Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting held on September 3, 2025
Extracted text (via pymupdf)
26266 characters
Meeting Minutes
City Council Special Meeting
September 3, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Hartke at 5:12 p.m.
Roll Call
Council Attendance
CUSD Governing Board Attendance
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Patti Serrano, President
Vice Mayor Christine Ellis
Barb Mozdzen, Vice President
Councilmember Angel Encinas
Ryan Heap, Board Member
*Councilmember Jane Poston
Claudia Mendoza, Board Member
Councilmember Matt Orlando
Kurt Rohrs, Board Member
Councilmember OD Harris
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins
*Councilmember Poston was absent.
City Staff in Attendance
CUSD District Administration
John Pombier, Acting City Manager
Frank Narducci, Superintendent
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager
Lana Berry, Chief Financial Officer
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager/CFO
Tom Dunn, Assistant Superintendent
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney
Operations
Dana DeLong, City Clerk
Ryan Peters, Deputy City Manager
Leah Powell, Deputy City Manager
Matt Burdick, CAPA Director
Kim Moyers, Cultural Development Director
Michelle Mac Lennan, Cultural Arts Manager
Page 2 of 13
Presentation and Discussion
MAYOR HARTKE opened the meeting by expressing his appreciation for the discussion, noting that
it’s always beneficial when everyone comes together to share strengths and talk about common
concerns and opportunities.
1. Overview of COC/CUSD Joint Facility Partnership - Chandler Center for the Arts
KIM MOYERS, Cultural Development Director, provided an update on the Chandler Center for the
Arts (CCA). She noted past assessments showed a need for expanded space and programming,
which were postponed after the 2008 recession. Recent updates confirmed ongoing demand,
leading partners to fund a new study by MS Planning and Research. Ms. Moyers then introduced
Michelle Mac Lennan to share the study results and plans for the Center’s 2026 closure for
renovations.
MICHELLE MAC LENNAN, Cultural Arts Manager, presented the findings from the recent needs
assessment for expanded arts facilities and provided an overview of the upcoming Capital
improvements at the CCA, scheduled for June 15 to October 15, 2026.
MS. MAC LENNAN presented the following presentation.
• Capital Improvements 2026 Closure
• June 15 – October 15, 2026
• Entry/Lobby
• Theater
• Option 1b
• Capital Improvements:
• FY 2026-2027 Shutdown Summary
o June 15 - Start
▪ Rigging
▪ Rotating Pod Maintenance
▪ Demo Chairs
o June 22
▪ Epoxy Prep/Gring Floors
▪ Carpet Demo
▪ Fire Sprinkler Maintenance/Scaffolding
▪ Electric Floor Lighting – Wire Pull
o August
▪ Electrical shutdown approx. 45 days (will affect HVAC system and all electrical)
▪ Electrical equipment yard will have cranes and rigging (coned off walkway)
o September
▪ Flooring – Epoxy
▪ Carpet Install
Page 3 of 13
▪ Chairs Installation
▪ Electric Floor/Chair Lighting
▪ Pain/Scaffolding
▪ Clean up
▪ Stakeholders Soft Opening
o October
▪ October 15th – Last day closed
▪ October 16 – Reopen for show commitment
• Questions
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked why the renovation isn’t being phased, suggesting smaller areas
be addressed first to keep parts of the facility open. He requested clarity on the overall strategy.
MS. MAC LENNAN said that because the seating areas use divisible turntable systems, both must
be renovated simultaneously. The seating will be reconfigured from a continental layout to a
standard row-numbering system. She noted that completing the project all at once is more cost-
effective and minimizes disruption. A phased approach would lead to repeated closures and
delays.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if the project depends on bond approval and what the cost
would be.
MS. MAC LENNAN said it does not rely on a bond. The $2.3 million project is funded through the
capital maintenance program and will be split 50/50 between the city and the school district.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if additional seating is being replaced as part of the project.
MS. MAC LENNAN clarified that seating will be replaced, but no new seats will be added or
removed.
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS asked if any renovation needs are being left out.
MS. MAC LENNAN said all primary needs identified in the assessment are included, and while
future projects may happen, none will require additional closures.
FRANK NARDUCCI, Superintendent, asked if temporary air conditioning could be added to allow
limited use of the space during renovations, noting the building often hosts up to 1,000 students
during hot months.
