Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The Development Review Commission held its regular meeting on July 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (evening session). The meeting included approval of meeting minutes, a consent agenda covering six use permits, and a contested use permit application (Item 4E) for a residential property at 1612 East Gaylon Drive. Public comment was heard on the contested item, and the Commission voted unanimously to approve all items. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: Minutes from the June 9, 2026 study session and regular meeting, and the June 23, 2026 study session and regular meeting were approved unanimously in two separate motions. - Use Permit 4A: Approved a Use Permit to allow live entertainment in the CSS zoning district for Mills Modern Social, located at 83 East Broadway Road. - Use Permit 4B: Approved a Use Permit to allow two required parking spaces within the front yard setback and an engineered shade structure over the existing driveway for the Messinger Property at 504 West 15th Street. - Use Permit 4C: Approved a Use Permit to allow two required parking spaces in the front yard building setback for the Panagiotakopoulos Residence at 1421 West 7th Street. - Use Permit 4D: Approved a Use Permit to allow two required parking spaces in the front yard building setback for the Carreno Residence at 621 West Howe Street. - Use Permit 4F: Approved a Use Permit to allow two required parking spaces within the front yard setback for the Hill Garage Conversion at 432 East Garfield Street. - Use Permit 4G: Approved a Use Permit to allow a fitness center in the GID zoning district for Redline Athletics at 1231 West Warner Road, Suite 101. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4E (Malm Residence): Jana Lynn Brunill, a resident of 1615 East Gaylon Drive (directly across the street), spoke in opposition. She stated she has lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years and expressed concerns about excessive parking from student renters, nuisance events (including a limousine bus for a water skiing event), and that the property owner had not attempted to contact her. She requested that conditions be placed on the property to address these issues. Discussion Items - Item 4E – Use Permit for Malm Residence (PL260176): Applicant Austin Malm requested a Use Permit to allow two required parking spaces in the front yard building setback. The property had a pre-existing carport conversion (circa 2013–2015) that added a fifth bedroom, eliminating the original covered parking. The two spaces will now be located in the driveway. Staff planner Whitney Mayfield presented the staff recommendation for approval, noting that the property is a rental, the driveway can accommodate two tandem spaces, and the street (42-foot width) allows for guest parking. One written comment in opposition had been received prior to the meeting. Commissioner questions addressed the city's limit on unrelated persons (up to five per code, but enforcement is case-by-case) and parking capacity. The applicant acknowledged past issues with student tenants but stated he has since contracted a professional property management company (since September/October 2025) to improve tenant screening and oversight. Current tenants are a family with two children under 18. Key Outcomes - Item 4E (PL260176): Commissioner Spears moved to approve the use permit; Commissioner Richter seconded. The motion passed unanimously. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Meeting Minutes: All four sets of minutes approved unanimously. - Next Meeting: The next scheduled regular meeting is August 11, 2026.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the City of Tempe Hearing Officer, Vanessa McDonald, conducted a public hearing to address code violations. The agenda included approval of prior meeting minutes and four property abatement requests, all of which were approved as 180-day open abatements. No members of the public attended or provided testimony. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the June 2, 2026 hearing officer meeting. Hearing Officer McDonald stated the minutes accurately reflected the proceedings. Discussion Items - 128 East Garfield Street (Case CE256613): Code Compliance Inspector Michael Moreno requested a 180-day open abatement for deteriorated landscape, trash and debris, and a deteriorated fence. The case began October 24, 2025, after an anonymous complaint. Multiple notices and inspections occurred, with partial progress on the fence but continued violations including dead trees, overheight grass, junk (concrete, metal, wood), and debris obstructing sidewalks and alleys. The property owner, John Crossman, had sporadic communication and paid a citation but remained non-compliant. The abatement was granted. - 205 East Hermosa Drive (Case CE260324): Code Inspector Supervisor John Salazar requested a 180-day open