December 8, 2025 Regular Council - Amended
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK COUNCIL MINUTES December 8, 2025 The City Council of the City of Mesa met in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on December 8, 2025, at 6:05 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 Pastor Gregory Dansby at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. Pledge of Allegiance was led by First Lieutenant Tom Roberts, United States Army. Mayor Freeman congratulated Deputy Communications Director of Broadcast and Multimedia Glen Stephens on his retirement and expressed gratitude for his service to the City of Mesa. 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 blue card must be completed and given to the City Clerk prior to the Council’s vote on the consent agenda. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, 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 Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 2 Carried unanimously. *2. Approval of minutes of previous meetings as written. Minutes from the Regular Council meetings on July 8, 2025, as amended, and December 1, 2025. 3. Take action on the following bingo application: *3-a. James Witkowski American Legion Post 0138 Lawrence Harper, Commander & CEO 1264 West University Drive (District 3) 4. Take action on the following liquor license applications: *4-a. Royal Palms Golf Course A golf course is requesting a new Series 7 Beer & Wine Bar License for Little Oasis Club LLC, 1415 East McKellips Road - Johnny Joseph Buckle, agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 1) *4-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda *4-c. IL Forno Bello Pizzeria LLC A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for IL Forno Bello Pizzeria LLC, 3121 East McKellips Road - Walter Raymond Johnson III, agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 1) *4-d. Safeway #1948 A grocery store is requesting a new Series 9S Liquor Store License with sampling privileges for Safeway Inc., 441 North Val Vista Drive - Ryan Witner Anderson, agent. The existing license held by Safeway Inc. will remain at the premises in non-use status until it’s either sold or transferred to a different location. (District 2) *4-e. Corner Store A convenience store is requesting a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store License for VJ Retail LLC, 2709 West Guadalupe Road - Michael Raymond Kaffer, Jr., agent. The existing license held by Circle K Stores Inc. will revert to the State. (District 3) *4-f. Carnitas Cochiloco A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for Becerra Castro LLC, 1328 West University Drive - Daniel Becerra, agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 3) *4-g. Dragon’s Lounge Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 3 A tobacco shop with a lounging area is requesting a new Series 6 Bar License for Dragon’s Lounge LLC, 1907 West Main Street - Perwinder Singh, agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 3) *4-h. Dragon’s Lounge A tobacco shop with a lounging area is requesting a new Series 7 Beer & Wine Bar License for Dragon’s Lounge LLC, 1907 West Main Street - Perwinder Singh, agent. The existing Series 7 Beer & Wine Bar License held by Maduro’s Fine Cigars & Tobacco East LLC will revert to the State for modification. (District 3) *4-i. Haidilao Huo Guo A restaurant that serves lunch and dinner is requesting a new Series 12 Restaurant License for Haidilao Hotpot Arizona Inc, 138 South Dobson Road, Suites 112-116 - Michael Raymond Kaffer, Jr., agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 3) *4-j. Arizona Wineries LLC A farm winery is requesting a new Series 13 Farm Winery License for Arizona Wineries LLC, 7235 East Hampton Avenue, Suite 110 - John Mike McLoughlin, agent. There is no existing license at this location. The existing license held by Odyssey Cellars Inc. will revert to the State. (District 6) 5. Take action on the following contracts: *5-a. One-Year Term Contract for Forensic DNA Supplies for the Mesa Public Safety Support Department. (Sole Source). (Citywide) The Biology Unit of the Forensic Services Division completes DNA analysis of samples from criminal investigations conducted by the Police Department as well as Gilbert, Queen Creek, and the Tempe Police Department. The Department is requesting the purchase of supplies needed, including reagents and consumables to determine the quantity of DNA present, to make copies of DNA, and to detect DNA on genetic instruments. No other vendor offers these products for our processes and equipment. The Mesa Public Safety Support Department and Procurement Services recommend authorizing the purchase with the sole source vendor, Thermo Fisher, at $250,000, based on estimated requirements. The funding source for these supplies are paid from operations budget that consists of funds from each agency covering the cost of their DNA analysis. *5-b. Three-Year Term Contract with Two-Year Renewal Options for CCTV Camera Replacement for the Transportation Department. (Citywide) The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) group currently operates over 350 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras that are used for real-time monitoring traffic conditions. This contract is for furnishing, modification, and installation of cameras and related equipment for the City’s ITS group on an as-needed basis and as cameras meet their useful life. Work will consist of furnishing cameras and related parts, installation, removal, and replacement of cameras, cable, and wireless access points. Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 4 The Transportation Department and Procurement Services recommend awarding the contract to the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder, Fire Security Electronics & Communications, Inc., at $175,000 annually with an annual increase allowance of up to 5% or the adjusted Consumer Price Index. *5-c. Three-Year Term Contract with Seven-Year Renewal Options for Sewer, Manhole, Siphon Cleaning, Video and Repair Services for the Water Resources Department. (Citywide) The City requires contracted services with technical capabilities and expertise for sewer system maintenance and inspection. These services include cleaning and inspecting gravity sewer mains, manholes and siphons; documenting findings; performing cured-in- place point repairs; and responding to emergency situations. Each vendor is being recommended for award in the categories for which they submitted a response. Having multiple contractors ensures required routine maintenance and emergency repairs/support is provided to guarantee that critical infrastructure remains dependable. A committee representing the Water Resources Department and Procurement Services evaluated responses and recommend awarding the contract to the highest-scored responsive, and responsible proposals from B&F Contracting; Duke’s Root Control, Inc.; Insituform Technologies, LLC; Pro Pipe Inc; and Safe Site Utility Services of Arizona, LLC at $2,000,000 annually with an annual increase allowance of up to 5% or the adjusted Consumer Price Index. *5-d. Dollar Limit Increase to the Term Contract for Bronze Water Service Valves, Fittings, and Hydrants for the Materials and Supply Warehouse. (for the Water Resources Department). (Citywide) This contract provides a variety of water service valves, fittings, hydrants, and repair parts that are stocked in the Materials and Supply Warehouse for use by Water Resources for the maintenance of the City’s water distribution system and City-owned fire hydrants. This is a shared contract between the Materials and Supply Warehouse and the Water Resources Department. The dollar limit increase is necessary due to increased operational needs. These components are essential to the City’s water distribution system and are required to support both routine maintenance and emergency repairs. The Business Services and Water Resources Department and Procurement Services recommend increasing the dollar limit with Arizona Water Works Supply; Core and Main LP; Ferguson Enterprises LLC, dba Ferguson Waterworks; and Fortiline Waterworks Inc. (a Mesa business), by $350,000, from $1,706,000 to $2,056,000, through 1/25/2026. 6. Take action on the following resolutions: *6-a. ZON25-00598 "AWS PHX 065." 71.3± acres located approximately 1,300 feet west of the northwest corner of East Pecos Road and South Signal Butte Road. Council Use Permit to allow for a Major Utility. Amazon Data Services, owner; Kimley Horn, applicant. (District 6) – Resolution No. 12459 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0) Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 5 *6-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 7. Take action on the following resolution authorizing an agreement with the Arizona Department of Administration to accept funding for the implementation of an integrated law enforcement records management system, and take action on a contract that would utilize those funds for their intended purpose: *7-a. Approving and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with The Arizona Department of Administration for the implementation, maintenance, and support of a real-time decision and operations management system. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12461 *7-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 8. Introduction of the following ordinances and setting January 12, 2026, as the date of the public hearing on these ordinances: *8-a. See: Items not on Consent Agenda *8-b. ZON23-00365 “Fujifilm PAD Expansion.” 61.6± acres located approximately 1,000 feet north of the northwest corner of East Pecos Road and South Mountain Road. Rezone from Heavy Industrial with a Planned Area Development overlay (HI-PAD) and Agricultural (AG) to Heavy Industrial with a new Planned Area Development overlay and Site Plan Modification to allow for the expansion of an existing industrial facility. Fujifilm Electronic Materials USA Inc., owner; Benjamin Graff, Quarles & Brady, LLP, applicant. (District 6) – Ordinance No. 5991 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0) *8-c. ZON24-00998 "623 S Mesa Dr." 0.6± acres located approximately 1,420 feet south of the southeast corner of East Broadway Road and South Mesa Drive. Rezone from Multiple Residence-2 (RM-2) to Multiple Residence-4 with a Bonus Intensity Zone overlay (RM-4-BIZ) and Site Plan Review for a 15-unit multiple residence development. 623 South Mesa LLC, owner; Tim Boyle, Atmosphere Architects, applicant. (District 4) – Ordinance No. 5992 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0) *8-d. ZON25-00309 “Dutch Bros AZ1618.” 0.8± acres located approximately 560 feet south of the southeast corner of East Elliot Road and South Power Road. Major Site Plan Modification and modification of Condition No. 1 of Ordinance 5781 to allow for a Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru Facilities. Avalon Ranch LLC, owner; Shelby Eldridge, Barghausen Consulting Engineers, applicant. (District 6) – Ordinance No. 5993 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 5-0) *8-e. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 6 *8-f. An ordinance amending and adopting Mesa City code traffic regulations 10-1-8, 10-1-9, 10-1-14, and 10-1-16 to allow the use of certain electric vehicles in city parks and other city right of way, subject to certain limitations. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5995 9. Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinances: *9-a. Proposed amendments to Chapters 5, 8, 31, 32, 86, and 87 of Title 11 of the Mesa City Code pertaining to Middle Housing. The amendments include, but are not limited to: modifying land use tables and footnotes to permit Middle Housing in certain circumstances; adding eligibility requirements and development standards for Middle Housing; adding parking requirements for Middle Housing; modifying the definition of "Single Residence, Attached"; adding definitions for "Duplex", "Fourplex", "Middle Housing", "Structure, Attached", "Structure, Detached", "Structure, Semi-Detached", "Townhouse", and "Triplex". (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5989 Staff Recommendation: Adoption P&Z Board Recommendation: Adoption (Vote: 4-0) *9-b. See: Items not on the Consent Agenda 10. Adopting the following Notice of Intention and setting February 9, 2026, as the date for the public hearing: *10-a. Adoption of Notice of Intention to adjust non-residential water utility rates. 11. Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinances pertaining to Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations): *11-a. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 1 (Mesa Administrative Code). The amendments include but are not limited to: amending Section 4-1-2, subparagraph A, to update the effective date; and amending Sections 4-1-1, 4-1- 2, and 4-1-5 to correct references to certain technical codes. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5979 *11-b. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 2 (Mesa Building Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Building Code and its appendices C, E, I, and J and Amendments to the 2024 International Building Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-2-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-2-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-2-2 with a new Section 4-2-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Building Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-2-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5980 *11-c. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 3 (Mesa Residential Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Residential Code and its appendices BB, BF, and NE and Amendments to the 2024 International Residential Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-3-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-3-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-3-2 with a new Section 4-3-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Residential Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-3-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5981 Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 7 *11-d. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 4 (Mesa Lighting and Electrical Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2023 National Electrical Code and Amendments to the 2023 National Electrical Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-4-2 and replacing it with a new Section 4-4-2 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-4-3 with a new Section 4-4-3 (Amendments to the 2023 National Electrical Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-4-4. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5982 *11-e. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 5 (Mesa Plumbing Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Plumbing Code and its appendices C and E and Amendments to the 2024 International Plumbing Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-5-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-5-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-5-2 with a new Section 4-5-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Plumbing Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-5-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5983 *11-f. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 6 (Mesa Mechanical Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Mechanical Code and Amendments to the 2024 International Mechanical Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-6-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-6-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-6-2 with a new Section 4-6-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Mechanical Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-6-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5984 *11-g. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 7 (Mesa Fuel Gas Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code and its appendices A and B and Amendments to the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-7-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-7-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-7-2 with a new Section 4-7-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-7-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5985 *11-h. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 8 (Mesa Existing Building Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Existing Building Code and Amendments to the 2024 International Existing Building Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4- 8-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-8-1 (Compliance Options); repealing in its entirety Section 4-8-3 and replacing it with a new Section 4-8-3 (Option B - International Existing Building Code, Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-8-4 with a new Section 4-8-4 (Option B ‒ Amendments to the 2024 International Existing Building Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-8-5. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5986 *11-i. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 9 (Mesa Energy Conservation Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code and its appendix RE and Amendments to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-9-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4-9-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-9-2 with a new Section 4-9-2 (Amendments Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 8 to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-9-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5987 *11-j. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 4 (Building Regulations), Chapter 10 (Mesa Swimming Pool and Spa Code) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and Amendments to the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: repealing in its entirety Section 4-10-1 and replacing it with a new Section 4- 10-1 (Adopted by Reference); replacing Section 4-10-2 with a new Section 4-10-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code); and renumbering the Penalty Clause as Section 4-10-3. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5988 12. Discuss, receive public comment, and take action on the following ordinance pertaining to Mesa City Code Title 7 (Fire Regulations): *12-a. An ordinance amending Mesa City Code Title 7 (Fire Regulations) pertaining to the adoption by reference of the 2024 International Fire Code and its appendices B, C, E, F, I, L, N, and O and Amendments to the 2024 International Fire Code. The amendments include but are not limited to: in Chapter 1 (Fire Prevention Standards), amending Section 7-1-1 (Assuming Jurisdiction of Fire Prevention Standards) to update a statutory citation; in Chapter 2 (Fire Code), repealing in its entirety Section 7-2-1 (Adopted by Reference) and replacing it with a new Section 7-2-1; in Chapter 2 (Fire Code), repealing in its entirety Section 7-2-2 (Amendments to the 2024 International Fire Code) and replacing it with a new Section 7-2-2; in Chapter 2 (Fire Code), repealing in its entirety Section 7-2-3 and replacing it with a new Section 7-2-3 (Penalty Clause); in Chapter 2 (Fire Code), adopting a new Section 7-2-4 (Digital/Electronic Drawing File Submissions); in Chapter 3 (Fire Calls Outside City Limits), amending Section 7-3-1 to include gender- neutral terms; repealing and deleting in its entirety Chapter 4 (Fire Investigators); and renumbering Chapter 5 (Cost Recovery) as Chapter 4. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5978 Items not on the Consent Agenda 4-b. Mojo’s Smoke Palace A tobacco smoke shop is requesting a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store License for Mojo Smoke Palace 1 LLC, 1211 North Country Club Drive, Suite 6 - Jeffrey Rodriguez, agent. There is no existing license at this location. (District 1) Thomas Dearholtt, a Mesa resident, addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed liquor license. He requested that the application be denied, citing the proximity of a nearby childcare facility, which he stated constitutes a code violation. Mayor Freeman announced that the following citizens submitted a comment card in opposition to the proposed liquor license: • Douglas Ashley, a Mesa resident • Katherine Ellis, a Mesa resident • Sam S., a Mesa resident • Creighton Smith, a Mesa resident In response to a request from Mayor Freeman, City Attorney Jim Smith clarified that the Council serves as a pass-through body for liquor license applications providing a recommendation that is ultimately decided by the State Liquor Board. He noted that the proximity to licensed childcare facilities is one factor used to determine compatibility according to State law. Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 9 Business Services Director Ed Quedens explained that, based on staff review, the application did not appear to conflict with code and therefore their recommendation would remain to approve the application. He verified that if the application is denied by the Council, the State Liquor Board would further evaluate the application to resolve the matter. Responding to a question from Councilmember Adams, Mr. Smith stated that due to statutory time constraints, the City is required to provide a recommendation at this meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Vice Mayor Somers, that the recommendation to approve a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store License for Mojo Smoke Palace 1 LLC be denied. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None ABSENT– None Carried unanimously. 6-b. Adopting the MesaCONNECTED Transit-Oriented Development Plan that guides future land use decisions and growth along a 5-mile transit corridor in West Mesa, aligning transit investments with economic growth and community needs while strengthening Mesa’s ability to secure future federal funding. (Citywide) – Resolution No. 12460 Staff Recommendation: Adoption P&Z Board Recommendation: Adoption (Vote: 5-0) Mayor Freeman stated that this item will be continued to the January 12, 2026, Regular Council Meeting agenda. Mayor Freeman announced that the following citizens submitted a comment card in opposition to the MesaCONNECTED Transit-Oriented Development Plan: • David Winstanley, a Mesa resident • Mary Maybeno, a Mesa resident Mayor Freeman announced that the following citizen submitted a comment card in support of the MesaCONNECTED Transit-Oriented Development Plan: • Chase Hales, a Mesa resident 7-b. Purchase of an Integrated Data Platform Solution for the Mesa Police Department. (Sole Source). (Citywide) This platform will create a real-time decision and operations management system which will unify data across multiple sources. This creates a single interface for investigators, analysts, and command staff to securely access, correlate, and act upon data from disparate systems. The Arizona Department of Administration has appropriated funding to provide for the implementation, maintenance, and support of a Law Enforcement Records Management System to be used by multiple agencies across Arizona. The initial pilot project includes platform licensing, configuration, and initial implementation Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 10 services. There is no obligation to renew services after the pilot period. The initial contract term is for one year beginning December 15th, 2025. The Mesa Police Department and Procurement Services recommend authorizing the purchase of an integrated data platform with the sole source vendor, Peregrine, at $216,000 based on estimated requirements for a pilot program. The costs for the pilot program will be funded by the Arizona Department of Administration. Lynda Patrick-Hayes, a Mesa resident, expressed support for effective communication tools for law enforcement but voiced concerns about the Integrated Data Platform (IDP), citing potential privacy issues and what she views as an infringement on constitutional rights. Police Commander Jason Reno explained that the initial rollout of the Integrated Data Platform (IDP) pilot will be limited to two internal data sources: the Police Department’s Records Management System, and the computer-aided dispatch system. He emphasized that no other data sources will be included in the pilot and confirmed the system will not access any Fire and Medical Department Emergency Medical System documentation or data from Flock cameras. In response to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Commander Reno stated that integration of additional data sources would require new funding and direction from the Council and would therefore be subject to future discussion at the conclusion of the pilot. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Goforth, that the purchase of an Integrated Data Platform Solution for the Mesa Police Department be approved. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Adams–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – None ABSENT– None Carried unanimously. 8-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) – Ordinance No. 5990 Staff Recommendation: Approval with conditions P&Z Board Recommendation: Approval with conditions (Vote: 4-0) Mayor Freeman stated that agenda Item8-a will be continued to the January 26, 2026, Regular Council Meeting agenda. 8-e. An ordinance amending and adopting Mesa City code park regulations sections 6-10-2, 6-10-4, 6-10-7, and 6-10-8 to allow the use of certain electric bicycles, electric scooters and other motorized and non-motorized vehicles in city parks and shared-use paths, subject to certain limitations. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5994 Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 11 David Winstanley, a Mesa resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed code amendment and described multiple unsafe encounters with high-speed e-bikes and other electric devices in parks and shared-use paths. He asked Council to address several concerns before proceeding, including the need for clearer terminology in the code, improved public education efforts, and the installation of speed-limit signage. He also requested lowering the proposed speed limit from 20 mph to 15 mph. Responding to a question from Councilmember Taylor, Mr. Smith confirmed that the definitions in the ordinance mirror state statute and align with terminology used by other municipalities, which limits the City’s ability to change them. He acknowledged that signage and outreach materials can be written in plain language to help residents understand the rules. Councilmember Adams expressed concerns with the proposed code amendment and stated that he would not support approval of the ordinance. Mayor Freeman acknowledged the concerns and noted that the ordinance can be amended in the future if needed. He stated that establishing a baseline framework is necessary to address damage occurring in City parks and to enable enforcement when requested by neighborhoods and expressed his support for the ordinance. Councilmember Duff pointed out that enforcement will not involve constant police presence but will allow officers to respond when recurring issues or complaints arise. She explained that the ordinance provides a clear standard for what is allowable so that the Police Department has the tools to address violations when necessary. Vice Mayor Somers recalled that a comparable ordinance was under consideration at the state level and supported approval of the code amendments as proposed. It was moved by Vice Mayor Somers, seconded by Councilmember Heredia, that Ordinance No. 5994 be adopted. Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: AYES – Freeman–Somers–Duff–Goforth–Heredia–Taylor NAYS – Adams ABSENT– None Mayor Freeman declared the motion carried by majority vote. 9-b. Proposed amendments to Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 31, 86, and 87 of Title 11 of the Mesa City Code pertaining to Battery Energy Storage Systems. The amendments include but are not limited to: adding definitions for Battery Energy Storage System, Battery Energy Storage System Facility, Augmentation, and Nameplate Capacity; modifying land use tables to add Battery Energy Storage System and Battery Energy Storage System Facility; establishing development and other standards specific to Battery Energy Storage System Facilities. (Citywide) – Ordinance No. 5976 Mayor Freeman stated that agenda Item 9-b will be continued to the January 12, 2026, Regular Council Meeting agenda. Mayor Freeman announced that the following citizens submitted a comment card in support of the continuance of Item 9-b: Regular Council Meeting December 8, 2025 Page 12 • Kyle Whittier, NextEra Energy Resources • Dr. Jeanne Blaes, VetsForward • Aron Branam, Aypa Power • Cepand Alizadeh, Arizona Technology Council • Court Rich, Rose Law Group • Autumn Johnson, Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association • Linda Brady, Salt River Project 13. Items from citizens present. Jason Smithson, a Mesa resident, expressed opposition to the 287(g) Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating the program limits access to essential educational support and creates instability for families. He requested that the Council place the item on a future agenda for a formal vote to cancel the agreement. Regi Bron, a Mesa resident, spoke in opposition to the 287(g) program, emphasizing potential economic and community impacts on Mesa’s Asian District. He noted significant imported wealth, increased tourism, and recent private investment in the area, arguing that heightened federal immigration enforcement could deter visitors, disrupt businesses, and threaten continued growth. He asked Council to formally reject participation in the 287(g) task force to maintain community safety, protect local businesses, and preserve the district’s economic momentum. August Palmisano, a Mesa resident, raised concerns about increasingly heavy flight-training activity at Falcon Field and noted that the number of flight schools operating there has grown significantly resulting in a dramatic rise in low-flying aircraft over nearby neighborhoods. He encouraged Council to prioritize the health, safety, and the economic well-being of the affected communities as future discussions on this issue move forward. 14. Adjournment. Without objection, the Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. ________________________________ MARK FREEMAN, MAYOR ATTEST: ___________________________________ HOLLY MOSELEY, DEPUTY 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 8th day of December 2025. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. ________________________________________ HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK sr