Extracted text (via pymupdf)
36123 characters
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
June 8, 2026
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
June 8, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT
OFFICERS PRESENT
Mark Freeman
Scott Somers
Rich Adams
Jennifer Duff
Alicia Goforth
Francisco Heredia
Dorean Taylor
None
Scott Butler
Holly Moseley
Jim Smith
Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call.
1.
Review and discuss items on the agenda for the June 8, 2026, regular Council meeting.
All of the items on the agenda were reviewed among Council and staff and the following was
noted:
Conflict of interest: None
Items removed from the consent agenda: 5-b
2-a.
Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on a proposed development agreement and
government property lease agreement for the development of an AC by Marriott hotel at the
northeast corner of Main Street and Centennial Way.
Downtown Transformation Manager Jeff McVay introduced Project Manager Stefanie Monge and
displayed a PowerPoint presentation. (See Attachment 1)
Ms. Monge provided a brief background on the development team, the Breakwell Group,
highlighting the group’s significant hospitality development experience and established
relationship with Marriott. She confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Marriott to
develop an AC Hotel in Downtown Mesa and that the proposed project would transform a partially
vacant and underutilized property into a five-story, 85,000-square-foot hotel. She stated that the
upscale hotel is intended to serve business and leisure travelers and complement existing public
and private investments in downtown. (See Page 2 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Monge reported that the project is supported by three agreements, a 35-year Development
Agreement (DA), a Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) agreement with an eight-
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Page 2
year abatement period, and a 50-year Parking License Agreement. She noted that the GPLET
agreement would provide an eight-year property tax abatement and stated that the project is
projected to generate approximately $4.9 million in direct economic benefits to the City of Mesa
(COM) during that period through GPLET lease payments, parking revenue, and sales and hotel
tax revenues. She reported that over the 35-year Development Agreement, projected parking
revenue is expected to increase from approximately $96,000 during the first eight years to $3.4
million. She estimated that hotel guests would spend an average of $45 per day downtown,
potentially generating more than $138 million in off-site visitor spending over 35 years. She
highlighted additional community benefits and confirmed that the hotel would increase annual
Special Improvement District No. 228 assessments, providing additional funding for Downtown
Mesa Association services. She added that the project would activate an underutilized property,
support tourism and downtown businesses, improve the streetscape, and further strengthen the
downtown economic and hospitality environment. (See Pages 3 through 5 of Attachment 1)
Mr. McVay provided an overview of the DA, GPLET, and Parking License Agreements. He
explained that the developer would construct a minimum 150-room upscale hotel with meeting
space, guest amenities, and a publicly accessible bistro and restaurant. He confirmed that the
developer would also license 100 parking spaces in the Hibbert Garage, complete certain public
infrastructure and right-of-way improvements, dedicate required utility easements to the COM at
no cost, reimburse the COM for certain expenses, make payments to local school districts,
maintain nonstandard right-of-way improvements, and use COM utilities, including solid waste
services, throughout the 35-year DA. (See Pages 6 and 7 of Attachment 1)
Mr. McVay confirmed that the COM would provide an eight-year GPLET property tax abatement
valued at approximately $2.1 million and reimburse the developer an estimated $226,000 for
eligible public infrastructure costs, subject to required development timelines. He added that the
COM would also construct portions of the electrical infrastructure at an estimated cost of
$245,000, of which approximately $181,000 is expected to be reimbursed through
Redevelopment Area toolkit funding. He reported that the 50-year Parking License Agreement for
100 spaces is projected to generate approximately $5.2 million in revenue and that the developer
would pay $10 per space per month during the first eight years and the applicable Council-
adopted rate thereafter. (See Pages 8 and 9 of Attachment 1)
Mr. McVay stated that the final DA, GPLET, and Parking License Agreements would be
considered for approval at the July 27, 2026, Council meeting. He reported that the developer
had begun the planning and zoning entitlement process and intended to begin construction in
December 2026. (See Page 10 of Attachment 1)
City Manager Scott Butler pointed out that the hotel’s brand, quality, and modern amenities would
attract both business and leisure travelers and complement ongoing investments in the Downtown
Arts and Innovation District, including the Convention Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History,
Mesa Arts Center, and other cultural attractions.
