Chairman David Gillette. New commissioner Ashley Baldwin and new Town Attorney Cliff Mattis introduced themselves. The session addressed two public hearings on zoning text amendments, received a planning activity update, and concluded with a work study session featuring a Transportation Master Plan update and communication skills training. Consent Calendar - Approved the August 13, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting minutes. - Adopted the 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission Policies and Procedures Manual. (Both items passed by unanimous roll call vote) Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or submitted comments for the public hearings. Discussion Items - Middle Housing Text Amendment (P25-0126): Principal Planner Sarah Clark presented a staff-initiated text amendment required by HB2721, which mandates municipalities (population ≥75,000) to allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes as permitted uses on single-family zoned lots within one mile of the central business district and on at least 20% of new developments over 10 contiguous acres. Queen Creek's 2020 census population was under 75,000, so the amendment will become effective with the 2030 census. Commissioners discussed parking limits (1 space per unit), floor area ratio minimum (50%), and the amendment's compatibility with existing processes. No public comments were received. The commission voted unanimously to approve. - Utility Buffer Text Amendment (P25-0106): Planning Manager Eric Swanson presented a staff-initiated amendment requiring enhanced buffering for new utility well sites adjacent to residential development, including an 8-foot wall, 50-foot landscape buffer, single-story homes next to the buffer, and disclosure statements on plats and purchase agreements. For non-residential, a 20-foot buffer is required. The Home Builders Association of Central Arizona opposed all requirements except disclosure. No public comments were received. The commission voted unanimously to approve. - Planning Recent Activity Update: Eric Swanson reported 92 single-family home permits issued in the previous month, a 4% decrease year-over-year. He noted the approval of a contract with Michael Baker and Associates for the General Plan update, and several staff-approved projects including Rusty Buckle tenant improvements, Homestead Malting (a grain malting facility), and LG Energy Solutions solar panel installation. - Transportation Master Plan Update (Work Study): Deputy Public Works Director Julian Dresang presented the draft 25-year plan, which envisions accommodating population growth to 150,000 by 2050. The plan identifies 96 potential projects prioritized through public outreach (800+ survey responses, events). Commissioners discussed traffic projections, particularly the impact of Box Canyon development on Hunt Highway and Power Road. The final draft is expected to be presented to the Town Council in November 2025. No action was taken. - Communication Skills Training (Work Study): Consultant Cary Pfeffer led a training session on public presence, effective communication, and managing public meetings. Topics included the importance of citizen civics education, conversational explanation of processes, word choice (7%) vs. voice tone (38%) vs. body language (55%), consistent meeting rules, and active listening. Commissioners discussed the value of acknowledging public speakers and representing the town professionally. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the Consent Agenda. - Unanimous approval of P25-0126 Middle Housing Text Amendment. - Unanimous approval of P25-0106 Utility Buffer Text Amendment. - Received updates on planning activity and the Transportation Master Plan; the TMP will proceed to Town Council in November. - Participated in communication skills training; no decisions made during the work study session.

