Minutes of the Special Meeting - Council Retreat held on April 29, 2024

Meeting Minutes 
City Council Special Meeting 
 
April 29, 2024 | 10:15 a.m. 
Chandler Museum 
300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler, AZ 
 
 
Call to Order 
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Hartke at 10:40 a.m. 
 
Roll Call 
Council Attendance 
 
 
 
 
Appointee Attendance 
Mayor Kevin Hartke  
 
 
 
 
Joshua Wright, City Manager 
Vice Mayor OD Harris 
 
 
 
 
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney  
Councilmember Angel Encinas   
 
 
Dana DeLong, City Clerk 
Councilmember Christine Ellis 
 
 
 
  
Councilmember Mark Stewart 
  
 
 
Councilmember Matt Orlando  
 
 
 
Councilmember Jane Poston 
 
Staff in Attendance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager 
 
 
 
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager / CFO 
 
 
Andy Bass, Deputy City Manager 
Matt Burdick, Communications & Public Affairs Director 
Alexis Apodaca, Mayor and Council Public Affairs Senior Manager 
Kevin Mayo, Planning Administrator 
Lauren Schumann, Principal Planner 
David De La Torre, Planning Manager 
 
Eric Bailey, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group 
Ryan Myers Bailey Strategic Innovation Group

Page 2 of 14 
 
Welcome 
ERIC BAILEY, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group provided introductions with RYAN MYERS, and 
presented the following sections. 
 
Check In & Conversation 
Welcome & Prepping for the Day 
Principles of Human Understanding 
 
Discussion 
1.  
Strategic Framework Action Plan Progress, to include General Plan Update and Funding Capital 
Improvement Program 
 
Strategic Framework Action Plan Progress 
JOSHUA WRIGHT, City Manager, presented about the strategic framework.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the electric vehicle charging study and the plan moving 
forward. 
 
MR. WRIGHT said Chandler had received some grant money to put in charging stations. The city has 
internal electric vehicles to examine, and outwardly how the public’s electric vehicle needs are served.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about a timeline for the research.  
 
MR. WRIGHT answered that it is in progress and hoped to have more of an answer in a year or less. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART asked if this is a core competency that Chandler should pursue. 
 
MR. WRIGHT answered that this is the question at hand. Chandler has encouraged developers to 
implement electric vehicle charging in new developments.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said the city may act more as a facilitator. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO remarked that other municipalities have planned electric vehicle 
charging.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE commented that the idea has not progressed regionally. 
 
MR. WRIGHT said some organizations have done studies, but there has not been a lot of action coming 
out of regional organizations.

Page 3 of 14 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS noted that Chandler addressed the need for electric vehicle charging stations by 
encouraging developers to include them in new developments. The city can identify locations for 
electric vehicle charging and encourage private partners to act.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said that other municipalities have reevaluated the priority of electric vehicle 
charging. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if the need is for Chandler to act as a partner with the private sector 
to acquire grants. Community leaders in business set the standards of industry.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked about the results of SRP study.  
 
MR. WRIGHT said the main driver behind the SRP conducted study was to encourage SRP business. 
Before making a decision, staff will conduct more balanced studies. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE requested to follow up on this topic. 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said that we need to look into a regional perspective.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE noted that we have been able to stay focused with completing 84% of items related 
to the strategic plan. Mayor Hartke asked if there are any things within the strategic plan that we have 
missed. 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said that there should be more focused work in the sustainability and technology 
section.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked to discuss a comprehensive housing plan at a Council 
subcommittee meeting to address neighborhood and workforce needs.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said it is appropriate to discuss now, as we are reinvestigating items decided upon 
last year with the focus areas.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said staff is looking into creative problem solving within this area. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked what specifically is being investigated. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said workforce housing, affordable housing, multifamily housing and 
more would be researched with a presentation from staff for Council to give guidance in priorities. 
Having a plan would streamline any plans on housing and neighborhood goals in Chandler. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said having a plan would help develop responses. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON added we should investigate the tools and data to make solid decisions.

