Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on July 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public appearances, consent and non-consent agenda items, and a budget meeting after recess. Key actions included adoption of a general business license, approval of a new park use and special events ordinance, acceptance of a $1 million cemetery donation from the Jerry Brock Foundation, and a $2 million cap on annual transfers to the Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing. Proclamations & Appointments - Disability Pride Month: July 2025 declared Disability Pride Month in Tempe. - Guadalupe Teen Court Program Day: June 12, 2025 recognized. - Mark Richardson Lifetime of Service Recognition Day: May 31, 2025 declared. - Scholarship Recognition: Key Club of Tempe Edward Busch Family Scholarship awarded to Olivia Windsor (Tempe High, physics at Barrett Honors College), Rajelio Carbajal (Boston University), and Benedict McWorter (University of Notre Dame). - Appointments: Justine Parnell to Family Justice Commission; Katie Boglowitz to Library Advisory Board. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes (subcommittee and joint meetings) and board/commission minutes. - Approved May 2025 Report of Payments ($48,049,069.76). - Approved amended subdivision plat for Drivetime Tempe HQ. - Approved elimination of condition from 1999 site plan for Alexan Apartments. - Approved liquor license recommendations for Catalyst Crafted Ales, Foch Café & Bistro, Life Time Fitness, Twin Locos, George’s Breakfast and Brunch, and Riliberto’s Fresh Mexican Food. - Approved settlement agreement in Jade Shone et al. v. City of Tempe et al. (CV2025-003243) for $2,100,000, with $2,000,000 budget transfer from Risk Management Fund contingency. - Approved multiple contracts and resolutions (detailed in agenda) including: - Investment management services (PFM Asset Management, $300,000). - Outside legal services contract renewals ($230,000). - Downtown Historic Core Plan contract (MIG, Inc., $300,000). - Real estate services renewals ($200,000). - GPEC membership ($94,676). - Cancer screening program (Vincere Cancer Center, $400,000). - EOD trailer (Quality Vans, $115,000). - Tactical ballistic vests increase ($10,616 to $153,474). - Animal welfare services renewals ($105,000). - Vehicle towing services renewals ($100,000 city cost; $1,800,000 market value). - Versaterm contract increase for cloud migration ($240,352 to $774,121). - Commercial fire equipment inspection services (Brycer, LLC, no cost to city). - Pool chemicals renewals ($150,000). - Rockwell-Allen Bradley supply renewal ($250,000). - Dam hydraulic cylinder repair (SunSource, $200,000). - EV charging stations (National Car Charging, $850,000). - Vehicle bodywork services ($250,000). - Wellhead treatment engineering contracts for Well 11 ($789,023) and Well 10 ($667,330). - Storm drain improvements engineering ($380,280). - Recharge wells engineering at Ken McDonald Golf Course ($733,140). - Wired telecommunications license with Light Source Communications. - Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grants ($352,870). - Fee schedule amendment for short-term rental, tobacco, and general business licenses (Resolution R2025.77). - Designation of Lisette Camacho as Chief Fiscal Officer (R2025.78). - Intergovernmental agreement with Scottsdale for fire training (R2025.79). - Grant agreements for emergency telecom services ($296,868), HIDTA warrant detail ($8,000), HIDTA sergeant position ($184,500). - Agreement for police services at Arizona Mills Mall ($160,124). - Grant from USTA for Kiwanis Tennis Center ($62,000). - IGA with Tempe Union High School District for 3.5 FTE positions (fully district-funded, $373,599). - Resolution approving Emerging Youth Movement as diversion program (R2025.86). - First amendment to agreement with Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing (capping annual transfer at $2,000,000) (R2025.87). - Grant from Tempe Diablos Charities ($65,000). - Modification of flood irrigation rates over five years (increase of $585,000). - Development agreement with Dorsey Development Partners for three parcels near Apache and Dorsey. - Items pulled for separate consideration: - 7B10: Vehicle towing services – corrected fiscal impact read; approved 7-0. - 7C10: IGA with Tempe Union High School District – Councilmember Hodge abstained (conflict as Governing Board member); approved 6-0. - 7C12: Hometown for All funding cap – Public comment by David Sokolowski questioned the cap; Mayor Woods explained the $20 million loss of rental tax revenue and the $32 million bond approved by voters; approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony General Public Appearances (Item 6) Multiple speakers addressed the council on various topics: - Shalomar Golf Course redevelopment: Residents urged preserving the 44-acre green space, citing environmental and community benefits. Carl Streit (president