Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on March 26, 2026, covering a wide range of topics including acknowledgments, public comments, consent agenda items, a quasi-judicial appeal of a massage establishment use permit, a pilot program for automated license plate readers (ALPR), first readings of zoning and code amendments, and final adoptions of easement abandonments and a code amendment. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM. Proclamations & Reports - Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: Mayor Woods read a proclamation declaring April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Tempe, honoring dispatchers who handled 136,471 calls for service and over 338,000 telephone calls in 2025. - Board and Commission Appointments: New appointments to the Commission on Disability Concerns (Marcia Hertz, Marcus Mason), Family Justice Commission (Trisha Schultz), Risk Management Trust Board (Jonathan Brown), and reappointments to the Historic Preservation Commission (Dr. Shireen Lerner, Ray Lynn Williams) were announced. - City Manager’s Report: City Manager announced Tempe was named one of the global “Smart 21 Communities” for data-driven decision-making and innovation. Additionally, the city received two Arizona Forward awards: the Chris Gordia Award (highest honor) for the Tempe Microgrid Master Plan, and an Award of Distinction for the Tempe Municipal Operations Center (TMOC) and International Green Codes. - Mayor’s Remarks on Campaign Activity: Mayor Woods reminded attendees that campaign-related electioneering is prohibited during the official meeting due to the 2026 election season. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included items 7A1–7A5 (miscellaneous), 7B1–7B20 (awards of bids and contracts), and 7C1–7C7 (resolutions), with the exception of items 7A2 (appointment of presiding judge) and 7B6 (ALPR pilot program) which were pulled for separate consideration. The consent agenda passed 7–0. - Item 7A2: Appointment of James Sampanis as Presiding Judge of Tempe Municipal Court was approved 7–0 after remarks from the council. - Item 7B6: Approval of a trial program to test Axon Outpost Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) solution at no cost to the city. The mayor and council members expressed support, citing public safety benefits and safeguards against data sharing with ICE/HSI. The pilot was approved 7–0. Public Comments & Testimony - David Sokolowski (Tempe): Opposed mandatory green building codes (IGCC), arguing they could increase rents by 10–30% and make housing less affordable. Suggested reducing lot sizes and supporting state efforts for starter homes on small lots. - Aaron Dowdy (Tempe): Advocated for ranked-choice voting (RCV) to increase voter participation and save costs, noting that less than 30% of registered voters participated in the recent primary and the city spent nearly $200,000 on the election. Urged the council to hold a work study on RCV. - Janilyn Grineo (Tempe): Opposed preemptive state laws that remove local control over housing and development, praising the city for its efforts to protect historic districts. Asked the city to continue opposing such legislation. - Robert Tienney (Tempe): Urged the city to mediate a solution for the Charlmarr golf course redevelopment, suggesting a mix of restored golf amenities and limited single-family homes. Noted a neighborhood developer and potential bond funds (through 2029) could support the project. - Bobby Nichols (Tempe): Commended the council for the small step of piloting Axon ALPR as an alternative to Flock Safety, but continued to oppose all ALPR due to privacy and ICE-sharing concerns. Called for full termination of ALPR use. - Elmyra Mills (Phoenix): Spoke in memory of Sean Bickings, who drowned at Tempe Town Lake in 2022 while under police watch. Asked for justice and accountability. - Therese Torrell (Mesa): Mother of Sean Bickings, stated the city had promised actions after his death but did not follow through. Asked the city to honor his memory and noted she filed a lawsuit. - Andrew Gooden (Tempe): Proposed a policy to limit campaign signs to one per organization per intersection to reduce visual blight and prevent an arms race in election spending. Also spoke later on a zoning item (8B1) requesting pedestrian staircases from the bridge to the waterfront. - Rob Ferraro (Chandler): President of the Tempe Officers Association, spoke in support of ALPR technology, emphasizing its effectiveness in solving crimes and officer safety. Urged the council to focus on strong policy and oversight rather than eliminating the tool. Discussion Items - Item 8A1 – Appeal of Massage Establishment Use Permit: The council held a quasi-judicial public hearing on an appeal filed by Matt Smith against a use permit for “Massage ACEs” at 1761 East Warner Road. The appellant argued that massage establishments inherently disrupt neighborhood character and are incompatible with adjacent businesses, citing 56 neighbor signatures and anecdotal evidence from other locations. The applicant (Yin Yu Shi LLC) stated they comply with all laws, have operated Golden Reflexology nearby without incidents, and agreed to additional conditions (transparent windows, six-month review, right to inspect). City staff confirmed no police issues at the existing location. The council, following legal advice, focused on the specific applicant and