MS. MAC LENNAN said that during the last closure, some events were held outdoors, but heat is
a challenge. Programs will be moved elsewhere. Tents haven’t been considered yet, and adding
A/C would be difficult, but options to meet school needs are being explored.
Page 4 of 13
MR. NARDUCCI said there are additional needs.
MS. MAC LENNAN said that the community at large is concerned and emphasized that there will
be a significant community need.
MS. MAC LENNAN continued the presentation.
• Arts Facilities Needs Assessment Project Update + Draft Recommendation
• Our problem to solve
o The conditions thought to exist when we started
o CCA’s utilization is maxed out
o Increasing demand arts programming offered by CCF and CUSD
o Unmet demand for more event space and spaces for local arts users
o Need for a space solution(s) that fosters continued growth and positive community
impact
• Context: Stakeholders share distinct, but overlapping facility needs
o AMS interviewed 26 city, CUSD, and arts community leaders to understand the
opportunities and Challenges for the Chandler Center for the Arts.
o City of Chandler
▪ Mid-sized event and/or conference space
▪ Present more programs that will draw more people into Chandler
▪ Downtown space to compliment current investments
o Chandler Cultural Foundation
▪ Address current space’s accessibility and other upgrade issues
▪ More space for community arts users
▪ Space (and resources) to engage students and young people with professional
teaching artists
▪ Flexible new work development space
o CUSD
▪ A space for large (and small) non-arts events
▪ More time in the CCA space for student performers
▪ Dedicated PAC facilities for CHS students
▪ Address current space’s accessibility issues
▪ More/better performing arts teaching space
o Key Takeaways – Arts Users
▪ 54 respondents, a mix of local organization representatives, individual artists,
CUSD leaders, and city officials, responded to an AMS survey.
▪ Users desire more access to the CCA calendar, and more favorable rental rates.
Otherwise, current experiences in CCA facilities are largely favorable.
▪ In considering new spaces, multi-purpose, flexible spaces are most desired by
respondents. Administrative, classroom, and rehearsal spaces would have higher
anticipated use by fewer users.
Page 5 of 13
▪ CHS’ most prominent reported needs are classroom and rehearsal space.
o Key Takeaways – Audience & Community
▪ 657 community members responded to a survey about their experience at the
Chandler Center for the Arts.
▪ 92 % reported being “satisfied” or “ very satisfied” with their overall experience at
the CCA; and satisfaction across specific variables (including location, audience
services, ticket delivery and purchasing, venue amenities) is high.
▪ Attendance by this group is driven by content (they prefer Broadway- style
musicals, music, comedy, and theatre), followed by comfort and location of the
performance facility location, and quality of performances.
▪ Most respondents participate in pre- or post- show activities downtown; and 62
% strongly agree that the City should support the arts and culture.
o An analysis of facility utilization shows CUSD as majority user
▪ The IGA creates a unique model that has served all parties well, but an imbalance
in utilization has emerged.
o CCA spaces are oversized for most of CUSD’s arts users
▪ Most arts uses are rehearsals, many of which do not necessarily require fixed-
seat theater spaces.
▪ CUSD Performance & Rehearsal Utilization Summary
o CUSD’s non-arts events occupy time/space that could be otherwise publicly utilized
▪ Most CUSD events do not require the seating or technical capacities of the CCA
venues.
▪ CUSD Reception, Meeting, Assembly Utilization Summary
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if the other rooms outside the mobile recital space are being
used and whether any could be reconfigured to hold more people.
MS. MAC LENNAN said the black box stage and dance studio are reused on weekends for dressing
rooms and catering but no larger space is available.
MS. MAC LENNAN continued the presentation.
• Exploration of Facility Scenarios
• Six Scenarios evaluated
o A flexible studio theater for CUSD’s needs
o A flexible studio theater for CCA’s programs
o Like previous, but bigger – a flexible venue
o Community arts hub
o Reimagine a CUSD space for Chandler HS performing Arts
o An outdoor, music forward facility
• Elements of three combined for recommended scenarios
o A flexible studio theater for CUSD’s needs
o A flexible studio theater for CCA’s programs
Page 6 of 13
o Reimagine a CUSD space for Chandler HS performing Arts
• A Center for Arts Education
o Creating a dedicated space for CUSD programs to live creates more space for
community arts programs to grow in the most cost-effective way
• Order of magnitude cost estimate
o Rough range, exclusions include site work, demolition, pre-construction, planning,
design, fundraising, legal costs, etc.
