Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

On October 22, 2026, the Tempe City Council held a Work Study Session covering the Opioid Response Plan 2026-2029, the draft Tempe Transportation Plan 2050, and the Double Butte Cemetery assessment. The meeting began with proclamations declaring October 22, 2026 as Lights on Afterschool Day and October 2026 as Hindu Heritage Month. Mayor Corey Woods also expressed support for communities impacted by recent storm events. Public Comments & Testimony - Two periods were held for public comment. No members of the public signed up to speak during either Call to the Audience. Discussion Items 4A. Opioid Response Plan 2026-2029 - Presentation: Interim Community Health Director Mary Maisie presented the plan. Fatal overdoses in Tempe reached a five-year high, increasing 21% from 2024, while non-fatal overdoses increased 6%. Nationally, overdose deaths declined by 14%, but Arizona was among a few states that saw an increase. Men and adults aged 25-44 represent a significant number of overdoses, with the Hispanic/Latino community and people experiencing homelessness seeing increases. The city expects $9.7 million in settlement funds. - First Responder Program: Sergeant Rob Ferraro detailed the Tempe First Responder Opioid Recovery Project, a national model partnering with Impact Suicide Prevention Center. Since its inception, the program has saved 563 lives, conducted 814 behavioral health responses, and navigated 452 people into services. The program boasts a 50% engagement rate compared to a 17% national average. - Community Health Workers: Megan Wilson reported the new Community Health Worker and Peer Recovery Support Specialist program has received 102 referrals, completed 167 resource referrals, and conducted 250+ home and community visits. 66% of participants engaged in continued recovery services. - Prevention Programming: Bernadette Coggins of the Tempe Coalition reported the Botvin Life Skills training has reached over 1,100 students in the first quarter of the fiscal year. 26 adults were trained to implement the program, and over 1,000 naloxone kits were distributed. - Council Questions: Councilmembers inquired about funding sustainability (Vice Mayor Chin), the breakdown of opioid settlement funds between departments (Councilmember Nichols), and specifics on kit distribution and prevention program grants (Councilmember Bramberg). 4B. Tempe Transportation Plan 2050 - Presentation: Transportation Director Eric Iverson and Senior Planner Lindsay Post presented the draft plan. The plan is a vision document updated every 10 years. Tempe has the highest per capita transit ridership in Arizona and the highest bike ridership in the region. The Vision Zero program has resulted in a 60% decrease in fatal and serious crashes since 2019. - Community Engagement: Staff conducted outreach at 50 community events and deployed four public surveys. Key public priorities include safer bike/pedestrian crossings, more frequent transit, and traffic safety improvements. A High Injury Network was identified. - Projects: Top priorities include sidewalk connectivity, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), streetcar extensions, expanded bus service, and road safety audits. Project toolkits were created to allow flexible, context-sensitive treatments at the time of construction. The public survey is open until November 4th. - Council Questions: Vice Mayor Chin questioned the relationship with Valley Metro and jurisdictional challenges with ADOT and Union Pacific Railroad. Councilmember Bramberg raised concerns about curb management for ride-share vehicles and bike lane obstructions. Councilmember Nichols asked for data on the economic benefit of transit to users and questioned the effectiveness of four-way stop intersections in preventing crashes, with staff explaining alternative calming measures like traffic circles. 4C. Double Butte Cemetery Update - Presentation: Community Services Director Alex Chivonovich presented findings from the Aztec Engineering assessment completed in February 2026. The 40-acre cemetery has approximately 12,000 interred individuals and is on the National Register of Historic Places. - Key Findings & Costs: Roadways are insufficient for two-way traffic, drainage is poor, and the maintenance facility is too close to burial plots. Of the nearly 7,000 markers assessed, 1,038 need repair (217 are high priority). Infrastructure costs are estimated at $2.6 million (planning estimate) to $3.5 million (comprehensive estimate), with historic preservation of markers estimated at roughly $3 million. - Community Input: A September 2026 survey ranked historic preservation as the highest priority, followed by drainage and erosion control. Visitors expressed a desire for more historical information at the site. - Council Questions: Councilmember Garland supported the plan and the addition