abatement for junk, trash, debris, and dead palm fronds. The case began January 15, 2026, after a public complaint. Despite multiple correction notices and contact with the Spanish-speaking owner, Jesus Hernandez, only minor front-yard grass removal was made. The backyard remained filled with stacked debris, appliances, and deteriorated palm fronds. A citation was sent to collections after the owner failed to appear in court. The abatement was granted. - 1312 West Elnoray Street (Case CE261509): Code Compliance Supervisor Kevin Kowalski requested a 180-day open abatement for deteriorated landscape. The case began March 11, 2026, after Inspector Zapolo observed overgrown grass, weeds, dead vegetation, and obstructed sidewalks. The owner, Patrick Michelson, was uncooperative, disconnected phone calls, and did not appear in court after a citation. A “trespassers will be shot” sign was noted on the property. Minimal progress was made, and the abatement was granted. - 1240 East El Parque Drive (Case CE261356): Code Compliance Inspector Scott Lean requested a 180-day open abatement for junk, trash, debris, and deteriorated landscape (including a pool, though no longer an issue). The case began March 4, 2026. The property owner, Alicia L. Angel, had limited contact but responded via email on July 16, 2026, indicating work in progress. Some progress was noted: sidewalk obstruction cleared, palm fronds trimmed, and some trash removed. However, junk (clothes, coolers, boxes) and deteriorated landscape remained. The abatement was granted with recognition of partial compliance. Key Outcomes - All four abatement requests were approved as 180-day open abatements, allowing the City to enter the properties and abate violations if owners do not comply. - The hearing officer noted that property owners have two weeks before abatement actions begin and encouraged continued progress. - A fifth agenda item (case for 1240 East El Parque Drive originally listed as item 5) was continued to a future date certain because the property had been sold and will require re-advertisement. - The next hearing officer meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the chambers and live on Tempe 11.

Oath of Office and Swearing-In Ceremony The regular city council meeting on July 1, 2026, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The primary order of business was the swearing-in of new and returning council members. Councilmember Arlene Chin (returning), and newly elected councilmembers Brooke St. George and Bobby Nichols each took the oath of office administered by the city clerk. The council recognized numerous distinguished guests in attendance, including state and local elected officials. Key Outcomes - Oath of Office Administered to Councilmembers Arlene Chin, Brooke St. George, and Bobby Nichols, beginning their new terms of office. - Vice Mayor Election: Councilmember Arlene Chin was unanimously elected Vice Mayor by a roll-call vote of 6–0 (motion by Vice Mayor Garland, seconded by Councilmember Keating). - Next Regular Meeting scheduled for August 31, 2026. - Reception honoring the new council members held immediately after adjournment in the Don Cassano Community Room at the Tempe Transportation Center. Councilmember Comments - Vice Mayor Chin thanked her campaign team, family, city staff, and residents, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration and service. - Councilmember St. George credited her upbringing in Tempe and the support of a broad community network, vowing to listen and make informed decisions for the city. - Councilmember Nichols expressed gratitude to progressive and labor groups, his family, and partner, reaffirming his commitment to governing as a democratic socialist focused on working people and social programs. - Councilmember Keating praised the new members’ integrity and empathy, noting his confidence in their leadership. - Councilmember Garland highlighted Councilmember St. George’s authenticity and Councilmember Nichols’ policy passion. - Councilmember Amberg welcomed the new members, noting her excitement to work with them. - Mayor Woods congratulated all, emphasizing Councilmember St. George’s transportation role and Councilmember Nichols’ advocacy for vulnerable communities. He also acknowledged Vice Mayor Chin’s preparedness and guidance. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

