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Planning and Zoning Board
Study Session Minutes
Mesa City Council Chambers – Lower Level, 20 E. Main St.
Date: December 10, 2025 Time: 3:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT
Benjamin Ayers Genessee Montes
Troy Peterson
Jeff Pitcher*
Jamie Blakeman
Jayson Carpenter
Chase Farnsworth
(*Boardmembers and staff participated in the meeting through the use of telephonic and video
conference equipment)
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mary Kopaskie-Brown
Evan Balmer
Rachel Phillips
Cassidy Welch
Kirstin Dvorchak
Kellie Rorex
Chloe Durfee Daniel
Kwasi Abebrese
Alexis Wagner
Danika Heying
1
Call meeting to order.
Chair Ayers declared a quorum present, Boardmember Montes was absent; the meeting was
called to order at 3:03 pm.
2
Review items on the agenda for December 10, 2025, regular Planning and Zoning Board
Hearing.
Staff Planner Kellie Rorex presented case ZON25-00827. See attached presentation.
In response to the Boards concerns regarding the parking reduction staff explained that the
supporting parking study justifies the reduction based on the unit/bedroom mix, confirmed there
were no changes to the project from prior approval, and noted that no public opposition had
been received.
MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2025, PLANNING & ZONING STUDY SESSION
*****
Note:Audio recordings of the Planning & Zoning Board Meetings are available in the Planning
Division Office for review. They are also “live broadcasted” through the City of Mesa’s website
at www.mesaaz.gov
Staff Planner Chloe Durfee Daniel presented case ZON25-00324. See attached
presentation.
Boardmember Pitcher noted that the plan included a proposed 50-foot private cross-access
easement and asked to confirm if this would be required to be seen and reviewed before the
project is finalized. Staff confirmed that Boardmember Pitcher's assumption was correct.
Staff Planner Kwasi Abebrese presented case ZON25-00525. See attached presentation.
The Board had no questions for staff.
Case ZON25-00210 was continued to the January 14, 2025, Planning and Zoning Board
Meeting.
Case ZON25-00313 was continued to the January 14, 2025, Planning and Zoning Board
Meeting.
Staff Planner Rachel Phillips and Planning Director Mary Kopaskie-Brown presented
Administration Text Amendments. See attached presentation
The Study Session on Administrative Review Text Amendments generated several questions
primarily focused on the implications of the proposed changes for the Planning and Zoning
Board and project lifecycles. Key concerns included the proposed Board composition, with a
Boardmember questioning the rationale for only one design-related alternate, which Staff
explained was to maintain a community-based perspective rather than becoming overly focused
on design. The Board also sought clarification on their expanded role, confirming that they will
now review project-specific design guidelines (like street design) during the rezoning process to
streamline approvals. On project expiration, Board members asked why plans needed to expire
if the process was being simplified, to which Staff responded that expirations are necessary to
ensure significantly delayed projects meet current standards and confirmed that courtesy
notices will be sent 90 and 30 days before a plan expires. Finally, Staff confirmed that the
amendments are expected to be effective in late February or early March pending City Council
approval in January.
3
Planning Director Update: Planning Director Mary Kopaskie-Brown introduced Richard Jean-
Baptiste as the new urban designer for the city, highlighting his role in helping deliver high-
quality design in response to city council goals.
4
Adjournment.
Vice Chair Peterson motioned to adjourn the study session. The motion was seconded by
Boardmember Carpenter.
The study session was adjourned at 4:47 pm.
Vote (6-0; Boardmember Montes, absent)
Upon tabulation of vote, it showed:
AYES – Ayers, Peterson, Pitcher, Blakeman, Carpenter, Farnsworth,
MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2025, PLANNING & ZONING STUDY SESSION
*****
Note:Audio recordings of the Planning & Zoning Board Meetings are available in the Planning
Division Office for review. They are also “live broadcasted” through the City of Mesa’s website
at www.mesaaz.gov
NAYS – None
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Benjamin Ayers
Planning and Zoning Board Chair