of trees. Councilmember Bramberg questioned the feasibility of using bond funds for road repairs and discussed the impacts of the I-10 expansion on the cemetery, noting ADOT did not provide noise mitigation. Vice Mayor Chin suggested incorporating volunteer opportunities through groups like the newly formed "Friends of Double Butte Cemetery." Committee of the Whole - Proposed Subcommittees: None were proposed. - Status Updates: - Federal and State Advocacy Review (Councilmember Bramberg): Final department presentations are done. The compiled document will go to the full council for a vote on December 17th. - Governance, Representation and Elections (Councilmember Nichols): Discussed ranked choice voting. - Public Safety and Community Oversight (Councilmember Nichols): Next meeting is October 26th at the Tempe History Museum. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake (Councilmember Bramberg): Next meeting is November 2nd at 1:30 PM at City Hall. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken as this was a Work Study session. - Opioid Plan: Staff will continue implementation, provide funding details to council, and regularly update the public dashboard. - Transportation Plan 2050: The public comment period is open until November 4th. The final plan is expected to be presented in December 2026. - Double Butte Cemetery: Staff will begin design work for roadway and drainage improvements, potentially in Winter/Spring 2027. The city will contract a historic preservation conservator. Council expressed general support for moving forward and exploring funding options, including potential reallocation of bond funds. Mayor Woods announced a volunteer cleanup event on October 24th hosted by the Friends of Double Butte Cemetery.

The City of Tempe Hearing Officer, Vanessa McDonald, convened the meeting on October 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Tempe Council Chambers. The agenda included approval of minutes from the October 6, 2026 meeting and abatement requests for three properties. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the October 6, 2026 Hearing Officer Regular Meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Travis Spelrum, owner of the property at 1101 W. Greenway Dr., spoke in opposition to the abatement. He argued that the city’s inspection methods were illegal, that he had made progress, and that he needed more time due to his health and the summer heat. He requested the opportunity to complete the cleanup himself. - No other members of the public testified on the remaining agenda items. Discussion Items - 1101 W. Greenway Dr. (Spelrem property): Code Inspector Luke Donsel presented evidence of junk, trash, and debris violations that had persisted since March 2026. Despite multiple notices, phone calls, and in-person contacts, the rear yard remained in violation. The property owner acknowledged progress but stated more time was needed. The hearing officer noted that the case had been open for eight months and that sufficient notice had been given. - 2502 E. Randall Dr. (Morton property): The code inspector reported that the property had been brought into code compliance, so the abatement request was withdrawn and not heard. - 1049 E. Spence Ave. (Schack property): Code Inspector Michael Moreno detailed a history of violations dating from December 2025, including junk, deteriorating landscaping, and a sidewalk obstruction. Multiple notices and a citation had been issued with no lasting correction. The hearing officer observed no progress in the preceding month and determined the property was unlikely to become compliant. Key Outcomes - Approved a 180-day open abatement for the Spelrem property (case CE261473) and for the Schack property (case CE257919), authorizing the city to clean up the properties if the owners do not comply within 14 days. - The Morton property (2502 E. Randall Dr.) was found to be in compliance, and no further action was taken. - The hearing officer reminded Mr. Spelrum that he had 14 days to either appeal the decision or complete the abatement himself before city intervention. - Next meeting: The next Hearing Officer meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Tempe Council Chambers.