of Shalomar Association) sarcastically proposed building on Kiwanis Park dog park to illustrate opposition. Steve Norris estimated a $135,000 loss in property value. Over 500 neighbors attended developers’ meeting; thousands signed petitions. - Heat safety and transit shade: Diane Melrose criticized inadequate shade at bus stops and called for accelerated canopy efforts. - Police and ICE actions: Matthew Yannis alleged unconstitutional trafficking by ICE; Alex Monte expressed fear of rising authoritarianism. - Traffic enforcement cameras: Nolan Williams supported cameras, noting over 2,000 red-light violations in first month. - General business license (item 8C1): Multiple small business owners opposed the $25 fee, citing burdens on home-based and nonprofit businesses. Joe Forte called it a “local tariff.” Laura Briscoe (Tempe Chamber chair) supported improved data collection. The chamber president noted the fee is low and funds would support workforce development. - Park and special events ordinance (item 8C7): Over 40 speakers, largely in opposition. Concerns included infringement on First Amendment rights, burden on mutual aid groups, impact on community gatherings (yoga, running groups, birthday parties), and vague language. Supporters (e.g., Kim Gaffney Lozo, Georgia Kohler, Lane Caraway) cited trash, safety, and secondary effects on neighborhoods. David Sokolowski questioned the lack of public process. Robert Nichols (attorney) called the ordinance unconstitutionally vague. Senator Lauren QB warned of constitutional violations. New Deal Meal organizer Dave Wells asked for clarity on permits for weekly meals. Mutual aid groups argued the ordinance targets homeless assistance. Several speakers urged tabling the vote for more community input. - Other: Hugh Hallman praised the council and noted Jerry Brock’s $2 million contribution to TCAA. Discussion Items 8A1 – Annual CDBG Action Plan, Consolidated Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan Staff presented the five-year consolidated plan and annual action plan. The city expects $1,533,148 in CDBG funds (down $87,000), $400,000 in HOME funds (down $26,000), and $0 in ESG (previously $153,432). Public comment period ends July 8. Approved 7-0. 8A3 – Jerry Brock Foundation Donation for Double Butte Cemetery Resolution to accept $1,000,000 donation (first installment $105,000) for cemetery rehabilitation. Mr. Brock spoke of his history in Tempe and desire to give back. Multiple council members thanked him. Approved 7-0. 8C1 – General Business License Ordinance (Second Hearing) After public comment and staff clarification on exemptions for nonprofits and home-based business privacy, the council adopted the ordinance 7-0. Mayor Woods cited benefits for curating business mix and regulating unlicensed sober living facilities. The first five months of registration are free (17 months free for early sign-ups). 7C2 – Fee Schedule Amendment for Business Licenses (related to 8C1) – Approved 7-0. 8C7 – Park and Special Events Ordinance (Second Hearing) Staff presented updates to Chapters 5 (special events) and 23 (parks). Key changes: 30-person threshold for permits, new limited park use permit, exemption for spontaneous First Amendment events, civil and criminal enforcement. After extensive public comment, council discussion noted that fees for Ramada reservations remain $25 (resident) and $50 (non-resident), same as for over a decade. Staff clarified that many activities (basketball pick-up games, runs not requiring exclusive use) do not require a special event permit. The ordinance was approved 7-0. Council noted the need to balance public safety with community use. 8C2 – The Marshall on Spence – Continued to August 28, 2025 at applicant’s request. 8C3-8C8 – Various Zoning and Code Amendments: Adopted as part of consent calendar or separate votes. Budget Meeting – The council recessed after 11:50 p.m. to conduct the budget meeting, reconvening to complete remaining items. Key Outcomes - Adopted general business license (fee $25 annual) with exemptions for nonprofits and early sign-up grace period. - Adopted park and special events ordinance with 30-person permit threshold, new park use permits, and First Amendment protections. - Accepted $1,000,000 donation from Jerry Brock Foundation for Double Butte Cemetery. - Approved $2,100,000 settlement in lawsuit over death of Isla Lefkow. - Capped annual Hometown for All transfers to Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing at $2,000,000. - Approved IGA with Tempe Union High School District for 3.5 FTE positions (fully district-funded). - Approved $352,870 in Maryanne Corder Neighborhood Grants. - Authorized development agreement with Dorsey Development Partners for three city-owned parcels. - Approved multiple contracts for infrastructure, police, fire, and community services. - The council recessed at approximately 11:50 p.m. to hold the budget meeting, then reconvened to complete adjournment.

