Extracted text (via pymupdf)
18329 characters
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
April 6, 2026
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
April 6, 2026, at 4:45 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT
OFFICERS PRESENT
Mark Freeman
Scott Somers
Rich Adams
Jennifer Duff
Francisco Heredia*
Dorean Taylor
Alicia Goforth
Scott Butler
Holly Moseley
Jim Smith
(*Participated in the meeting through the use of video conference equipment.)
Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call.
1.
Review and discuss items on the agenda for the April 6, 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
2-a.
Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on the Transportation Department budget.
Transportation Director Erik Guderian introduced Deputy Director Andrew Calhoun and displayed
a PowerPoint Presentation. (See Attachment 1)
Mr. Guderian shared the Transportation Department’s new public purpose statement, which
closely aligns with their mission statement. He identified two key focus areas for the
Transportation Department based on a 2022 proclamation by the Mayor and Council aimed at
reducing fatal and serious injury crashes by 30% by 2030. (See Pages 2 and 3 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Guderian reported that the City’s pavement condition index (PCI) is performing well above
the target level, due to the significant investment Council and Management have made to the
Transportation Department to preserve asphalt. (See Page 4 of Attachment 1)
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Page 2
Mr. Guderian provided an update on the Streetlight LED Conversion project, stating approximately
400 fixtures are remaining in downtown with completion expected in June 2026. He stated that
the City saved money by having the work performed by in-house staff. He explained that the City
re-established an in-house concrete crew three years ago to improve response times for repairs,
especially buckled sidewalks. He noted that repair times have improved from over 30 days to
about 10 days, while also allowing staff to handle smaller projects and gain experience. (See
Pages 5 and 6 of Attachment 1)
City Manager Scott Butler shared his appreciation for the Department’s continued efforts to
determine the most timely and cost-effective service, whether that be in-house or through
contractors, noting that the best option can change depending on economic conditions.
Mr. Guderian added that while the City moved heavily toward contracted services about 20 years
ago, recent contract trends have led them to reconsider whether in-house operations may now
be more efficient.
Mr. Guderian highlighted the City’s continued turf conversion efforts, especially along Dobson
Road, replacing grass with low-water landscaping and improving irrigation systems. He
commented that these projects have reduced water use and costs by about 80%, with only two
turf locations remaining. (See Page 7 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Guderian described how the City receives $800,000 to $1 million annually from the Photo
Safety program to fund traffic safety improvements near schools, parks, and pedestrian areas.
He added, since 2020, the fund has supported smaller-scale safety projects that otherwise may
not have been possible. He presented a list of projects that the City recently completed and
projects that are in progress. (See Page 8 of Attachment 1)
Mayor Freeman emphasized that 100% of photo radar fine revenue is dedicated to safety-related
projects throughout the city.
Mr. Butler clarified that these funds are not used to supplement the General or Transportation
Fund, or operations budget, and are strictly reserved for transportation safety improvements that
are identified by the Transportation Department as areas of high critical need.
Responding to a question from Mayor Freeman, Mr. Guderian explained that the City receives an
annual allotment that is placed into a dedicated fund and later transferred into approved safety
projects. He advised that the department meets quarterly to prioritize projects and currently has
about a two-year backlog.
Mr. Guderian discussed the updates for the mill and re-pavement project for the entire downtown
square mile over the next four years. He noted that the work begins in the northwest quadrant
and will move counterclockwise, including not only new pavement but new striping plans to
improve parking, bike lanes, and vehicle lane use. (See Page 9 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Guderian reviewed the funding sources for the Transportation Department, which operates
largely through restricted funding sources that must be used for transportation purposes. He
indicated that approximately 94% of funding comes from Mesa’s Local Street Sales Tax (LSST)
and Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF), both dedicated to street maintenance and
construction. He noted 2% is derived from the Environmental Compliance Fee (EFC) that is
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Page 3
included on Mesa’s utility bills used for some storm drain maintenance, with additional funds from
photo safety revenue. He emphasized that there are limited General Funds and Utility Funds that
flow through the Transportation Department for other departments. (See Page 10 of Attachment
1)
Mr. Calhoun discussed the expenditures for Fiscal Year (FY) 26/27, noting that Transportation
has 184 authorized positions, but approximately 170 employees. He commented that most
expenditures are for personnel and contracted services, with future analysis planned to compare
in-house versus contract work. He noted that $11.9 million is largely fleet-related costs and $5
million is for utilities such as electricity and water for the City’s assets. (See Page 11 of Attachment
1)
Mr. Calhoun provided an overview of Transportation’s financial summary, stating that the
department is not requesting any new employees or programs and will maintain current service
levels. He reported that the proposed budget for FY 26/27 is $58.9 million, which has increased
from the FY 25/26 revised budget driven by contract costs, personnel step increases, operational
costs for new projects, and $650,000 transferred from lifecycle funds to cover landscape and tree
maintenance. He emphasized that revenue is expected to remain stable, and the majority of
transportation revenues come from temporary traffic control permit fees, and that revenues may
taper off as fiber work declines. (See Page 12 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Calhoun explained that the Transportation Department was instructed to take its 2% reduction
from the ECF funding source, amounting to $25,000. He stated that savings from HURF funds
will cover the reduction so that storm channel maintenance services are not impacted. (See Page
13 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Guderian provided an overview of the department’s $35 million annual lifecycle budget, and
the majority of the funds go to the Street Overlay program. He commented that the City uses the
budget to replace equipment and infrastructure that have reached the end of their useful life
across various programs. (See Page 14 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Guderian introduced a proposed $3 million annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for
smaller active transportation projects, noting that Council had requested this type of program over
the years. He mentioned that the fund would allow the City to address smaller community-
requested projects more quickly rather than waiting several years for grants or bond funding. He
added that the program is proposed as a three-year pilot funded through Maricopa Association of
Governments (MAG) reimbursements. (See Page 15 of Attachment 1)
In response to a question posed by Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Guderian confirmed that active
transportation refers to walking, biking, pathways, and any form of self-propelled travel.