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2026, at the Harry E. Mitchell Government Center in Tempe, Arizona. The meeting began with approval of previous minutes, followed by proclamations, public appearances, and a consent agenda. The council then considered several non-consent items, including final adoption of an ordinance regulating automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and zoning changes for a mixed-use development. Councilmember Keating was absent for several early votes but participated later; votes are reported as shown in the transcript. Consent Calendar - Item 7 – The consent agenda was approved 7-0, including miscellaneous administrative items, bid awards, contracts, and resolutions. - Miscellaneous: Appointments to boards, liquor license recommendations for six establishments, and September 2026 payment report. - Contracts: Renewals and awards for HVAC maintenance, firefighter medical exams, landscaping, diving services, water/wastewater equipment, safety supplies, and engineering/construction projects. - Resolutions: Acceptance of a Historic Preservation Fund grant, a $200,000 playground donation from KaBOOM! for Esquer Park, an ambulance services IGA with the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, and multiple highway safety grants from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Also approved a waste-collection mutual aid IGA and a victims' rights grant. Public Comments & Testimony - First Public Appearances (Item 6): - Deborah Zajak (North Tempe) criticized contract worker compensation and questioned the need for equity consulting and social media influencer services, calling the latter “propaganda.” She referenced the “K-shaped economy” and a 50% increase in pension contributions. - Noah James Markham (Tempe) requested sewer cleaning, a wave pool, indoor tennis court, better water taste, downtown businesses, and sign language interpretation; also raised disability benefits and safety concerns. - Susie Sharkey Johnson and her husband (no name given) both urged the council to retain Flock cameras, citing Tempe’s responsible use, drug trafficking data (e.g., 51.4% of fentanyl seized through Arizona’s southern border, 21% Tempe overdose increase), and arguing privacy concerns are inconsistent with other everyday surveillance. - Second Public Appearances (Item 10): - Mario Martinez asked about consultant David Liebowitz’s invoices, hourly rate ($300–400/hour versus city manager’s $178/hour), and an IRS lien. The mayor noted the item was not agendized and could not be discussed. - Public Testimony on Specific Agenda Items: - ALPR Ordinance (8C4): Multiple speakers offered positions: - Caitlin Contreras (ACLU of Arizona) supported the ordinance as a first step but argued exceptions—especially the subpoena provision—undermine Fourth Amendment protections. - Catherine Doran (virtual, Tempe) supported the ordinance and urged expanding protections to exclude ALPR data from outside jurisdictions. - Eric Fowler (Maricopa County Libertarian Party) described the ordinance as a “butchered” ban with loopholes, including a “good faith” shield for officers, and pressed for public reporting requirements. - Deanna Alvarez (Tempe, speaking for AAPI for Equity) opposed ALPRs due to ineffectiveness (citing Atlanta clearance rates), inaccuracy (citing 10% misread rates on states), privacy, and climate impacts of AI data centers. - Nathan Taylor Taft (Chandler, ASU student) supported a full ban, citing constitutional concerns, low efficacy, and widespread constituent support. - Ethan Froylin (ASU student) opposed ALPRs as invasive. - Darling Justice (Tempe, 64-year resident) asked the council to continue or reject the ban and instead develop regional safeguards. - Isabel Hogan (Tempe) supported the ban but also criticized AI data center resource use. - Ash Heen (ASU student) opposed cameras on campus as unnecessary surveillance. - Emerald Center (8C2): Noah James Markham supported the project and asked for more disability housing. Discussion Items ALPR Ordinance (8C4) The council held its second public hearing on Ordinance O2026.46, regulating ALPR technology. - Councilmember Nichols (sponsor) said the ordinance reflects months of collaboration and reaffirms privacy rights. - Vice Mayor Chin opposed a wholesale ban as short-sighted but acknowledged the ordinance’s safeguards. - Councilmember Amberg praised changes that addressed his earlier concerns about lawful incidental use and said he would vote yes. - Councilmember Garland initially had concerns but now supported the ordinance after amendments allowed multi-jurisdictional cooperation and protected officers from liability. - Councilmember St. George supported on Fourth Amendment grounds, calling it a step forward for privacy. - Councilmember Burke (participating remotely) also supported, citing the balance achieved through compromise. - Mayor Woods noted the ordinance preserves officers’ ability to work with joint task forces and shields them from liability. The ordinance passed 6-1, with Vice Mayor Chin voting no. Emerald Center Mixed-Use Development (8C2) - Final public hearing on a zoning map amendment from GID to MU-4 with a Planned Area Development overlay for 8550 South Priest Drive, including 376 multi‑family units. - Applicant Alexis Proper confirmed a traffic study had been reviewed by staff (Shelley Siler said all intersections operate at acceptable levels). Proper also noted the unit mix includes 30% two-bedroom and 4% three‑bedroom units, on the higher end of a market study for family‑sized