The Development Review Commission met on June 24, 2025, at 2:15 PM (local time) to consider a use permit and development plan for a 20-unit townhome project and to receive an update on the Diablo Double Butte Character Area Plan. The meeting began with approval of the previous meeting minutes and a consent agenda covering multiple items, all passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes from June 10, 2025, was moved by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd, and passed unanimously. - Consent agenda items (3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G) were approved by a motion from Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Richter, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Phil Amorosi (50-year Tempe resident, chair of Hudson Manor neighborhood) spoke in favor of replacing the required commercial space with a landscaped open space, noting the long vacancy of the site and the abundance of nearby retail. He stated the community would prefer a pocket park over another vacant commercial space. - Matthew Salinger (30-year Tempe resident, co-chair of Citizens for Vibrant Apache Corridor) echoed support for the open space, emphasizing the need for shade and greenery along Apache Boulevard, and opposed additional commercial space given high vacancies nearby. - Jonathan Cummings (Tempe resident, present for first time) also supported the park, citing the severe heat and lack of shade in the area, and argued that more commercial space is unnecessary. Discussion Items - Item 4C – Use Permit and Development Plan Review for 20-Unit Townhome Development - The applicant, Lance Baker of Synectic Design, proposed a 20-unit townhome development on a 0.89-acre site at the southwest corner of Apache and Oak. The site is zoned CSS with a TOD overlay requiring 60% ground-floor commercial frontage. The applicant initially included a small commercial space but, after neighborhood input, preferred to replace it with a landscaped open space (corner park) accessible only to residents. - Staff presentation by Robert Mansileo (planner) and Mike Di Domenico (Economic Development Director) explained that the commercial requirement could be reduced via a use permit. Di Domenico noted the difficulty of leasing small commercial spaces in the area, citing vacancies at adjacent properties (e.g., Apache Central project, city-owned Apache shopping center). He stated that economic development did not oppose removing the commercial space in this case, as it would create a more attractive project and improve quality of life for residents. - Commission discussion: Commissioner Richter supported the project regardless of commercial space. Commissioner Lloyd favored removing commercial. Commissioner Spears expressed concerns about the open space becoming an attractive nuisance and the potential for future owner-occupancy issues. Vice Chair Schwartz questioned whether a rezoning might have been more appropriate. Commissioner Tom supported the open space, noting the commercial space was not viable. Commissioner Miller moved to approve the project with removal of commercial and substitution of the open space as presented, with conditions (including an eight-foot steel picket fence and controlled access). The motion passed unanimously. - Item 5A – Diablo Double Butte Character Area Plan Update - Jacob Payne, principal planner, presented the draft character area plan, which is the final of eight such plans for the city. The plan is non-regulatory and provides design principles and policy guidance. Public engagement included virtual and in-person meetings, surveys, and a dot-ocracy activity. Top themes from the community included extreme heat management, shade, connectivity, public health and safety, and streetscape enhancements. The plan includes a historic plant palette and an implementation rubric. Payne requested a recommendation from the commission to forward to city council for adoption. - Commission discussion: No questions. Commissioner Richter moved to approve the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tom and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 4C: Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Miller, second by Commissioner Richter) with the following conditions: the use permit allows reduction/removal of ground-floor commercial; the development plan shall include a landscaped open space on the corner (with eight-foot steel picket fence, egress access, and controlled gates) as an amenity for residents only; updated site plans and elevations without the commercial building to be submitted to staff prior to building permits. - Item 5A: The commission voted unanimously to recommend the Diablo Double Butte Character Area Plan to the city council for adoption. The council hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2025. - The next regular meeting is set for July 22, 2025, with agenda to be published the week prior.