Discussion ensued regarding support for the project.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Heredia, Mr. McVay explained that the Hibbert
Parking Garage contains 875 parking spaces and that the COM would retain a minimum of 600
spaces. He noted that up to 275 spaces could be licensed to support development projects;
however, the COM would retain full use of any spaces until they are licensed. He confirmed that
the garage currently has available capacity but anticipated increased use as future office
relocations are completed.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Page 3
In response to a question from Councilmember Goforth, Mr. McVay pointed out that as part of the
GPLET negotiation process, the COM evaluates the property taxes that would be generated if the
property remained vacant and undeveloped. He stated that the approximately $16,700 in
payments to Mesa Public Schools, the Maricopa County Community College District, and the East
Valley Institute of Technology represent the estimated property taxes the two parcels would have
generated during the eight-year abatement period, assuming a 5% annual increase.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. McVay stated that a review of the
Convention Center and Amphitheatre identified a shortage of approximately 400 downtown hotel
rooms needed to attract larger events. He stated that the proposed 150-room hotel, together with
other planned hotel developments, would help close that gap and support future improvements
and expanded event opportunities at the Convention Center.
Mr. Butler added that the Delta Hotel was considering making substantial investments in its facility
and stated that additional high-quality hotel offerings would strengthen Downtown Mesa’s ability
to attract larger conferences and conventions. He noted that the proposed hotel would
complement existing accommodations and help position the Convention Center to recruit events
seeking modern hotels and amenities.
In response to a question from Mayor Freeman, Mr. McVay clarified that the intent of the Main
Street corridor standards is to promote active uses rather than retail exclusively. He stated that
the hotel’s front desk, bistro, and other activity-generating uses would face Main Street, consistent
with that objective.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
2-b.
Appointments to various boards and committees.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, that the Council
concur with the Mayor’s recommendations and the appointments be confirmed. (See
Attachments 2 and 3)
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Heredia–Goforth–Taylor
NAYS – None
Carried unanimously.
3.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
3-a.
Transportation Advisory Board meeting held on March 17, 2026.
3-b.
Planning and Zoning Study Session held on April 22, 2026.
3-c.
Planning and Zoning Public Hearing held on April 22, 2026.
It was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Duff, that receipt of the
above listed minutes be acknowledged.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Page 4
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams– Duff–Heredia–Goforth–Taylor
NAYS – None
Carried unanimously.
4.
Current events summary including meetings and conferences attended.
There were no reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.
5.
Scheduling of meetings.
City Manager Scott Butler stated that the schedule of meetings is as follows:
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
6.
Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
____________________________________
MARK FREEMAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Study Session
of the City Council of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 8th day of June 2026. I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
sr
(Attachment – 3)
AC Hotel by Marriott
City Council Study Session
June 8, 2026
Jeff McVay
Manager of Urban Transformation
Stefanie Monge
Urban Transformation Project Manager
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 1of 11
2
AC HOTEL – PROJECT OVERVIEW
• Redevelopment of NEC of Centennial and
Main
• Upscale AC Hotel by Marriott
• 5-stories
• 85,000 SF
• Designed and operated to AC Hotel by
Marriott brand standards
• Requires agreement between City and
Developer
• Development Agreement (DA)
• Government Property Lease Excise Tax
Agreement (GPLET)
• Parking License Agreement
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 11
AC HOTEL – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BENEFIT
• Supports Downtown Mesa tourism and
business travel
• Projected to generate approximately 45,000
hotel room nights annually
• Supports increased activity at Convention
Center
• Strengthens Downtown Mesa’s position as
a regional destination
• Provides an upscale hospitality option
• Expands dining and entertainment options in
the urban core
• Creates new hospitality and service
industry jobs
3
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 11
AC HOTEL – FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO CITY
• Generates Transaction Privilege Tax and
Transient Lodging Tax revenues estimated
at over $500,000 per year
• Generates increased utility revenues
• Generates parking revenue through
licensing of 100 parking spots from City in
the Hibbert garage
• Direct economic benefit over eight years:
$4,917,073* to include:
• GPLET Lease: $80,000
• Parking: $96,000
• Sales/Hotel Revenue: $4,603,258
• Indirect economic benefit over eight years:
$51,158,875*
• Visitor Spending: $30,879,862
• Labor Income: $20,279,013
4
*May 2026 Economic Benefit Analysis, Applied Economics, Sarah Murley
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 11
AC HOTEL – COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC BENEFIT
• Streetscape enhancements along
Centennial and Main
• Perpetual public utility easement
provided to the City at no cost
• Addresses conditions of slum and blight
through improving vacant lot
• Additional meeting room space
• Hotel room blocks for major Mesa events
and tourism activity
• Increased annual SID 228 assessments
that support DMA enhanced services
5
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 5 of 11
AC HOTEL – DA, GPLET, AND PARKING LICENSE
Developer Obligations
• Construction of AC Hotel
• Minimum 150 rooms
• Minimum 1,500 SF meeting room space
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Minimum 2,000 SF bistro/bar
• License 100 parking spaces in Hibbert Garage for 50
years
• Any access, wayfinding, and/or security improvements at
developer cost
• Responsible for full license fees if Parking License is
terminated early
• Public infrastructure improvement
• Excavation and backfill of trenches for public electric
infrastructure improvements (est. $188,000)
• Dedication of perpetual public utility easement
• ROW improvements such as streetlights and sidewalks
6
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 6 of 11
AC HOTEL – DA, GPLET, AND PARKING LICENSE
Developer Obligations (cont.)