units. - Councilmember St. George had previously requested more family units and was satisfied with the mix. - The ordinance was approved 7-0. Other Non‑Consent Items - 8A1 (CDBG): Second and final public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant Action Plan Substantial Amendment for FY 2026‑27; approved 6‑0. - 8A2 (RPTA): Authorized Amendment One to the IGA with the Regional Public Transportation Authority for transit services; approved 6‑0. - 8A3 (Valley Metro): Approved Operations Funding Agreement No. 19 with Valley Metro Rail for light rail and streetcar; approved 6‑0. - 8A4 (Concrete Improvements): Awarded a contract to Temcon Concrete Construction for minor concrete improvements; approved 6‑0. - 8B1 & 8B2 (First Hearings): Introduced ordinances for a rooftop lease amendment at 525 South Mill Avenue and an easement abandonment for a residence; no vote taken; second hearings scheduled November 5, 2026. - 8C1 (Assisted Living Training School): Zoning map amendment from R/O to CSS for 0.34 acres at 1843 East Southern Avenue; approved 6‑0. - 8C3 (Group Homes Text Amendment): Adopted text amendment to comply with state SB 1473; approved 6‑0. - 8C5 (Fire Capital Transfer): Authorized transfer from Fund 56 to Fund 52 for FY 2025‑26 and FY 2026‑27; approved 6‑0. - 8C6 (APS Easement): Authorized a power distribution easement to Arizona Public Service Company; approved 6‑0. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 7‑0. - ALPR Ordinance (O2026.46) adopted, 6‑1 (Vice Mayor Chin dissenting). - Emerald Center Mixed‑Use (8C2) approved 7‑0. - Assisted Living Training School (8C1), Group Homes Text Amendment (8C3), Fire Capital Transfer (8C5), and APS Easement (8C6) each approved 6‑0. - First readings for rooftop lease amendment and easement abandonment; final adoption scheduled for November 5, 2026. - Proclamations declared October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Health Literacy Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. - The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2026.

The Tempe Development Review Commission (DRC) met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 to approve meeting minutes and several use permit applications. Five items were approved on a consent agenda without discussion or public comment. The main contested item was a request from Riley Casey for a use permit to park a utility trailer in the front yard setback of his residence at 1941 East Pebble Beach Drive. Consent Calendar - Meeting minutes from the Development Review Commission regular meetings and study sessions held on September 8 and September 22, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Use Permit 4A (NERI Residence): Approved to allow two required parking spaces within the front yard setback. - Use Permit 4B (HAMM Residence): Approved to allow two required parking spaces within the front yard setback. - Use Permit 4C (SOWAR Residence): Approved to allow one required parking space within the front yard setback. - Use Permit 4D (MINTON Residence RV Garage): Approved to allow a detached accessory building (RV garage) over 15 feet in height. - Use Permit 4F (CHEAP THRILLZ Apache): Approved to allow a resale business (clothing and books) in the CSS zoning district. Discussion Items Item 4E: CASEY RESIDENCE (PL260251) – Use Permit for Trailer Parking in Front Yard Setback - Applicant Request: Riley Casey requested a use permit to park a new 22-foot utility trailer on a gravel area beside his driveway within the front yard setback. Mr. Casey stated the trailer is for personal recreational use and cannot be placed elsewhere on the property due to the narrow side yard, a substandard width alley, and an obstructed garage. - Applicant Position: Mr. Casey argued that the planning staff's report was arbitrary and evaluated his application differently than similar ones approved on the consent calendar (such as the SOWAR residence). He contended that the use matches the neighborhood character, presenting photographic evidence of 19 nearby properties with RVs, boats, or trailers. He stated that opposition stems from a small number of harassing neighbors, while he collected a petition of over 18 signatures in support. Mr. Casey accepted several conditions, including non-transferability of the permit and a 30-day cure period for any future violations. - Staff Position (William Beezley): Staff recommended denial, distinguishing this request from vehicle parking permits approved for home improvements. Staff argued that the concentration of complaints (20 complaints in 6 years within a quarter-mile radius, including 5 regarding the applicant since April) demonstrates incompatibility with the neighborhood. Staff noted no similar permits for trailers have been granted in the area. Five conditions were proposed if the commission chose to approve, including verification of complaints by the city