The City of Tempe Hearing Officer, Vanessa McDonald, convened a public hearing on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The agenda included approval of the June 4, 2025, meeting minutes and a single abatement request for a property at 226 East Pebble Beach Drive. The hearing officer granted a 180-day open abatement for the property, which is encumbered with inoperable vehicles and junk trash debris. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (June 4, 2025): Approved unanimously. No discussion or opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke or submitted comments. The hearing officer noted there were no attendees in the chamber or online. Discussion Items - Abatement Request – 226 East Pebble Beach Drive (CE245173): Code Inspector John Salazar presented the case on behalf of the City of Tempe. The property, owned by Donald Cup, was first reported on July 22, 2024, for inoperable and unregistered vehicles in the front and back yards. A final correction notice was sent on August 21, 2024. A citation was issued on February 10, 2025, and the owner failed to appear in court. Between August 2024 and May 2025, inspectors had multiple conversations with Mr. Cup and his niece, Tracy Cup, resulting in minimal improvements. Photographs taken that day showed two inoperable vehicles in the front with expired plates (September 2023), junk trash debris on the front porch, and approximately 12 inoperable vehicles in the backyard intermixed with metal parts, furniture, and other debris. The dwelling appeared secure. Tracy Cup stated her uncle would not be able to bring the property into compliance and believed the city had to intervene. The hearing officer noted the property had been abated previously and described the owners as “an elderly couple.” The inspector requested a 180-day open abatement to allow the city to remediate the violations if the owner does not comply. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The June 4, 2025, meeting minutes were adopted. - Abatement Granted: The hearing officer approved the 180-day open abatement for 226 East Pebble Beach Drive. The order authorizes the City to abate the property at the owner’s expense, with costs collected as an assessment against the property. The owner has 14 days to either appeal the decision to the Board of Adjustment or bring the property into compliance.