• Reimburse City for cost of Economic Benefit
Analysis ($3,500)
• In-Lieu payments to school districts
($16,887)
• Additional meeting space for City and
partner organizations
• Hotel room blocks for major events
• Maintenance of any non-standard
improvements within ROW
• Use of City of Mesa Utilities (sewer, water,
gas, electric, and solid waste)
7
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 7 of 11
AC HOTEL – DA, GPLET, AND PARKING LICENSE
City Obligations
• Provision of a GPLET Lease
• Eight-year property tax abatement ($2,100,000)
• Reimbursement of non-dedicated Construction
Sales Tax
• Eligible public infrastructure costs only (electric,
streetlights, sidewalks, etc.)
• Non-dedicated equals 1.20% of total City Construction
Sales Tax of 2.0%
• Reimbursement cap: Lesser of actual costs or the
eligible construction sales tax estimated at $226,200
• Requires conditions precedent for reimbursement
•
Obtain permits within 18 months of DA effective date
•
Complete construction within 24 months of obtaining permits
•
Commence operations of hotel and bistro/bar within 6 months of
completing construction
8
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 8 of 11
AC HOTEL – DA, GPLET, AND PARKING LICENSE
City Obligations (cont.)
• Design and construction of public electrical
infrastructure improvements, excluding
Developer trench and backfill obligations
• Estimated cost: $245,000 (approximately $181,000 re-
imbursed to the electric utility from FY26/27 RDA
Toolkit program)
• Provision of a 50-year license to 100 parking
spaces within Hibbert Garage
• Parking rates:
•
Year 0-8: $10/month/space ($12k/month, $96k total)
•
Year 9-50: Council adopted rate ($5.1M, assuming
reasonable increases in Council adopted rate)
• Sunbelt AN, LLC has agreed to release 100 spaces from
their existing parking license
• Administrative amendment to reduce Sunbelt AN, LLC
parking license by 100 parking spaces
• Customized review schedule for Zoning and
Permit reviews
9
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 9 of 11
AC HOTEL – NEXT STEPS
• Final negotiation of Development Agreement,
GPLET Lease, and Parking License Agreement
• Council action on agreements: July 27, 2026
• Complete planning and zoning entitlements
• Commence construction
• Involves cleaning up a Phase 2 environmental site
• Commence operations
• Must operate to Marriott Hotel standards
10
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 10 of 11
DISCUSSION & QUESTIONS
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 11 of 11
June 8, 2026
TO:
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM:
MAYOR MARK FREEMAN
SUBJECT:
Reappointments to Boards and Committees
The following are my recommendations for reappointments to the City of Mesa Advisory
Boards and Committees:
Building Board of Appeals – Nine-member board
Charles (Charlie) Fruit, District 1. Mr. Fruit holds an active KB-2 Dual Residential and
Small Commercial Arizona Registrar of Contractors license and has over 30 years of
experience as a construction professional. He is the owner of Charles Wesley Homes in
Phoenix and was previously a Project Manager and Superintendent for Morgan Taylor
Homes. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University
of New Mexico. His partial term began 7/1/24 and expires 6/30/26. His first term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Gary Golka, District 1. Mr. Golka is president of Golka Electric, Inc. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in music education from Northern Arizona University and a master’s
degree in business administration from Arizona State University. He holds both L-11 and
C-11 electrical contracting licenses from the State of Arizona. His second term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Design Review Board – Seven-member board
Nicole Lynam, District 3. Ms. Lynam is a registered architect and owner of KE Design
LLC. She holds an associate’s degree in architectural design from Lansing Community
College and a bachelor’s degree in housing and urban development from Arizona State
University. Her partial term began 4/30/26 and expires 6/30/26. Her first term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Megan Neal, District 3. Ms. Neal is a land entitlement manager with Toll Brothers and
former transit project manager with the City of Phoenix. She holds a bachelor’s degree in
urban planning and a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State
University. Her partial term began 2/9/26 and expires 6/30/26. Her first term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 1 of 6
Economic Development Advisory Board – Nine-member board
J. Steven Beck, District 1. Mr. Beck is the President and Associate Broker at COBE Real
Estate. He holds a bachelor's degree in international business management from Utah
Valley University and a master’s of real estate development from Arizona State University.