attorney. - Commissioner Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the inconsistency between the applicant's attempt to comply and the existence of numerous other noncompliant trailers in the area that had not been reported. Commissioner Spears emphasized the distinction between parking a car (a vehicle that moves under its own power) and parking a trailer. Commissioner Young expressed concern that the complaint-based system unfairly targets compliant residents. Commissioner Miller initially leaned toward the staff's recommendation. Key Outcomes - Motion to Deny: Commissioner Spears made a motion to deny the permit, seconded by Commissioner Miller. The motion failed on a vote of 3-3 (Commissioners Spears, Young, and Chair voting in favor of denial). - Motion to Approve with Conditions: Commissioner Lloyd moved to approve the use permit subject to the staff's five conditions, the applicant's condition of a 30-day cure period (Condition 5), and an additional condition holding the trailer to nuisance standards if its condition deteriorates (Condition 6). Commissioner Richter seconded the motion. - Final Vote: The motion to approve was declared passed by a vote of 3-3. Commissioners Lloyd, Richter, and Miller voted in favor; the Chair, Commissioner Spears, and Commissioner Young voted against. - Result: Use Permit PL260251 for the Casey Residence was approved. - Next Steps: The next Regular Meeting of the Development Review Commission is scheduled for October 27, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a work study session on October 8, 2026, at approximately 4:10 p.m. The meeting included multiple proclamations, department overviews, the joint impact report for Community Health and Human Services and Tempe Community Council, an update on the Public Safety Advisory Task Force, and reports from council subcommittees. There were no public speakers. The meeting was briefly recessed for technical audio issues on Microsoft Teams. Proclamations and Announcements - Mayor Corey Woods read proclamations declaring October 2026 as Agent Orange Awareness Month, October 4–10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety”, and October 2026 as National Bullying Prevention Month in Tempe. - The mayor also welcomed sister city delegates from Skopje (North Macedonia), Regensburg (Germany), and Trollhättan (Sweden) ahead of Oktoberfest festivities. - City Manager Rosa Duarte announced the appointment of Alex Devanovich as Community Services Director, noting his 20 years of service with the city. Community Health and Human Services Overview (Item 4A) - Director Tim Birch presented an overview of the department’s three divisions: Housing Services, Social Services, and Well-being and Empowerment. - Housing Services: 1,200 families received rental assistance; 73 homes added to the affordable housing portfolio via the Tempe Community Affiliate for Affordable Housing; $32 million in bond funds committed to affordable housing projects. - Social Services (Dr. Webster): Homeless Solutions – 17,000+ Hope engagements in FY26, 92% of bridge shelter participants exited to housing or longer-term shelter. Care 7 – 97% of students reported improved coping skills. Counseling Services provided affordable therapy to uninsured/underinsured residents. - Well-being and Empowerment (Mary Maisie): Tempe Pre served 242 families; 80% received financial assistance; 98% parent satisfaction; 95% of children were kindergarten-ready. Over 2600 children served in Tempe Pre and Kids On programs. 680 job seekers assisted via workforce programs. - Council discussion highlighted the economic impact of Tempe Pre: Councilmember Keating calculated that the program delivers approximately $6.2 million in annual economic benefits to low-income families based on a $1.5 million city investment plus $500,000 in revenue. Tempe Community Council Joint Impact Report (Item 4B) - The report represents $37.3 million in total investment across six social determinants of health, with over 200 program outcomes. - Key collective impact measures: 99.8% of individuals served in affordable quality housing reported a positive change in housing stability; 100% of food program participants improved food security; 94% of older adults increased digital awareness. - The report is available online at Tempe.gov/communityimpactreport. - Council praised the transparency and scope of services, noting the city’s leadership in human services among Valley municipalities. Public Safety Advisory Task Force Update (Item 4C) - Assistant Chief Dane Sorenson reported on implementation of 34 recommendations from the 2020-2021 task force. Of those, 28 (82%) have been fully implemented. - Key achievements: creation of a Community Responder Team, launch of public data portal (police.data.tempe.gov), accreditation under Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, formation of East Valley Critical Incident Response Team, upgrade