Page 4 of 14 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said the sector is driven by builders.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE thanked Council for their ideas, and more discussion will be had later.  
 
General Plan Update 
LAUREN SCHUMANN, Principal Planner, presented the following presentation.  
• 
General Plan Update 2026 
• 
General Plan Update Overview 
• 
What is a General Plan 
• 
Hierarchy of Plans 
• 
Broad Policy – More Specific Policy 
• 
More Specific Policy – Detailed Regulation 
• 
What is a General Plan? 
• 
What is the General Plan? 17 Elements required by state law 
• 
2026 Potential Focus Areas  
• 
Why Update the General Plan? 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked how much open land remains.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN said 7% vacant land has not been zoned.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked how much land is remaining.   
 
MS. SCHUMANN said 7% vacant land has not been zoned. 3% is envisioned for residential, with the 
remaining set for employment.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked what remains of county land.  
 
MR. DE LA TORRE said some county islands anticipating annexation are included.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS asked for a map of county islands to determine where these remaining spots are.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN said that information will be provided.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN continued the presentation.  
• City Council’s Role in the General Plan Update? 
 
MAYOR HARTKE said we are looking for community leaders to appoint as Citizens Advisory Committee 
members to be involved with the General Plan Update.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN continued the presentation.  
• General Plan Process 
• General Plan Process (cont) 
• General Plan Process (cont)

Page 5 of 14 
 
• Questions 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if the primary election in 2026 is moved by state law. 
 
MS. DELONG said the current bill only affected the 2024 primary election; the date of the 2026 primary 
election is still the first Tuesday in August.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked for one-on-one presentations for councilmembers. It is key to have 
information to communicate with residents.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN said any opportunity to take public comment is encouraged.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the conservation and energy section in the General Plan.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN said ensuring we are a healthy city is essential.  
 
MR. DE LA TORRE said the state requires certain parts to be included in the General Plan.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how to define conservation of energy.  
 
MS. SCHWAB listed the state definition of conservation of energy as it pertains to the General Plan as 
1. A conservation element for the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, 
including forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals and other natural 
resources. The conservation element may also cover: (a) The reclamation of land. (b) Flood control. (c) 
Prevention and control of the pollution of streams and other waters. (d) Regulation of the use of land 
in stream channels and other areas required for the accomplishment of the conservation plan. (e) 
Prevention, control and correction of the erosion of soils, beaches and shores. (f) Protection of 
watersheds. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE mentioned redevelopment would be a part of this.  
 
Funding Capital Improvement Program 
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager / CFO presented the following presentation. 
• Strategic Framework – Capital Needs in All Areas 
• GO Bond Authorization History and Shortfall 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said there is a large cost for some of these CIP plans and asked about 
the $30 million price in the Police Department section.   
 
MS. LANG said the $30 million associated with Police Department is for the planned forensic facility. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said the plan for the forensic facility is still in development.  
 
MS. LANG said this is built on the assumption of what is in the ten-year CIP plan.

Page 6 of 14 
 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said there still may be changes depending on what Council decides.  
 
MS. LANG agreed and added that other department CIP projects still have significant shortfalls in ten-
year plans.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO shared concern with costly items in planning and development before 
pursuing a bond election.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS mentioned Council needs to consider this because it is already in the plan.  
 
MS. LANG said the subject is up for discussion, but the plan is balanced with different funding 
methods.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said this is based on the scenario of what we have agreed upon with our CIP. There 
are moving parts, but the city will run out of funding based on the existing plan without additional 
bond funding.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• 
GO Bond Authorization Project Drivers 
• 
GO Bond Projects Additional Bond Authorization Needs 
• 
Capital Project Funding Needs 
• 
Capital Project Long-term Funding 
• 
Capital Project Funding Methods (GO) 
• 
Capital Project Funding Methods (ETRO) 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if expansion is paid for by TPT increases or sales tax.  
 
