Minutes of the Work Session held on November 10, 2025 at 4:00 pm

City of Chandler — Regular Meeting (2025-12-08)

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Meeting Minutes 
City Council Work Session 
 
November 10, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. 
Council Chambers Conference Room 
88 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 
 
 
Call to Order 
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Hartke at 4:00 p.m. 
 
Roll Call 
Council Attendance 
 
 
 
 
Appointee Attendance 
Mayor Kevin Hartke  
 
 
 
 
John Pombier, Acting City Manager 
Vice Mayor Christine Ellis   
 
 
 
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney  
Councilmember Angel Encinas   
 
 
Dana DeLong, City Clerk 
Councilmember Jane Poston 
 
 
 
  
Councilmember Matt Orlando   
 
 
Councilmember OD Harris 
 
 
 
 
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins 
 
Staff in Attendance 
 
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer  
Ryan Peters, Deputy City Manager 
Leah Powell, Deputy City Manager 
Alexis Apodaca, Mayor & Council Public Affairs Senior Manager 
Matt Burdick, Communications & Public Affairs Director 
Matt Dunbar, Budget & Policy Director 
Kristi Smith, Financial Services Director 
Jeremy Abbott, Acting Public Works & Utilities Director 
Simone Kjolsrud, Water Resources Manager 
Marge Zylla, Strategic Initiatives Director 
Cristabel Dykstra, Utilities Administrative Support Manager 
Corina Meister, Utility Services Manager 
Danielle Wells, Revenue & Tax Senior Manager

Page 2 of 16 
 
Discussion 
1. 
Proposed Utility Rate Outreach Results, Utility Customer Service, Water Conservation and 
Drought Management Plan 
• Introduction 
• Proposed Utility Rate Outreach Results 
• Utility Customer Service "The Chandler Way" 
• Chandler Water Conservation & Drought Management Plan 
o Water Resources Update 
o Reclaimed Water Update 
o 2-Year Review of Conservation Success 
o Rebate Policy Updates 
o Drought Management Plan Updates 
o Next Steps 
• Public Comment 
• Closing 
 
MAYOR HARTKE called for a staff presentation.  
 
JOHN POMBIER, Acting City Manager, introduced the discussion item. 
 
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer, presented the following presentation.  
• Proposed Utility Rate Outreach Results, Utility Customer Service and Water Conservation & 
Drought Management Plan 
• Proposed Utility Rate Outreach Results 
• Revenue Required for Sustainability of Funds 
• Residential Utility Cost Comparison 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if there are any other rate increases from different communities. 
 
MS. LANG explained that the slide depicts rate increases in the region from around July 2025.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• Utility Rate Outreach 
o In-Person 
▪ Presentation and discussion with Chandler Chamber 
▪ Presentation and discussion with multi-housing group 
▪ Two public informational meetings 
▪ Calculated and communicated rate plans and projected monthly/annual effect 
of bill change to various large industrial users 
o Social Media 
▪ Posted on all platforms about rate changes

Page 3 of 16 
 
▪ Posted public informational meeting times and locations 
▪ Posted responses to clarify misinformation when needed 
o Other 
▪ Posted on City website 
• Presentations 
• Calculator 
• Comment/Feedback Link 
▪ Issued press release for papers 
▪ Published CityScope article 
▪ Posted Adopted Notice of Intent (NOI) 
▪ Emailed 88 HOAs available on the Neighborhood Resources contact list 
▪ Upcoming utility bill messages in Jan/Feb 2026 
o Each group/resident/business we sent specific information to or spoke to did not 
have major concern with proposed rate changes 
o chandleraz.gov/proposedutilityrates has all of the proposed rate information 
• Feedback Received 
o Website 2026 Proposed Utility Rate Changes 
▪ 382 views 
▪ 5 Comments 
o Website Monthly Bill Calculator 
▪ 211 views 
o Social Media 
▪ 3 posts Oct 2, 7 & 12 
▪ 22,600 Impressions/Views 
▪ 1,567 Engagements 
o 2 Public Informational Sessions 
▪ Light public participation 
o Other 
▪ 1 letter 
▪ 2 emails 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked about the difference between impressions, views, and engagements.  
 
MS. LANG explained that impressions are the number of times a piece of content is displayed on 
a screen. A high number of impressions means the information was shown to many users. Views 
are the number of times users actively engage with content, such as liking, sharing, or 
commenting.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation. 
• Feedback Received 
o 8 - Emails (2), Letter (1), Website Comments (5) 
▪ One supported proposed changes

Page 4 of 16 
 
▪ One supports the changes to ensure long-term sustainability 
▪ One support for across-the-board allocation 
▪ One requested more data-based allocation to customer classes 
▪ One requested another study to ensure cost split is accurate 
▪ One concern with overall cost-of-living increases 
▪ One wanted actions to lower costs 
▪ One did not want to have drastic increases like other municipalities 
o 43 Captured Social Media Comments 
▪ 13 – Had comments related to other concerns not utility rate related 
▪ 12 – Generally, not in favor of rate increases 
▪ 6 – While not good news, they understood 
▪ 5 – Did not want to follow other municipality’s drastic increases 
▪ 5 – Some concern with the cost split between residents and businesses 
▪ 2 – Wanted less growth which could reduce costs 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the ratios between the residential and commercial for 
solid waste and wastewater, which could lead to a net overall increase. He inquired what that 
would do for the other areas, referring to the slide Revenue Required for Sustainability of Funds.  
 