to TASER 10 from TASER 7, e-ticketing implementation, and permanent speed/red light cameras at 14 intersections (yielding up to 24% collision reduction). - Recommendations not implemented include renaming the Citizens Review Panel (requires ordinance change) and pausing hiring (deemed impractical due to staffing needs). - Council members commended the department’s progress, with Councilmember Keating noting an 82% implementation rate and Councilmember Garland highlighting the inclusion of 911 operators under the Craig Tiger Act. Council Subcommittee Updates (Item 6B) - Community Solutions for Livability and Well-being (Chair Garland): Next meeting Oct 21 (3 p.m., Tempe Library). - Federal and State Advocacy Review (Chair Amberg): Final meeting Oct 20 (1 p.m., City Hall); focus on local control priorities. - Governance, Representation, and Elections (Chair Keating): Next meeting Oct 9 (noon, Council Chambers); topic: ranked-choice voting. - Public Safety and Community Oversight (Chair Nichols): Next meeting Oct 13 (6 p.m., Tempe History Museum); review of citizen oversight models. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake (Chair Amberg): Next meeting Nov 2 (1:30 p.m.). - Tenants and Rental Properties (Chair Nichols): No update. Future Agenda Items - Councilmember St. George requested a future work study session report from the Animal Welfare office, ideally before the end of November, detailing funding, statistics, and public benefits. The city manager’s office agreed to prepare the report. The next scheduled work study session is October 22, 2026.

The City of Tempe Hearing Officer, Vanessa McDonald, convened a public hearing on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM to consider approval of prior meeting minutes and an abatement request for a code-violating property. No public comments or appeals were filed. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The Hearing Officer approved the minutes from the September 15, 2026 regular meeting after reviewing them and determining they accurately reflect the proceedings. Discussion Items - Abatement Request – Brunson Property (1108 East Alameda Drive): Code Compliance Inspector Scott Lee presented a request for a 180-day open abatement for violations of nuisance codes (junk, trash, debris, and deteriorated landscape) at the property owned by Scott Brunson. Lee detailed a timeline of enforcement actions from May to October 2026, including multiple inspections, a citation, a court finding of responsibility, and failed attempts to gain compliance. Photos taken on the day of the hearing showed the property condition had worsened since the last inspection. The Hearing Officer noted no progress by the owner and no opposition present. Key Outcomes - Action: The Hearing Officer granted the 180-day open abatement request for the Brunson property (1108 East Alameda Drive, Tempe, AZ, KCE 2627), authorizing the City to abate the nuisances at the owner's expense if not resolved within 14 days. - Next Meeting: The next Hearing Officer meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers.

The Tempe City Council met in regular session on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Mitchell Government Center (Tempe City Hall, 31 East Fifth Street). The council approved consent and routine items, issued four proclamations, and conducted first public hearings on an ordinance that would codify the city's ban on automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and on a power distribution easement for Arizona Public Service Company. No substantive votes were taken on the introduced items. The council briefly recessed and reconvened at 9:25 p.m. for the non-consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Moved by Councilmember Garlid, the council approved the City Council meeting minutes (items 4A1–4A2), covering the Federal and State Advocacy Review Council Subcommittee (August 14, 2026) and the Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake Council Subcommittee (April 20, 2026). - The council accepted Board, Commission, and Committee minutes (items 4B1–4B5), including the Development Review Commission Regular Meeting and Study Session (both August 25, 2026) and the Transportation Commission meeting (August 11, 2026). - The consent agenda (item 7) was enacted as a group with one motion. - The council approved the utilization of a one-year State of Arizona contract with Fisher Co. (item 8A1). Proclamations - Mayor Corey Woods proclaimed September 2026 as Healthy Aging Month, September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 15 – October 15, 2026 as National Hispanic Heritage Month, and National Community Planning Month, with Community Development Department staff present. Public Comments & Testimony During the public appearances period (item 6) and the ALPR hearing, community members addressed housing, emergency preparedness, and