Extracted text (via pymupdf)
27823 characters
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK COUNCIL MINUTES April 20, 2026 The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on April 20, 2026, at 6:17 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 (*Participated in the meeting through the use of video conference equipment.) Mayor’s Welcome. Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call. Invocation by Reverend Caleb Collins at Church of the Transfiguration. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Freeman. There were no awards, recognitions, or announcements. Items on the agenda were discussed out of order, but for purposes of clarity will remain as listed on the agenda. 1. Take action on all consent agenda items. All items listed with an asterisk (*) are on the consent agenda which means they will be considered as a group by the City Council and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or citizen requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered as a separate item. If a citizen wants an item removed from the consent agenda, a request must be made prior to the Council’s vote on the consent agenda. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Heredia, that the consent agenda items be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 2 NAYS – None Carried unanimously. *2. Approval of minutes of previous meetings as written. Minutes from the Study Sessions held on February 5 and February 12, 2026; the Strategic Planning Session held on February 19, 2026; and the Regular Council meeting held on April 9, 2026. 3. Take action on the following liquor license applications: *3-a. Babo Jumak A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for Jumak LLC, 2909 South Dobson Road Suite 7 - Ji Woong Kang, Agent. The existing license held by Ban Chan Inc will revert to the state. (District 3) *3-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *3-c. Against The Grain A restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for Against the Grain LLC, 124 West Main Street - Justin Halter, Agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 4) 4. Take action on the following contracts: *4-a. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *4-b. Mesa Public Safety Communications - Pre-Construction Services and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). (District 1) On November 5, 2024, Mesa voters approved a Public Safety Bond Program that included funding for the construction and improvement of an emergency 911 communications center. These improvements were identified to address current and projected call volumes and to enhance service quality in response to the City’s continued growth. This project will provide a larger, consolidated facility that allows for the co- location of Fire & Medical, Police, and Public Safety Support services personnel. This integrated approach is expected to improve operational efficiency, coordination, and overall service delivery. Staff recommend that Council approve Willmeng Construction as the CMAR for this project and award a pre-construction services contract in the amount of $386,571.00. This project is funded by 2024 Public Safety Bonds. *4-c. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 5. Take action on the following resolutions: *5-a. Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation relating to fire apparatus maintenance and repair services. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12489 Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 3 *5-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-c. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Boost a Foster Family to the Ak-Chin Indian Community in the amount of $20,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12491 *5-d. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Child Crisis Arizona to the Ak-Chin Indian Community in the amount of $35,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12492 *5-e. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-f. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., to the Ak-Chin Indian Community in the amount of $50,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12494 *5-g. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application Voices for CASA Children to the Ak-Chin Indian Community in the amount of $30,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12495 *5-h. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-i. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in the amount of $15,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12497 *5-j. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in the amount of $50,000, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass- through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12498 *5-k. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Voices for CASA Children to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in the amount of $75,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12499 *5-l. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Arizona Refugee Center to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $15,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass- through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12500 *5-m. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Child Crisis Arizona to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $10,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12501 *5-n. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Foster Arizona to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $15,000 and authorizing the City Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 4 Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 1250 *5-o. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-p. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $50,000, and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12504 *5-q. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application Voices for CASA Children to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $75,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12505 *5-r. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Desert Sounds Performing Arts to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $9,899 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12506 *5-s. Approving and authorizing the purchase and lease of the real property and improvements located at 1 West Main Street and authorizing the City Manager to enter into the necessary documents including a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Lease with 1 WM, LLC. (District 4) – Resolution No. 12507 *5-t. Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for the construction of a portion of the roadway pavement and median, retaining walls, and roadway embankments, contained within City of Mesa’s Crismon Road right-of-way (ROW). The scope of this construction will connect to the Crismon road bridge currently included in the SR 24 project. The total fiscal impact of this IGA is $2,113,201.17, which will be paid to ADOT for the construction of the roadway. This project is funded by local street sales tax. (District 6) – Resolution No. 12508 *5-u. Approving and authorizing the City Manager, pursuant to Section 205(D) of the Mesa City Charter, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 with the Mesa Police Association relating to wages and other forms of direct monetary compensation, hours, non-health related benefits, and working conditions not covered under the City’s personnel rules or state or federal law. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12509 *5-v. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 6. Introduction of the following ordinances and setting May 4, 2026, as the date of the public hearing on these ordinances: *6-a. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *6-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 7. Introduction of the following annexation and rezoning ordinances for the project known as "Haven at Hawes" and setting May 4, 2026 as the date of the public hearing on the ordinances. Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 5 *7-a. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *7-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 8. Take action on the following appointments: *8-a. Reappointing City Magistrate David Allen to a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2030. *8-b. Reappointing City Magistrate Alicia Lawler to a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2030. *8-c. Reappointing Presiding City Magistrate Stephen Umpleby to a two-year term beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2028. Items not on the Consent Agenda 3-b. Jake’s Unlimited A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for Ignite Entertainment AZ LLC, 1830 East Baseline Road, Suite 101 - Andrea Dahlman Lewkowitz, agent. The existing license held by Bash Entertainment LLC will revert to the State. (District 4) Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, spoke in support of the Series 12 Liquor License for Jake’s Unlimited. It was moved by Councilmember Duff, seconded by Vice Mayor Somers, that the Series 12 Liquor License for Jake’s Unlimited be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None Carried unanimously. 4-a. Northwest Water Reclamation Plant (NWWRP) Process Improvements - Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No. 2 of 2 Control System Improvements. (District 3) GMP No. 1 was awarded by Council in July 2023 and included the construction of a new flare. GMP No. 2 includes process control system improvements including replacement and modifications to the control panels, and fiber optic communication cable installation for wastewater processing and disinfection systems. Staff recommend that Council award a contract for this project to Archer Western Construction in the amount of $3,328,891.61 (GMP) and authorize a change order allowance in the amount of $332,889.16 (10%). This project is funded by Utility Systems Revenue Obligations. Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 6 Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, provided comments supporting the NWWRP process improvements. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Heredia, that the Northwest Water Reclamation Plant (NWWRP) Process Improvements - Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No. 2 of 2 Control System Improvements contract be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None Carried unanimously. 4-c. Three Month Extension and Dollar Limit Increase to the Term Contract for Private Security Officer Services for the Mesa Police Department. (Citywide) This contract provides private security officer services. The scope includes unarmed physical security services, mobile patrol, shuttle services for employees between City buildings and parking structures, and security for City-hosted special events and festivals. Service locations include the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Libraries, Police facilities, 55 North Center, and City Hall. The current contract expires on April 30, 2026. A new solicitation is in progress but will not be awarded before the expiration. To maintain uninterrupted services as well as vendor transition time if the incumbent is not the next vendor, a three-month extension is requested, along with a corresponding increase in contract capacity. These funds are within the department’s budgets. The Mesa Police, Economic Development, Arts and Culture, and Library Services Departments and Procurement Services recommend increasing the dollar limit with Universal Protection Service, LP, dba Allied Universal Security Services by $400,000, from $2,242,000 to $2,642,000, through July 31, 2026. Nathan G. Allen, a Mesa resident, expressed concern regarding the use of security personnel in lieu of police officers and stated that security staff must still contact law enforcement when police action is needed, which may delay response times. It was moved by Councilmember Heredia, seconded by Vice Mayor Somers, that the Three- Month Extension and Dollar Limit Increase to the Term Contract for Private Security Officer Services for the Mesa Police Department be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None Carried unanimously. 