The Queen Creek Town Council held a regular session on October 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers. The meeting included an executive session first, followed by the regular session. Councilmembers McClure, Olifant, Benny, Brown, and Panilla were present; the mayor and vice mayor were absent. The council approved a consent agenda, heard public comments, received reports on the Recreation and Aquatic Center and a multimodal transportation study, and adopted an ordinance on special events permitting. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously the following routine items: - Minutes of the October 1, 2025 regular session. - Reappointments and appointments to the Economic Development Commission and Downtown Arts & Placemaking Advisory Committee. - Budget adjustments and accounting entries for interfund loan payoffs and debt service. - Transfers of $35,134,160 from CIP new projects to the CIP Contingency Fund. - Expenditures over $75,000: additional $50,000 for Brinc Drones UAV system (total $450,000); additional $167,000 for Carahsoft LVT trailers (total $221,250). - Professional services contracts: $500,132 for Comprehensive General Plan Update; $133,237 for hydrological support at Sierra Vista Well. - Intergovernmental Agreement with Pinal County for Safety Roadeo. - Telecommunications licenses and conduit occupancy agreements with Cox, Google Fiber, and Crown Castle. - Resolution 1648-25 adopting an Artificial Intelligence Policy effective November 14, 2025. - Amendment to Ordinance 874-25 to correct exhibits. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah James Markham (Tempe resident) requested that the city provide sign language interpreters at all events, install T-coil systems in council chambers and auditoriums, and expressed opposition to any ICE agreement involving Mesa Gateway Airport. He also urged police to enforce speeding limits and consider speed cameras. - Assistant Town Manager Shea Yocham reported on the town’s response to the weekend storms, praising the public works, utilities, police, and fire departments for preparation and coordinated efforts that minimized disruptions and reopened roads by Monday morning. Discussion Items Recreation and Aquatic Center Report - Parks and Recreation Director Adam Robinson presented a six-month update on the Recreation and Aquatic Center, which opened March 29, 2025. Key statistics: - Over 32,000 day passes sold; nearly 9,000 total members (including family members); 3,000 memberships purchased. - Peak attendance day: 542 visitors (68% of pool capacity); average summer attendance 50% capacity. - Weekly visitors peaked at 1,700 initially, now normalized to 3,500–3,900. - Revenue for first six months: over $1.1 million (33% from annual passes). - Successes included senior fitness classes, river walk aqua fitness (peak 85 participants), sold-out culinary classes, youth and adult sports leagues, and strong lifeguard retention. - Challenges: HVAC system (now fully commissioned), roof leaks (forensic roofing specialist hired), gym floor replacement needed (8–9 weeks at no cost under warranty), and lack of programming for ages 9–12. Recommendations included a pre‑teen room, extended hours for family swim on Friday evenings and weekends, and additional swim lessons and aqua fitness classes. - Council members praised the facility and discussed minor adjustments; no action taken. Superstition Vista Multimodal Transportation Planning Study - Hannah Quincy (MAG project manager) presented a study covering 287 square miles in southeastern MAG region, including Queen Creek. The study forecasts 70% population growth and 152% employment growth by 2050. Recommended networks include 136 new/widened roadway projects, 34 intersection improvements, 12 freeway projects (including SR 24 conversion to full freeway), 199 non-motorized projects (multi-use paths, bike lanes), and potential fixed-route transit extensions. Projects are sourced from local CIPs and MAG plans; funding for many projects is not yet programmed. The study is expected to go to MAG policy committees for acceptance in the coming months. - Councilmember Brown asked about design details (e.g., lane counts); Quincy explained the study identifies needs but not specific cross-sections. Councilmember Benning noted the lack of a dedicated funding mechanism. Final Action: Ordinance 876-25 – Special Events - Police Chief Bryce presented proposed amendments to the town code adding Chapter 19 (Special Events) and amending Chapter 9. The ordinance defines a special event as an intermittent gathering (<4 consecutive days) inconsistent with zoning, and sets six criteria that may require a permit: (1) use of town property, (2) deviation from permitted use, (3) impact on public safety, (4) use of fireworks/pyrotechnics, (5) amplified sound, (6) state liquor license required. Permit applications will be reviewed by a committee; standard submission is 60 days in advance (block parties: 14 calendar days; tournaments: 30 days). Denial criteria include resource constraints, false information, or public safety risks. Violations are civil offenses, with possible escalation to misdemeanor for continued noncompliance after warning. The ordinance includes an appeals process to the town manager. Chief Bryce emphasized that the goal is to facilitate safe events, not to restrict them. - Discussion: Councilmember Padilla expressed concerns about the amplified sound criterion, arguing it was too vague and could apply to common backyard gatherings. He noted that existing noise ordinance already handles complaints (1,600 complaints, only 30 tickets) and suggested removing that section. Councilmember McClure supported the ordinance, citing examples of large unpermitted events that required extensive police resources (e.g., a party of 1,000 juveniles with 22 officers deployed for four hours). Councilmember Brown moved to approve the ordinance as posted with a commitment to review in six months. - Vote: Motion passed 4‑1 (Councilmember Padilla opposed). The ordinance will become effective November 14, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda and public hearing consent item (Circle K liquor license) approved unanimously. - Ordinance 876-25 (Special Events) adopted on a 4‑1 vote. - Recreation and Aquatic Center report and transportation study were for discussion only; no action taken. - The council returned to conclude executive session business before adjournment.