ALPR privacy: - A speaker said that because one housing project was difficult to build, the city should not conclude it has done enough to allow housing. - A speaker described the city's roughly 190,000 residents, asking who would help a resident living alone who suffers a stroke and cannot call for help. - Multiple speakers supported codifying the ALPR ban. One said the action would honor America's 250th birthday and continue Tempe's state leadership by protecting residents. A Chandler resident said a 'strong majority' of community members support placing Tempe's decision to stop using ALPRs into city code. - A speaker argued ALPRs capture not just plates but also date, time, location, make and model, bumper stickers, and dents, and that the devices have been abused by local and federal authorities, violating the spirit of the Fourth Amendment. - Another speaker argued 'new rules will not change' the underlying surveillance and questioned the effectiveness of a new ordinance. - One speaker raised the hypothetical that a future state government could use ALPR dragnet surveillance to identify women traveling out of state under a Texas-style abortion ban. - A resident of the Town of Guadalupe said videotaping and photography are not allowed during ceremonial prayers and urged protection for ceremonial practices. - A speaker said residents near a new detention center in the area were more concerned about potential protests over the facility than about the facility itself. Discussion Items ALPR Ordinance — Introduction and First Public Hearing - The ordinance would codify the city's decision to stop using ALPRs. It prohibits the city from using ALPR data and provides that, if state or federal law requires the city to permit an installation, the city grants no greater access than the law requires and discloses each installation on the city website. It also bars using ALPR data to reveal a person's location, movements, or identifying information. - Consistent with the City Attorney's advice, the ordinance does not require private businesses to change their operations. - Councilmember Nichols, who introduced the ordinance, has held additional public meetings and continues to meet with stakeholders. - The version before the council was described as very different from the version circulated weeks earlier, and the language was noted as still changing. The public input process included two community input sessions, an earlier council meeting, a survey, and an additional meeting scheduled for October 1, 2026. - Councilmembers expressed caution about treating the survey as a clear mandate while the language continues to change; frustration over the lack of Tempe-specific data on ALPR effectiveness since the city began using the technology around 2022–2023 (with one member noting 'Tempe loves data'); and concerns about multi-jurisdictional task forces, including whether a partner agency's ALPR-derived evidence could be used and whether the ordinance would hinder Tempe's participation in regional narcotics and other task forces. - Councilmembers also discussed whether officers would know in advance what information they may use 'without risking discipline or firing'; whether adequate 'guardrails' exist; and a view that, because no vendor currently provides the needed guardrails, the city should meet the present moment rather than leave the issue to a future council. - No substantive vote was taken on the ALPR ordinance. Further public meetings were scheduled for October 1, 2026, and a final version is expected at a subsequent council meeting. Power Distribution Easement — First Public Hearing (item 8B5) - The council introduced and held the first public hearing on an ordinance authorizing the city manager (or designee) to negotiate a power distribution easement to Arizona Public Service Company. No vote was taken. Other Business - A development item concerning the Emerald Center was discussed, including required street trees and how CC&R restrictions limit what the Architectural Board can allow within the Emerald Center; one public speaker testified. Announcements - Councilmember Amberg announced that the Government Representation and Elections Committee will meet Friday, October 16, 2026, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Key Outcomes - City Council minutes approved; Board, Commission, and Committee minutes accepted. - Consent agenda adopted; one-year State of Arizona contract with Fisher Co. approved. - Proclamations issued for Healthy Aging Month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and National Community Planning Month. - ALPR ordinance introduced and first public hearing held; no vote. An additional public meeting on the ordinance is scheduled for October 1, 2026. - APS power distribution easement ordinance introduced and first public hearing held; no vote. - The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2026.