5-b. Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Town of Gilbert and the City of Chandler to engage WaterWorks Engineers to study the potential effects of the Salt River Project (SRP) / Central Arizona Project (CAP) Interconnection Facility (SCIF) on downstream users in Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 7 the City of Mesa, Town of Gilbert, and City of Chandler. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12490 5-h. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Desert Sounds Performing Arts to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in the amount of $16,783 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12496 5-o. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $10,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12503 5-v. Approving and authorizing the City Manager, pursuant to Section 205(D) of the Mesa City Charter, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 with the United Mesa Fire Fighters Association relating to wages and other forms of direct monetary compensation, hours, non-health related benefits, and working conditions not covered under the City’s personnel rules or state or federal law. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12510 Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, expressed his support for pass-through grants for Planned Parenthood and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. He also referenced support for agenda Items 5-b, 5-h and 5-v. Lindsay Andres, a Mesa resident, stated she inadvertently submitted a request to speak on agenda item 5-v; however, she clarified that her comments related to Resolution No. 12509, consent agenda Item 5-u. She expressed concerns regarding an incident near Mesa Airport and referenced ongoing litigation involving alleged police misconduct. Mayor Freeman stated that pending no objection from the Council, agenda Items 5-b, 5-h, 5-o and 5-v will be voted on in one motion. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Heredia, that Resolution Nos. 12490, 12496, 12503, and 12510 be adopted. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None Carried unanimously. 5-e. Authorizing and supporting the submittal of a grant application by Planned Parenthood to the Ak-Chin Indian Community in the amount of $20,000 and authorizing the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-through grant. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12493 Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, spoke in support of the pass-through grant to Planned Parenthood by the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Mary Maybeno, a Mesa resident, spoke in opposition to Resolution No. 12493 and expressed concern about Planned Parenthood’s involvement. She stressed that she did not believe the City of Mesa (COM) should participate in administering funds associated with the organization. Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 8 Councilmember Taylor stated that, although the item involved the COM serving only as a pass- through entity and did not involve the use of COM funds, she viewed the matter as a question of principle rather than administration. She expressed concern that the COM’s participation could be seen as facilitating services she found morally objectionable and stated that she believed government has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. She encouraged her colleagues to view the matter as an opportunity to uphold that principle. City Manager Scott Butler clarified that the COM does not initiate the program and instead serves as a pass-through entity for grant funds. He explained that the applications are submitted through an established process and selected by the tribal nations as part of the Indian gaming grant program. It was moved by Councilmember Duff, seconded by Councilmember Heredia, that Resolution No. 12493 be adopted. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Duff–Goforth–Heredia NAYS – Adams–Taylor Mayor Freman declared the motion carried by majority vote. 6-a. ZON25-00917 "Longbow Mixed-Use," 3.4± acres located approximately 1,665± feet west of the southwest corner of North Recker Road and East Longbow Parkway. Rezone from Light Industrial with a Planned Area Development Overlay (LI-PAD) to Light Industrial with a Planned Area Development Overlay and Bonus Intensity Zone Overlay (LI-PAD-BIZ), Council Use Permit (CUP) and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of an approximately 56,360± square foot hotel and future commercial development. Dover Associates, LLC, Owner. Chris Webb, Rose Law Group, applicant. (District 5) – Ordinance No. 6008 Staff Recommendation: Approval P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0) 6-b. ZON25-00288 "Haven at Destination," 28± acres located at the northwest corner of South Meridian Road and Arizona Route 24. Rezone from General Industrial (GI) to Small-Lot Single Residence 2.5 with a Planned Area Development Overlay (RSL-2.5- PAD) and approval of residential product. This request will allow for a 155-lot single residence development. The Cubes at Meridian 24 LLC, Owner; Sean Lake / Sarah Prince, Pew & Lake, P.L.C., applicant. (District 6) – Ordinance No. 6009 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0) 7-a. ANX25-00231 - Annexing 40+ acres located at the southeast corner of South Hawes Road and East Mesquite Street. This request has been initiated by Sean Lake / Sarah Prince, Pew & Lake, P.L.C., for the owner, Stewart Development II, LLC. (District 6) – Ordinance No. 6010 7-b. ZON25-00234 "Haven at Hawes," 38± acres located at the southeast corner of South Hawes Road and East Mesquite Street. Rezoning from Agricultural (AG) to Residential Small-Lot 2.5 with a Planned Area Development overlay (RSL-2.5-PAD) and approval of Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 9 residential product. This request will allow for a 230-lot single residence development. Stewart Development II, LLC, Owner; Sean Lake / Sarah Prince, Pew & Lake, P.L.C., applicant. (District 6) – Ordinance No. 6011 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0) Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, expressed support for additional hotel and residential development in the COM. Mayor Freeman stated that pending no objection from the Council, agenda items 6-a, 6-b, 7-a and 7-b will be voted on in one motion. It was moved by Councilmember Heredia, seconded by Vice Mayor Somers, that Ordinance Nos. 6008, 6009, 6010, and 6011 be introduced, setting May 4, 2026, as the date of the public hearing. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None Carried unanimously. 9. Conduct a public hearing, take action on the following minor General Plan amendment resolution, and take action on the following zoning case ordinance relating to a proposed development known as "Rio Salado 25." 9-a. GPA26-00147 "Rio Salado 25 Minor GPA," 3.1± acres located at the northwest corner of West Rio Salado Parkway and North Cubs Way. Minor General Plan Amendment to change the Placetype from Local Employment Center to Urban Center. Rio Salado 25 LLC, Owner. Jonathan Boyd, applicant. (District 3) – Resolution No. 12511 Staff Recommendation: Adoption P&Z Board Recommendation: Adoption (Vote: 6-0) 9-b. ZON25-00942 “Rio Salado 25,” 3.1± acres located at the northwest corner of West Rio Salado Parkway and North Cubs Way. Rezone from General Commercial (GC) to General Commercial with a Bonus Intensity Zone Overlay (GC-BIZ), Council Use Permit (CUP), and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for the development of an approximately 54,725± square foot hotel and 36-unit multiple residence building. Rio Salado 25, LLC, Owner; Jonathan Boyd, Boyd Development, applicant. (District 3) – Ordinance No. 6007 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 6-0) Mayor Freeman announced that this is the time and place for a public hearing regarding the development known as Rio Salado 25. Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 10 Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, expressed support for the proposed development, stating that he believed additional residential units in the area would be beneficial. Carey Davis, a Mesa resident, spoke in opposition to the Rio Salado 25 development. He referenced the neighboring cities’ demographics and housing characteristics and expressed concern about the continued development of multi-family and higher density housing in Mesa. There being no further citizens wishing to speak on this issue, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. Mayor Freeman stated that the subject parcel is adjacent to Sloan Park and explained that the proposed apartments and multi-family units were designed for the purpose of serving professional baseball players who use the park for training throughout the year. Councilmember Taylor echoed that the project was intended to provide year-round housing for minor league baseball players and expressed support for the dedicated residential use, noting that continuous occupancy would help keep the area active and avoid vacancy or blight. Mr. Butler noted that, although the COM continues to prioritize owner-occupied housing opportunities, the proposed site was not well suited for single-family residential development. He stated that the proposed hotel and residential complex would complement the area’s connection with the Chicago Cubs and professional baseball players. Councilmember Adams agreed that this proposal represents a unique use and that the property was not well suited for detached single-family residences. He indicated his support for the proposed development. Councilmember Goforth expressed her support for the proposed development. Vice Mayor Somers added that the Council had recently approved other rezoning requests for for-sale housing developments. Mayor Freeman stated that this property was formerly owned by the County and previously used as an animal shelter. He noted that the proposed hotel would generate tax revenue on the last remaining vacant parcel along Rio Salado. Mayor Freeman stated that pending no objection from the Council, agenda Items 9-a and 9-b will be voted on in one motion. It was moved by Councilmember Heredia, seconded by Vice Mayor Somers, that Resolution No. 12511 and Ordinance No. 6007 be adopted. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None Carried unanimously. 10. Items from citizens present. Noah James Markham, a Tempe resident, spoke regarding conditions at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Mesa. He expressed appreciation for elected officials Regular Council Meeting April 20, 2026 Page 11 who had brought attention to the facility and stated his concern about reported overcrowding and treatment of detainees, which he described as inhumane. He urged greater accountability and oversight. Dorothy O’Brien, a Mesa resident, expressed opposition to redirecting Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to other City purposes and encouraged the Council to consider alternative funding sources for those needs. Jeremy Spilsbury, a Mesa resident, addressed the Council regarding the ICE facility near the Mesa Gateway Airport and its impact on the community. He referenced concerns raised following a congressional tour of the facility and described the reported conditions as inhumane. He also spoke about Mesa’s history of segregation and urged the Council to reflect on past and present injustices affecting immigrant communities. 11. Adjournment. Without objection, the Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 7:06 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 Regular Council Meeting of the City Council of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 20th 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 sr