The Queen Creek Town Council met in regular session on October 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Community Chambers, Queen Creek, Arizona. After an executive session, the council approved routine consent items, heard a public comment, reviewed a proposed wastewater capacity fee increase, and recognized the outgoing town attorney. All formal votes during the open meeting were 5-0. Ceremonial Matters - Presented the QC Neighborly Award to Encontera, chosen by public voting from three nominated neighborhoods for its Community Service League programs serving neighbors in need. - Recognized Arizona Cities and Towns Week; Councilmember Benny noted that Arizona has 92 cities and towns and highlighted municipal services such as police, fire, EMS, parks, utilities, and street maintenance. - The agenda also listed proclamations for Fire Prevention Week and Domestic Violence Awareness Month; the available transcript does not show their presentation. Committee Reports - No formal actions were taken. One council member thanked Councilmember McClure for an extremely busy month of community meetings and engagements. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 17, 2025 regular session minutes. - Closed out the Pay-As-You-Go Fund for FY 24-25, including paying a $2,700,000 interfund loan to the Water Operating Fund, transferring $12,588,272 to the General Fund and depositing it into the Infrastructure and Debt Management Reserve, and reversing FY 25-26 transfers from the eliminated fund. - Accepted a $60,000 Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety grant for DUI/impaired driving enforcement overtime and employee-related expenses, with a $60,000 budget adjustment. - Accepted a $64,000 Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety grant for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) overtime and employee-related expenses, with a $64,000 budget adjustment. - Approved Project Task Order 03 under Contract 2023-004 with WSP USA, Inc. for water and wastewater projects WA308, WA310, WW061, and WW065 in the total amount of $950,242, plus related budget adjustments. - Approved one-year bedding/shavings contracts, with up to four possible one-year renewals, with Winner's Circle Soil Products, Queen Horse Bedding of Texas, Bay Horse LLC, and Klassen for up to $175,000 annually on an as-needed basis. Public Hearing Consent Agenda - The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comments. - Approved a Sampling Privilege application from Ryan Witner Anderson on behalf of Target 2920 at 37854 N Gantzel Road. - Approved the requested continuance of P25-0106, a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to Design Standards, Section 3, requiring buffering adjacent to utility facilities, to November 19, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, said he had several encounters with Queen Creek police officers and, as a person with a lifelong disability, should not have to fear for his life. He said political violence should never happen in Queen Creek, referenced a case he believed should not have occurred there, and called for continued police education about people with disabilities. He also asked the town to hire more women police officers, provide 8-12 weeks of paid maternity leave and paid leave after miscarriage or abortion, improve firefighter pay, build more Section 8 housing, and address sewer odors. Discussion Item: Wastewater Capacity Fee Increase Town staff and consultants presented a proposed update to the town's wastewater capacity fee. The fee is a one-time charge on new development paid at building permit to fund infrastructure needed to serve growth; it is not paid by current residents. The last update was in 2019. Under the proposal, the fee would rise by 112% to approximately $6,100 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). - Demand and cost context: Using a 10-year state-law planning horizon, staff projected 14,600 additional ERUs across all land uses, equating to about 2.