His partial term began 7/1/25 and expires 6/30/26. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Michelle Genereux, District 1. Ms. Genereux is a land rights management supervisor at
Salt River Project and has over 20 years’ experience in the public utility industry. She
earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Western International University and a
master’s degree in business administration from Ottawa University. Her second term will
expire June 30, 2029.
Andrew Schreiner, District 1. Mr. Schreiner is the president and general manager of
Nammo Defense Systems. He earned a bachelor’s degree in global business with a focus
in finance from Arizona State University West and a master’s degree in business
administration from Grand Canyon University. His partial term began 7/1/25 and expires
6/30/26. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Education and Workforce Development Roundtable – Seventeen-member board
Marcie Hutchinson. Ms. Hutchinson is a member of the Mesa Public Schools Governing
Board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in
history and has 31 years of public high school teaching experience. Her partial term began
2/24/25 and expires 6/30/26. Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Rich Nickel. Mr. Nickel is President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona, a non-profit
focused on assisting all Arizona residents in gaining post-secondary credentials. He
earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in telecommunications. His
second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Vince Yanez. Mr. Yanez is senior vice president of Arizona community engagement at
Helios Education Foundation. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre
Dame in government and Spanish and a master’s degree from Arizona State University
in social work. His second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Historic Preservation Board – Seven-member board
Jason Ludwig, District 5. Mr. Ludwig serves as the Director of Content at the Council on
Foundations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from
Arizona State University. His partial term began 8/14/25 and expires 6/30/26. His first
term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 2 of 6
Housing & Community Development Advisory Board – Eleven-member board
Dr. Nicolle Karantinos, District 5. Dr. Karantinos is a realtor with Realty Executives and
has extensive background in education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and
communication from University of Northern Iowa, master’s degree in secondary education
from Northern Arizona University, and a Ph.D. in educational administration and
supervision from Arizona State University. Her second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Amanda Miller, District 4. Ms. Miller is director of sales operations for Elevation, a solar
energy company. She earned an associate degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of
Culinary Arts and studied history at Ashford University. Her second term will expire June
30, 2029.
Human Relations Advisory Board – Eleven-member board
Spencer Beck, District 3. Mr. Beck is employed with Rowan Solar Cleaning as a
salesperson and is an active member in the Arizona Army National Guard serving as an
infantryman. His partial term began 4/3/25 and expires 6/30/26. His first term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Sabrina Dobson, District 3. Ms. Dobson is a clinical coordinator and trauma therapist at
La Frontera EMPACT-SPC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the
University of Arizona and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University.
Her second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Abram Ellsworth, District 4. Mr. Ellsworth is COO at Rocket Lister, a talent acquisition,
coaching and empowerment company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational
management from Charter Oak State College and an MBA from the University of Arizona.
His second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Perla Sandberg, District 4. Ms. Sandberg has a background in strategic planning, conflict
resolution and collaboration, and she holds certifications in project management and
diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English
Literature from Arizona State University. Her partial term began 7/1/24 and expires
6/30/26. Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Library Advisory Board – Nine-member board
Lonica Rowley, District 1. Ms. Rowley is currently a substitute teacher at Mesa Public
Schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Arizona State
University and a master’s degree in library and information science from Kent State
University. Her second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 3 of 6
Museum & Cultural Advisory Board – Eleven-member board
Gregory DeSimone, District 2. Mr. DeSimone is a procurement manager at WillScot, Inc.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Valparaiso University, is
a Certified Purchasing Manager, and a member of the Institute for Sully Management.
His second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Todd Hanle, District 6. Mr. Hanle is Vice President of Marketing for Super Star Car Wash.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Watterson School of Design and has held various
roles in marketing, brand management, and communications. His partial term began
7/1/24 and expires 6/30/26. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Bradley Peterson, District 6. Mr. Peterson is an educational technology trainer at Mesa
Public Schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s
degree in educational technology from Arizona State University. His second term will
expire June 30, 2029.