MS. LANG said that is correct, the revenues would not be available for General Fund, they would be 
dedicated to pay the debt for the whole time.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if streets could be dedicated as an excise tax obligation.  
 
MS. LANG said yes.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if it is regular sales tax. 
 
MS. LANG said the type of bond does not require voter approval, if the city is significantly backed, the 
debt service is a direct expense that pays that debt. In case revenues are not enough, that is what that 
is for. A revenue is needed to pay the expense for any project. Enterprise funds are driven by sale of 
goods or services. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked where ETRO bonds are used.

Page 7 of 14 
 
MS. LANG said ETRO bonds are currently only used in water and wastewater projects.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said that these sources are discussed every other year in rate increase discussions.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• 
Capital Project Funding Methods (Revenue Bond) 
• 
Capital Project Funding Methods (Cash) 
 
MAYOR HARTKE said an example of the cash bond was the airport cleanup fund.  
 
MS. LANG said that was correct, the uninsured liability fund contribution was funded by long-term 
saved cash.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation. 
• 
Other Considerations 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS noted that taxes should not be increased to achieve funding for bond funded 
projects.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said Chandler has had success with bonds in the past. Bonding sets capacity for 
projects.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said the numbers were aggressive.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said in discussion with residents, they understand bond elections to responsibly 
fund important infrastructure.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• 
Previous Bond Election Committee 
• 
Previous Bond Election Results 
• 
Bond Exploratory Sample Committee Timeline 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if the General Plan and bond citizen subcommittees would overlap.  
 
MS. LANG said for this expected timeline, there would not be a lot of overlap. Differences in voter 
expectations helped Chandler pass the bond election.  
 
MR. WRIGHT said studies conducted around the time of the 2021 bond election helped give insight on 
how best to communicate with voters.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS mentioned voter trust was a significant part of the successful passage of bond 
authorization.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE added that the residents give great feedback.

Page 8 of 14 
 
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART noted that committee members help garner trust and marketing for 
bond election.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• 
Bond Election Sample Process 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the possibility of one-time dollars remaining over the next 
five years that could be used to cover the gap, or contingency fund.  
 
MS LANG said we have investigated the one-time funding reserve policy. The reserve policy is four 
times the operating revenues in General Fund. The amount appropriating to spend is part of the 
amount. The fund balance we are required to keep. If the appropriation is reduced, we are not able to 
utilize it.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said if we can reduce the appropriation, Council can make the change. 
It is a great opportunity to see if funding can be applied from one-time dollars rather than focus on 
bond authorization.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said this does not accrue from a new start every year, the same dedicated 
balance carries forward every year.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO requested more information on how the fund balance for CIP projects 
are affected by financial policy.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said Chandler has high standards for financial policies and would not want to change 
anything without understanding the effects it may have. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked what each funding source is. 
 
MS. LANG explained in the revenue fund, over 50% of the revenue is from transaction privilege taxes, 
30% is from state shared revenue, and the remainder is comprised from charges, fees, and interest 
income. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked how these funds are returned to the community. 
 
MS. LANG said when investing in the community, idle funds are invested which goes into interest 
income into general fund as one revenue stream. The options to use these funds are to pay debt 
service cost or pay the difference.   
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if there is a consensus.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said staff does a good job of informing the community when it comes 
time to issues like bond authorization, and asked how much more is needed to cover costs remaining.

Page 9 of 14 
 
 
MS. LANG said it depends on tax rate which is decided by Mayor and Council. The ten-year plan is 
supported by the rate collected today. The question is dependent on input about projects that could 
increase the secondary tax rate.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART summarized the need is to complete the projects as listed in the current 
ten-year plan.  
 
MS. LANG agreed.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said if a new ten-year plan was started today, we would start behind set plans.  
 
