Minutes of the May 2, 2025 Special Meeting
Extracted text (via pymupdf)
55474 characters
Meeting Minutes
City Council Special Meeting
Budget Briefing
May 2, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.
Chandler City Council Chambers
88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Hartke at 8:15 a.m.
Roll Call
Council Attendance
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Vice Mayor Christine Ellis
Councilmember Angel Encinas
Councilmember Jane Poston
Councilmember Matt Orlando
Councilmember OD Harris
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins
Staff in Attendance
Joshua Wright, City Manager
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager
Andy Bass, Deputy City Manager
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer
Matt Dunbar, Budget and Policy Director
Sylvia Dlott, Budget & Research Administrator
Helen Parker, Budget and Research Principal Analyst
Catherine Dixon, Budget and Research Principal Analyst
Savana Martinez, Budget and Research Senior Analyst
Enrique Sandoval, Budget and Research Senior Analyst
Lucy Vazquez, Budget & Research Associate Analyst
Page 2 of 26
Discussion
1.
Opening Remarks
MAYOR HARTKE opened the budget session, thanking the Council and staff for their efforts. He
noted budget planning began in October, with workshops in February and March, and highlighted
Chandler’s strong financial planning. He encouraged efficient discussion and turned the meeting
over to the City Manager.
2.
Introduction
JOSHUA WRIGHT, City Manager, presented the following presentation.
• FY 25-26 Budget Message
• What makes Chandler different
• Strength in Numbers
• Budget to Meet Strategic Framework Focus Areas
• Budget Direction
• FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget
• Operating Budget Highlights
• FY 25-26 Budget Drivers (all funds)
• Priorities for Ongoing Dollars
• FY 2025-26 Ongoing Decision Package Recommendations (All Funds)
• FY 2025-26 Workforce needs
• Council Priorities for One-time Dollars
• FY 2025-26 One-Time Decision Package Recommendations (All Funds)
• Overview of FY 2025-26 Annual Proposed Budget
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked for clarification on the $25 million one-time additional cost
for Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, noting Chandler’s strong record with it and
requesting an explanation of where the cost is coming from.
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer, said the city had previously stated it
was paid off, based on analysis and a model from the Public Safety Retirement System (PSPRS).
The model uses actuarial assumptions for the 2024-2025 budget, but it is based on data from the
previous year, which caused some discrepancies. Investment losses and changes in assumptions
led to higher costs for cities. As a result, additional one-time funding was needed to maintain the
payoff. While the $25 million is an estimate, the final amount may be less. The exact figure will be
determined after the actuarial report is released in November, reflecting the results through June
2025.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO thanked staff for the clarification and confirmed that the $25 million
is a placeholder.
Page 3 of 26
MS. LANG said it is.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said that the actuarial tables have not been received yet and said
the final cost could be lower, hopefully not higher.
MS. LANG said that was correct.
MAYOR HARTKE said the Council has managed police retirement costs. He explained that,
although the city has paid off its share, skipping this payment would result in increased interest
costs. He also noted that this year's payment is higher than usual.
MS. LANG explained that the Mayor and Council have worked for years to pay down the city’s
unfunded liability for police and fire retirement. She said Chandler has made strong efforts to
reduce this debt, which lowers the percentage the city must contribute of employee wages to the
Public Safety Retirement System. Without these efforts, the city would face much higher
payments, similar to interest on a large credit card balance. By using one-time funds to reduce the
liability, the city has saved over $9 million annually. These savings helped Chandler balance its
budget despite losing over $11 million in state-mandated tax revenue reductions.
3.
Overview of Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer, presented the following presentation.
• Strength in Numbers
• Total Annual Proposed Expenditure Budget (-0.01%) All Funds (in millions) “Where the
Money Goes”
• Total Annual Proposed Revenue Budget (6.6%) General Fund (in millions) “Where the Money
Comes From”
• Total Annual Proposed Expenditure Budget (6.6%) General Fund (in millions) “Where the
Money Goes”
• Total Actual Expenditures compared to Adopted or Proposed Budget
• General Fund 5-Year Ongoing Forecast and Fund Balance Projection
• Revenue and Expenditure Assumptions
• 5-Year General Fund Ongoing Forecast Revenues vs Expenditures
• Proposed 5-Year One-Time General Fund Balance Projection
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said the budget outlook appears much more positive than it did two
years ago. He acknowledged the city's efforts in cost avoidance and increasing revenue streams.
He then asked for clarification on the $379 million difference.
MS. LANG said that the city reviews revenues annually to determine if they are ongoing or one-
time. She explained that temporary increases, such as those from contractors during large
projects, are classified as one-time due to their short-term nature.
Page 4 of 26
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO clarified that the discussion indicates a heavier reliance on one-time
dollars rather than ongoing revenue.
MS. LANG said that it separates the portion of total revenue expected to be unavailable in the
future.
