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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
February 9, 2026
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on
February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT
OFFICERS PRESENT
Mark Freeman
Scott Somers*
Rich Adams
Jennifer Duff
Francisco Heredia*
Alicia Goforth
Dorean Taylor
None
Scott Butler
Holly Moseley
Jim Smith
(*Participated in the meeting through the use of video conference equipment.)
Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call.
(Mayor Freeman excused Councilmember Heredia from the beginning of the meeting; he arrived
at 5:07 p.m.)
1.
Review and discuss items on the agenda for the February 9, 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: 8-a
Responding to multiple questions from Councilmember Taylor regarding Item 4-a, (Arizona
Farms Road High Pressure Gas Line Replacement Design-Bid-Build Contract. (Pinal
County)), on the Regular Council agenda, Assistant City Manager Marc Heirshberg confirmed
Mesa provides gas service to parts of Pinal County due to service territory decisions made in the
1970s, including Mesa’s purchase of the Magma service area in 1979. He discussed the new gas
line project, which would be funded by Utility System Revenue Obligation bonds and could
possibly pay for itself quickly due to anticipated industrial growth and vacant land development.
He described previous audits and noted the project is a corrective action to allow proper pressure
testing.
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Page 2
City Manager Scott Butler clarified that the Magma service territory boundaries were approved
through the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) when Mesa purchased the utility and that
Mesa remains fully compliant.
In response to a question from Vice Mayor Somers, Mr. Heirshberg replied that the City does not
typically post all utility master plans online for security concerns.
Mayor Freeman expressed support to replace the gas line and install a 12-inch diameter high-
pressure line to prepare for future development.
Responding to a request from Councilmember Goforth for a continuation regarding Item 6-a,
(ZON25-00256 "Sun Devil Auto - Signal Butte" 5.9± acres located approximately 280 feet
east of the northeast corner of East Southern Avenue and South Signal Butte Road. Major
Site Plan Modification and amending Conditions of Approval Nos. 1, 6, 7 and 9 of
Ordinance No. 3884 for the development of an approximately 7,689± square foot Minor
Automobile/Vehicle Service and Repair facility. WS Holdings I, LLC, owner; George
Pasquel III, Withey Morris Baugh, PLC, applicant. (District 5)), on the Regular Council
agenda, Mr. Butler recommended that, if Council chooses to delay Item 6-a, the item be continued
to a date uncertain to allow flexibility for working with the applicant and conducting further
discussions before returning to Council.
Mayor Freeman advised that the consensus of Council is for a continuation of Item 6-a to a date
uncertain.
2-a.
Hear a presentation and discuss the rollout of an AI Training program which will be made available
to all Mesa residents and City staff.
Chief Information Officer Scott Conn introduced Assistant to the City Manager Ian Linssen, Library
Director Polly Bonnett, Deputy Chief Information Officer Harry Meier, and displayed a PowerPoint
Presentation. (See Attachment 1)
Mr. Conn outlined the Citywide Artificial Intelligence (AI) training initiative planned for the coming
months and noted that no additional costs will be incurred. He explained the goal of improving
productivity at a lower cost and the benefits for residents and City staff. He acknowledged that
the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) received a Smart 20 Award for launching
the AI Mesan Chatbot on the City’s website. (See Pages 2 and 3 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Conn described the program structure and funding, explaining that residents will access AI
courses through the Mesa Public Library using a library card, while City staff will use the existing
iLearn system. He added that over 1,000 courses will be organized into learning tracks for all skill
levels, leveraging the existing LinkedIn Learning platform. (See Pages 4 and 5 of Attachment 1)
Ms. Bonnett reviewed how the AI training will serve residents and the benefits, with a focus on
adult learners. She emphasized that the goal is to reduce the digital divide, promote digital literacy,
and strengthen workforce competitiveness. She discussed the public launch strategy beginning
in May, noting that access is available to Mesa and Maricopa County residents with user validation
handled by a third-party vendor. She mentioned that course usage will be tracked anonymously
by view counts. (See Pages 6 through 8 of Attachment 1)
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Page 3
Mr. Meier provided an overview of the development of AI Training available for City staff. He noted
that emphasis will be placed on preventing AI inaccuracies and ensuring human oversight to
maintain data accuracy and security. He stated that staff training will begin next month with
introductory courses, and that the City will also coordinate with the State’s AI committee to stay
informed about potential regulations and will continue piloting and refining additional modules.