• If we build it…, what other opportunities does it create?
o Reduce pressure on existing CCA facilities and calendar, which would allow CCA to
host/present more programs
o CUSD unbounded by day of week or time of day
o Increase storage space available to CUSD fine arts
o More space for administrative and production offices in existing CCA facility
o Space for small studio performance /rehearsal venue in CCA building available to
community groups
• If we built something new, what might happen there?
o At least 172 CUSD events/year could be served by new spaces with capacity <=300.
Relocated dance & drama teaching spaces would be regularly active.
• Improvements to CCA
• Map diagram
• Visualization
• Existing Fine Arts Building
• All-in-one option
• What are the possible steps forward?
o With and/or without a new building
o Relocate as many CHS non-arts events as possible to open availability for arts use.
o Revisit the IGA; and explore scheduling strategies that prioritize public-facing arts users
o Explore phase 1 CCA admin. Building and improvements
o Determine site and conceptual plan for the Center for the Arts Education
o Develop capital funding/financing plan
KURT ROHRS, Board Member, asked for clarification on whether the arts building located nearby
is part of CCA property or belongs to the Chandler Unified School District.
MS. MAC LENNAN said the school district owns the building and is not part of the CCA. It is used
exclusively by students and occasionally shared when needed.
MS. MAC LENNAN continued the presentation.
• Questions
• Thank you
Page 7 of 13
MAYOR HARTKE asked if the IGA would include a study on future facility use, specifically analyzing
the four or five venues to determine vacancy rates and explore better space-sharing or
simultaneous events.
MS. MAC LENNAN said that since 2007, yield management has been used to handle overlapping
events. Smaller events, like those with about 40 attendees, could be relocated to free space for
larger or arts-focused events, which are prioritized.
MR. NARDUCCI said that some elementary schools value performing at the arts center, though
events rarely fill the 1,300-seat venue. He mentioned plans to renovate Chandler High’s
overcrowded cafeteria to include space for arts programs, potentially reducing pressure on the
arts center.
MS. MAC LENNAN emphasized the importance of students performing at the theater but stressed
practical space use, often selecting clients who can fill the venue.
MR. NARDUCCI said that none of these topics are included in the current bond and will require
future attention.
LANA BERRY, Chief Financial Officer, explained that 68% of facility usage over four days reflects
full-day student use, similar to other high schools, driven by increased enrollment.
PATTI SERRANO, President, highlighted intentional multipurpose designs in projects like the
cafeteria rebuild, aiming to meet student needs even when staying on campus.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS said the concern is that the city only uses about 3% of the facility, paying
separately for events despite being a 50/50 partner, calling the arrangement inequitable.
MS. MAC LENNAN said that city events are counted through the foundation’s contract, but actual
city-sponsored events are few due to limited availability, often booked years in advance.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS shared that her business frequently used the lobby for events, but costs have
risen over time.
MS. MAC LENNAN said pricing is benchmarked to industry standards and competitive, but high
demand forces many event rejections weekly, indicating the venue’s success.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said that city access is limited compared to student use and supported
increasing city event scheduling and flexible spaces in future renovations to strengthen
partnerships, especially for underfunded arts programs.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if a strong, holistic team and a clear timeline are in place.
Page 8 of 13
MS. MAC LENNAN said the site conceptual plan would guide timelines and capital planning.
JOHN POMBIER, Acting City Manager, affirmed the strong partnership with the school district and
readiness to move forward once funding is secured.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO sought clarity on which of the three options to prioritize for
progress.
MR. POMBIER suggested combining the school cafeteria expansion with a potential city
administration building as phase one, possibly unlocking larger future funding.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked about the Chandler High Gold Gym’s status.
MR. NARDUCCI said the Gold Gym is historic and costly to renovate but actively used for after-
school athletics and fully booked due to multiple teams.
RYAN HEAP, Board Member, expressed concern about future declining enrollment and
questioned if projections were considered, given the project’s multi-year timeline.
MS. MAC LENNAN acknowledged enrollment decline concerns but said the study used current
data and emphasized flexible spaces could serve broader community needs regardless of
enrollment.