MS. LANG said the previous bond committee started with projects in 2020 to anticipate needs. Each 
committee looked at what could wait on projects. Their input led to priorities created for funding. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if the bond committee is made aware of when forecasted projects 
will occur.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said no. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said there is some flexibility in moving out project start dates. The projects 
may not be complete in the year originally anticipated. The economy is not the same as it was a couple 
years ago, this can allow for greater adjustment. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE shared concerns that the decision to push projects is more about pushing out 
different phases of projects, rather than delaying the start of a whole project. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said that could be the messaging to residents in an election.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS stated the conversation about funding needs to be addressed with the 
community. Focusing on the core projects is the goal.  
 
MS. LANG said if bonds are not sold, the secondary property tax rate must be used for debt service or 
returned. A revenue stream is needed for the projects.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said there is a need to appropriate bond money to spend bond funds for projects.  
 
MS. LANG said after lowering the secondary property tax, it is difficult to ask to raise the level of the 
tax afterwards. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS said going back out for bond projects so quickly after the last election is 
troublesome. Residents may understand the need to push out project timelines due to high costs. 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said that projects started need to be completed.

Page 10 of 14 
 
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said communication with residents on why a delay may occur would be 
essential. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE said more information on bonds will be forthcoming.  
 
2.  
Review and Reaffirm Council Rules and Procedures 
  
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO mentioned recent citizen requests for citizen participation at study 
sessions and subcommittee meetings.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said citizens are requesting the chance for discussion at study sessions and 
subcommittee meetings. Our residents have access to councilmembers. It is hard to manage orderly 
open discussion in a council meeting environment, but it is key to facilitating civil conversations with 
residents. 
 
MS. SCHWAB said Council has discretion to manage public comment at Council meetings. Resident 
discussion is limited to what items are listed on the agenda, or presentation during unscheduled public 
appearance which does not allow for discussion. Many municipalities have similar rules and 
procedures regarding public comment, but it is up to Council.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said that this could be difficult regarding subcommittee meeting items. This could 
involve a presiding officer over a subcommittee meeting. It would depend on future councils. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS said getting resident input within the bounds of the law is important. 
Providing structure and process would facilitate better discussion.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said public input is invited at Council meetings when decisions are being made. 
Council does not vote at subcommittee or work session meetings, but gives direction to staff.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked about boundaries around speech.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS suggested different solutions for speakers at Council subcommittees and 
work sessions.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said the process requires speakers to sign up to speak at a regular Council 
meeting.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO gave an example of allowing a speaker to simply comment at a meeting.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said some of these meetings do not have decisions involved.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said getting input from residents earlier in some plans would be a benefit.

Page 11 of 14 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said staff can check in with residents to gather feedback to bring to a 
subcommittee meeting.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said comments should be allowable. 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said previous requests were for dialogue. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said the need is to unpack accessibility and transparency for residents. 
When it comes down to deciding, the public wants input before the vote is complete. Having a three-
minute time limit or otherwise is up to Mayor and Council. Communicating where Council is in the 
process would help people address their concerns to Council.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO requested to give direction to move forward. 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said this is an important conversation, and requested more information about 
how other municipalities handle this topic.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE requested more information.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON requested a review of the process for Council to see board and 
commission applications prior to Council vote for appointment.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked to clarify if Council would like to see all applicants or those being appointed. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said those being appointed.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said Council’s recommendations are considered when making appointments to 
boards and commissions. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked for information on the applicants that other councilmembers have 
recommended.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS reviewed the use of staff time in the Rules and Procedures. It is difficult to 
accomplish personal initiatives with limited use of staff time. Each councilmember works on their own 
goals. The four-hour limitation should be reexamined.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked for an example of the use of staff time. 
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said the issue lies in the description of time used and resources available and 
knowing what staff to follow up with.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE mentioned the consideration of gathering multiple councilmembers to work on a 
project versus a single councilmember’s initiative.