Karen Rolston, District 6. Ms. Rolston is a retired arts professional with a long career
teaching at Mesa Public Schools, serving as Artistic Director at East Valley Children’s
Theatre and several roles in arts, music and theater. She earned a bachelor’s degree in
instrumental music and a master’s degree in music history and literature from Arizona
State University. Her partial term began 10/12/23 and expires 6/30/26. Her first term will
expire June 30, 2029.
Parks & Recreation Board – Eleven-member board
Benjamin Manning, District 5. Mr. Manning is a commercial appraiser trainer at the
Maricopa County Assessor’s Office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from
Radford University in Radford, VA. His second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Michelle Streeter, District 6. Ms. Streeter is the senior project manager for marketing and
communication in the Town of Gilbert’s Office of Economic Development. She earned a
bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University. Her second term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Planning & Zoning Board – Seven-member board
Jayson Carpenter, District 3. Mr. Carpenter is a lead land management agent at Salt River
Project. He earned a bachelor’s degree in real estate from Arizona State University and
a master’s degree in business administration from Western International University. He is
a Senior Right of Way Agent. His second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 4 of 6
Personnel Appeals Board – Five-member board
Craig Freeman, District 1. Mr. Freeman is a retired management professional. He
previously worked in the corporate financial office at Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association and
served as Arizona District Manager for HD Supply Waterworks, Ltd. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University. His second term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Dr. Catherine Jiang, District 1. Dr. Jiang owns the Law Office of Catherine Jiang, PLLC.
She has a juris doctorate from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of
Law and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University. Her second
term will expire June 30, 2029.
Dr. Christopher Nickerson, District 6. Dr. Nickerson is director of provider network
development at Banner Health. He has a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders
and master’s degree in audiology from the University of Northern Colorado and a doctoral
degree in audiology from Florida State University. His second term will expire June 30,
2029.
Mesa Local Fire and Police Pension Board – Seven-member board
Dee Ann Mickelsen, District 2. Ms. Mickelsen retired from the City of Mesa after 25 years,
including serving as the City Clerk. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from
Arizona State University. Her second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Self-Insurance Board of Trustees – Five-member board
Katherine Callaway, District 3. Ms. Callaway has extensive experience in the risk
management and insurance professions and is currently a Risk Management Analyst and
Risk Management & Insurance Administrator at Central Arizona Project. She earned a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Insurance from Arizona State
University. Her partial term began 1/27/25 and expires 6/30/26. Her first term will expire
June 30, 2029.
Transportation Advisory Board – Eleven-member board
Lea Bertoni, District 1. Ms. Bertoni is an occupational therapist and driver rehabilitation
specialist at Driving to Independence. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health science
and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh,
PA. Her second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 5 of 6
Melissa Leon, District 6. Ms. Leon is the owner of Two Sense Consulting, LLC, and is a
business development consultant and QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She earned a master’s in
business administration from Aspen University, a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and
Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University, and a Project Management
Professional certification from Project Management Institute. Her partial term began
5/12/25 and expires 6/30/26. Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Michelle McCroskey, District 1. Ms. McCroskey worked in human resources at State
Farm. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arizona State
University and has served on several local and regional transportation and trail projects.
Her second term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 2
Page 6 of 6
June 8, 2026
TO:
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM:
MAYOR MARK FREEMAN
SUBJECT:
Appointments to Boards and Committees
The following are my recommendations for appointments to the City of Mesa Advisory
Boards and Committees:
Board of Adjustment – Seven-member board including new appointments.
Gordon Sheffield, District 2. Mr. Sheffield retired from the City of Mesa after 30 years,
having served in the Development Services Department, Planning Division. He holds a
bachelor’s degree in geography and urban studies and a master’s in public administration
from Arizona State University. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Jessica Sarkissian, District 5. Ms. Sarkissian is the owner of UpFront Consulting &
Entitlements, LLC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in regional development from the
University of Arizona and a master’s degree in community planning from Northern Arizona
University. Her partial term will expire June 30, 2028.
Spencer Tippetts, District 6. Mr. Tippetts is the chief strategy officer and co-owner of
Rainforest Plumbing & Air. He holds a bachelor’s degree in global supply chain
management from Brigham Young University. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Economic Development Advisory Board – Nine-member board including new
appointments.