found no basis to deny. The appeal was denied 7–0, effectively approving the use permit. - Items 8A2–8A8: These items were approved unanimously without discussion: custodial cleaning services contract, playground equipment supply contract, digital scoreboard for Tempe Diablo Stadium, intergovernmental agreements for transit and mobility services, wastewater collection system rehabilitation contract, and general construction services addenda. - Item 8B1 – Zoning Map Amendment for Novus Parcel 5F: First public hearing for rezoning 5.5 acres (720 & 800 E. Rio Salado Parkway) from MUED with a PAD overlay to MUED with the ASU Athletic Facilities District Planning Area Overlay to allow office and residential development. The applicant (Gammage & Burnham on behalf of ASU and Catellus) noted the parcel is currently a parking lot and no density changes are proposed. The second hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026. - Items 8B2–8B4: First readings and public hearings for code amendments (board member selection process), alley abandonment, and easement abandonment were introduced; no testimony was offered. Second hearings set for April 16, 2026. - Items 8C1–8C2: Second and final public hearings for sewer line easement abandonment and adding youth members to the Commission on Disability Concerns. Both were adopted 7–0. Key Outcomes - Votes: All consent agenda items (except those pulled) passed 7–0. The presiding judge appointment passed 7–0. The ALPR pilot program passed 7–0. The massage establishment appeal denial passed 7–0. All other action items (8A2–8A8, 8C1, 8C2) passed unanimously. - Next Steps: The ALPR pilot program with Axon will be implemented at no cost. The second hearings for items 8B1–8B4 are scheduled for April 16, 2026. The council will also consider a work study on ranked-choice voting and continue to monitor state legislative actions on local control. - Directives: None specific outside of votes. The mayor acknowledged the one-time holiday “Day of Recognition for Women Farm Workers” adopted via consent (item 7C7), with future discussion on the permanent holiday name.

The City of Tempe Board of Adjustments convened on March 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider one item: an appeal of an abatement decision for the property at 321 East Beatrice Street, owned by Keith Kelly. The appellant sought additional time to clean up junk, trash, and debris on the property. The board heard testimony from the appellant and city staff, deliberated, and voted to deny the appeal. Consent Calendar - The board adopted the minutes of the previous meeting with a vote of 5 in favor and 2 abstentions. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public other than the appellant addressed the board. Discussion Items - Abatement Appeal – 321 East Beatrice Street: Appellant Keith Kelly requested a 30-to-60-day extension to complete cleanup of the property. He stated that two homeless individuals he allowed to stay in the backyard in mid-2025 brought large amounts of junk and debris, and that he was unable to remove their belongings until they were evicted in November 2025 via an order of protection. Kelly argued that the City of Tempe Police Department failed to enforce trespassing laws under Arizona Revised Statute 33-1378, which he believes would have prevented the problem. He reported he has removed approximately three-quarters of the debris and needs more time due to health and financial constraints. - City Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Robert Mansolillo and Deputy Community Development Director Drew Yochum presented the case timeline. The case began on June 10, 2025, with a complaint. An initial 30-day compliance deadline (July 10, 2025) was not met. Multiple extensions were granted: through July 28, August 15 (citation issued, later disputed with a court date on October 9), then after the court found Kelly responsible, another extension until November 14 (when a notice of intent to abate was issued). A hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement on January 6, 2026. Kelly filed an appeal on January 20, requesting 60 days. By March 25, 2026, the case had been open 288 days, with 258 extra days beyond the standard compliance period. Staff presented photos showing the property condition in August, November, January, and the morning of the meeting—indicating no significant progress and some deterioration. Staff noted that if the appeal were granted for 30 days, the city would accept that; if denied, the city would still provide a 30-day period before proceeding with abatement. Staff emphasized that the abatement process is a tool for compliance, not punishment. - Board Deliberation: Board members discussed whether to grant or deny the appeal. They noted that regardless of their decision, the city would allow 30 more days for cleanup. Board members expressed concern that granting the appeal could lead to further delays and that denying would ensure the abatement process moves forward. They agreed that the focus of the board is solely on the abatement and the presence of the violation. Key Outcomes - Motion to deny the appeal was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed). The appeal was denied, meaning the abatement process will proceed. Staff indicated that the property owner would still receive 30 days to comply before the city contracts cleanup. - Meeting adjourned at 6:48 PM.