Page 12 of 14 
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART mentioned that ideas start at an individual level but grow to involve the 
whole Council to act on behalf of the vision and mission plan.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked to pursue training for board and commission members and reports 
from boards and commissions.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS added that it would be great to have introductions for board and commission 
members.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE clarified if the intent was to invite board and commission members to the meeting 
where they are appointed.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS said yes and mentioned that Mayor could conduct the oath of office.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said it is currently conducted on an individual basis. An event could be held, but the 
oath of office is completed on their own schedule. Generating more interaction with board and 
commission members is a new focus. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO requested the continuance of current board and commission 
appointment practice of advanced communication with councilmembers. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS mentioned the three-councilmember requirement for discretionary budget 
amendments is challenging due to competing priorities. More guidelines around discretionary budget 
amendments would benefit councilmembers.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said that it may come down to a vote if there is a high demand for Council 
discretionary budget amendments.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE suggested the idea of it taking multiple councilmembers to suggest an item to be 
added to the agenda. Currently one councilmember can suggest adding any item to the agenda. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said the Council discretionary budget amendments was to foster 
conversation but lacked collaboration.  
 
VICE MAYOR HARRIS requested less of a presentation and more of a back-and-forth conversation with 
directors about discretionary budget amendments.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said it takes two councilmembers to raise a budget amendment.  
 
MR. WRIGHT said the current policy for budget amendments is to suggest items based on unfunded 
departmental needs or needs within the community. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE noted Council should present ideas and requests to directors in a written format, not 
presented in a phone call so that staff can interpret requests appropriately.

Page 13 of 14 
 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said it depends how an idea is passed on to staff.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE suggested written memos from Council for clarity.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said Council budget amendments are intended to fund anything that was 
missed in the budget. Staff has directives by the strategic plan. Special requests from Council may take 
away time from the strategic plan and core competencies.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said the Council Rules and Procedures and the strategic framework are intended to 
set an outline for both staff and Council.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if there are priorities set within unfunded departmental needs in 
the discretionary budget amendment process.  
 
MR. WRIGHT said a list of all is provided to Council. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART said the needs vary. 
 
3.  
Review, Reaffirm, and Revise Strategic Framework 
 
Direction and Purpose  
Focus Areas and Goals 
Economic Vitality 
MS. SCHWAB discussed expanding infill and development, diversification, housing strategic plan and 
developing and maintaining City rights. 
 
Sustainability and Technology  
VICE MAYOR HARRIS discussed following through on the comprehensive plan already developed, 
continuing to pursue grants, and keeping electric vehicle items to private sector.  
 
Quality of Life 
COUNCILMEMBER STEWART discussed noise abatement, volunteerism, researching needs to improve 
quality of life, buildings relationships with the healthcare industry, and increasing the variety of Break 
Time classes.   
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if there is any prohibition related to engine braking for noise abatement.  
 
MS. SCHWAB said there is a prohibition on engine braking, but it is hard to enforce as it is related to 
safety.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said there is a gap in our zoning code when it comes to noise and visual buffers.   
 
Connectivity

Page 14 of 14 
 
MR. BURDICK discussed Proposition 479 for transportation funding, micro transit services, and 
alternatives.  
 
Neighborhoods 
MR. WRIGHT discussed food insecurity, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, community 
gardens, neighborhood reinvestment and infrastructure, communicating legislative changes to HOAs, 
urban forestry, code enforcement, and a housing comprehensive plan.  
 
Community Safety  
MS. SCHWAB discussed real-time time crime data, safer roads for pedestrians, reducing response 
time, emphasizing technology and collaboration, hosting community listening sessions, and focusing 
on tools and training for crime prevention.  
 
4.  
Feasibility and Next Steps 
 
Close with Gratitude  
MR. BAILEY summarized the results and said plans will be made to follow up on items discussed.  
 
Adjourn 
The meeting was adjourned at 3:23 pm. 
 
 
 
ATTEST:  _______________________  
______________________________ 
                       City Clerk                                                   Mayor 
 
 
Approval Date of Minutes:  May 23, 2024 
 
 
 
Certification 
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Special 
Meeting of the City Council of Chandler, Arizona, held on the 29th day of April 2024.  I further certify 
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
DATED this _______ day of May, 2024. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
__________________________ 
                                                         
           City Clerk