The Rio Salado Community Facilities District Board convened on June 25, 2026, at 2:15 PM (MST) to approve prior meeting minutes and adopt the final budget and assessment for Improvement Project Number 1 for fiscal year 2026-2027. Both agenda items passed unanimously, 7-0, with no public testimony offered. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing on the budget. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (June 4, 2026): The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting by a 7-0 vote (motion by Councilmember Keating, second by Councilmember Hodge). - Final Budget and Assessment (Resolution No. CFD R2026.02): The board held a public hearing, received no testimony, and then adopted a resolution approving the final budget for the Rio Salado Community Facilities District Improvement Project Number 1 for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, along with the assessment of capital costs and annual operation and maintenance costs. The motion was made by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Keating, and passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (7-0). - Final budget and assessments adopted via Resolution No. CFD R2026.02 (7-0). - Next scheduled board meeting: May 20, 2027.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on June 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM (adjourned at 8:01 PM). The agenda included consent items, public hearings, zoning amendments, and farewells to two outgoing council members. Vice Mayor Garwood attended virtually. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except where noted. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from previous meetings (7-0). - Accepted board, commission, and committee minutes (7-0). - Approved consent agenda items (miscellaneous, bids, contracts, resolutions) with three items pulled for separate consideration: - 7C2 (donation of drink testing kits from No More LLC): Approved 7-0. Councilmember Keating noted the donation is nearly $50,000 for the Safe Bar Program. - 7C6 (IGA with Tempe Union High School District for College Connect Tempe): Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Hodge abstained due to conflict). - 7C11 (IGA for School Resource Officer program): Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Hodge abstained). - Mayor congratulated Phantom Fox Beer Company on its liquor license approval. Public Comments & Testimony First Public Appearances (Item 6): - Philip Amarosi (50-year resident): Opposed the Marshawn Spence student housing project, criticized the council for granting a six-month continuance after the developer failed to address concerns. He noted the city has already approved 4,458 student housing units and 721 other housing units, creating an "unhealthy imbalance." Encouraged the council to prioritize infill developers over student housing towers. Councilmember Keating responded, defending the need to increase housing stock due to supply and demand, referring to his own work on affordable housing. - Mario Martinez: Raised concerns about a city database and alleged misconduct regarding personal identifiable information. Requested city emails and criticized the lack of transparency. Mentioned a future sales tax election. - Edward Buffard: Requested a formal agenda slot to discuss a municipal animal shelter. Criticized the current county contract (Maricopa County), noting only 41% of dogs have rabies vaccinations and only 10% are returned to owners. Suggested a foster network and partnerships. - Priyasha Vanhara (small business owner): Requested an integrated digital platform for public records to ease due diligence for small businesses. Suggested a two-stage bidding process and a task force for public participation. - Deborah Ajack (North Tempe resident): Addressed declining trust in government, citing an example where a presenter avoided a direct question about tax revenue. Praised the mayor's announcement that charter officers would forego raises. Noted a consultant's fee increase from $6,000 to $7,000 per month. Second Public Appearances (Item 10): - Jevin Hodge (son of Councilmember Hodge): Thanked his mother for her service, highlighted her as the first Black woman on the council, and emphasized her advocacy for affordable housing and underserved communities. - Darlene Justice (60-year resident): Thanked Councilmembers Adams and Hodge for their work, especially on county island annexation and police-community relations. Discussion Items Zoning and Development Updates: - 8C1 – Tempe Oasis (1635 N Scottsdale Rd): Second public hearing for a planned area development overlay to convert a former motel into multifamily rental apartments. Applicant Deborah Silva (Camber and True Collective) presented plans to renovate existing buildings, add a retail coffee/sandwich shop, and improve security. Owner David Fan committed to enrolling in the Crime-Free Multifamily Housing Program and working with Tempe Police on a security plan. Police Sgt. Scott Warren testified that calls for service and crime have decreased under current management. Public speaker Michelle Brown (57-year resident) supported the project but raised parking concerns. Councilmember Chin moved to approve with two conditions: (1) enroll in Crime-Free program before COO and complete within six months; (2) submit a security plan approved by TPD before COO and maintain it. Motion passed 7-0. - 8C2 – TOD Parking Update: Ordinance reducing parking requirements in the Transportation Overlay District. Approved 7-0. - 8C3 – Motorized & Electric Mobility Devices: Code amendments. Approved 7-0. - 8C4 – Animal Code (impoundment): Amendments to Chapter 6. Approved 7-0. Councilmember Hodge expressed excitement. - 8C5 – Code Violations (Chapter 14A-11): Approved 7-0. - 8C6 – Easement Abandonment (Sky Harbor Innovation Park): Approved 7-0. Other Non-Consent Items (all approved 7-0): - Annual CDBG action plan for FY 2026-2027. - Industrial Development Authority bonds (up to $48.5M) for Residences at Dorsey. - Contract renewals for employee benefits (medical, dental, pharmacy, stop-loss), temporary staffing, IT services, towing, fuel, water well maintenance, and architecture services. - Introduction of ordinance for waterline easement abandonment (first hearing; final vote August 31, 2026). Key Outcomes - All voting items passed unanimously (7-0) except where abstentions occurred. - Outgoing Councilmembers Jennifer Adams (40 years of public service – 8 on council, 32 as city employee) and Bernetta Hodge (two-term councilmember, former school board member) gave farewell speeches. Multiple council members and public speakers honored their service. - Mayor announced that the three charter officers (City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk) will not receive pay raises for 2026. - Appointments to boards/commissions were announced (Audit Committee, Development Review Commission, Human Relations Commission, Joint Review Committee, Merit Systems Board, Parks Recreation Golf and Double Butte Cemetery Advisory Board, Veterans Commission). - A proclamation declared July 4, 2026 as "America 250 Day" in Tempe. - Next regular council meeting: July 1, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a special budget meeting on June 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The primary agenda item was the second and final public hearing to adopt the fiscal year 2026–27 property tax ordinance. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, with the public able to attend virtually via Microsoft Teams and watch on Cox Cable Channel 11 or Tempe.gov/slash Tempe11. The mayor outlined rules of decorum, including prohibitions on disruptive behavior and personal remarks. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the public hearing on item 2A. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2026–27 Property Tax Ordinance (Item 2A): The council held the second and final public hearing to consider adoption of the property tax ordinance for fiscal year 2026–27. After no public testimony, the council proceeded to a roll call vote. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Councilmember Hodge moved to adopt the property tax ordinance, seconded by Councilmember Adams. The roll call vote passed unanimously, 7–0 (Vice Mayor Garland, Councilmember Adams, Councilmember Amberg, Councilmember Chin, Councilmember Hodge, Councilmember Keating, and the Mayor all voting aye). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned, with the next scheduled city council budget meeting announced for May 20, 2027.

The Development Review Commission met on June 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM (local time) to consider several land use applications. The meeting was chaired by Andrew Johnson, with commissioners Stefan Richter, Larry Tom, Michelle Schwartz, Joe Forte, Linda Spears, and Barbara Lloyd present. Staff members included Jeff Temolevich, Ryan Levake, Michelle Dahlke, Robert Mansilio, Lucas Jensen, Whitney Mayfield, Warren Rivera, Joanna Barry, and Jason Wolfe. All items on the agenda were placed on the consent agenda and approved unanimously with no public testimony. Consent Calendar - Item 4A: Request for a use permit for live entertainment within an existing restaurant in the CSS zoning district for Twin Locos Live Entertainment, located at 3224 South Mill Avenue. - Item 4B: Postponed until further notice. - Item 4C: Request for a use permit for a private school in the CSS zoning district for Leadership Society of Arizona, located at 3010 South Priest Drive. - Item 4D: Request for a use permit standard to reduce the required street side yard setback in the R-16 zoning district from 10 feet to 8 feet for an attached residential building (Grindley Residence), located at 744 East Vista del Cerro Drive. - Item 4E: Request for a use permit standard to reduce the side yard setback in the R-115 zoning district from 15 feet to 12 feet for Radford Residents, located at 1318 East Lavive Lane. - Item 4F: Request for a use permit to allow a vocational school in the GID zoning district for Lincoln Technical Institute, located at 1665 West Alameda Drive, Suite 110. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak on any consent agenda item. Key Outcomes - The commission approved the consent agenda in its entirety by a unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Richter, seconded by Commissioner Tom). All six items (4A, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F) were approved as presented. Item 4B remains postponed. No commission or staff announcements were made.