MR. NARDUCCI confirmed enrollment was considered but noted ongoing production needs justify
the facility. He highlighted the strong city-school partnership and suggested that funding would
require a future bond, emphasizing the need for an immediate focus on maximizing existing
spaces and partnerships.
MS. MAC LENNAN described Phase One as city-driven, involving non-shared spaces like
administrative offices and city-managed volunteers, with potential to open more space and
improve operations. She stressed the need for long-term planning.
MR. HEAP noted the arts center’s high demand and suggested upgrading underused school
auditoriums as a cost-effective way to expand access.
MS. MAC LENNAN added that Chandler High must use on-campus space, limiting relocation
options.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about alternative financing beyond bonding, such as leasing,
purchasing, or private partnerships.
Page 9 of 13
MS. MAC LENNAN said the foundation is developing plans for a potential matching capital
campaign, leveraging strong donor relationships, though it would be their first campaign.
MR. ROHRS emphasized extracurriculars like band, theater, and chorus as vital for education,
social growth, and keeping students engaged after school to prevent community issues. His
primary concern was preserving these programs.
MAYOR HARTKE agreed, stating that the key question is not the importance of these activities but
where they should take place, an issue the group continues to explore.
2. City and School District Bond and Override Roundtable
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager/CFO, gave a brief presentation on the City of Chandler’s
upcoming special bond election on November 4, which will coincide with the Chandler Unified
School District’s election. The city’s ballot includes four bond questions and two charter
amendments. She explained that the bond supports the City's 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
The 2021 bond was intended to last seven years but was impacted by inflation, requiring a new
election. A 31-member resident committee reviewed all proposed projects and recommended a
total bond amount of $475 million. Key areas include parks and recreation, public safety, and
streets. The bond would fund park improvements, a new fire station, equipment replacement for
fire and police, renovations to the police admin building, and street infrastructure upgrades. Bond
funding supports about 70% of Chandler’s capital projects. Ms. Lang emphasized that continued
investment is essential to maintain city services and infrastructure.
MS. SERRANO asked how the city can best promote the upcoming bond and what tools are
available to support this effort.
MS. LANG said that city staff are conducting a “road show” meeting with various community
groups to provide education about the bond. While the city cannot advocate, it aims to inform
residents about the bond’s purpose and benefits. Additionally, an independent advocacy group
will be placing signs and engaging with the community. City staff and Mayor and Councilmembers
are also actively providing bond information to residents.
MS. BERRY provided an overview of the district’s funding history and its current efforts to inform
the public about two upcoming elections: a bond and an override. She recalled when "excess
utilities" funding once supported key community projects like pools, libraries, and the Chandler
Center for the Arts, funding that no longer exists but was vital to the district's early success. She
emphasized that the district’s role is to share factual information, not campaign. Outside groups
handle advocacy. The override supports teacher pay and student programs, the bond funds
school repairs, new buses, and updated technology. Voters have historically supported these
measures—only two have failed in the past 34 years (2012 and 2023). Despite declining enrollment
due to demographic and housing shifts, the district still serves 40,000 students and employs 5,000
Page 10 of 13
staff, making it the second-largest district and employer in the region. Some question the need
for bonds as enrollment drops, but Ms. Berry explained that students still need safe, modern
facilities and tools. The district maintains 46 schools on 49 campuses, equivalent to managing 40
Costcos daily. Technology needs have grown, especially post-COVID, with every student now using
a device. To keep the public informed, the district has published detailed resources online,
including a fact sheet, spending breakdowns, videos, and presentations. Ms. Berry closed by
emphasizing that this is a mail-in-only election. Ballots must be returned by the 28th to be
counted. Mailing them after Election Day means they won't be processed. The district’s goal is to
ensure that voters have clear and accurate information to make informed decisions.
3. Hartford Neighborhood Revitalization
MR. NARDUCCI shared that he sees the long-standing partnership between the school district and
the city as a significant opportunity. He noted that many towns don’t have such collaboration. He
recalled jointly undertaking shared space projects, such as libraries, pools, parks, and emphasized
that this cooperation extends beyond arts centers to core community facilities. He described the
Hartford Elementary area project as a similar effort: rebuilding the facility for improved learning,
enhancing infrastructure such as lighting and sidewalks, and promoting community growth
around the school. He said they engage the community, teachers, and students to define what
“21st-century learning” looks like locally. He also mentioned that the district is waiting on voter
approval for funding (via a bond) to build Hartford, after completing architectural planning. He
projected the bond would enable construction once it passes and the plan is ready.