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of new wastewater flow; the current plan funds 2 MGD of treatment capacity. Single-family homes account for 70% of that capacity need, multifamily 17%, and the rest commercial/industrial. About 10,200 single-family homes are expected over the next decade. - System context: The wastewater system currently has roughly 20,000-25,000 customers, expected to double at buildout. Existing infrastructure is about $165 million, and total buildout is expected to approach $300 million. The Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant currently has 4 MGD of capacity, with a planned expansion to 6 MGD; staff indicated this is likely the last expansion of that facility. - Cost offsets included: The calculation includes about $2.6 million to lease capacity from Mesa/Gilbert partners, $6.6 million for buy-in to existing infrastructure supporting growth, an assumption that only 80% of the plant expansion is growth-related pending design, and a $10 million Title 42 state lands contribution that reduces the fee. Staff also noted council previously approved moving water replenishment/recharge costs from wastewater to water and a $15 million EPCOR exchange-agreement payment to true up capacity fee revenues for about 4,800 accounts in Ironwood Crossing and Encontera. - Multifamily methodology change: Staff recommended changing multifamily fees from meter-size-based to 75% of the single-family fee, based on data showing multifamily density/wastewater generation is about 75% of single-family (census data about 79%; town research about 74%). Examples showed a 175-unit project and a 264-unit project paying about the same under the old approach, and a 400-unit project paying less than a 175-unit project. Multifamily projects were paying 4-19% of the single-family fee while generating an estimated 50-94% of single-family flow; the change would significantly raise multifamily fees. Staff credited utilities employee John Vandevorch with identifying the multifamily inequity. - Large-meter methodology change: For commercial/industrial uses with meters of 2 inches or larger, the town would use project-specific flow analysis and charge the higher of the capacity-based fee or the actual-use-based fee. An example showed a two-inch meter previously charged at 5.33 ERUs/$32,000 that would be re-rated at about 6.7 ERUs. - Stakeholder input: James Ashley of the Home Builders Association acknowledged that neighborhoods cannot develop without wastewater capacity, thanked the town for transparent stakeholder engagement, and said discussions are continuing on implementation details and the effective date. Councilmembers asked about how past under-collection had been subsidized and how industrial users are handled; staff said the system self-corrects through future fee updates, and discharge standards and pre-treatment requirements apply to large users. Key Outcomes - Approved, 5-0, the 60-day Notice of Intention to increase wastewater capacity fees, setting the public hearing for 6:30 p.m. on December 3, 2025, with an intended effective date of January 5, 2026. The notice will be posted on the town website and social media and published in the newspaper for at least 20 days before the hearing. - Recognized Town Attorney Scott Holcomb's final meeting after seven years as town attorney and 36 years with Dickinson Wright and predecessor firms; Cliff Mattis will begin as the new in-house town attorney at the next meeting. - There were no other final actions; the meeting adjourned after town manager remarks.