The Development Review Commission met on March 24, 2026, at 2:15 PM (UTC) to consider a consent agenda, a use permit for a massage establishment, and a zoning map amendment for an event center. All four items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously. The commission also approved the massage establishment use permit and the zoning map amendment after hearing staff reports and public testimony, with votes of 5-0. Consent Calendar - Item 4A: Request for a use permit to allow two required parking spaces within the front yard setback for Atkin residents. Approved unanimously. - Item 4B: Request for a use permit to allow one required parking space within the front yard setback for Ratskin residents. Approved unanimously. - Item 4C: Request for a standard use permit to reduce the rear yard setback from 15 to 12 feet for Wilson Row. Approved unanimously. - Minutes: Study session and regular meeting minutes from February 24, 2026 (items 2A and 2B), were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Land Use Item 4D (Molly Spa): Four members of the public spoke. Lane Kerraway (Cavalry Hills resident, 32+ years) expressed opposition, citing the shopping center's history of "tweakers, drugs, prostitution" and noting a previous illegal business at the location. Kathy Brand (Cavalier Hills resident) raised concerns about missing business and massage therapy licenses, referencing Arizona's 2025 data identifying 480 illicit massage businesses and potential human trafficking. She highlighted a Motel 6 located 223 feet from the proposed spa. Nancy Baker (Cavalier Hills resident) amplified concerns about transparency and neighborhood safety. Reed Calstrudy (Chandler resident) supported the application, stating he has owned legitimate massage parlors for 13 years; he described the applicant, Lynn Kampang, as a legitimate massage therapist and manager who has worked for him. Discussion Items - Item 4D: Use Permit for Molly Spa (Massage Establishment): The applicant, Daniel Sefluontis (local architect, Sephunta Studio), presented for owner Lynn Kampang (licensed massage therapist and Tempe resident). The proposal is for a 1,000-square-foot massage spa in a vacant space at 1646 North Scottsdale Road in a shopping center built in the 1970s. Hours of operation would be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, with appointment-based service. Staff (Robert Mansileo) recommended approval, noting no significant traffic increase, compatibility with the general plan, and a background check by Tempe Police. Staff reported receiving a call from a concerned resident and 14 letters of opposition. Commissioner Forte noted that over seven years, the city had approved 35 similar use permits without complaints. Commissioner Spears asked about licensing and background checks. The commission approved the permit with conditions: hours no later than 7 p.m. daily and valid only upon receiving a city massage license. - Item 5A: Zoning Map Amendment from RO to CSS for Event Center: The applicant, Adam Baugh (on behalf of Lux Holdings MDPP), requested rezoning of a portion of 3910 South Rural Road from Residential Office (RO) to Commercial Services and Shopping (CSS) to allow an event center in an existing office building. The initial proposal to rezone the entire 1.51-acre parcel was scaled back to only the northernmost building and courtyard (about 2,600 square feet interior, 4,000 square feet courtyard) to mitigate concerns about future high-intensity uses. The event center would operate when the office is closed, with hours of 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. A neighborhood meeting on July 28, 2025, had six attendees; one letter of opposition was received regarding noise. Staff (Chris Jasper) supported the amendment, noting it conforms with the general plan's commercial land use designation and maintains an RO buffer around the building. Conditions include a shared parking analysis and resolution of unpermitted courtyard modifications. Commissioner Miller raised concerns about precedent, but the motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (Items 4A, 4B, 4C): Approved unanimously. - Item 4D (Molly Spa Use Permit): Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Richter, second by Commissioner Forte) with conditions limiting hours and requiring a massage license. - Item 5A (Zoning Map Amendment, Lux Holdings MDPP): Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Spears, second by Commissioner Richter). - Next scheduled meeting: April 14, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a work study session on Monday, March 23, 2026, beginning shortly after 12:15 PM and adjourning at 5:05 PM. The session included presentations on the recommended five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP), a communication and marketing update, and an update on the International Green Construction Code (IGCC). Public comments were heard, and council subcommittees provided status reports. No votes were taken; all items were informational or for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Speaker 1 (Mr. Sokolowski, Tempe resident): Expressed opposition to implementing more building