(See Pages 9 through 11 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Linssen noted that the training content reflects best practices and will be continuously updated
as AI technology evolves, ensuring the program remains current. He highlighted the City’s internal
AI policy and explained that the training reinforces proper use guidelines. He emphasized broader
community and workforce benefits, including support for small businesses, job seekers, and
positioning Mesa as a forward-thinking leader in the state. He explained that the City will evaluate
participation and effectiveness, making adjustments as needed, and although usage is
anonymous, feedback and engagement data will help determine the program’s impact. (See
Pages 12 through 14 of Attachment 1)
Mr. Linssen referenced practical tips for using AI chatbots and noted that Councilmembers will
have access to the training materials and are encouraged to explore the program and gather
community feedback. (See Page 15 of Attachment 1)
Responding to multiple questions posed by Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Conn explained that the
City conducted research on various training opportunities before selecting the existing LinkedIn
Learning program. He advised that only staff will receive examples of use cases and prompts as
part of their training.
In response to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Linssen explained that prompt
techniques constantly change with new AI updates, so formal monitoring may not be practical,
and instead, the City is considering creating a forum where employees can share effective
strategies and lessons learned.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Conn answered that the City has
implemented a multi-layered protection strategy, beginning with a formal AI policy for employees
and extending into strengthened cybersecurity controls that regulate and tighten access to data.
In response to multiple questions posed by Councilmember Duff, Mr. Conn advised that the
training tracks were developed based on feedback and insights from 50 employees who
participated in the AI sandbox pilot. He noted employee course participation will be tracked
through the iLearn system, and staff usage and satisfaction will be monitored, while public
participation remains anonymous. He added that the City already possesses the necessary data
and, by applying AI analytics tools, can generate internal insights and recommendations with less
reliance on external consultants.
Mayor Freeman thanked staff for the presentation.
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Page 4
2-b.
Appointments to Council Committees, Regional Boards, and other Committees.
It was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Duff, that the Council
concur with the Mayor’s recommendations and the appointments be confirmed. (See Attachment
2)
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor
NAYS – None
Carried unanimously.
3.
Acknowledge receipt of minutes of various boards and committees.
3-a.
Transportation Advisory Board meeting held on September 16, 2025.
3-b.
Planning and Zoning Board Special meeting held on December 10, 2025
3-c.
Planning and Zoning Board Study Session meeting held on December 10, 2025.
3-d.
Planning and Zoning Board Public Hearing meeting held on December 10, 2025.
It was moved by Councilmember Taylor, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, that receipt of the
above-listed minutes be acknowledged.
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:
AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor
NAYS – None
Carried unanimously.
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, February 12, 2026, 7:30 a.m. – Study Session
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Page 5
6.
Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 5:53 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 9th day of February 2026. I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
_______________________________
HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK
lr
(Attachments – 2)
Empowering and Elevating
Mesa with AI Skills
A Mesa Resident and City Staff Learning Initiative through
the Mesa Public Library and City iLearn System
February 9, 2026
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 1 of 16
Purpose of Today’s Presentation
Introduce a
citywide AI
Training initiative
Explain how the
program serves
both residents
and City staff
Outline
implementation,
considerations,
and governance
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 16
Why AI Training Matters
for Mesa
AI tools are rapidly becoming part of:
• Workforce productivity
• Small business operations
• Public service delivery
Cities that invest early in AI literacy:
• Improve service efficiency
• Strengthen workforce competitiveness
• Reduce digital inequity
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 3 of 16
Program Overview &
Funding
Cost efficient model
• One curriculum, two audiences
• Over 100 AI courses available via
LinkedIn Learning
Adaptable and scalable
• Tailored learning paths
by audience
Existing Funding Source
• Already in Library budget
• LinkedIn Learning
• Already in DoIT budget
