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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
December 8, 2025
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
December 8, 2025, at 5:19 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 December 8, 2025, 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: 8-a
Vice Mayor Somers requested a continuance of agenda Item 9-b, (Proposed amendments to
Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 31, 86, and 87 of Title 11 of the Mesa City Code pertaining to
Battery Energy Storage Systems. The amendments include, but are not limited to: adding
definitions for Battery Energy Storage System, Battery Energy Storage System Facility,
Augmentation, and Nameplate Capacity; modifying land use tables to add Battery Energy
Storage System and Battery Energy Storage System Facility; establishing development
and other standards specific to Battery Energy Storage System Facilities. (Citywide)), on
the Regular Council Meeting agenda, to the January 12, 2026, Regular Council Meeting. He
expressed optimism that continued negotiations could lead to a balanced solution that protects
public health and safety while supporting economic growth. He stated that a continuance would
allow additional time for collaboration and refinement of the proposal, with the expectation of a
good-faith effort toward resolution by the next meeting. He emphasized that although he seeks a
balanced outcome, he will not compromise on public health and safety in the final decision.
In response to a request from Mayor Freeman regarding agenda Item 8-e, (An ordinance
amending and adopting Mesa City code park regulations sections 6-10-2, 6-10-4, 6-10-7,
and 6-10-8 to allow the use of certain electric bicycles, electric scooters and other
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Page 2
motorized and non-motorized vehicles in city parks and shared-use paths, subject to
certain limitations. (Citywide)), on the Regular Council Meeting agenda, Parks, Recreation and
Community Facilities Director Andrea Moore displayed a PowerPoint presentation and confirmed
that the proposed amendment sets the speed limit for electric bicycles (e-bikes) on shared
pathways at 15 miles per hour (mph). She pointed out that a speed limit of 5 mph for e-bikes on
all park properties was added to the proposed code revisions. (See Attachment 1)
Vice Mayor Somers expressed his opinion that a 5-mph speed limit seemed reasonable and
would likely be appreciated by walkers and joggers. He added that Council can revisit the issue
and make amendments in the future, if needed.
In response to a question from Councilmember Adams, Police Lieutenant Ryan Stokes explained
that initial enforcement would focus on education if complaints were received about a specific
park, and officers would be deployed to monitor speeds using a radar detector that would be
capable of detecting speeds as low as 5 mph.
Vice Mayor Somers stated that the ordinance allows the City to more effectively target
enforcement toward individuals who damage parks, while strengthening the park ranger program
to assume much of that role. He stated that establishing clear definitions, prioritizing safety, and
enforcing when necessary are important steps.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Lieutenant Stokes clarified that the City
does not intend to station officers in parks for routine speed enforcement, and that officers would
respond only when specific complaints are received regarding speeding or criminal damage.
In response to a question from Councilmember Duff, Ms. Moore pointed out that the 15-mph
speed limit on shared pathways is consistent with standards already used in other cities and was
not proposed to change. (See Page 4 of Attachment 1)
Recreation Assistant Hailey Boiarsky stated that a recently introduced state Senate bill proposes
a 15-mph speed limit on shared-use pathways, with a 5-mph limit when passing pedestrians,
indicating that Mesa’s approach appears consistent with potential statewide direction. She added
that uniform standards across cities would benefit riders who travel between communities,
reducing the need for extensive signage and ensuring consistent expectations along regional
paths.
Transportation Director Erik Guderian confirmed that a 15-mph limit on shared use pathways is
the national standard.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
In response to a request from Councilmember Taylor seeking a continuation on agenda Item 6-
b, (Adopting the MesaCONNECTED Transit-Oriented Development Plan that guides future
land use decisions and growth along a 5-mile transit corridor in West Mesa, aligning transit
investments with economic growth and community needs while strengthening Mesa’s
ability to secure future federal funding. (Citywide)), on the Regular Council Meeting agenda,
Assistant Planning Director Rachel Phillips stressed that the final paperwork must be submitted
to Phoenix by the end of February in order to close out the grant. She added that some lead time
is needed to complete and process the required documentation in advance of that deadline.
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Page 3
Planning Director Mary Kopaskie-Brown confirmed that the item would need to be approved at
the January 12, 2026, Regular Council Meeting to ensure the deadline is met.
Mayor Freeman confirmed that this item will be continued to the January 12, 2026, Regular
Council Meeting.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Taylor regarding agenda Items 11-a through 11-
j, (Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinances
pertaining to Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations)), and 12-a, (Discuss, receive
public comment, and take action on the following ordinance pertaining to Mesa City Code
Title 7 (Fire Regulations)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda, City Manager Scott Butler
indicated that the proposed updates align existing City codes with the latest standards from the
International Building Code and related organizations. He noted that the changes were developed
collaboratively with the development community and will bring Mesa into conformity with regional
practices, providing the consistency developers need to advance their projects.
Development Services Director Nana Appiah recalled that code updates occur periodically, with
the last adoption completed in 2018, and the International Building Code evolves as technology
advances and as buildings are evaluated for needed improvements, prompting updates to
maintain safety and efficiency. He pointed out that this revision process has taken place over the
past year, during which staff engaged extensively with the development community and held
numerous neighborhood meetings which indicated support from major stakeholders.