The Queen Creek Town Council met in regular session on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Community Chambers, 20727 E Civic Parkway. The council first convened in executive session, then reconvened for the public regular session. After ceremonial recognitions, public comment, and committee reports, the council approved the consent agenda, two public-hearing consent agenda ordinances, and the development impact fee audit resolution, each by a 4-0 vote. Ceremonial Matters - Recognized Constitution Week (September 17-23) and the 238th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Student winners of the town's Constitution Week art and poetry contest were recognized. - Recognized the town's Budget Division for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 2025-26, the town's 24th consecutive year receiving the award. - Issued a proclamation designating September 21 as World Alzheimer's Day, noting that more than 150,000 Arizonans over age 65 live with Alzheimer's, nearly 300,000 family caregivers provide care, and Alzheimer's caregivers provide an estimated 483 million hours of unpaid care. - Issued a proclamation designating September 15-October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Queen Creek. - Pinal County Supervisor Rich Videillo appeared as a guest and reported that the county had appointed Santan Valley's first Town Council. The seven appointees were Brian Tyler, Brian Hunt, Daniel Oakes, Darren Schneff, Gia Jenkins, Rupert Wolfort, and Tyler Hudgens. Council members voiced interest in working with the new town on shared regional issues. Committee Reports - The Mayor's Teen Advisory Committee reported on its September 9 meeting, including draft marketing graphics, volunteer assignments for Founders Day on September 20, teen insights for the Recreation and Aquatic Center, and planning for a teen drive-in movie event. - The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee reported on its September 9 meeting. Highlights included an end-of-season report from Queen Creek Heat Little League softball: 581 players, 44% of players being town residents, 153 volunteers contributing approximately 19,000 volunteer hours, and an 82% participant satisfaction rating. The committee also discussed recreation program demand, residents-only policies, a dog park project at the old Founders Park field, and a recommendation on rental and youth sports partnership policies that was forwarded to the council. Public Comments - John Wooten, representing Friends of Horseshoe Park, provided an update on Roots Boots Queen Creek 2026, the event's 15th anniversary, scheduled for March 7-22, 2026, with a kickoff on September 27. He stated the committee has about 90 members, the event budget has grown to approximately $350,000-$375,000 plus $30,000 in-kind, and Friends of Horseshoe Park has contributed $517,000 to Horseshoe Park over 15 years. Consent Agenda - The council approved the consent agenda 4-0, including: approval of prior meeting minutes; appointment of Ashley Baldwin to the Planning Commission through August 31, 2028; closeout of the Town Center Fund with a $9,600,000 transfer to the General Fund and $210,000 expense authority transfer; $7,810,030 in contingency spending to reimburse Vestar Arizona XLVI, LLC under the Vineyard Towne Center Prepayment Agreement; a facility naming rights license agreement for Arena 1 at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre; acceptance of a $333,167 grant for a Critical Incident Management Suite; and approval of a lot purchase with groundwater rights in Harquahala Valley. Public Hearing Consent Agenda - No public comments were submitted. The council approved Ordinance 874-25, which amends zoning, subdivision, and building safety plan review fee provisions and authorizes expedited building plan review and at-risk grading and drainage permit policies. The council also approved Ordinance 875-25, the staff-initiated SB1611 text amendments establishing landscaping and open space allowances for subdivisions where groundwater savings credits have been pledged to a certificate of assured water supply, eliminating turf requirements, and requiring use of the Department of Water Resources plant list. Both ordinances passed 4-0. Public Hearings - The council held a public hearing on the town's biennial development impact fee audit for fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. Finance department and audit firm representatives stated the audit results were posted on August 7, 2025, with no public responses or questions. The council approved Resolution 1647-25 accepting the audit report by a 4-0 vote. Key Outcomes - All formal actions taken during the regular session were approved unanimously, 4-0. - The council recessed to executive session for remaining business and was scheduled to return to the chambers to formally adjourn the meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Queen Creek, Arizona, held a regular meeting followed by a work study session on September 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Community Chambers, 20727 E. Civic Parkway. The agenda included a consent agenda, a public hearing on a zoning ordinance text amendment, a planning activity update, and work study discussions on middle housing and the Commission's policies and procedures manual. No minutes or transcript were provided, so details are limited to the agenda. Consent Calendar - Consideration and possible approval of the August 13, 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes. This item was listed as routine and was to be enacted by one motion and one vote. Public Hearing - Public Hearing and possible action on P25-0106, a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to Design Standards, Section 3 General Design Standards requiring buffering adjacent to utility facilities. A continuance had been requested on this item. Administrative Items - Planning Recent Activity Update, presented by Planning Manager Erik Swanson. Work Study Session Items - Middle Housing Update, presented by Principal Planner Sarah Clark. - Discussion on the Planning and Zoning Commission Policies and Procedures Manual, led by Planning Manager Erik Swanson. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes can be confirmed from the available agenda alone. The only listed action items were the consent agenda approval and the public hearing, which had a requested continuance. No minutes or transcript were available to verify outcomes.