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on June 11, 2026, beginning in the evening and adjourning at 7:11 PM. Several council members were absent during the meeting: Councilmember Chin was absent for the early votes, and later Councilmembers Adams, Keating, and Chin were absent for the consent agenda and the settlement item. The agenda included public appearances, reports, public hearings on code amendments and a motel conversion, and consent items. Consent Calendar - Approved the city council meeting minutes (Items 4A1–4A3) and board/commission/committee meeting minutes (Items 4B1–4B3) with a 6–0 vote (Councilmember Chin absent). - Approved the consent agenda (Items 7A1, 7C1–7C2) as a group with a 4–0 vote (Councilmembers Adams, Keating, and Chin absent). Reports & Announcements - Mayor encouraged residents to participate in the 2026 Community Survey, mailed June 1 through August 1, 2026, to help guide council decisions. - UAEA President Joel Guy recognized 16 Employees of the Quarter from four quarters (Q3 2025 through Q2 2026) for exemplary performance. - The Tempe Professional Development Network awarded two $1,000 James L. Alexander Scholarships to graduating high school senior Venice Lee and higher education student Silas Butler, both children of city employees. Public Comments & Testimony - David Sokolowski (virtual, Tempe resident) argued that the city underestimates housing needs, citing a need for 22,000 units by 2030 but losing over 1,000 units due to zoning decisions. He criticized NIMBYism and warned of state intervention if Tempe does not approve more housing. - Philip Amorosi (50-year Tempe resident) criticized the council’s decision at the June 4 meeting to grant a six-month continuance for the Marshall & Spence student housing project, arguing the developer had failed to address neighborhood concerns and that the council prioritized developers over neighborhoods. - Mario Martinez (Tempe resident) opposed a proposed raise for the city manager, criticized police oversight and the handling of an arrest involving Kate Tierney, and accused the council and police of using “banana republic style” tactics. - Kim Gaffney Loza (North Tempe) testified in opposition to the Tempe Oasis motel conversion (Item 8B1), citing the owner’s history of permitting prostitution and sober living abuses, and expressing distrust that the project would benefit the neighborhood. - Danny Fang (owner of Tempe Oasis) testified in support of the conversion, describing his seven-year effort to transform the property from the “worst hotel in Tempe” to a top-rated hotel, and his commitment to safety and community improvement. - Ed Buffard (Tempe resident, 76 years) spoke in support of the animal code amendments (Item 8B3), urging stronger enforcement of pet licensing and praising prior council efforts on animal welfare and the dog park at Kowan’s Park. - Julie Buffkin (Tempe resident) spoke during public appearances about e-bike and scooter regulations, supporting Vision Zero and urging continued infrastructure improvements such as speed bumps and video surveillance. Discussion Items - Item 8C1 (First & Farmer project) — Second and final public hearing on transferring property interests and executing an amended development agreement. No public testimony. Council voted 6–0 to adopt the ordinance (Councilmember Chin absent). - Item 8B2 (Motorized/electric mobility devices code amendment) — First public hearing to amend city code regarding e-bikes and scooters. No public testimony. The second and final hearing was scheduled for June 25, 2026. - Item 8B1 (Tempe Oasis motel conversion) — First public hearing to establish development standards for converting a motel into 143 multifamily units (131 one-bedroom, 5 studio, 7 two-bedroom) at 1635 N. Scottsdale Road. Councilmembers expressed concerns about the owner’s past involvement in sober living facilities and lack of access during previous inspections. Staff noted that the applicant still must complete design review and obtain building permits. The second public hearing was set for June 25, 2026. - Item 8B3 (Animal code amendments) — First public hearing to amend city code on animal impoundment and general animal regulations. One public speaker (Ed Buffard) supported enhanced enforcement. The second reading was scheduled for June 25, 2026. - Item 8A1 (Settlement agreement with OIG) — Approved a settlement with the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with a budget appropriation transfer. Passed 4–0 (Councilmembers Adams, Keating, and Chin absent). Key Outcomes - Approved minutes and consent items (6–0 or 4–0 votes). - Adopted the ordinance for the First & Farmer project (6–0). - Authorized the settlement agreement with OIG (4–0). - Set second public hearings for June 25, 2026, on items 8B2 (mobility devices), 8B1 (Tempe Oasis), and 8B3 (animals).