Mr. Guderian reviewed the various stages of projects and associated costs, noting that one mile
of canal path now costs approximately $3 million, while pedestrian crossings can range from
$750,000 to $1 million. He shared that the proposed funding could support several smaller
projects annually and sought Council feedback before finalizing the CIP. (See Page 16 of
Attachment 1)
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Page 4
City Manager Scott Butler clarified that the goal is to fund smaller-scale community projects that
close a gap or fill a different need in the community without requiring a need for transportation
bond funding which is needed for larger projects.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Adams, Mr. Guderian replied that most of the
active transportation projects come directly from Councilmembers and residents, often through
district concerns such as shared-use path connections or new crossings, making the process
largely community-driven rather than staff-driven.
In response to multiple questions from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Guderian explained that the
consolidated canal is owned and maintained by Salt River Project (SRP), and the City enters into
a license agreement with SRP to use one side of the canal for recreational purposes. He
confirmed that any new amenities on the City’s side, including lighting, would be provided and
maintained by the City. He defined a traffic calming project ais a project that involves
improvements to street designs that reduces speed, such as speed humps, raised crosswalks or
building medians in the roadway to slow traffic down.
Responding to an inquiry from Mayor Freeman, Mr. Guderian said the Transportation Department
has a lot of turnover and plans to fill its vacancies. He advised that the specific reduction is
$25,000 from storm drain maintenance, which will be offset by savings from other areas within
the department.
Discussion ensued regarding the base budget reduction of $25,000.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
3.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
3-a.
Education and Workforce Development Roundtable meeting held on December 3, 2025.
3-b.
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting held on January 28, 2026.
3-c.
Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meeting held on February 5, 2026.
3-d.
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting held on February 25, 2026.
It was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Duff, that receipt of the
above-listed minutes be acknowledged.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Heredia–Taylor
NAYS – None
ABSENT – Goforth
Mayor Freeman declared the motion carried unanimously by those present.
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Page 5
4.
Current events summary including meetings and conferences attended.
Mayor Freeman and Councilmembers highlighted the events, meetings, and conferences recently
attended.
5.
Scheduling of meetings.
City Manager Scott Butler stated that the schedule of meetings is as follows:
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – State of the City
6.
Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 5:22 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 6th day of April 2026. I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
lr
(Attachments – 1)
Fiscal Year 2026/27
Transportation Department
April 6, 2026
Erik Guderian, Transportation Director
Andrew Calhoun, Deputy Director
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 1 of 16
PERFORMANCEPLUS
E N V I S I O N . E L E V A T E . I M P A C T .
OUTCOMES-base of kpis
HOW WE ALIGN TO THE PRIORITIES
WHY WE EXIST
The Transportation Department exists to plan, operate,
and maintain Mesa’s transportation network to enhance
its efficiency, reduce its safety risk, and promote its
longevity to support quality development in Mesa.