codes, stating that government regulation already accounts for 40% of development costs. He warned that additional regulatory burdens will increase costs further and questioned whether ignoring a federal executive order on green building codes could jeopardize Tempe's federal funding for transportation and housing. - Speaker 2 (Kendon Young, Tempe resident): Expressed strong support for the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) work, referencing a memo from September 2023 that advocated for its expansion. He argued that sustainability measures like solar panels are 80% more expensive when retrofitted and that adopting green codes can reduce long-term costs for residents, claiming no conflict between affordability and sustainability. Discussion Items - 3A: Initial Recommended Five-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and Acceleration Strategies - CIP Overview: Robert Baer, Municipal Budget Director, presented the recommended five-year CIP totaling $1.84 billion—about 6% lower than the current adopted plan. Financing sources include enterprise excise tax bonds (water/sewer), general obligation (GO) bonds ($650 million), and other funds. The CIP supports all council strategic priorities. Public input was gathered via a Tempe Forum survey (437 responses) and the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission. Project highlights: pavement preservation to improve the Pavement Quality Index (PQI), $56 million for park replacements, $34 million for Fire Station 8, and $25.4 million for affordable housing. The city's Triple A bond rating and financial reporting award were noted. - Acceleration Models: Wydell Holmes, Director of Strategic Management and Innovation Office, presented five acceleration models aligned with community priorities (Safe & Secure Communities, Quality of Life, Sustainability, Financial Stability). These models focus on: feeling of safety in parks and neighborhoods (near national benchmark), ending homelessness (aspirational goal of zero, with point-in-time count improving), tree and shade canopy (urban forestry master plan), and quality of business services (73% satisfaction, within 10% of target). CIP funds support park lighting, street lighting, non-congregate shelter, affordable housing, shade infrastructure, and technology for business attraction. - 3B: Communication and Marketing Update - Chris Baxter Ging, Communication and Marketing Director, reported on progress since the 2024 approval of a new branding and communication plan. Achievements include being in the top 10% in the nation for communication (double the national average), winning four Public Relations Society of America awards, and a 400% increase in video views. Over the past year, they posted 8,300 social media posts, sent 800 email topics to 4 million people, and launched a new FOIA system. The top information sources are the city website, emails, water bill inserts. Crisis communication was highlighted for the October 13, 2024 storm. Future plans include AI website updates, federal compliance, and more short-form video. Councilmembers praised the team and suggested ideas like videos for seniors in doctors' offices and neighborhood spotlights. - 3C: International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Update - Brianne Fisher, Sustainability Division Manager, and John Earhart, Interim Deputy Director for Building Safety, provided an update. In November 2023, council adopted the 2018 IGCC as voluntary for private development and mandatory for new city buildings. Staff have obtained green certifications and hired a green building specialist. A new tracking mechanism monitors voluntary uptake. The 2024 IGCC adoption is planned: a public hearing on April 1, 2026, with council consideration in late April/early May. Building Safety also launched Solar App Plus for instant residential solar permitting. Councilmembers requested future data on developer uptake (numbers and percentages), common adopted practices, projected cost savings, and comparisons with other cities. Councilmember Chin noted that energy and water efficiencies are most commonly adopted, while urban cooling requirements (e.g., 50% cool surfaces) are harder to implement on dense sites. Key Outcomes - No formal actions or votes were taken. The city will continue public engagement on the CIP, with future meetings scheduled as part of the budget process. - The communication plan will be maintained, with updates on federal standards and continued video content. - A public hearing on the 2024 IGCC and other building code adoptions is set for April 1, 2026 (in-person at the library at 6 PM and noon virtually); council adoption is expected in late April or early May. - Council requested future presentations with detailed data on voluntary IGCC adoption rates, percentages, common practices, cost savings, and cross-city comparisons. - Council subcommittees reported meeting schedules for various topics (Animal Welfare, Community Engagement, Drink Spiking Education, Federal/State Advocacy, Mixed Use Space, Motorized/Electric Mobility Devices, Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake, and Tempe Term Limits Policy Review).