This work study session included a tourism update, public comments, and updates from several council subcommittees. The council approved the formation of a new subcommittee on livability and well-being, expanded the scope of the term limits subcommittee, and closed multiple subcommittees after receiving their final reports. Public Comments & Testimony - David Sokolowski (Tempe resident) expressed disappointment that the e-mobility subcommittee proposed changes without including input from the Transportation Commission, and asked when the Transportation Commission would be included before final recommendations. Discussion Items - Tempe Tourism Update (Item 3A): Michael Martin, President and CEO of Tempe Tourism Office, presented the annual update. Key statistics for 2025: 4.48 million visitors (compared to 4.46 million in 2024), direct spending of $1.13 billion, 0.1% increase in hotel occupancy (the only submarket in the region to see an increase), average daily rate of $147, and total hotel revenue of $256 million. Notable events included MLS Next which brought 7,000 room nights. Martin highlighted strategic planning imperatives and community partnerships. Council members commended the office's work, especially support for local events like Tempe South Little League. - Proposed Council Subcommittees (Item 5A): - Vice Mayor Garland proposed the Community Solutions for Livability and Well-being Council Subcommittee to conduct an environmental scan of human services needs, including housing and homelessness strategies. Members: Vice Mayor Garland, Councilmember Amberg, and Councilmember-elect Bobby Nichols (effective after July 1, 2026). Approved by consensus. - Councilmember Keating proposed expanding the scope of the existing Term Limits Policy Review Subcommittee (Item 5B9) to include analysis of a district-based system and ranked-choice voting. Approved by consensus. - Age-Friendly Tempe Action Plan (Item 5B1): Megan Wilson and Mary Maisie presented the final 2026-2030 plan, developed with AARP's eight domains of livability. Key findings from 317 surveys and 5 listening sessions: residents want to age in place, need better resource awareness, and have concerns about rising costs. Goals include creating the first and largest dementia-friendly park in the United States, installing buddy benches, and expanding home modification supports. The plan aims to raise Tempe's AARP livability score from 50 to 55 by 2030. Subcommittee closed. - Community Engagement and Connection Subcommittee (Item 5B2): Parrish Spies and Zina Kalani presented the final report. Tempe scored 9 out of 14 on a peer city scorecard. Recommendations include creating a Civic Engagement Academy, establishing clearer pathways for board/commission involvement, empowering the Neighborhood Advisory Commission, and improving the community feedback loop. Focus groups and an online survey showed residents desire trust-building and government responsiveness. Subcommittee closed; Vice Mayor Garland requested a follow-up work study presentation in six months. - Other Subcommittee Updates: - Animal Welfare and Cruelty (Item 5B3): Closed; ordinance changes scheduled for first reading. - Drink Spiking Education and Prevention (Item 5B4): To close after a meeting on June 12, 2026. - Federal and State Advocacy Review (Item 5B5): Next meeting June 23, 2026. - Mixed Use Space (Item 5B6): No update. - Motorized and Electric Mobility Device Safety (Item 5B7): Closed; ordinance changes scheduled for first reading. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake (Item 5B8): Next meeting in August 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved formation of the Community Solutions for Livability and Well-being Council Subcommittee. - Expanded scope of the Term Limits Policy Review Subcommittee to include district system and ranked-choice voting. - Closed the following subcommittees: Age-Friendly Tempe, Community Engagement and Connection, Animal Welfare and Cruelty, Motorized and Electric Mobility Device Safety. - Accepted the Age-Friendly Tempe 2026-2030 Action Plan and the Community Engagement and Connection final report and recommendations. - Scheduled future meetings: Federal/State Advocacy on June 23, 2026; Tempe Town Lake in August 2026. Next work study session is September 3, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 3:49 PM.