MATT DUNBAR, Budget and Policy Director, said the $344 million represents the ongoing portion,
while the $379 million is the total revenue, with the difference being the non-recurring portion.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO stated that the delta is the one-time portion.
MS. LANG confirmed it was the one-time portion.
MAYOR HARTKE said that the estimate is roughly 18% of one-time dollars annually over the
general fund to balance the budget.
MS. LANG said that this is correct. In the proposed budget, one-time dollars make up 18%, but as
the budget progresses over the years, the percentage of ongoing dollars will likely increase to
around 93%, with the remaining portion being one-time dollars.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked about the status of sales tax distribution from the state. He
inquired whether the city is receiving the full amount owed or if there is a delay in delivering the
shared sales tax dollars.
MS. LANG said the city has a strong partnership with the state on state-shared sales tax. While the
state projects strong revenues, the city estimates slightly lower amounts to budget cautiously
based on local conditions. Despite the conservative approach, the outlook remains strong.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said that while the budget is fiscally prudent, there is potential for
additional revenue generation. However, to remain cautious, the city is estimating slightly below
the state’s projections for sales tax revenue. This approach ensures that the city stays financially
strong in case the state overestimates the revenue, allowing for a safer financial position.
4.
Departments Operating and Capital Budget Presentations
MR. DUNBAR continued the presentation.
• Enterprise Funds Analysis
• Proposed 5-Year Enterprise Funds Fund Balance Projection & Revenue Requirement
• Major Revenue Requirement Drivers Aging infrastructure & Operating Cost Increases
• Cost of Service (COS) Analysis
• Cost of Service Benefits
• FY 2025-26 Utility Rate Adjustment Implementation Methodology
• Average Residential Cost Comparison for Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste
• Chandler Utility Bill Example: Residential
Page 5 of 26
MAYOR HARTKE said that while Gilbert has posted a significant increase and Scottsdale is making
minimal changes, most other cities have not yet adjusted their rates. He added that if this
comparison were shown again in two months, Chandler’s projected rates would still be well below
those of other cities, as many have yet to include their updated rates.
MR. DUNBAR said that known increases in other cities have been included in the comparison, but
additional changes are still expected. Even with those updates, Chandler’s rates will remain well
below the average for valley cities.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if the city plans to conduct a cost-of-service study next year.
MR. DUNBAR said that a cost-of-service study is not planned for next year but for the year after.
Next year will be the final year of the current cost-of-service alignment.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how long the cost-of-service study will take.
MR. DUNBAR said the cost-of-service study typically takes eight to twelve months. The last one
took longer due to delays caused by COVID, but the following study is expected to stay within the
usual timeframe.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO suggested discussing the possibility of moving up the next cost of
service study due to current inflation and the potential for a recession. He noted that economic
shifts are ongoing, so it may be worth revisiting the timing of the study in July or August.
MR. DUNBAR continued the presentation.
• Chandler Utility Bill Example: Multi-Family
• Chandler Utility Bill Example: Non-Residential
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said multifamily properties operate like businesses, and rate
increases are typically passed on to residents. She referenced a 150-unit example showing a $9
per unit increase and asked if that’s generally consistent with the typical increase for single-family
homes.
MR. DUNBAR said the increase is generally in line with single-family rates, but multifamily
properties have some additional cost adjustments, making their increase slightly higher.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked what kinds of impacts are affecting multifamily properties.
MR. DUNBAR said the cost-of-service study found that multifamily properties have historically paid
less than COS and with higher infrastructure needs, especially for landscaping, so they were
assigned slightly higher costs.
Page 6 of 26
MR. DUNBAR continued the presentation.
• Average Annual Residential Cost Comparison for Direct Services
MAYOR HARTKE said he appreciated the slide showing that although the cost of providing water
is rising, Chandler still offers the lowest service cost compared to other cities. He noted this
demonstrates the city’s awareness of residents’ concerns while continuing to deliver value.
MR. DUNBAR said that while costs are rising, it’s important to keep enterprise funds strong to
ensure quality infrastructure and utilities for future residents. He emphasized that Chandler is
doing this while remaining affordable for current users.
MR. DUNBAR continued the presentation.
• Impact of Tax Rate on Median Value Homeowner
• Tax Rate Option: Impact of Tax Rate Reduction on Median Value Homeowner
MR. DUNBAR asked for direction on whether Council would like to include a property tax reduction
in the proposed budget or keep the budget as is, with the flat property tax rate. He mentioned
they would bring the proposed budget to Council in a couple of weeks.
MAYOR HARTKE said that when Council first discussed this, there were varied opinions, but many
members wanted to wait until they had a clearer view of the entire situation. He then asked the
Council how they would like to proceed.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON expressed support for the plan and expressed gratitude to the staff
for their efforts. She acknowledged that she and other councilmembers had asked for ways to
mitigate the economic impact on residents and appreciated the staff's creativity in finding
solutions. She stated that she was in favor of the plan.