The Tempe City Council held a work study session on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12:15 PM (local time). The meeting included a proclamation, presentations on school district demographics, golf course redevelopment, tourism, and a new communication plan, as well as the formation of three new council subcommittees. Councilmember Keating attended virtually. The meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM. Proclamation - Dia de Portugal Proclamation: Mayor Woods proclaimed June 10 as Dia de Portugal, recognizing Portuguese American contributions. The proclamation was presented to representatives of the Portuguese American Heritage Club of Arizona. An event was announced for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Tempe Eats (Mill and Southern). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during either call to the audience. Discussion Items - 4A – 2024-2025 Demographic Update for Tempe Union High School District: Rick Brammer of Applied Economics (serving the district since 1994) presented data showing the district has lost about 2,000 students over 14 years, with 1,400 lost in the last five years. In-district enrollment peaked at over 12,700 in 2005-06 and is now around 9,300-9,400. Statewide birth rates dropped 18% during the Great Recession and have not recovered. Charter enrollment within the district has not grown significantly, but Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) are increasing. Over 13,000 new housing units (91% multifamily) were permitted in the last 10 years, with 26,000 more potential units identified. Brammer projected continuing enrollment declines, potentially below 10,000 students. He commended Tempe for its affordable housing efforts and encouraged further actions to help families, such as daycare. Councilmember Hodge highlighted the Thrive in Tempe initiative and the need for affordability to retain families. - 4B – Rolling Hills Golf Update: Jake Hosleton, CEO of Grass Clippings, reported that the redevelopment plan is complete. Key achievements: Arizona's only lighted golf course (operational since December 2023), a new pro shop, outdoor bar, Glen Rosa restaurant (Sonoran live fire cooking, opened April 5, 2025), event lawn, and wash restoration. Night golf occupancy is near 100%. Farmers markets, yoga, live music, and a professional tournament (Grass Clippings Open, 4,000 fans on May 2-3, 2025, broadcast on Peacock) have been held. Trailing 12-month rounds: 63,000 total (20,000 day, 15,000 night, plus leagues and residents). Target for next 12 months: 75,000 rounds. Councilmembers praised the transformation and noted positive feedback from golfers and the community. - 4C – Tempe Tourism Update: Michael Martin, CEO of Tempe Tourism Office, reported 4.5 million visitors in 2024, generating $1.12 billion in direct spending and supporting over 7,000 direct jobs. Hotel inventory: 7,241 rooms, 1.75 million room nights sold, occupancy 66-67%, average daily rate $147 (down from $150 in 2023). Total hotel revenue in 2024 was $257 million. The office won multiple awards for branding and marketing, including Crystal Rodriguez being named Arizona Marketer of the Year. A new website, strategic plan, and summer campaign were launched. Councilmembers thanked the team and noted the economic impact. - 4D – Communication Plan 2025-2027: Communications Director Chris Baxter Ging and consultant David Leibwitz presented a citywide communication plan aligned with the new brand (launched in-house at no cost). Brand statement emphasizes diversity, involvement, respect for taxpayer dollars, public safety, neighborhoods, economy, and public health. They highlighted new team members, technology investments, and a community survey showing 80% satisfaction (highest ever). The plan includes timely information, personal impact stories, visual storytelling, and media training. A new video embedded the six brand priorities. Councilmembers praised the team's work and dedication. Key Outcomes - Council Subcommittees Formed (approved by consensus): - Age-Friendly Tempe (proposed by Vice Mayor Garland, members: Councilmembers Amberg and Keating) – to develop a 2026-2031 action plan aligning with AARP's eight domains of livability. - Mixed-Use Zoning Requirements Review (proposed by Councilmember Chin, with Councilmember Amberg) – to clarify mixed-use zoning requirements for retail percentages. - Animal Welfare and Cruelty (proposed by Councilmember Hodge, with Vice Mayor Garland and Councilmember Adams) – to strengthen policies, partnerships, and education. - Subcommittees Closed: - Heat Safety for Tempe and Contract Workers (Councilmember Keating) – closed after the item was passed at a prior regular council meeting. - Increased Advocacy for Tempe Youth with Disabilities (Councilmember Hodge) – closed after completing pamphlet and presentations; grant work continues. - Next Scheduled Meeting: The next work study session is September 4, 2025.

The Tempe Development Review Commission convened on June 10, 2025, at 14:00 UTC (7:00 AM MST). Chair Andy Johnson presided. The commission unanimously approved meeting minutes and a consent agenda comprising multiple routine items, with one commissioner recusing. No public comments were received. One item (5A) was briefly considered for removal due to a modification request but remained on the consent agenda. The meeting adjourned without further discussion. Consent Calendar - Items 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (meeting minutes, including May 13, 2025, study session and regular meeting minutes) were approved unanimously in two separate motions. - Items 4A through 4F, 5A, and 6A were approved en bloc as the consent agenda, with Commissioner Richter recusing himself from that vote. The consent agenda passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke or submitted comment cards. Discussion Items - Staff briefly noted that a modification request had been submitted for item 5A (Revelry application), leading the chair to initially pull that item from consent. After clarification that no modification was made, the item remained on the consent agenda. No further discussion occurred on any agenda item. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (with Commissioner Richter abstaining on the consent agenda per his recusal). - The next regular meeting was scheduled for June 24, 2025.