On March 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM, Hearing Officer Thaness McDonald conducted a public hearing in the Tempe City Council chambers to consider three requests for 180-day open abatements for code violations. The requests were brought by the City of Tempe Code Compliance Division. All three abatement requests were approved. One agenda item (number five) was removed because the property had been brought into compliance. Discussion Items - Agenda Item 3 – 702 West Howe Avenue (TOK Talk 3 LLC property) Code Inspector Kevin Kowalski presented the case. The case was initiated on November 21, 2025, for grass and weeds in the gravel landscape. Initial notices were sent to the owner (the estate of Angelo Bagnoli, TOK Talk 3 LLC). A statutory agent, Jane Love, disassociated herself. The property manager, Andrew Detling, was contacted but failed to achieve compliance. A citation was issued; the owner failed to appear. Photos taken on the hearing date showed overgrown vegetation up to four feet high encroaching onto the sidewalk. Inspector Kowalski requested a 180-day open abatement for nuisance code 21-3B8 (deteriorated landscape). The hearing officer noted diligent efforts to contact the owner and approved the abatement. - Agenda Item 4 – 4710 South La Rosa Drive (Ernesty Starling property) Code Inspector Andre Lara Reyes presented the case. The case was initiated on October 24, 2025, for deteriorating landscape (grass and weeds in gravel). Correction notices were mailed, and a door hanger was posted. On December 17, 2025, the owner (Ernesty Starling) emailed stating she was getting assistance from a church, but no improvement occurred. A citation was issued on January 20, 2026; the owner failed to appear. Photos showed overgrown, dead vegetation throughout the front yard. The property is occupied. The hearing officer noted that despite communication, the owner did not follow through over six months, and approved the 180-day open abatement. - Agenda Item 6 – 107 East Broadway Road (Sunrise Investment 3 LLC property) Code Inspector Sammy Baptiste presented the case. The case was initiated on September 15, 2025, via a public complaint for junk, trash, debris, graffiti, and deteriorated landscape. Notices were sent to the owner (Sunrise Investment 3 LLC in care of Zong Longji). The owner failed to respond, and a citation was issued. A neighbor complained in January 2026. As of the hearing date, graffiti had been removed (unknown by whom), but all other violations remained: junk, trash, debris, overgrown vegetation, a large damaged tree, and dead palm fronds. The owner is local (Gilbert, AZ) but unresponsive. The hearing officer approved the 180-day open abatement for violations of nuisance codes 21-3B8 (deteriorated landscape) and 21-3V1 (junk, trash, debris). Key Outcomes - Approved: 180-day open abatement for 702 West Howe Avenue (TOK Talk 3 LLC) – Case CE257310. - Approved: 180-day open abatement for 4710 South La Rosa Drive (Ernesty Starling) – Case CE256625. - Approved: 180-day open abatement for 107 East Broadway Road (Sunrise Investment 3 LLC) – Case CM25153. - Removed from agenda: Item 5 was dismissed because the property was brought into compliance. - The next hearing officer session is scheduled for April 21, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on March 5, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM (MST), conducted both in person and virtually. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a land acknowledgement. Council approved minutes, a consent agenda, and several non-consent items unanimously (7-0). Key actions included vacating a development review commission decision (rendering an appeal moot), awarding contracts for enterprise resource planning software, landscape maintenance, and sewer rehabilitation. Public comment addressed topics including Flock Safety cameras, the Shalomar golf course, traffic safety, and disability concerns. Proclamations recognized volunteerism, lifesaving actions, Women's History Month, and Procurement Month. Consent Calendar - Approved city council meeting minutes (items 4A1–4A3) and board/commission/committee meeting minutes (items 4B1–4B12) by a 7-0 vote. - Approved the consent agenda (miscellaneous items 7B1–7B3, bids/contracts 7B1–7B23, resolutions 7C1–7C12) as a group by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Mario Martinez (Tempe resident) criticized the police chief and city manager regarding an alleged terrorist bomb threat investigation involving former official Connor Culver, describing charges as unfounded and calling for accountability. - Catherine Dorn (Tempe resident) urged council to cancel the Flock Safety contract, citing data security vulnerabilities and potential for misuse by outside agencies like ICE. She expressed support for well-secured red-light cameras. - Noah James Markham (Tempe resident) raised