The Tempe Development Review Commission met on September 22, 2026, to consider several use permit requests. The meeting included discussion of a wireless telecommunications facility, followed by approval of two consent agendas covering four additional use permits. No public comments were received on any item. Consent Calendar - First Consent Agenda (Item 4B): Use permit to allow vehicle rental in the PCC-2 zoning district for Extreme Steam Cleaning (U-Haul), located at 1204 East Baseline Road. Commissioner Young recused himself from this item. Motion to approve by Commissioner Spears, seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Passed with Commissioner Young recused and all others in favor. - Second Consent Agenda (Items 4C, 4D, 4E): - Item 4C: Use permit for two required parking spaces within the front yard setback and an engineered shade structure for Kisiel Canopy at 1748 South Sierra Vista Drive. - Item 4D: Use permit for retail resale (clothing and physical media) in the CSS zoning district for 45 Revolutions Resale at 511 West University Drive, Suites 5 and 6. - Item 4E: Use permit for retail resale (clothing) in the CSS zoning district for Valley Dollz Resale at 511 West University Drive, Suites 1 and 2. Motion to approve by Commissioner Spears, seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Item 4A – Verizon Wireless Telecommunications Facility (PL250414): Request for a use permit to allow a new 66-foot-tall wireless telecommunications facility at 2104 West Southern Avenue. The applicant, Declan Murphy representing Verizon, stated the facility is needed to address a coverage gap. The site, owned by ADOT and zoned GID, is currently vacant. Staff planner Chris Jasper presented the proposal, noting the monopole will be set back from Southern Avenue, screened by an 8-foot enclosure, and designed for co-location. Staff found no concerns with the approval criteria and recommended approval with a stipulation to relocate a pole in a utility easement. Commissioner Young raised concerns about the potential effects of electromagnetic frequencies on endangered species such as the Arizona bumblebee and various cacti, and requested future evaluation of city criteria for such impacts. The applicant noted federal due diligence requirements for new facilities. Key Outcomes - Item 4A: Motion to approve by Commissioner Spears, seconded by Commissioner Wagner. Passed unanimously. - First Consent Agenda (Item 4B): Approved with Commissioner Young recused. - Second Consent Agenda (Items 4C, 4D, 4E): Approved unanimously. - The next scheduled meeting is October 13, 2026. - Commissioner Young’s comments on environmental impact assessments for telecommunications facilities were noted for future discussion but no formal action was taken.

Introductory paragraph: The Tempe Hearing Officer, Vanessa McDonald, convened the meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM. The agenda included approval of the August 18, 2026 minutes and three public nuisance abatement requests from the City of Tempe Code Compliance Division. All abatement requests were granted as 180-day open abatements, and the minutes were approved. No public testimony was offered. Consent Calendar - Minutes of August 18, 2026: Approved without discussion. Discussion Items - 2A – 1858 E Southern Ave (DA FA 1858 SOUTHERN AVE LLC): Inspector from Code Compliance presented evidence of junk, trash, debris, graffiti, and deteriorated landscaping (dead trees, overgrown weeds) observed since March 2026. Despite one tenant contact and a citation in June, the owner remained unresponsive and did not appear. Minor tree removal was noted but not full compliance. Hearing Officer granted a 180-day open abatement (case CM260492). - 2B – 6904 S Lakeshore Dr (Davis Property): Inspector Melissa Ensing described violations including deteriorated landscape, overheight dead grass/weeds, dead palm fronds, and trash/debris stored on porches and yards. Three notices and a citation were issued; the owner failed to appear and fines went to collections. Photos from July showed no improvement. Hearing Officer granted a 180-day open abatement (case CE261494). - 2C – 1432 S Rita Ln (Metro Town Assets Management LLC): Inspector Michael Moreno presented violations of deteriorated landscaping with overheight dead grass, weeds, and a fallen tree damaging a neighbor’s fence. Case began February 2026; multiple notices and a citation were sent to the owner (Winnie Tang) with no response. Hearing Officer granted a 180-day open abatement (case CE260837). Key Outcomes - Minutes: Approved. - Abatement Orders: Three 180-day open abatement requests approved for: - 1858 E Southern Ave (DA FA 1858 SOUTHERN AVE LLC) – case CM260492 - 6904 S Lakeshore Dr (Davis Property) – case CE261494 - 1432 S Rita Ln (Metro Town Assets Management LLC) – case CE260837 - Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers.