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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
March 23, 2026
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
March 23, 2026, at 5:02 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 March 23, 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: None
In response to a question from Mayor Freeman regarding agenda Item 5-a, (Approving and
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an option to lease and option to purchase
agreement; ground lease; and purchase and sale agreement between the City of Mesa and
Helix Apartments, to lease and for the development and sale of approximately 0.92-acres
of City-owned land southwest of the intersection of Center Street and University Drive.
(District 4)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda, Deputy City Manager Candace Cannistraro
displayed a PowerPoint presentation. (See Attachment 1)
Ms. Cannistraro explained that the proposed property was purchased following Council direction
in November 2024 using Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds, which require the
site to be used for affordable housing. She noted that after completion of the required
environmental review, it was determined that the City of Mesa (COM) would not fund development
of the project and that the proposed development would instead be financed by the private
developer through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other available housing
resources. She identified Commonwealth Development Corporation as the proposed
development partner and described the project, known as Helix Apartments, as a 62-unit senior
multifamily development consisting of one- and two-bedroom units, with common areas for
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Page 2
exercise and resident programming, as well as a covered parking and amenity deck design. (See
Pages 2 through 5 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Cannistraro reviewed the terms of the proposed ground lease agreement and highlighted the
initial 50-year term with an optional 25-year extension, which would preserve affordability for up
to 75 years. She stated that lease payment amounts are set below the $2,000 threshold to
maintain eligibility for additional tax credit points. She explained that the developer would have
the option to purchase the land after year 25 at market value; however, the affordability
requirement would remain in place for the full initial 50-year term through a deed restriction and
the developer would be required to partner with a nonprofit service provider to offer resident
support services and programming throughout the affordability period. (See Pages 6 and 7 of
Attachment 1)
In response to a question from Mayor Freeman, Ms. Cannistraro explained the application
process for the LIHTC program and noted that Commonwealth Development Corporation had
previously applied for funding through the program, but the State exhausted its available tax
credits before the project could be funded. She pointed out that the deadline for the next
application cycle is April 1, 2026.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed lease terms.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Adams, Ms. Cannistraro stated that both HOME
funds and LIHTC funds are subject to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
affordability requirements, which are based on household size and income, with rent generally
limited to an affordable percentage of household income. She emphasized that these are HUD
standards, not COM regulations, and noted that the affordability requirements would remain in
effect throughout the full 50-year lease term. She added that the monthly ground lease payments
would help cover the administrative costs associated with staff oversight to verify ongoing tenant
eligibility and compliance with program requirements.
In response to questions from Councilmember Taylor, Ms. Cannistraro stated that occupancy
would depend on the size and configuration of each unit, noting that the development would
include both one- and two-bedroom units. She reported that the COM has identified a very high
demand and low supply for affordable senior housing and noted that the Balanced Housing
Master Plan found that the combined age and income demographic represents one of the fastest
growing housing gaps in the community.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Goforth regarding agenda Item 4-d, (North
Higley Lift Station and Thomas Road Sewer Project - Northeast Mesa, Construction
Manager at Risk (CMAR) (District 5)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda, City Engineer
Lance Webb recalled that the CMAR delivery method was selected because it provides greater
flexibility for a complex project in a rapidly developing area with multiple adjacent property owners
and evolving site conditions. He noted the conditions of the project area and explained how the
CMAR delivery method differs from a traditional design-bid-build process. He added that the
CMAR also provides opportunities for cost savings, greater transparency in bidding, and
development of a guaranteed maximum price. He pointed out that as part of that process, the
COM and contractor would work through a risk register to identify and quantify potential
unknowns. He confirmed that the project is expected to be eligible for capacity growth fee recovery
associated with future development.
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Page 3
In response to a question from Councilmember Taylor regarding agenda Item 4-a, (Use of a
Cooperative Contract for the Purchase of Emergency Communications Eventide 911
Solution (Replacement/Upgrade) for the Department of Innovation and Technology
(Citywide)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda, Chief Information Officer Scott Conn
introduced Mesa Public Safety Support Director Kimberly Meza.
Mr. Conn explained that the COM’s current software platform is nearing the end of its useful life,
noting that once a vendor announces end-of-life, support typically begins to diminish as resources
shift to newer products.
Ms. Meza stated that the proposed replacement was selected because it offers a better solution
than the current system, is already being used successfully by other agencies, and would allow
Police, Fire, and Medical dispatch operations to function on a common platform. She noted
additional benefits of the new system with annual ongoing costs of approximately $84,000 for all
three departments combined, a cost described as comparable to current expenditures. She
confirmed that while the software itself would not directly change call answer times, it would
support improved performance monitoring and operational review.
Mr. Conn stated that the cooperative purchase represented the best pricing option available,
significantly lower than other proposals considered, and that, if approved, the goal would be to
transition to the new system within the next few months.
City Manager Scott Butler emphasized that the software upgrade is part of the COM’s ongoing
work to ensure its public safety answering process is among the best in the country. He confirmed
that the purchase would be funded through the public safety budget.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Taylor regarding agenda Item 4-c, (Three-Year
Use of a Cooperative Term Contract with Seven One-Year Renewal Options for the
Purchase of a Capital Planning and Asset Management Solution for the Department of
Innovation and Technology for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and
Facilities Management Departments (Citywide)), on the Regular Council meeting agenda,
Facilities Management Director Tony Miele introduced Parks, Recreation and Community
Facilities Deputy Director Zac Koceja and Assistant Chief Information Officer Paul Poledna.
Mr. Miele stated that the proposed asset management and capital planning system consists of
multiple components serving both the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department
and the Facility Management Department. He noted that the project would cover more than 300
buildings and includes facility condition assessments, software to house and manage data, and
a planning component to support long-term capital and maintenance decisions. He clarified that
the investment is intended not simply for analytics, but to provide a comprehensive system for
evaluating facility conditions, organizing asset information, and planning future maintenance and
replacement needs. He stated that the system would provide detailed, real-time information to
support decision-making.
Mr. Butler added that once the COM catches up on deferred maintenance, maintaining those
assets in a more timely and strategic manner should produce long-term savings by reducing
reliance on more costly breakdown maintenance.
2.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
2-a.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting held on January 14, 2026.
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Page 4
2-b.
Human Relations Advisory Board meeting held on January 28, 2026.
2-c.
Design Review Board meeting held on February 10, 2026.
It was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Vice Mayor Somers, that receipt of the
above listed minutes be acknowledged.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Heredia–Duff–Goforth–Taylor
NAYS – None
Carried unanimously.
3.
Current events summary including meetings and conferences attended.
There were no reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.
4.
Scheduling of meetings.
City Manager Scott Butler stated that the schedule of meetings is as follows:
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Mesa Housing Services Governing Board
4.
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 23rd day of March 2026. I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
sr
(Attachment – 1)
SENIOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
City Council Study Session
March 23, 2026
Candace Cannistraro, Deputy City Manager
Private/Public Partnership
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 1 of 9
Background
• Seniors are one of the fastest growing
populations entering homelessness
*Source: City of Mesa Balanced Housing Master Plan 2024
• “The City’s population is aging slightly faster than that of Maricopa County
and nationwide. As the City population ages, the demand for senior-
friendly housing with integrated support services will increase”*
• “Over time, the City can benefit from approximately 23,400+ total housing
units at monthly payments affordable for households that make 50 percent
or less of the AMI ($42,000 or less)”*
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 9
City-owned Land
Adjacent to the Senior Center in
downtown Mesa
•
17, 31, and 37 W. University Drive
•
0.92 acres total
Purchased by the city in 2025 with
federal funds for the purpose of
developing senior affordable housing
through a private/public partnership
Subject Property
Senior Center
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 9
Partner Developer
Commonwealth Development Company
“Since our founding in 2001, Commonwealth’s core focus has been to
improve lives and enhance Communities by providing high-quality housing
that is affordable.”
The Cove - Phoenix
Lynne Village - Phoenix
The Abbott – Bullhead City
WHO WE ARE - The Commonwealth Companies
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 9
Proposed Development – The Helix Apartments
62 Unit multi-family complex
•
Combination of one- and two-
bedroom units
•
Common areas for exercise
and programming
•
Amenity roof deck
•
Covered parking incorporated
into first floor
View from University
View from 3rd Place
*Concept plans only. Final design will
go through the standard city process
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 5 of 9
Terms of Option to Lease
• Grants developer option to enter into ground lease only if LIHTC
awarded in 2026 or 2027 cycle
◦
If developer wants to use HOME funds, it cannot exercise the
option until after environmental review completed
• Sets forth key terms that must be in ground lease:
◦Initial term of 50 years
◦
Automatic extension of 25 years if requested by developer, with
conversion to a market rate rent upon first day of extension
◦50-year affordability period, which would be extended if lease is
extended
◦
Standard is15-year for LIHTC and 20-year for HOME
LIHTC – Low-income housing tax credits
HOME - Home investment partnership programs
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 6 of 9
Terms of Option to Lease
• During construction phase, rent is $100/month, increases to
$1,999.99/month once certificate of occupancy issued
◦
$2,000 is maximum dollar amount allowed under LIHTC
◦
LIHTC requires construction to begin by 12/31 of year following award
• Option for developer to purchase land after year 25.
Affordability requirement remains with the land for the full 50-year
period
◦
Purchase price would be fair market value of land (developer already
owns the improvements)
• Partnership with non-profit for provision of support services and
programming
• Remainder of lease terms to be negotiated upon exercise of option
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 7 of 9
Authority Requested
• Asking for authority for City Manager to do the following:
◦Execute the Option to Lease and Option to Purchase
Agreement
◦Negotiate remaining terms of Ground Lease and Option to
Purchase Agreement and Purchase and Sale Agreement
and enter into the agreements if required conditions met
◦If any of the key lease terms set forth in the Option were to
change, would need Council authorization
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 8 of 9
Thank You
Study Session
March 23, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 9 of 9