MAYOR HARTKE asked if other councilmembers were in favor.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO confirmed he was in favor.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS thanked City Manager for the thoughtful budget work, noting the small increase
wouldn't significantly impact residents and expressing her support for the well-reviewed plan.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS agreed with the Vice Mayor's statement and expressed his support
for the plan.
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS expressed her support for the plan, acknowledging the work put in
by staff.
MR. DUNBAR said he will move forward with making some adjustments to the budget to reduce
the property tax rate for our residents.
Page 7 of 26
MAYOR HARTKE said lowering the property tax for the 10th year is a big step. He thanked the staff
for their hard work in making it happen while considering residents' needs.
MR. DUNBAR continued the presentation.
• Breakdown of $1 of Typical Chandler Property Tax Bill
• 2026-2035 Proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Capital & Debt Management
• 2026-2035 CIP Process
• History of 10-Year CIP (in millions)
• 2026-2035 CIP Highlights
• Summary of Proposed Key General Government Capital Projects in the 1st 5-Years
• General Voter Bond Authorization
• Proposed FY 2025-26 CIP Appropriation (all funds)
• Department Operating and CIP Presentations
Cultural Development
KIM MOYERS, Cultural Development Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked for an explanation regarding the Ostrich Festival and the
associated amount of $604,604.
MS. MOYERS said the city partners with the Ostrich Festival each year. She explained that the
festival has expanded from one weekend to two. The city provides funding for police, fire, and
other services during the first weekend, while the second weekend is covered by the Ostrich
Festival, which is responsible for those costs.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if that is what was meant by the offset cost.
MS. MOYERS said yes.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if the amount was an estimate.
MS. MOYERS said the amount is a high estimate because it’s part of the budgeting process. She
said they always round up, but if there’s an opportunity to lower the cost, they would. The estimate
is based on last year’s costs with small increases for staffing.
MS. MOYERS continued the presentation.
• 2026-2035 CIP – Cultural Development
Page 8 of 26
MAYOR HARTKE said he would need more information on the last point. He noted that the idea
was to address neighbors' concerns about people parking in front of their homes, like near the
Maple House. However, he’s not convinced that having people park two blocks away is any better
than walking directly to the parking garage. He said he plans to keep an eye on this issue and
wanted to share his concerns early on.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said he would like to discuss the issue further. He also inquired
about the frequency of overnight parking and whether the parking in question is limited to specific
events.
MS. MOYERS said the parking issues are mainly due to people coming and going from the area. At
the Maple House, cars are often parked while people walk several blocks to get there. She added
that it's not so much overnight parking, but rather short-term use, with people staying for an hour
or two.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said he’d like to see a report on parking, as he noticed cars there
late at night. He said some may be avoiding parking fees at nearby apartments and agreed that it
should be looked into. He then inquired about the first CIP slide, seeking confirmation on whether
the funding for the Center for the Arts is the city’s share and whether the school is covering the
other half.
MS. MOYERS said that this is correct; it amounts to $200,000 every other year, and typically,
Chandler Unified School District pays 50% of those costs.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO inquired if the redevelopment involves an additional $600,000, in
addition to other funds allocated for that purpose. This amount is supplementary to the
Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) that was previously paid in that area.
MS. MOYERS said that was correct. She explained that the DCCP funding comes from the city’s
operating budget. The $600,000 set aside each year covers things like cleaning contracts, sidewalk
repairs, work on colonnades, and uplighting added this year.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said they could discuss the DCCP later. He mentioned that in the
past, some of the funds have helped cover things the downtown DCCP didn’t have to pay for. But
things like cleaning the park or replacing trees in other areas are the downtown program’s
responsibility.
MS. MOYERS agreed and said that in some areas, the enhanced municipal services go beyond the
city's services. She explained that it’s a higher level of service decided by the city.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said he understood and added that his point was that the city's
investment is more than $150,000.
Page 9 of 26
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked if there had been any outreach to the neighborhoods or
feedback from residents regarding the downtown parking situation.
MS. MOYERS said they have done some outreach and plan to do more to address the issue of
more cars on the streets.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked how the outreach was conducted, through a public meeting or
another method.
MS. MOYERS said it was not a public meeting, but rather informal conversations with nearby
residents.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked for clarification on the decision packages, confirming that the
funding for the July 4th American Bash is additional money to enhance the event.
MS. MOYERS confirmed that it was correct, explaining the additional $20,000 would extend the
pyrotechnic show from about 5 minutes to 15 minutes.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS said he wanted to clarify because he had asked for a larger
production. He noted that residents are used to the big show at Tumbleweed Park, which can no
longer be held there. He said the goal is to bring the community together for the 4th of July and
hopefully reduce the use of personal fireworks at home.