Benjamin Ayers, District 1. Mr. Ayers serves as the Co-Office Director at Mancini, an
architecture and design firm. He holds a bachelor's degree in architectural studies, with a
minor in urban planning, and a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University. His
first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Joe O’Reilly, District 5. Mr. O’Reilly is the Founding Director of Arizona State University’s
Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
psychology from Stonehill College, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology from
the University of Arizona. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 3
Page 1 of 4
Nacale Roberts, District 5. Ms. Roberts is the Human Resources Leader at The Boeing
Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a Juris Doctor
degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law. Her partial
term will expire on June 30, 2028.
Historic Preservation Board – Seven-member board including new appointments.
Sarah Prince, District 1. Ms. Prince is a land use planner and project manager at Pew &
Lake, PLC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Arizona
State University. Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Human Relations Advisory Board –Eleven-member board including new appointments.
Susan Lawrence, District 5. Ms. Lawrence retired from Rio Salado College after 25 years,
including serving as the Educational Director. She holds a master’s degree in educational
leadership from Northern Arizona University, a bachelor’s degree in management from
Western International University and an associate degree in general studies from Rio
Salado College. Her partial term will expire June 30, 2027.
Museum & Cultural Advisory Board – Eleven-member board including new
appointments.
Benjamin Mathias, District 1. Mr. Mathias is a document specialist and customer resource
specialist at the University of Phoenix. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s
degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix. His partial term will expire
June 30, 2027.
Gordon Shockley, District 1. Mr. Shockley is an associate/assistant professor of social
entrepreneurship at the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona
State University. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in public policy from George
Mason University, a master’s degree in art history and graduate certificate in linguistics
from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in management from Northwestern
University, and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Parks & Recreation Board – Eleven-member board including new appointments.
Lizzy Cupples, District 1. Ms. Cupples is the founder of Data Sortcery, a business that
provides data organization, analytics, and technology consulting services. She earned a
bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership from Brigham
Young University and a Project Management certification from Mesa Community College.
Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 3
Page 2 of 4
Michael Koenig, District 6. Mr. Koenig is senior sales representative at Above and Beyond
Pool remodeling. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University
of Massachusetts Lowell and a master’s degree in business administration from Keller
Graduate School of Management. His partial term will expire June 30, 2027.
Personnel Appeals Board – Five-member board including new appointments.
Laura Ingegneri, District 6. Ms. Ingegneri is the founder and managing director of HR
ExecPro, LLC, and has more than 30 years of human resources experience. She earned
a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ottawa University. Her first term will
expire June 30, 2029.
Planning & Zoning Board – Seven-member board with three alternate members
including new appointments.
Chase Hales, District 4. Mr. Hales is a planner for the City of Phoenix and has extensive
knowledge of planning principles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from
Arizona State University. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Misty Klann, District 6. Ms. Klann is the owner of Bluecorn Consulting, LLC, specializing
in long-range transportation planning focused on tribal transportation initiatives. She holds
a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University, an
associate’s certificate in project management from The George Washington University,
Washington D.C., and a master’s degree in information management from Arizona State
University. Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Scott Thomas, District 6, Alternate Member. Mr. Thomas is a senior project manager at
Brinkmann Constructors. He has over 20 years’ experience in construction management
and is an active member of Arizona Builders Alliance. He studied architecture at the
University of Kentucky. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Justin Trexler, District 1, Alternate Member. Mr. Trexler is the founding principle of Shade
Architects LLC and is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of
Architects. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Utah, a
master’s degree in architecture from Arizona State University and a Master of Real Estate
Development from the W.P Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. His
first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 3
Page 3 of 4
Alexis Kay Wagner, District 6, Alternate Member. Ms. Wagner was a program manager
in the technical training program at U-Haul. She earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s
degree in political science from Arizona State University. Her first term will expire June
30, 2029.
Transportation Advisory Board – Eleven-member board including new appointments.
Gennie Fasanella, District 3. Ms. Fasanella is a graphic designer at the City of Tempe,
Arts and Culture Department. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ringling College
of Art and Design. Her first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Samuel Taylor, District 1. Mr. Taylor is a senior traffic engineer at Stanley Consultants.
He studied engineering at Jönköping University, School of Engineering in Sweden, and
holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in civil engineering from Northern Arizona
University. His first term will expire June 30, 2029.
Study Session
June 8, 2026
Attachment 3
Page 4 of 4