concerns about disability services, heat-related shirtless ordinances, historical injustices (Japanese internment, Native land), and requested a New Year's Eve event at Mill Avenue. He also urged protection of Tempe's water resources and supported the city's stance against ICE. - Maria Hertz (Tempe resident) thanked council for listening to community input on Shalomar golf course, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with open space and neighborhood character. - Kelly Morin (Tempe resident) shared personal memories of living near Shalomar golf course and urged council to reject rezoning, highlighting the ecological and quality-of-life benefits of preserving green space. - Tim Palmer (Tempe resident since 1963) criticized traffic safety enforcement despite Vision Zero efforts, urging increased police presence and enforcement beyond intersection cameras. - Peter Kovex (former Tempe resident, now Phoenix) announced Hungarian Independence Day (March 15) and invited council to a Hungarian festival. - Dalid Burgess (Tempe resident since 1991) urged rejection of Shalomar golf course rezoning, citing ecological harm, heat island effects, and loss of mature trees. He praised council's prior leadership on sustainability. Proclamations & Recognitions - Just Serve City Designation: Cheryl Andrew presented an award recognizing Tempe’s national distinction for volunteerism and community service. - Desiree Sloat Appreciation Day: Mayor Woods declared March 5, 2026, as Desiree Sloat Appreciation Day, honoring her lifesaving CPR actions at Ken McDonald Golf Course and her coordination of employee CPR training. - Women’s History Month: Mayor Woods proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month in Tempe, recognizing the Tempe Women’s Club and Women for Women Tempe. - Procurement Month: Mayor Woods proclaimed March 2026 as Procurement Month, honoring the city’s procurement professionals. Discussion Items - 8A1 – ADU Appeal (36 East Cairo Drive): Community development staff reported that the original applicant (3C Contracting) revised plans from a two-story to one-story ADU and formally withdrew the use permit. Council voted 7-0 to vacate the Development Review Commission’s decision and dismiss the appeal as moot. No public testimony was taken as the hearing was previously closed. - 8B2 – Commission on Disability Concerns Youth Members: Council held a first public hearing on an ordinance to add youth members to the commission. One speaker (Noah James Markham) supported the change. Council will hold a second hearing on March 26, 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved 7-0: Vacating the DRC decision and dismissing the ADU appeal (8A1). - Approved 7-0: Award of contracts for enterprise resource planning software (Graviton and Oracle America), landscape maintenance (Artistic Land Management), electrical supplies (Border States Electric), activated carbon supply (Calgon Carbon), construction services for interior space planning (job order up to $3.3M), job order award (Chase Building Team), and sewer rehabilitation (BNF Contracting) – items 8A2–8A8. - Introduced ordinances for second hearing on March 26, 2026: Sewer line easement abandonment (8B1) and adding youth members to Commission on Disability Concerns (8B2). - Future meetings: Next regular council meeting scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The work study session covered financial forecasts, capital improvements, the transportation plan update, subcommittee reports, and future agenda items. No formal votes were taken. Public comment was not received. Discussion Items - 3A: Long-Range Financial Forecast – Presented by Lizette and Robert. Key points: Retail sales tax growth (9% higher than prior year; online retail up 19%) is insufficient to offset the loss of residential rental tax revenue. The FY2025 unassigned fund balance closed at 38%, exceeding the forecasted 35% due to higher revenues and lower expenditures. The forecast assumes no recession, and proactive budget balancing strategies (e.g., using reserves for public safety pensions and post-employment benefits, suspending some transfers) are in place. The general fund is projected to remain within the 20–30% fund balance policy through FY2029-30. - 3B: Five-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) – Robert Baer presented $2 billion in project requests. This first look is informational; no approvals were sought. The CIP document includes program summaries and project detail pages. Next steps involve determining available resources (bond capacity, staffing capacity) and scoring projects for prioritization. The recommended CIP will be presented in March. - 3C: Tempe Transportation Plan 2050 Update – Eric Iverson and Lindsay Post presented phase two findings. Public outreach reached over 30,000 people, with 400 survey responses received. Key survey results: 