MAYOR HARTKE suggested exploring resident-only parking near the lots. He wanted to know how
full the two lots are and consider adding signs for commercial parking. His aim is to reduce
frustration from people parking in front of homes, but he isn’t sure the current solution would
solve the issue. He asked for other ideas to protect neighbors and encourage parking in the lots
instead of nearby.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS asked about the apartments across from Maple House, noting that a "No
Parking" sign had been placed in front of them, and mentioned that they were working on
removing that restriction.
MS. MOYERS said the restriction was removed.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS questioned paid parking on private lots and city-backed valet services,
urging better access for seniors and clearer signage to promote free parking.
MS. MOYERS said parking is a priority and noted a drop-off area was added on Boston Street. She
said they’re exploring creative ways to ease parking issues.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO thanked staff for their work on Tumbleweed Ranch and inquired
whether additional phases were planned to follow the $4 million investment.
Page 10 of 26
MS. MOYERS said these are the first two phases and emphasized the importance of planting trees
early so they can mature ahead of future phases.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO emphasized the importance of early planning for marketing the
area, noting the significant investment being made, and urged the team to collaborate and
develop a solid marketing strategy.
MS. MOYERS agreed.
Police
BRYAN CHAPMAN, Police Chief, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
MELISSA DEANDA, Assistant Police Chief, continued the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
MAYOR HARTKE emphasized avoiding IT redundancy and asked how the Police Department
coordinates with the IT Department to ensure efficient, unified efforts.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said they work closely with IT and the new position would provide the
necessary backup to avoid delays when key staff are unavailable.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO commended the real-time crime scene center’s success, supporting
the additional funding, but asked if the IT analyst position was new or a transfer, similar to the
two officers.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA stated that this will be a newly created position.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked whether one-time funding was used or if previous one-time
dollars filled in for someone off work, or if operations were just let go.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said they currently have one network individual and are requesting a
second person to assist.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if the absence of the original person left them without
support.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said that is correct.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO confirmed it’s a net new position being requested for redundancy.
Page 11 of 26
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said that is correct.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked how the two new FTEs differ from existing HR roles and why
they’re needed long-term once vacancies are filled.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA stated that the department has four temporary background
investigators and is requesting to hire two full-time. She noted they work closely with HR but
handle more in-depth recruitment and background checks specific to police hiring.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said that once the current vacancies are filled, the two additional
positions will still serve an important purpose. He emphasized that these roles would continue to
address ongoing needs and responsibilities, helping to fill any remaining gaps and support the
department even after the new hires are fully onboarded.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA sought clarification, asking if Councilmember Harris was suggesting
that, once the two new positions are filled, those individuals would be expected to help support
the existing vacancies within the department.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS clarified that the two new positions are not just to support current
vacancies. Even after filling the 13 sworn and 30 unsworn roles, these positions should have
ongoing responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of making these roles permanent to
avoid them being seen as temporary solutions that end once initial needs are met.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA stated that the new full-time hires will have ongoing work, as the
department faces 13 sworn vacancies, 30 civilian vacancies, and 18 over-hire positions.
Recruitment efforts are set to increase due to upcoming retirements.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS questioned if the two new hires will address ongoing staffing needs,
beyond the initial 43 positions, due to retirements and the DROP program.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said correct.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked for clarification on whether the 13 sworn officers included the
over hire positions.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA explained that the 13 sworn officers do not include the over hires. Once
those positions are filled, they will begin hiring for the 18 over hire positions.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON acknowledged progress in addressing staffing gaps and asked if the
department anticipates being fully staffed within the next year, considering ongoing retirements.
Page 12 of 26
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said there has been significant interest in the department, especially
from lateral officers, with many applicants looking to join Chandler PD. She expressed optimism
that by the end of the year, they will reach their over hire goals.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON commended the recruitment progress and asked if the two
permanent background screener positions would create a disparity, confirming that two
temporary positions would remain in place.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said that two temporary background investigators will be converted to
full-time, and two dispatcher positions will be reclassified, making all four positions full-time.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON noted the potential difficulties of mixing temporary and full-time roles
and asked if the dispatch would be addressed by someone else.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA responded that she could answer the question.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked about the status of dispatch position recruitment, noting its
importance. She wanted to know if those roles are included in the 30 civilian positions being
considered.
ASSISTANT CHIEF DEANDA said most of the 30 civilian vacancies are in dispatch, with 12 openings.
Recent pay increases and recruitment efforts aim to boost applications and fill these critical roles.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON commented she was glad to hear about the recruitment efforts for
dispatchers.
CHRIS PEREZ, Assistant Police Chief, continued the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
JASON SIECZKOWSKI, Assistant Police Chief, continued the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
VICE MAYOR ELLIS asked for examples of how the recent program successfully intervened in
situations that led to positive outcomes for students or the school.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said that while there’s no specific example of a direct intervention,
feedback from students and schools has been very positive, with increased engagement and
student involvement on key issues.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS asked if the program's impact could be measured, like tracking changes in
crime or student behavior after placing an officer in a school, with school involvement for
accuracy.
Page 13 of 26
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said they could explore using a QR code for anonymous student
feedback and would direct the idea through the proper channels.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if the program was for 5th and 6th graders, as he had heard
from parents regarding 6th graders.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said yes.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said parents praised the program for addressing bullying, social
media, and helping kids cope. He confirmed they are looking to hire a third member this year.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said that funding is available for three staff members. While the
program currently has two, plans include a parent education class, a follow-up class for students,
and potential expansion into junior high schools to support student resilience.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said he believes the program will continue, noting he has received
calls from Kyrene School District and Mesa officials. He suggested refining the program with local
schools before moving on to the next step.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI agreed and thanked Council for their support of this program.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked for clarification on the pilot program, requesting more details
on the school engagement, such as whether it involves assemblies or one-on-one interactions
with retired officers.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI explained that the program, designed for sixth-grade students in
CUSD, focuses on one-on-one classroom engagement. It covers topics like leadership, respect,
substance abuse, and cyberbullying in a four-week curriculum. While assemblies are possible, the
program is more focused on intimate settings for open discussions.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS emphasized the need for a stronger focus on traffic safety in school
zones, including enforcement and educating school staff on traffic flow. He asked if this could be
added to the current program.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said traffic education may not suit the current program due to
student age, but noted strong partnerships with traffic engineering and ongoing school outreach.
He added that traffic safety could be included if the program expands to older students.
MAYOR HARTKE said the program brings a smile to his face and noted that former Councilmember
Roe, who was passionate about it, would be proud of the progress. He thanked everyone involved.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI thanked Council for their support.
Page 14 of 26
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON requested more details on the aggressive driving in South Chandler,
inquiring whether it’s related to speeding or road design, and referencing earlier comments about
mitigation efforts.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI explained that aggressive driving is more prevalent on wider, less
congested roads, which often lead to higher speeds. The issue is addressed through targeted
enforcement, public outreach, and partnerships with regional agencies.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked if the Police Department's mental health services had
expanded since his last visit.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI stated that they are requesting $100,000 to support employee
wellness through programs such as cold plunges, healthy meals, yoga, and trauma recovery
training.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS inquired about the accessibility of embedded mental health workers within the
Police Department, specifically whether officers are utilizing the on-site services and if there has
been an increase in visits.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said the embedded clinician program has been well received, with
officers using it regularly and appreciating the privacy it offers.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS shared that constituents are impressed by Chandler’s mental health efforts
and thanked the department for making services accessible to its staff.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if there has been an overall increase in the use of mental health
resources and whether officers are actively using them. She also inquired about efforts to
encourage participation.
ASSISTANT CHIEF SIECZKOWSKI said it’s challenging to track an overall increase, but programs like
cold plunge therapy and the new embedded clinician are being utilized effectively. He emphasized
that leadership encourages officers to use available resources, such as free meditation and
breathing exercise apps, and promotes these tools during briefings.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON thanked the department for utilizing leadership to promote and
encourage mental health resources, noting that officers look to their leaders for support. She
appreciated the efforts to promote the program.
MELISSA DEANDA, Assistant Police Chief, continued the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Police
Information Technology
Page 15 of 26
SANDIP DHOLAKIA, Chief Information Officer, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Information Technology
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked how the new adjustments and budget items help the team stay
ahead of security challenges, noting that the city is already safe and focusing on continuous
improvement.
MR. DHOLAKIA said that cybersecurity is constantly evolving. He shared that the city has built a
vulnerability management program and policies to stay ahead of threats.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS thanked the team for their work, emphasizing the importance of
cybersecurity alongside physical crime, and commended their ongoing efforts.
Communications & Public Affairs
MATT BURDICK, Communications & Public Affairs Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if CityScope has always been a one-time expense or if the
current request is additional due to a specific reason.
MR. BURDICK said that CityScope is funded as a one-time expense because the city is preparing
to switch utility bill vendors and hopes more people will move to electronic billing, reducing the
need for printed newsletters.
Neighborhood Resources
LEAH POWELL, Neighborhood Resources Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
RIANN BALCH, Community Resources Senior Manager, continued the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
MAYOR HARTKE thanked the city for supporting the heat relief program, noting it’s the only
overnight site in the east valley and one of two in the valley. He said it's especially important for
those in danger from extreme heat at night.
Page 16 of 26
MS. BALCH expressed appreciation for the support in launching the program.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked whether the part-time code inspector for illegal dumping is an
existing temporary position or a new one being added.