The Rio Salado Community Facilities District Board held a brief meeting on June 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM (MST). The board unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes and adopted the final budget for Improvement Project Number One for fiscal year 2025–2026, with no public comments or discussion. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the meeting minutes from May 22, 2025, by a vote of 7–0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing for item 3A. Discussion Items - Item 3A – Final Budget Approval: The board held a public hearing and adopted a resolution approving the final budget for the Rio Salado Community Facilities District Improvement Project Number One for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The resolution also approved the assessment of capital costs and annual operation and maintenance costs. No board members asked questions or offered comments. The motion carried 7–0. Key Outcomes - The board approved the minutes of May 22, 2025, unanimously (7–0). - The board adopted the final budget for Improvement Project Number One for FY 2025–2026, including capital and O&M cost assessments, by a unanimous vote (7–0). - The next scheduled board meeting is May 14, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a special budget meeting on June 5, 2025, to adopt the capital improvements program (CIP) for fiscal years 2025-26 through 2029-30, consider a property tax levy increase, introduce the property tax ordinance, and adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2025-26. All items passed unanimously (7-0) with no public testimony. Discussion Items - Item 2A – Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Adoption: Councilmember (Vice Mayor Garland) expressed support for a dementia-friendly park initiative, noting community input. The city manager confirmed staff is already working on the concept with the CFO. The council agreed to pursue the idea in future CIP cycles. The motion to adopt the resolution passed 7-0. - Item 2B – Truth and Taxation Resolution: Council adopted a resolution indicating the city’s intent to adopt a primary property tax levy that (excluding new construction) will exceed last year’s levy. The vote was 7-0 via roll call. - Item 2C – First Public Hearing on Property Tax Ordinance: The council introduced the fiscal year 2025-26 property tax ordinance. No public testimony was heard. The second and final public hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2025. - Item 2D – Final Budget Adoption: The council adopted a resolution containing estimates of proposed expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, declaring it the final budget. The motion passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council on any of the four items. Key Outcomes - All four agenda items (2A-2D) were approved unanimously (7-0). - The council directed staff to explore a dementia-friendly park initiative for inclusion in future CIP updates. - The second public hearing on the property tax ordinance (Item 2C) is set for July 1, 2025. - The next scheduled special budget meeting will be on July 1, 2025.