TOM DUNN, Assistant Superintendent, Operations, presented the following presentation.
• Slides
• Chandler Unified School District – Hartford Elementary DD Review
• Site Plan for Hartford, Phasing Plan
• Finished Site Plan
• Entry
• Entry – Close up view
• Courtyard
• Courtyard – Internal view
• Fields
• Outdoor Learning Space
• Classroom Entry
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS asked if the project would increase student capacity, noting that the
city’s general plan is underway and future population growth should be considered.
MR. DUNN said that current enrollment is about 750 students, a number that has remained
steady, and the new facility will be built to support that same capacity.
Page 11 of 13
MR. ROHRS asked how the redesign would improve traffic, citing heavy congestion during school
drop-off times.
MR. DUNN said that all parent drop-off traffic will shift to Hartford Street. The plan, coordinated
with the city’s traffic engineers, includes on-site queuing to prevent backups. Parents will enter
from the south, loop north for drop-off, then exit south. Bus traffic will be routed separately on
the west side of campus.
MR. NARDUCCI added that the area along Monterey often receives complaints from residents
during events. He noted that the new plan addresses concerns about blocked driveways and
current bus traffic in the area.
VICE MAYOR ELLIS asked for the estimated cost of the project and whether it would involve city
participation like the Galveston project, especially for underground utilities and infrastructure.
MR. DUNN said the project is budgeted at $40 million through school district bond funds and is
on track. He noted that city-related infrastructure improvements, such as roads or utilities, would
fall under the city's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), as is the case with Galveston.
MS. BERRY added that adjacent waste costs will be covered through a dedicated tax.
LEAH POWELL, Deputy City Manager, shared that Public Works is replacing a water main in the
area, with road overlays to follow. She confirmed Hartford is an Envision neighborhood, and the
city is coordinating across departments. Neighborhood outreach has begun, with infrastructure
cited as a top concern. A playground upgrade is planned this year at Navarrete Park, with a $2.4
million renovation scheduled for FY 2030–31.
4. Quick Overview
a. Revitalization of COE (Cooperative Office Education) Program
MR. POMBIER shared that the city is exploring the idea of revitalizing the COE (Career
Opportunities and Education) program. This program previously allowed high school seniors to
spend part of their school day working for the city, gaining real-world job experience. Mr. Pombier
explained that programs like COE are valuable because they help build a talent pipeline for the
city. Many students who participated in the past became long-term employees. One example is
the city’s current DEI Director, Nikki Tapia, who was part of the program 27 years ago. He
emphasized that the city sees this as a strong opportunity to reconnect with the school district
and encourage students to consider careers in local government. City staff are currently having
internal discussions about how to support restarting the program, which they view as a great tool
for attracting and developing future city employees.
MR. POMBIER presented the following presentation.
Page 12 of 13
b. MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) - The 2025 MAG Region in Review
Presentation
• The MAG Region in Review Data Trends Shaping Our Future
• About Mag
• About this Report
• The MAG Region – Map
• Region Highlights
• Population Trends
• Population Change
• A Diverse Population
• Youth Education
• Evolving Housing Patterns
• Housing Vacancy Trends
• Market Trends and Affordability
• Renting Challenges
• Labor Force Trends
• Economic Indicators
• Household Income
• Worker Earnings Trends
• Employers
• Commuting to Work
• Global Connections
• Commercial Real Estate Trends
• Footnotes
Public Comment
LISA CALDERON, 806 S. Emerson St., Chandler, AZ, expressed strong support for the bond
proposal from the city and the school district. She shared that she has been actively talking with
her neighbors to help raise awareness about the upcoming November election, stressing the
importance of voter education. Ms. Calderon thanked the organizers for the opportunity to be
involved and expressed appreciation for their efforts.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 pm.
ATTEST: _______________________
______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Approval Date of Minutes: October 13, 2025
Page 13 of 13
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 3rd day of September 2025. I further
certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
DATED this _______ day of October, 2025.
__________________________
City Clerk