MS. POWELL said the program is still a pilot and already has a temporary staff member. They plan
to keep the position for another year to study the need before possibly making it permanent.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked how the duties of this specific position differ from those of
regular code enforcers.
MS. POWELL said this position focuses on illegal dumping, especially in alleys, and works with the
alley technician. It helps speed up response times, coordinates with the hauling contractor, and
supports encampment cleanups with other city teams.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked if code enforcers inspect alleyways or if that’s not a priority for
them.
MS. POWELL said that the alley program is proactive, with a technician inspecting alleys multiple
times a year and sending notices to residents. Before this, inspections were reactive. The illegal
dumping program also focuses on being proactive to prevent more dumping by addressing issues
quickly.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS thanked them for the clarification and requested, when convenient,
some statistics on illegal dumping hotspots in the alleys to better understand the issue, noting
that alleys are very important to residents. He then shifted to the Envision program, praising the
work done in the Galveston neighborhood and mentioning the move to the Hartford area near
the school. He asked if the $30,000 allocated for the program in that area would be sufficient.
MS. POWELL explained that the $30,000 covers the entire Envision program, but the needs for
Hartford depend on how much they want to do. Placemaking, like in Galveston, could be an option,
but building relationships with neighborhoods takes time. This is why the funding was split into
two packages.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked if the TNR program funding would be enough, also inquiring
about the results of the pilot program.
MS. POWELL said the TNR program started with a $20,000 contract, and $10,000 remains. They
will meet with the agency soon to assess progress, as $5,000 has been spent, but the April billing
is still pending.
LEAH POWELL, Neighborhood Resources Director, presented the following presentation.
Page 17 of 26
• Decision Packages (Other Funds)
Fire
TOM DWIGGINS, Fire Chief, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Fire
Law
KELLY SCHWAB, City Attorney, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS inquired about the litigators and the city's financial expenditures
related to them.
City Clerk
DANA DELONG, City Clerk, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
City Manager
STEVEN TURNER, Sustainability and Performance Officer, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• 2026-2035 CIP-City Manager
• Decision Packages
Council recessed at 11:40 a.m.
Council reconvened at 12:30 p.m. with all members present.
City Magistrate
ALICIA SKUPIN, Presiding City Magistrate, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
Page 18 of 26
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 – City Magistrate
MAYOR HARTKE asked if the step was part of the two-year contract, specifically related to the cost-
of-living adjustment (COLA) for the presiding judge.
MS. SKUPIN asked the Mayor to clarify his question.
MAYOR HARTKE requested to revisit a few slides and confirmed that he understood the response
to his earlier question.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
NIKI TAPIA, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
Human Resources
RAE LYNN NIELSEN, Human Relations Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO commended the HR Department, noting that some returning
employees have stated they chose to return to the city for its positive culture. He thanked her
department for supporting that environment.
Economic Development
MICAH MIRANDA, Economic Development Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP-Economic Development
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked where the funding for the next phase of the Strategic
Economic Vision would come from and whether it was already included in the budget.
MR. MIRANDA said they received grant funding for the project, which was one of the two items he
had mentioned earlier. He added that the contract would be brought to the Council in June.
Page 19 of 26
Building and Facilities
MIKE HOLLINGSWORTH, Facilities & Fleet Manager, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP General Government – Building & Facilities
Fleet Services
MIKE HOLLINGSWORTH, Facilities & Fleet Manager, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
Airport
MAYOR HARTKE recognized that Ryan Reeves, Airport Manager, had been named the 2025 Airport
Executive of the Year and received the President’s Award from the Arizona Airports Association.
RYAN REEVES, Airport Manager, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Airport
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the armory pavement, seeking clarification on its
purpose.
MR. REEVES said the pavement near the armory and main entrance road will be a two-year, grant-
funded project. He explained it had to be split over two years due to the size of the area and state
and federal funding limitations.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO requested clarification, noting that the area had not previously been
used as an apron but was now being used for parking. He confirmed that it needs to be repaved.
MR. REEVES said the area is currently in active use with many parking spaces and aircraft. He
explained that the project is meant to rehabilitate the ramp to keep it functional, as it is one of the
busiest at the airport.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked whether the armory is still there.
MR. REEVES said yes, it is.
Page 20 of 26
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON requested to proceed to the next slide and inquired whether the
photo on the bottom right was current and depicted the area that would be repaired.
MR. REEVES said yes, that is.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON requested that a better picture be provided.
MR. REEVES stated that a better picture will be provided.
Transportation Policy
RYAN PETERS, Strategic Initiatives Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP General Government – Transportation Policy
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how many of the bike lanes were being considered for the
$30,000 allocation.
MR. PETERS said he didn’t know the exact mileage but noted it’s an annual review. They’re focusing
on simple improvements, such as green paint, with a future study to identify streets for protective
barriers between vehicle and bicycle traffic.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked for clarification, stating that he had missed that some of the
money was allocated for a study.