The Tempe City Council held its regular meeting on June 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The session included ceremonial proclamations, public comments on multiple topics, approval of a consent agenda, and public hearings on several items ranging from historic preservation appeals to a new heat safety ordinance. The meeting lasted several hours and concluded with council announcements. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the May 22, 2025 Special Budget Meeting and April 24, 2025 Special Calendaring Meeting, as well as Aviation Commission minutes from April 16, 2025. - Approved reappointments and appointments to the Audit Committee, Board of Adjustment, Development Review Commission, and Joint Review Committee. - Approved the April 2025 Report of Payments Made. - Approved a $300,000 transfer from the General Fund contingency to the Community Services Department for mobile park security cameras. - Held public hearings and recommended approval of four liquor licenses (Series 09S for Sam's Club 4956; Series 12 for Bahaara Indian Kitchen, Sunshine Breakfast Bar Tempe, and AZ Pizza Company Deli + Market). - Approved amended employment agreements for Presiding Judge Kevin Kane, City Clerk Kara A. DeArrastia, City Attorney Eric Anderson, and City Manager Rosa Inchausti (item 7A11, pulled for separate discussion). - Awarded contracts for security camera systems, fleet management software, internet services, educational partnership MOUs, shelter services, generator maintenance, police motorcycles, waste equipment, water plant mechanic services, fire hydrant maintenance, fiber plan review, biofilter rehabilitation design, and Municipal Operations Center contract addenda. - Adopted resolutions on the Pension Funding Policy for FY2025-26, designation of Chief Fiscal Officer, memoranda of understanding with firefighter, police, supervisor, and employee associations, a fire protection system service fee, donation of memorial benches, grant acceptance for ADU design competition, development agreement amendment, and grant acceptance for Mayor’s All-Abilities Awards. Public Comments & Testimony - Shalomar Golf Course Rezoning (multiple speakers): Residents Nancy Keith, Robert Tienny, Lance Warren, and Ann Till voiced strong opposition to rezoning the 44-acre Shalomar golf course for development. They argued the property should remain as green space, citing environmental benefits, community gathering, and the owner’s failure to maintain the course. Several noted a developer meeting the previous night drew about 500 attendees, all opposed. - City Manager Support: Joel Stern and Sergeant Rob Ferraro (Tempe Officers Association) expressed strong support for City Manager Rosa Inchausti, praising her leadership, fair compensation, and commitment to public safety. - Parks and Recreation Ordinance (8B4): Many speakers (Dave Wells, Ruth Currance, John Escobar, Sarah Covey, Catherine Covalis Edic, Alex Monty, Jack Maverick, Tom Brown, Ken Jacobson, Ann Till, Lane Caraway, Paul Sacco, and others) criticized the proposed ordinance changes, arguing they would criminalize mutual aid efforts to feed the homeless, restrict park use for gatherings over 30 people, and undermine community trust. Some residents (e.g., Steve Kisiel) supported the ordinance, citing safety concerns in their neighborhoods. - Historic Preservation Appeal (8A1): Neighbors Joan Bahamondes, Jenny Lucier, and Jeffrey Wall spoke in favor of the proposed two-story addition, supporting preservation of the historic house. - Heat Safety Ordinance (8C1): Christian Beardon (Workers Local 75) spoke in support, noting the need for water, shade, and rest for outdoor workers. Discussion Items - 8A1 – Historic Preservation Commission Appeal (Pramer Residence): The Council heard an appeal of the HPC’s denial of a certificate of appropriateness for a two-story addition. The applicant and homeowner Erica Pramer explained the design preserves the existing house and landscaping. Neighbors and the Maple Ash Neighborhood Association (via individual members) expressed support. The Council voted to approve the appeal, stipulating that original finishes on the historic structure be preserved. - 8A2 – Leo Tempe Development Plan Review: Representative Nick Wood presented updated plans for a 20-story, 786-unit mixed-use development at 835 S. Rural Road. Changes included solar panels, covered loading areas, and improved landscaping. The Council approved the plan review 7-0. - 8B1 – Marshall on Spence First Hearing: A proposed seven-story, 105-unit student housing project at 1026 E. Spence Avenue was introduced. Public testimony raised concerns about building height, parking ratio (0.31), and traffic on Spence Avenue. The Council discussed stepbacks, traffic mitigation, and the need for further community engagement. The item was continued to July 1, 2025. - 8B2 – Zoning Code Amendments: Introduced new land uses for