Development Services Deputy Director John Sheffer explained that the International Code
Council updates building codes every three years, but most Valley cities follow a six-year adoption
cycle to give the development community adequate time to adjust. He confirmed that the
proposed updates keep Mesa aligned with regional practices and incorporates new technologies
and safety standards, including updated fire code provisions related to battery energy storage
systems and ensures that Mesa remains current with the latest safety requirements.
In response to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Sheffer verified that the revisions will
take effect approximately 30 days after Council approval. He remarked that updating to the latest
building and fire codes also supports the City’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating which
places significant weight on the editions a city has adopted. He noted that the Fire Department is
scheduled to undergo its ISO evaluation in January.
2.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
2-a.
Library Advisory Board meeting held on May 20, 2025.
2-b.
Board of Adjustment meeting held on July 29, 2025.
2-c.
Library Advisory Board meeting held on September 23, 2025.
2-d.
Board of Adjustment meeting held on October 1, 2025.
2-e.
Design Review meeting held on October 14, 2025.
It was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Heredia, that receipt of
the above-listed minutes be acknowledged.
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Page 4
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Heredia–Duff–Goforth–Taylor
NAYS – None
ABSENT – None
Carried unanimously.
3.
Current events summary including meetings and conferences attended.
Mayor Freeman and Councilmembers highlighted the events, meetings, and conferences recently
attended.
4.
Scheduling of meetings.
City Manager Scott Butler stated that the schedule of meetings is as follows:
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
4.
Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 5:54 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 December 2025. I further certify that the
meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
sr
(Attachments – 1)
E-Bike Code
Updates &
Communication
Strategy
December 4, 2025
Andrea Moore, PRCF Director
Haylie Smith, PRCF Support Services Administrator – SA
Lieutenant Ryan Stokes, Mesa PD
Captain Jim Barnhart, MFMD
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 1 of 21
Overview
Current Code & City Comparison
Proposed E-Bike Updates to City Code
Vandalism and Safety Concerns with E-Bikes
Public Outreach and Communication Strategy
Enforcement Strategy
2
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 21
Current Code & Laws
E-Bikes are prohibited in City of Mesa parks, only
non-motorized bikes are allowed
Riders must be 16 years of age or older to ride an
e-bike in Mesa
Understand basic rules of the road and the
concept of right-of-way
15 MPH speed limit on shared-use paths
3
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 21
City Comparison
4
Gilbert
Scottsdale
Tempe
Phoenix
Chandler
E-Bikes Allowed In
Parks?
Stipulations?
Class 1,
2, & 3
Class 1 & 2
Motor
Disengaged
N/A
N/A
Age Requirement?
**
**
Helmet
Requirement?
**Age requirement for Class 3 E-Bikes only
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 21
Updates to City Code
Definitions added for E-Bikes and difference between motor vehicles and motorized
electric vehicles
Class 1 & 2 E-Bikes & E-Scooters are allowed in City of Mesa parks wherever bikes
are allowed
*Must be operated safely (5 MPH speed limit in parks added to traffic code)
*Helmet requirement added to traffic code for riders under 18
Multi-use path language in parks code Shared-use path
5
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 5 of 21
Shared-Use Paths & Sidewalks
Class 1 & Class 2 E-Bikes and E-Scooters will be allowed on shared-use
paths (canal paths) AND on sidewalks in parks
Shared-use Path
Sidewalk in Park
Photo credit: freespiritwear.com
6
15 MPH Speed Limit
5 MPH Speed Limit
Current
*New*
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 6 of 21
Overview
E-Bike
Definition
A vehicle having two or
three wheels, with fully
operable pedals, and
an electric motor not
exceeding seven
hundred fifty (750)
watts of power.
Usage is on the rise.
7
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 7 of 21
E-Bike Classifications
Bicycle
Class 1 E-Bike
Class 2 E-Bike
Class 3 E-Bike
Electric Mini
Scooter
Electric Standup
Scooter
Pedal Assist
**
N/A
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
20 MPH
20 MPH
28 MPH
10 MPH
20 MPH
Currently Allowed
in Parks?
Allowed in Parks
w/ Code Updates?
**Class 2 pedaling
NOT REQUIRED for
motor assistance
8
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 8 of 21
Clear Definitions: Motor Vehicle
vs. Motorized Electric Vehicle
Motor Vehicle
A self-propelled vehicle or, for the
purposes of the laws relating to the
imposition of a tax on motor vehicle fuel,
a vehicle that is operated on the highways
of this state and that is propelled by the
use of motor vehicle fuel. Motor vehicle
includes, but is not limited to, an all-
terrain vehicle, dune buggy, vehicle fuel
powered automobile or truck, gas
powered moped, motorcycle, motor driven
cycle, motor vehicle, or off-road
recreational motor vehicle.