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 16
Outcome Areas
3
3
• Reduce safety risk
• Promote longevity and
enhance efficiency
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 16
4
4
4
Pavement Preservation
81.2
78.8
79.2
80.1
81.7
81.7
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
PCI Score
All Streets Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
PCI
Target
Performance Measure/KPI
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 16
Performance Measure/KPI
5
5
Streetlight LED Conversion
45,445 converted, 427 remaining to convert
Expected date of completion: June 2026
LED
99%
HPS
0%
Other
1%
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 5 of 16
6
6
6
In-House Concrete Crew
Accomplishment
10
Days
•
Average Response Time: 10 Days (In-House) vs. 30 Days (Contractor)
•
Improved schedule control and resident response
•
Direct oversight during placement and finishing
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 6 of 16
Accomplishment
7
7
Landscape Refurbishment
Dobson Road: US60 and Guadalupe Rd – Completed December 2025
Low-water landscaping
Preserved healthy mature trees
Stormwater catchment swales
Upgraded irrigation system
Smart controllers
Decreased maintenance
Highlights
Before
After
79% reduction in water costs (Dobson Rd Project)
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 7 of 16
Accomplishment
8
8
Recently Completed
Gateway Library Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
(Nov 2025)
Extension Bike Lanes
Baseline Rd → Main St (Dec 2025)
Hampton Bike Lanes & Pedestrian Crossing
96th St → Signal Butte Rd (Dec 2025)
ITS Green Arrow Installations
Phase 1 complete
Phase 2 begins March 2026
Westwood Raised Crosswalks
University Dr & Rio Salado Pkwy (Dec 2025)
Funded – In Progress / Upcoming
Dobson Rd Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
South of Broadway Rd (Est. June 2026)
Stapley Dr Sidewalks
South of Main St, west side (Summer 2026)
May & Ella ADA Improvements
Est. Summer 2026
Beverly & 2nd St Enhanced Crosswalk
Design starts Spring 2026
Horne RRFB @ Consolidated Canal
Est. March 2026
Safety Projects – Photo Safety Reinvestment
Gateway Library
Pedestrian Hybrid
Beacon
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 8 of 16
Upcoming
9
9
FY 25/26 = $6,000,000
FY 26/27 = $5,925,000
FY 27/28 = $4,950,000
FY 28/29 = $5,250,000
Downtown Mesa Mill and Overlay Project
•
Four-year program to mill and pave all City streets within
the downtown Mesa area (1 sq. mi.)
•
Includes targeted concrete curb repairs and ADA upgrades
where needed
•
Coordinated with improvements identified in the
Downtown Micromobility and Parking Study
Legend
FY 25/26
FY 26/27
FY 27/28
FY 28/29
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 9 of 16
48%
46%
2%
4%
Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF)
Local Streets Sales Tax (LSST)
Environmental Compliance Fee (ECF)
Other
FY 26/27 Operational Funding Sources
10
10
Restricted Fund
Restricted Fund
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 10 of 16
FY 26/27 Operating Expenditures
11
11
Personal Services
Contractual Services
Utilities
Commodities
Other Services
$20.8M
35%
$14.4M
24%
$5M
9%
$6.8M
12%
$11.9M
20%
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 11 of 16
Department Financial Summary
12
12
Core Business Process
FY 24/25
Year End
Actuals
FY 25/26
Revised
Budget
FY 25/26
Year End
Estimate
FY 26/27
Proposed
Budget
Expenditures
Field Operations
$41.9
$46.9
$45.7
$48.8
Traffic Engineering
$9.0
$9.7
$9.5
$10.1
Total
$50.9
$56.6
$55.2
$58.9
Revenues
Field Operations
$0.2
$0.6
$0.3
$0.2
Traffic Engineering
$5.9
$5.5
$5.5
$5.6
Total
$6.1
$6.1
$5.8
$5.8
Figures in millions, rounded
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 12 of 16
Base Budget Reduction(s)
13
13
Ranking
Adjustment
FTE
Ongoing
Fund
1
Personal Services and
Contracted Services
0
-$25,426
Environmental
Compliance Fee
Base Budget Reduction
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 13 of 16
Lifecycle Programs
• Street Overlay Program
• Storm Channels Maintenance and Repair
• Streetlight LED Conversion Project
• Transportation Landscape Improvements
• Rusted Streetlight Pole Replacements
• ADA Improvements
• Citywide Sidewalk Improvements
• CCTV Replacements
• Irrigation System upgrades
• ITS Field Equipment Upgrade
• Signalized Intersection ADA Improvement
• Traffic Signal Controller Cabinet Replacement
• Streetlight Spot Improvement
• Traffic Signals – New and Upgrade
• Traffic Calming Projects
$35M Annually
14
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 14 of 16
Annual Active Transportation Projects
Description: Annual program that identifies, plans, designs and
constructs new active transportation facilities, focusing on closing
critical gaps in the regional active transportation network.
Council District: Citywide
Council Priority: Community Health & Safety
Lifecycle Program Description
Funding Sources
Transportation Fund - $3,000,000 Annually
FY 26/27
FY 27/28
FY 28/29
FY 29/30
FY 30/31
$3.0M
$3.0M
$3.0M
TBD
TBD
Project Start Dates
Projected O&M Cost
One-Time: TBD
Ongoing: TBD
Design: On-Going
Construction: On-Going
15
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 15 of 16
Annual Active Transportation Projects
Recent Projects Completed
•
Hampton Ave Bike Lanes - $300K
•
Westwood Raised Crosswalks - $600K
•
Mesa Dr & Consolidated Canal Signal - $400K
Other Projects Under Design
•
Dobson Rd Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon - $750K
•
Beverly & 2nd St Enhanced Crosswalks - $300K
•
Las Sendas Pedestrian Crossings - $1.5M
Examples of Future Projects
Under $3.0 M
•
1 Mile of Shared Use Path
•
Eastern Canal Shared Use Path – Lindsay to McKellips
•
Thomas Road Bike Lanes – Higley to Power Rd
•
Eastmark Pkwy Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon @ Paladium
16
Study Session
April 6, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 16 of 16