MR. PETERS said the study was conducted a few years ago, but additional design work is needed
to ensure the proposed concepts can be implemented on the road.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO noted that the bike committee has met with staff a few times and
encouraged continued collaboration to improve safety.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS thanked the team for their award-winning work on transportation,
saying it has been an honor to work with them and encouraged them to continue their efforts,
emphasizing the importance of their work.
MR. PETERS thanked Councilmember Harris for his leadership as Chair of Valley Metro. He
acknowledged the current transition from Prop 400 to Prop 479 funding and said his work is
helpful during this time.
Management Services
MR. DUNBAR presented the following presentation.
Page 21 of 26
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Financial Highlights Non-Departmental
• Decision Packages
Development Services
JAYA VELAGAPUDI, Digital Delivery Service Administrator, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Development Services
DANA ALVIDREZ, City Transportation Engineer, presented the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
DENNIS AUST, Telecommunications & Utility Franchise Manager, presented the following
presentation.
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Development Services
MAYOR HARTKE asked about the fiber program, noting its importance and progress. He inquired
how much of the city is currently covered and what the timeline is for its completion.
MR. AUST said that several providers are working across the city, sometimes in the same areas.
While timelines vary, most aim to finish within five years, though full completion could take up to
ten years.
MAYOR HARTKE said that while most work is done correctly, the city still gets calls about traffic
disruptions and incomplete projects. He suggested improving communication to address
concerns before complaints arise and to be more customer-focused.
MR. AUST said other cities have hired public relations consultants to help with communication,
which could be useful here, too. He is updating the city’s website to provide residents with better
access to information. He noted that some people feel they aren’t adequately informed about
projects. Although door hangers are distributed, many people mistake them for advertisements
and discard them. The city is currently working to enhance the appearance of these notices, so
they are clearer and more effective.
MAYOR HARTKE said his second concern is the poor quality of road repairs after cable work. He
noted that while companies fix problems when asked, the work should be better from the start.
He asked if there’s a way to improve the quality of road restoration.
Page 22 of 26
MR. AUST said that residents often expect quick repairs. They see crews trenching and patching
streets temporarily, but the permanent fix takes a few weeks. This delay causes frustration. He
suggested finding ways to speed up the process. While complaints are common during the wait,
once the permanent restoration is done, it meets city standards, and the complaints usually stop.
The main issue is the gap before the final restoration.
MAYOR HARTKE said that this information was helpful, as he wasn’t aware of it either, and it would
allow them to be better messengers.
Community Services
JOHN SEFTON, Community Services Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked about the mobile library's summer schedule, asking if a
schedule was available and if it could be requested.
MR. SEFTON said library staff are working on ways to get the mobile library involved in the
community. With many city events, the library will be busy. They’re using data to target
neighborhoods and activities where it’s needed most. The team is excited and ready to make the
mobile library flexible and respond to community requests.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if the mobile library would also visit nonprofit organizations
that serve children, in addition to the events.
MR. SEFTON said the mobile library could visit places like assisted living facilities and other
community locations. He saw it as a great resource, similar to the old bookmobile but now more
high-tech.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said it made her feel a little nostalgic, and she loved it.
MAYOR HARTKE suggested hosting game nights in neighborhoods across the city, with different
areas taking turns. He also proposed involving police or fire services, especially in neighborhoods
with less exposure.
MR. SEFTON encouraged additional ideas and suggestions for the mobile library.
MICKEY OHLAND, Community Services Planning Manager, presented the following presentation.
• 2026-2035 CIP – Community Services
Page 23 of 26
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS shared concerns about drainage at Foley Park. He said that after it
rains, water builds up and doesn’t drain well, making it feel like a splash pad. Even hours later,
there was still standing water. He asked that this be fixed during the park upgrades. He also
mentioned that the trash cans often fall over when it’s windy. He suggested finding a better, more
secure way to place them, possibly with built-in fixtures as part of the improvements.
MR. OHLAND said they are open to all suggestions. He added that drainage issues don’t have to
wait for a full park upgrade and that they have funding to start fixing them now.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO inquired about the status of Tumbleweed Park.
MR. OHLAND said several things are happening at Tumbleweed Park, mainly half-street
improvements along Ryan Road. This includes work near the park's southern boundary, with
coordination underway with the county for a small section west of McQueen. The rest of the
project, from McQueen to the railroad tracks, is already funded, and they hope to start work in
the spring.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO stated that the project would enhance traffic circulation.
MR. OHLAND said yes.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO stated that more high schools are using artificial turf and inquired
whether the city is considering it again. He heard from an athletic director that the turf does well
in the summer with watering. He also asked if the Chandler Unified School District has given any
feedback on their fields.