Motorized Electric Vehicle
A vehicle including, but not limited to, auto
cycle, class 1 electric bicycle*, class 2
electric bicycle*, class 3 electric bicycle,
electric miniature scooter*, electric
mobility device*, electric standup
scooter*, electric powered automobile or
truck, golf cart, electric powered moped,
motorized wheelchair*, motorized
quadricycle, motorized skateboard,
neighborhood electric shuttle,
neighborhood electric vehicle, personal
mobile cargo carrying device, or utility cart.
*Allowed in parks
with code
updates where
bikes are allowed
9
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 9 of 21
Watching the speed (5 MPH park speed limit)
Using primarily on sidewalks in parks (NOT
playgrounds, benches, tables, etc.)
Yielding right-of-way to pedestrians or people
using a mobility device
Helmet requirement under 18
*Riders must be 16 – it’s already the law*
What does
“Operated
Safely” Mean?
10
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 10 of 21
Seeing Damage Across Parks from
Various Vehicle Types
Motor Vehicle
A self-propelled vehicle or, for the
purposes of the laws relating to the
imposition of a tax on motor vehicle fuel,
a vehicle that is operated on the highways
of this state and that is propelled by the
use of motor vehicle fuel. Motor vehicle
includes, but is not limited to, an all-
terrain vehicle*, dune buggy, vehicle fuel
powered automobile or truck, gas
powered moped*, motorcycle*, motor
driven cycle*, motor vehicle, or off-road
recreational motor vehicle*.
Motorized Electric Vehicle
A vehicle including, but not limited to, auto
cycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2
electric bicycle, class 3 electric bicycle*,
electric miniature scooter*, electric mobility
device, electric standup scooter*, electric
powered automobile or truck, golf cart*,
electric powered moped*, motorized
wheelchair, motorized quadricycle*,
motorized skateboard*, neighborhood
electric shuttle, neighborhood electric
vehicle, personal mobile cargo carrying
device, or utility cart.
*Damaging our
parks
11
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 11 of 21
Eastmark
Desert Arroyo
Inspirian @ Eastmark
Stapley
Basin 306
Chaparral
Candlelight
12
Inspirian @ Eastmark
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 12 of 21
E-Bike Battery Hazards
The Problem
Damaged or defective batteries can overheat,
catch fire, or explode
Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases,
and they burn extremely hot
Signs of a Problem
Unusual odor
Change in color
Too much heat
Change in shape
Leaking
Smoking
Not keeping a charge
13
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 13 of 21
E-Bike Battery Hazards
Safety Tips
Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally
recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly
Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer
Only use the battery and the charger that were designed for, and came with, the device
Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged
Only charge one device or device battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit
Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C)
or above 105°F (40°C)
14
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 14 of 21
E-Bike Battery Hazards
Safety Tips
Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles and keep away from children and liquids
Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire
Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional
Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash – recycling is always the best option – take the batteries to a
battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions
If You See a Fire
Leave the building immediately
Don’t try to fight the fire
Call 9-1-1
15
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 15 of 21
Mesa, Mind Your
Motors So Good Times
Keep On Rolling
Campaign Goals
1.
Increase safety throughout our community
2.
Reduce property damage incidents
3.
Increase community awareness of laws
4.
Encourage peer accountability and reporting
5.
Position Mesa as a proactive City prioritizing
safety & accessibility
Slow Your Roll. Safety's the Goal.
Safe Rides. Good Vibes.
Share the Space. Enjoy the Place.
Slow Down, So Fun Goes Around.
16
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 16 of 21
Mesa, Mind Your Motors So Good
Times Keep On Rolling
Primary Audiences
Parents of Children Ages 10-17
Adult Park Visitors
Property Owners/Nextdoor Users
Secondary Audiences
Teens & Young Adults Ages 13-24
E-Bike Retailers & Rental Companies
Campaign Pillars
Be Mindful Of…
The Law
Safety
Community
Property
17
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 17 of 21
Newsletter Articles (partner with HOAs)
Flyers & Postcards
Social Media Posts
Website Updates
Billboards
Mesa, Mind
Your Motors So
Good Times
Keep On Rolling
Community
Awareness
18
Compliance
&
Enforcement
Course
Correction
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 18 of 21
Newsletter Articles (partner with HOAs)
Flyers & Postcards
Social Media Posts
Website Updates
Billboards
Mesa, Mind
Your Motors So
Good Times
Keep On Rolling
“Be Mindful
Of…”
Riders must be 16 years or older
E-Bikes and E-Scooters are only allowed
on sidewalks in parks
Helmets are required for riders under 18
5 MPH speed limit in parks
19
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December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 19 of 21
Enforcement Strategy
After a comprehensive educational campaign to the
public with various City of Mesa departments and the
school districts, enforcement deployments will begin
Enforcement efforts will be data-driven to specific
areas with reported criminal damage to COM parks,
high crash locations and reported violations of Mesa
City Code and ARS
Enforcement efforts will include the traffic division
and all five patrol divisions (patrol and specialty units)
20
Vista Monterey
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 20 of 21
Thank you
Study Session
December 8, 2025
Attachment 1
Page 21 of 21