• iLearn System
Audience
Delivery Platform
Purpose
Mesa
Residents
Mesa Public
Library
Workforce
readiness, digital
equity and literacy
City Staff
iLearn (City’s
existing Learning
Management
System)
Productivity,
service
improvement and
enhancement
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 4 of 16
Curriculum Structure
Core Learning
Tracks
(Shared):
AI fundamentals
Prompting and effective use
Ethics, bias, and responsible use
Specialized
Tracks:
Residents: workforce, business, personal use
City staff: public-sector use cases, compliance, policy
Format:
Short modules (10–30 minutes)
Certificates of completion
Optional advanced training paths
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 5 of 16
Resident-Focused AI Training (Mesa Public Library)
Who:
• Adults, job seekers, students,
entrepreneurs, seniors
How:
• Online, self-paced courses
accessed via library accounts
• Available remotely or at library
locations
Sample Topics:
• AI basics & everyday use
• AI tools for resumes, job search,
and learning
• Small business & entrepreneurship
applications
• Digital safety and AI ethics
Benefits:
• Free access to high-demand
skills
• Reduces digital divide
• Positions libraries as modern
workforce hubs
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 6 of 16
Public Announcement & Awareness
• Roll-out possible in 2-3 months
• Launch E-card campaign
• AI 101 and introductory content
• Online and in-person options
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 7 of 16
Resident Implementation Plan
Phase 1 – Citywide
Launch
•Press Release
•Social Media
•Channel 11 Feature
Phase 2 – Promote
Library Cards
•Available at Libraries
•Obtain online via library
website
Phase 3 – Validate Users
•Active library card required for
access to AI courses
•Helps confirm Mesa or
Maricopa County resident
status
Phase 4 – Anonymously
Monitor, Maintain, and
Report
•Monitor course viewing
•Report on metrics
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 8 of 16
City Staff AI Training (iLearnMesa Portal)
Who:
• All City staff using AI Tools
• Optional tracks for specialty
roles
How:
• iLearn Mesa hub
• LinkedIn Learning via Library
• Track completions + badges
Tracks:
• AI Essentials & Safe Use
• M365 Copilot Productivity
• Excel / Reporting Automation
• Leaders: Governance & Workflow
• Department add-on modules
Benefits:
• Faster drafting & analysis
• Risk-managed use (PII + accuracy)
• Measurable skill growth
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 9 of 16
City Staff Announcement & Awareness
Launch an “AI Learning Hub” in iLearn Mesa (Tracks + FAQs)
Kickoff: Staff Announcement + Inside Mesa + Teams site for
Collaboration
Quick-start: 30-min AI 101 & Safe Use + Monthly Office
Hours
Manager toolkit: Recommended tracks by role + “What’s
Allowed” One-Page Guide
Align with AZ Public Sector AI Symposium + State AI
Steering Committee
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 10 of 16
Staff Implementation Plan
1 – Build the iLearn AI Hub
(in progress)
• Curate tracks + job aids
• Link/Integrate LinkedIn Learning
• Set reporting & badges
2 – Publish Tracks (March)
• Required: AI Essentials & Safe Use
• Electives: Copilot / Data / Leaders
Validate and Refine
Engage with State Committee
3 – Dept Pilots & Modules
(Apr-Jun)
• Find Champions + Top Use Cases
• Add department modules
(records, HR, etc.)
Phase 4 – Continuous
Improvement
• Collaborate + Monthly meetups
• Quarterly refresh
• Measure completion + Wins
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 11 of 16
Governance, Safety & Ethics
Content aligned with:
Public-sector AI best practices
Data privacy and security standards
Clear guidelines for:
What City staff may and may not
use AI for
Ethical and transparent use
Regular content updates to
keep pace with AI changes
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 12 of 16
Community & Workforce
Impact
• Strengthens Mesa’s workforce
competitiveness
• Supports small businesses and job seekers
• Improves City service delivery and staff
effectiveness
• Positions Mesa as a forward-thinking,
innovative city
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 13 of 16
Measuring Success
Resident
enrollments and
completions
Employee
participation by
department
User satisfaction
surveys
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 14 of 16
Tips and Tricks
• Treat the AI like a brilliant but new employee: It has access to the world’s information
but needs your specific instructions to know how to use it.
• Context is King: Don't just ask a question; explain the background, the audience, and
your ultimate goal to get the best result.
• You are the Expert: AI is a tool, not a replacement. Use your subject matter expertise
to guide the conversation and verify the output.
• Experimentation over Perfection: There is no single "correct" way to prompt. If the
first answer isn't right/what you want, rephrase and iterate until it is.
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 15 of 16
Mesa Investing in People,
Skills, and the Future
Study Session
February 9, 2026
Attachment 1
Page 16 of 16
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Attachment 2
Page 1 of 1