MR. OHLAND said they are looking into artificial turf. Initially, the cost was too high, especially at
Snedigar. At Mesquite Groves, they may consider it for multi-use fields. They’ve found that cooling
synthetic turf with reclaimed water is not recommended, and it uses nearly as much water as
regular turf to cool. Now, they are focusing on both cost and water efficiency and will continue
exploring the option.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said that some soccer fields become dust bowls, creating a choice
between letting the grass regrow, which could disrupt sports, or dealing with the dust, which may
pose a health risk. He suggested reviewing the situation over the next year to find a way to keep
sports going while improving the fields.
MR. OHLAND said the fields are heavily used, making it difficult to maintain them. In summer, the
grass is too hot to play on, and when it's played on, it wears out. He added that they’re still looking
into synthetic fields as a solution.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO stated that it was a challenge.
Page 24 of 26
MR. SEFTON said that they’ve received RFQs from consultants to initiate the libraries and
recreation master plan. The plan will include meetings with user groups to gather feedback on
usage and needs. It will also examine how school districts utilize their facilities and the associated
costs. He stressed that the process would involve public input.
Public Works & Utilities
JOHN KNUDSON, Public Works & Utilities Director, presented the following presentation.
• Top 5 FY 2024-25 Accomplishments
• Financial Highlights: Operating Proposed Budget
• Financial Highlights: Operating Funding Sources
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Streets
JEREMY ABBOTT, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director, presented the following presentation.
• Decision Packages
• 2026-2035 CIP – Wastewater
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how the truck conversions were going, especially the older
ones that were leaking recyclables. He wanted to know if all the trucks have been converted yet.
MR. ABBOTT said he believes most of the trucks have been converted. He offered to follow up
with the full schedule.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO suggested double-checking to see if there are still any concerns,
such as glass being left in the street.
MR. ABBOTT said he will follow up with the requested information.
MR. ABBOTT continued the presentation.
• 2026-2035 CIP – Water
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the length of the project, wanting to know if the
timeline was only two years.
MR. ABBOTT said the project is in the design phase and will take approximately two and a half
years. He mentioned that $45 million is planned for the second year. Over the next year, the team
will finalize the design and begin ordering key equipment to start construction the following year.
MAYOR HARTKE asked how much longer the Lone Butte facility can be used. He mentioned it had
been extended several times and wanted to know if it was still a good option.
Page 25 of 26
MR. ABBOTT said the contract ends in 2027, so there are a few years left. He said the tribe is
working on building its wastewater facility, but it will take time. He expects the contract will likely
be extended, allowing the city to continue its assistance until the new facility is completed.
MAYOR HARTKE stated that it is beneficial for both parties to continue until they are ready to make
a different decision.
MR. ABBOTT agreed.
5.
Wrap-up
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS said the 2025–26 budget reflects a strong commitment to residents
and responsible spending. He thanked staff and Mayor and Council, and said he looks forward to
the year ahead.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON appreciated the smooth budget process and praised staff for making
it easy to understand. She thanked the Council for televising the meeting, highlighting the city's
commitment to transparency and the importance of making the budget clear for residents.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS said the meeting showed the strength of teamwork. She thanked staff for being
prepared and making the process clear and easy. She called it her most enjoyable budget
experience in five years and appreciated the collaboration among councilmembers.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said the budget process has improved over the years and thanked
staff for their work. He assured residents the city is financially strong, praised its fiscal policies,
and thanked Councilmember Poston for televising the meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS thanked staff for their hard work and focus on residents. He
highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and teamwork, and appreciated
the City Manager's efforts to ensure a thorough review.
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS appreciated the budget process, praised its focus on residents and
fiscal responsibility, and thanked staff for their work. She noted the investments were timely and
called Chandler a leader in many areas.
MAYOR HARTKE thanked the Council and staff for their efforts, praised the budget process, and
highlighted the importance of long-term, responsible decisions. He credited the city’s strong
position to fiscal discipline and emphasized that today's choices will benefit future residents.
MR. WRIGHT thanked the Mayor and Council for their dedication and leadership, noting Chandler’s
strong position due to smart, long-term decisions. He praised staff for their commitment and
thanked the Council for making tough choices that benefit the city.
Page 26 of 26
Public Comment
DUANE LIDMAN, 2315 W. Palomino Dr., Chandler, AZ, thanked the City Manager and staff for
securing benefits from development with K Hovnanian Homes, including a small park and
improvements in his neighborhood. He shared that most residents at a September meeting
wanted more improvements and asked for seed funding in the 2025–26 budget to move forward
with the final phase of the project.
MAYOR HARTKE asked when the ribbon cutting for this area is scheduled.
MR. WRIGHT answered that the park ribbon cutting is tentatively scheduled for June 7.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 pm.
ATTEST: _______________________
______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Approval Date of Minutes: June 26, 2025
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 2nd day of May 2025. I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
DATED this _______ day of June, 2025.
__________________________
City Clerk