60% drive as primary mode, 37% want bicycle travel prioritized, 67% would walk more with more shade, and 52% said low-stress bike routes would encourage biking. Needs analysis identified high injury networks, transit frequency gaps, and pedestrian crossing challenges. The public survey remains open through March 18. Phase three (recommendations and prioritization) will begin in March. Subcommittee Updates - Age-Friendly Tempe (Vice Mayor Garland): Work completed; final draft action plan to council on May 4 for approval. Subcommittee will be closed. - Animal Welfare and Cruelty (Councilmember Hodge): Next meeting March 6 at 2 PM at City Hall. - Community Engagement and Connection (Vice Mayor Garland): Focus groups ongoing; no meeting in March; next meeting in April. - Drink Spiking Education and Prevention (Councilmember Keating): Ordinance passed; subcommittee remains open for implementation support but will not meet unless needed. - Federal and State Advocacy Review (Councilmember Amberg): Met February 20; next meeting March 24 at 12:30 PM. - Mixed Use Space (Councilmember Chin): Scheduling initial meetings. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake (Councilmember Amberg): Next meeting April 20 at 2 PM. - Tempe Term Limits Policy Review (Councilmember Keating): First meeting to be scheduled in March. Future Agenda Items Councilmember Amberg requested an update on the Colorado River water compact expiration (deadline missed) and hydrology status. City staff agreed to provide an update at a future issue review session. Key Outcomes - Presentations on the financial forecast, CIP, and transportation plan were received without council questions or formal action. - Subcommittee updates were acknowledged; some subcommittees concluded or are on hold. - A future agenda item (Colorado River update) was added. - The next work study session is scheduled for March 23, 2026. Meeting adjourned at 4:51 PM.

The Tempe Board of Adjustments convened on February 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to hear an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's November 21, 2025 similar use ruling that classified a proposed autonomous electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at 2105 South Terrace Road as a "vehicle-based service" (specifically, taxi dispatch) permitted with a use permit in the PCC-1 (Planned Commercial Center Neighborhood) zoning district. The appellant, represented by Heather Dukes of Dukes Law PLLC, argued the ruling was erroneous because the use is not similar to permitted uses and is more detrimental. The board ultimately voted 5–2 to approve the appeal, overturning the Zoning Administrator's decision, and recommended the use be classified under the General Industrial (GI) zoning district as a fuel distribution station or vehicle service. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously (7–0) approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - In-person speakers (approximately 30 residents and stakeholders) uniformly opposed the proposed facility, citing concerns about: - Fire and public safety risks from lithium-ion battery fires (e.g., thermal runaway, toxic smoke, difficulty extinguishing). - Noise pollution from 24/7 operations, including transformer hum and autonomous vehicle sounds. - Traffic congestion on narrow residential streets (Terrace Road) and increased danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren. - The facility's private, non-public nature (not serving the neighborhood). - Precedent of setting a dangerous precedent for industrial uses in neighborhood commercial zones. - Property value declines. - Online speaker Paul Wolf expressed concerns about energy consumption, blackouts, and fire risk. - Online speaker Talia Wolf, a former dispatcher, argued the facility is not comparable to a taxi dispatch office, noting dispatch centers do not house vehicles. - Joe Forte, a Development Review Commission member who voted against the original use permit, urged rejection of the similar use ruling, calling the facility an "industrial-sized charging depot." - Jenna Lynn Gorillo (Meyer Park Neighborhood Association chair) stated the code does not match the proposal and the primary customer is Terawatt, not the community. - Several speakers (e.g., James Mooney, Kathleen Moody, Bridget Humphrey) shared personal stories of emergency access concerns and negative interactions with Waymo vehicles. - Todd Smith, a 30-year resident and public safety expert, detailed fire hazards and said the facility would consume 5–6 megawatts of power—enough to power 4,000–5,000 homes. - Cheryl Smith noted the intersection near a school and the presence of vulnerable residents (deaf child, visually impaired adult). - Multiple speakers emphasized that the facility does not serve the neighborhood and belongs in an industrial area. Discussion Items - Appellant's Argument (Heather Dukes): - The similar use ruling is erroneous because the primary use is vehicle fleet charging, not a service to the public. The PCC-1 district is intended for neighborhood-serving retail, services, and entertainment, not private fleet operations. - The use is not similar to taxi dispatch, courier, or ambulance dispatch because it lacks human labor (service defined as "useful labor by humans") and has no public point of sale. - The use is more detrimental than permitted uses due to the high electrical load, fire risk, and 24/7 autonomous operations. Appellant proposed the use be classified as a fuel distribution station (industrial). - Applicant's Argument (Wendy Ridell for Terawatt): - The facility is analogous to a modern taxi dispatch (ride-hailing service). Autonomous vehicles provide the same service as taxis, and the site includes employees for cleaning and oversight. - The use is not more detrimental than permitted uses like service stations, vehicle repair, gun shops, or liquor stores, which involve liquid fuel, public traffic, and potential nuisances. - The similar use ruling is location-agnostic and should be upheld; the specific impacts should be addressed through the use permit process, which includes commitments on noise, traffic, and fire mitigation. - Staff Presentation (Chris Jasper, Senior Planner): - The Zoning Administrator's opinion found the use is similar to vehicle-based service (taxi dispatch) and comparable vehicle-related uses. The ruling is definitional, not site-specific. - If the board overturns the ruling, it must identify what the use is similar to within the zoning code. A denial would allow the use permit process to proceed to City Council. - The use permit process can address nuisances (noise, traffic, fire safety) through stipulations. - Board Deliberation: - Members debated the two-pronged test: (1) Is the use similar to a permitted use? (2) Is it not more detrimental? - Some members (e.g., Board Member Morrow) initially found it similar to taxi dispatch but struggled with the detriment prong, considering fire, noise, and 24/7 operations. - Other members (e.g., Board Member Dalton) argued it is not similar because the primary activity is charging, not dispatching, and there is no direct public benefit. - Board Member Cross questioned whether the service is to the public or to a B2B customer (Terawatt serving Waymo). - Several members acknowledged the zoning code has not kept pace with EV and autonomous vehicle technology. Key Outcomes - Motion to Affirm the Zoning Administrator's Ruling: Failed (2–5). Board Members Foy and Morrow voted to affirm; Dalton, Cross, and others opposed. - Motion to Approve the Appeal: Passed (5–2). The board voted to approve the appeal, overturning the similar use ruling. - Board Recommendation: The use (charging facility for a private fleet of autonomous vehicles) should be classified under the General Industrial (GI) zoning district, with potential similar uses including fuel distribution station and vehicle service. This recommendation is not binding but provides direction to the Zoning Administrator. - Next Steps: The Zoning Administrator will reconsider the classification based on the board's recommendation. The applicant's separate use permit appeal pending before the City Council may be affected by this decision. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Development Review Commission convened on February 24, 2026, at an unspecified evening hour under Chair Andy Johnson. The meeting addressed routine approvals of past meeting minutes and a consent agenda containing three use permit items. No public testimony was offered, and no discussion items were heard. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 10, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Richter, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd, to approve the study session and regular meeting minutes from February 10, 2026. Approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda – Items 4A, 4B, and 4C: The consent agenda included three items: - 4A: Use permit for a second story addition to an existing single-family residence (Neveraz Remodel, R1-6 zoning). - 4B: Use permit for a second story addition to an existing single-family residence (Ventura Drive Second Story). - 4C: Use permit to reduce side setback for an accessory building from 9 feet to 5 feet and allow an 18-foot tall accessory building in the rear yard (Owens residence). No member of the audience requested to speak on any consent item. Motion by Commissioner Richter, seconded by Commissioner Spears, to approve the consent agenda. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - None offered. Discussion Items - None. Key Outcomes - Minutes of February 10, 2026, approved unanimously. - Consent agenda (Items 4A, 4B, 4C) approved unanimously. - The next scheduled meeting is March 24, 2026.