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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK COUNCIL MINUTES February 23, 2026 The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on February 23, 2026, at 5:45 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’s Welcome. Mayor Freeman conducted a roll call. Invocation by Dr. Pamela Aneesah Nadir at Islamic Social Services Association. There were no awards, recognitions, or announcements. 1. Take action on all consent agenda items. All items listed with an asterisk (*) 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 Councilmember Heredia, seconded by Councilmember Adams, that the consent agenda items be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None ABSENT– None Carried unanimously. *2. Approval of minutes of previous meetings as written. Minutes from February 9, 2026, Regular Council meeting. Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 2 3. Take action on the following liquor license applications: *3-a. Mango Mini Mart A convenience store is requesting a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store License for MV4 Enterprise LLC, 760 South Alma School Road - Lauren Kay Merrett, agent. The existing license held by AFG Petroleum LLC will revert to the State. (District 3) *3-b. Aldi #195 A grocery store is requesting a new Series 10S Beer and Wine Store License with sampling privileges for Aldi Arizona LLC, 1045 South Gilbert Road, Suite 104-109, Jeffrey Craig Miller, agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 4) 4. Take action on the following off track betting license applications: *4-a. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *4-b. Turf Paradise New Off-Track Betting License for Turf Paradise to telecast at O'Kelley's Sports Bar & Grill located at 2120 West Guadalupe Road, Suite 14-19, Skyfall 7 LLC - Gary Alan Hartunian, applicant. (District 3) *4-c. Turf Paradise New Off-Track Betting License for Turf Paradise, to telecast at R.T. O'Sullivan’s located at 6646 East Superstition Springs Boulevard, Skyfall 7 LLC - Gary Alan Hartunian, applicant. (District 6) 5. Take action on the following contracts: *5-a. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-c. Use of a Cooperative Contract for the Purchase of 165 Panasonic Toughbook Computers (Replacements) for the Department of Innovation and Technology. (Citywide) Computer devices are typically replaced on a 5-year cycle (Cycle Replacement Program). This contract will be used to purchase Panasonic Toughbook computers for the Mesa Fire and Medical Department and Mesa Police Department as part of their scheduled cycle replacement. These devices are specifically engineered for rugged field conditions - capable of withstanding vehicle mounting, vibration, heat, and occasional drops - making them more reliable than standard laptops in public safety and field environments. Staff were able to find these devices at approximately $400 less per unit than the price available through the previous contract, resulting in savings of approximately $66,000. The Department of Innovation and Technology and Procurement Services recommend authorizing the purchase using the State of Arizona cooperative contract with Mobile Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 3 Concepts Technology, in an amount not to exceed $737,700, based on estimated requirements. *5-d. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-e. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *5-f. Use of a Cooperative Contract for the Purchase of One Paint Striping Truck (Addition) for the Fleet Services and Transportation Departments. (Citywide) The Transportation Department requires an additional paint striping truck to meet the increasing workload demands and ensure operational continuity. Having a second unit provides the necessary spare ratio, allowing work to continue uninterrupted when one truck is undergoing maintenance. The paint striping truck is a specialized vehicle designed to apply consistent, durable lane markings on City streets, pathways, and parking areas. The Fleet Services and Transportation Departments and Procurement Services recommend authorizing the purchase using the Sourcewell cooperative contract with MB Companies, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $293,942, based on estimated requirements. 6. Take action on the following resolution: *6-a. Amending board membership requirements for the Palo District, a Theme Park District established pursuant to Arizona law. (District 3) – Resolution No. 12474 7. Take action on the following resolution declaring “Administrative Review Amendments – Replaced Sections and Chapters,” “Administrative Review – Expirations and Extensions,” and “Administrative Review – Development Standard Modifications” to be a public record and available to the public, and introducing the following ordinance and setting March 9, 2026, as the date of the public hearing: *7-a. A resolution declaring the documents filed with the City Clerk titled “Administrative Review Amendments - Replaced Sections and Chapters,” “Administrative Review - Expirations and Extensions,” and “Administrative Review - Development Standard Modifications” to be a public record and providing for the availability of the documents for public use and inspection with the City Clerk. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12463 *7-b. An ordinance proposing amendments to Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 42, 46, 56, 63, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, 80, 81, 86, and 87 of Title 11 of the Mesa City Code pertaining to administrative review in compliance with A.R.S. § 9-500.49. The amendments replace, amend, and update procedures for submission, review, approval, modification, expiration, and enforcement for land use applications associated with administrative approval, along with corresponding revisions needed to align related provisions for consistency. The amendments replace, amend, and update development standards citywide to incorporate technical updates and objective standards in compliance with A.R.S. § 9- 500.49. The amendments also include related changes in terminology and definitions, modifications to rules of measurement, and updates to alternative compliance. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5996 Staff Recommendation: Adoption Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 4 P&Z Recommendation: Adoption with Conditions (Vote: 6-0) The Planning and Zoning Board recommended adoption of the proposed Mesa Zoning Ordinance (MZO) Administrative Review text amendments with the condition that staff clarify the meaning of “Change of Use” as it pertains to Section 11-69-5 and related sections. The ordinance being introduced reflects modifications made by staff in response to the Board’s recommendations as well as input and various comments from stakeholders within the development community. Items not on the Consent Agenda 4-a. Turf Paradise New Off-Track Betting License for Turf Paradise to telecast at JJ Madison's located at 430 North Power Road, Skyfall 7 LLC - Gary Alan Hartunian, applicant. (District 2) Regi Bron, a Mesa resident, addressed concerns regarding the social impacts of gambling, particularly its effects on individuals experiencing homelessness. He cited statistics suggesting costs associated with bankruptcy, mental health, and social services, and stated that some individuals experiencing homelessness attribute part of their hardship to gambling. Mayor Freeman commented that the City must comply with the gambling laws approved by the Arizona voters. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Taylor, that the Off-Track Betting License for Turf Paradise to telecast at JJ Madison's be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None ABSENT– None Carried unanimously. 5-a. One-Year Term Contract with Four One-Year Renewal Options for Industrial Building, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC Materials for the Materials and Supply Warehouse (for Citywide Departments). (Citywide) This contract will establish a list of qualified, pre-approved contractors, who will respond to requests for quotes for industrial building, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC materials. Supplies will include but not be limited to gaskets, tees, bolts, washers, ball valves, fittings, connectors, conduit, brackets, latches, welding supplies, couplings, padlocks, and tools such as hammers, pliers and shovels. Business Services and Procurement Services recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidders, Best Plumbing Specialties, Inc., Border States Industries, Inc. dba Border States - Border States Electric - Advance Electrical Supply, Copper State Bolt & Nut Co., Elliott Electric Supply (a Mesa business), Ferguson Enterprises, LLC dba Ferguson Waterworks, K&K Heating and Air, Rexel USA, Sid Tool Co., Inc. dba MSC Industrial Supply Co. Inc., Tri-Pacific Supply, Inc. and Wesco, Inc. Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 5 dba Anixter, Inc., at a combined total amount not to exceed $1,800,000, based on estimated requirements. *5-b. Three-Year Term Contract with Two-Year Renewal Options for Window Cleaning and Power-Washing Services for the Facilities Management Department. (Citywide) This contract will provide window cleaning and power-washing services at 62 City facilities. Services include all labor, equipment, and materials necessary to perform window washing and power-washing services. The Contractor shall clean inside windows, outside windows, panes, frames, and attached/supported hardware as outlined as well as cleaning the entrance doors as specified for a particular building. The frequency is specified in the contract set by building and use. A committee representing Facilities Management and Procurement Services evaluated responses and recommend awarding the contract to the highest scored proposal from Imperial Window Cleaning, in an amount not to exceed $157,320 annually, with an annual increase allowance of up to 5% or the adjusted Consumer Price Index. Jason Smithson, a Mesa resident, raised questions regarding the structure of the proposed vendor contracts, including contract length, safeguards to ensure competitive pricing over multi- year terms, and flexibility for Council review. He requested clarification of the vendor performance metrics, review frequency, and due diligence procedures used to confirm a vendor’s operational status and capacity. He also inquired about solicitation outreach, response rates, and whether any Request for Proposal (RFP) elements may limit competition. He encouraged increased transparency by making contract documents and evaluation criteria readily accessible to the public and asked how authorized contract amounts compare to actual expenditures. In response to a request from Mayor Freeman, Business Services Director Ed Quedens responded that the City’s procurement practices align with the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Procurement Code and are consistent with state and municipal standards. He pointed out that the solicitations and award documents are publicly posted on the City’s purchasing and vendor self-service websites without requiring a public records request. Mr. Quedens explained that the standard contract term is three years with renewal options, though terms may vary depending on the project. He stated that contracts include pricing protections tied to Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) limits, and proposed price increases are evaluated to ensure compliance with established metrics. He referred to the proposed one-year contract and confirmed that the shorter term allows for performance and pricing review in a volatile market environment. Mr. Quedens pointed out that Imperial Window Cleaning had provided services to the City for many years and stated that no concerns were raised during the RFP evaluation process. Facilities Management Director Tony Miele clarified that the City currently utilizes Imperial Window Cleaning for window cleaning services, which are temporarily on hold at City Hall due to copper polishing work currently underway. Mayor Freeman stated that pending no objection from the Council, agenda Items 5-a and 5-b will be voted on in one motion. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, that the recommendations of staff to award the contracts for Items 5 a and 5 b be approved. Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 6 Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None ABSENT– None Carried unanimously. 5-d. One-Time Dollar Limit Increase to the Term Contract for Stadium Lighting, Lighting Control Systems Equipment for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department. (Citywide) This contract provides for the purchase and installation of stadium lighting and lighting control systems equipment from Musco Sports Lighting, LLC. This one-time dollar limit increase is needed to cover the necessary upgrades to the Baseball facilities at Hohokam Stadium and Fitch Park. The lighting at these facilities has reached the end of its useful life, relies on outdated fixtures and bulbs that do not illuminate the playing fields as effectively as current technology, and no longer meets the requirements for Major League Baseball and NCAA Baseball. All light fixtures from the older hood-style units will be replaced with newer LED fixtures in addition to installation of new lighting control systems to operate and program the lights. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Procurement Services recommend increasing the dollar limit with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC by $884,050, from $2,500,000 to $3,384,050, through 10/15/2026. 5-e. One-Time Dollar Limit Increase to the Term Contract for Video Display/Scoreboard Maintenance and Repairs for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department. (Citywide) This contract is for the service, maintenance, and repair of the Daktronics electronic scoreboards at Hohokam Stadium and Sloan Park that are used for Major League Baseball programs with the Athletics and Chicago Cubs. This one-time dollar limit increase is needed to cover the necessary upgrades to the Scoreboard at Hohokam Stadium and installation of a ribbon board. The scoreboard at this facility has reached the end of its useful life and does not support upgraded technology that allows for more dynamic programming. Upgrades will include the video scoreboard and installation of a ribbon board on the main structure facing the grass seating area, to provide better in- game experience and viewing angle for outfield seats. The 2013 Facility Use Agreement between the City and the Athletics requires the City to maintain and upgrade the scoreboard at defined intervals. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department and Procurement Services recommend increasing the dollar limit with Daktronics Inc. by $1,737,250 from $1,500,000 to $3,237,250, through 5/25/2026. Regi Bron, a Mesa resident, expressed concerns regarding public funding for stadium facilities, and he questioned contractual provisions related to electronic upgrades, including non-compete clauses and requirements to maintain standards comparable to other major league stadiums. He encouraged early evaluation of future contract negotiations and suggested exploring more flexible, multi-use facility investments to maximize year-round utilization. He also proposed considering alternative sports and global event opportunities to enhance economic impact. Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 7 Mayor Freeman stated that pending no objection from the Council, agenda Items 5-d and 5-e will be voted on in one motion. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, that the recommendations of staff to award the contracts for Items 5 d and 5 e be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None ABSENT– None Carried unanimously. 8. Items from citizens present. Regi Bron, a Mesa resident, stated that he had requested data related to the City’s Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and had not received the information after approximately 62 days, expressing concern about compliance with public records requirements under Arizona law. He questioned detention officer staffing levels, funding sources, and associated program costs. He estimated annual expenditures and asserted that only a small number of violent offenders are involved. He expressed concern about fiscal impacts and the City’s public image, encouraging Council to reconsider the program moving forward. April Joy, a Gilbert resident, expressed opposition to the City’s participation in the 287(g) Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that no factual evidence has been presented to demonstrate that the program improves public safety. She urged Council to terminate the agreement and to consider its impact on the community. Mary Pritchard, a Mesa resident, expressed concern that participation in the 287(g) Cooperation Agreement with ICE has eroded trust between law enforcement and the community, particularly among Latino and immigrant residents. She stated that the agreement undermines prior efforts to rebuild trust and encouraged the Council to cancel the agreement. 9. Adjournment. Without objection, the Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. ________________________________ MARK FREEMAN, MAYOR ATTEST: ___________________________________ HOLLY MOSELEY, DEPUTY CITY CLERK Regular Council Meeting February 23, 2026 Page 8 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 23rd 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 sr