agritainment, data centers, and extreme water uses, along with clarifications. Public comment supported the agritainment district. Continued to July 1. - 8B3 – Water Conservation Ordinance: Amended sections 33-140 to 33-142. No public comment. Continued to July 1. - 8B4 – Parks and Recreation Ordinance Update: Proposed changes to special events and park rules. Extensive public testimony both for and against. The Council discussed the need for balanced regulation. Continued to July 1. - 8B5 – Development Agreement (108 E. 7th Street): First hearing for a development agreement with Core Tempe 6th, LLC. No public comment. Continued to July 1. - 8B6 – Utility Easement Abandonment (Rural/Warner): First hearing. No public comment. Continued to July 1. - 8B7 – Mayor and Council Salary Ordinance: First hearing to set salaries with an estimated 4.1% increase for FY2026-27. No public comment. Continued to July 1. - 8C1 – Heat Safety Standards for Outdoor Workers: Second public hearing. The Council adopted Ordinance O2025.19, adding Article IV to Chapter 13A, requiring employers to provide water, shade, and rest. Councilmembers praised the ordinance as the most robust in the state. Vote: 7-0. - 8C2 – Conveyance of City-Owned Properties to TCAH: Second public hearing. Adopted Ordinance O2025.20 to convey three properties to the Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing. No public comment. Vote: 7-0. - 8C3 – Abandonment of Alley (1328 E. Apache Boulevard): Second public hearing. Adopted Ordinance O2025.21. No public comment. Vote: 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0, with item 7A11 (city manager amended employment agreement) pulled and approved separately by a 7-0 vote after Mayor Woods defended the $370,000 base salary as aligned with East Valley benchmarks and emphasized the city’s commitment to equal pay. - Historic Preservation Appeal (8A1): Approved 7-0, granting the appeal with stipulation to preserve original finishes. - Leo Tempe Development Plan Review (8A2): Approved 7-0. - Contract Renewals and Resolutions (8A3–8A6): All approved 7-0. - First Hearing Items (8B1–8B7): Introduced and held first public hearings; second and final hearings scheduled for July 1, 2025. - Heat Safety Ordinance (8C1): Adopted 7-0. - Affordable Housing Conveyance (8C2): Adopted 7-0. - Alley Abandonment (8C3): Adopted 7-0. - Council Announcements: Upcoming events include Juneteenth celebrations (June 14 and block party), father’s day greetings, Koanis Dog Park opening, and the Pride Party on June 7.

The Tempe Board of Adjustment met on May 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM to consider two variance requests and approve previous meeting minutes. The meeting included staff presentations, applicant testimony, and board deliberation. Consent Calendar - Approved the Board of Adjustment Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes from April 23, 2025, by a vote of 5–0–1 (one abstention). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on either agenda item. Discussion Items - Variance Request 3A – Chuang Residence (1747 East Carver Road): Applicant sought a variance to reduce the rear setback from 30 feet to 13 feet in the AG zoning district to install a 300‑square‑foot cantilevered aluminum pergola (max height 9 feet). Staff recommended approval, citing the lot’s undersized nature (59% of typical AG lot), no special privilege concerns, and neighborhood support (11 attendees at a neighborhood meeting all in favor). The applicant’s representative (Megan, agent) noted the structure is open and would not obstruct views. The board unanimously approved the variance (6‑0). - Variance Request 3B – Gemini Garage (952 East Gemini Drive): Applicant sought two variances to reduce the rear and side setbacks from 9 feet to 3 feet in the R‑15 zoning district to construct an approximately 1,100‑square‑foot, 19‑foot‑tall detached garage. Staff recommended denial, finding none of the four variance criteria were met: (1) no unique topographical or geographical conditions; (2) no established precedent (only one smaller detached garage variance from 1985 on an irregular lot); (3) the request would grant a special privilege inconsistent with the neighborhood; and (4) the need was self‑imposed (the angled existing garage was a known condition, and alternatives like attaching the garage or reducing height exist). The applicant’s representative (father of the owner) stated the garage was needed for RV, car lift, and storage. Neighbors submitted four letters of opposition and two letters of support. Board members expressed concerns about the structure’s intensity, size, proximity to neighbors, and precedent. The board voted unanimously (6‑0) to deny the variance. Key Outcomes - Approved meeting minutes from April 23, 2025 (5–0–1). - Approved variance for Chuang Residence (6–0). - Denied variance for Gemini Garage (6–0). - Next scheduled meeting: June 25, 2025.