MS. LANG explained that other areas maintain a 15% rate, but that rate does not include solid 
waste services.   
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if there would be a blended rate of 12.6%. 
 
MS. LANG explained that most meters were at 15%, which depends on the customer.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked whether the reclaimed water rate has always been 18%. 
 
MS. LANG explained that the reclaimed water rate has been 18%, while the other categories have 
been 15%. The rate model may have displayed rate increases for future rate adjustments.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO confirmed that the rate increase for residents would be 12.6%. 
 
MS. LANG agreed.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• Utility Customer Service “The Chandler Way” 
• Customer Service “The Chandler Way” 
o Utility Billing & Meter Services Teams 
o Goal to provide information and services fairly and accurately to Chandler utility 
customers with a high level of customer satisfaction 
o Highlights

Page 5 of 16 
 
o Provides single point of contact for utilities, billing, and collecting user charges for 
water, wastewater, and sanitation systems 
o Performs billing usage reviews using audit reports 
o Triages high water bills to meter techs or conservation to perform water audits if 
needed 
o Provides water usage educational tools 
o Uses bill messages and electronic bills to communicate water conservation tips, 2x 
consumption, rate changes, rebates, etc. 
o No late fee or shut offs for those impacted by federal shut-down 
o Partners with Neighborhood Resources to triage calls of customers needing 
resources 
o Proactive full meter review to be completed by manufacturer 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said several organizations work with cities in the event of a water 
main break. He asked whether the city has ever considered partnering with one of these 
organizations.  
 
JEREMY ABBOTT, Acting Public Works & Utilities Director, explained that many companies provide 
this service. It is not something the city would be involved in. In the case of a main break, the city 
does its best to provide timely service.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if the city has ever advertised this service.  
 
MS. LANG said she is not familiar. Through the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) 
conversions, the new infrastructure will help protect consumers, reduce bill increases, and assist 
in conservation.  
 
MS. LANG continued the presentation.  
• Customer Service “The Chandler Way” 
o Water/Wastewater/Reclaimed/Solid Waste Rate Change Process 
o Work session during budget process 
o Website with rate information 
o Online bill calculator 
o Customer feedback button 
o Significant customer outreach 
o Public meetings 
o City Scope article 
o Bill message for 2 months prior to change 
o Utility Reps trained to calculate impact 
o Adding additional $25K to A-OK program to help rate payers most vulnerable 
• Rate Adjustment Timeline

Page 6 of 16 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked why the notice of intent is published again. 
 
MS. LANG explained that the rate adjustment public notice is regulated by the Arizona Revised 
Statutes, which sets out a specific deadline.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if the additional $25,000 for the A-OK program is to help 
residents who need utility assistance, and they can apply through the water program.  
 
MS. LANG explained that residents applying for utility assistance through the program will work 
with Neighborhood Resources, which will connect them with the agency through which the funds 
flow.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked how residents can access the application.  
 
LEAH POWELL, Deputy City Manager, explained that the CARES team in Neighborhood Resources 
works with AZCEND, which accepts the application for utility assistance.  
 
SIMONE KJOLSRUD presented the following presentation.  
• Chandler Water Conservation & Drought Management Plan Preparing for water supply 
reductions 
• Agenda 
o Water Resources Update 
o Reclaimed Water Update 
o Water Conservation Programs 
o 2-Yr Review of Conservation Success 
o Rebate Policy Updates 
o Drought Management Plan Updates 
o Next Steps 
• Where does our water come from? 
o Surface Water: snow and rain runs off into rivers, lakes, and streams. The water is 
stored in reservoirs behind dams. 
o Groundwater: water stored underground in the space between sand and gravel.  
• Chandler’s Water Supplies 
• Water Supply Challenges 
o Drinking Water 
▪ Colorado River Shortage (CAP) 
• Permanent reductions to Arizona’s allocation will likely result in a 20% 
to 40% cut for most central AZ water providers 
▪ Salt & Verde Supplies (SRP) 
• Last winter was second driest on record, the 2026 SRP surface water 
allocation has been reduced by half 
▪ Groundwater

Page 7 of 16 
 
• Reduced surface water supplies will result in aquifer draw down 
o Reclaimed Water 
▪ Gila River Indian Community Exchange – 67% of supply 
▪ Serving 400 direct use customers for irrigation and cooling towers – 73 
customers exceeded allocation 2024 
▪ Aquifer recharge helps to manage seasonal demand 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked how much CAP water accounts for in Tucson's water usage.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that water usage in the Tucson area is different from that in the Phoenix 
area. Phoenix-area municipalities take the Colorado River delivered through their treatment plant 
and deliver it through pipes. Tucson-area municipalities send Colorado River water to recharge 
facilities and wells. It is not delivered to a treatment plant. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked when the seven states that use Colorado River water will reach an 
agreement.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said she will discuss that later in the presentation. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• Colorado River Post-2026 
o January 2025 – US Bureau of Reclamation published the Post-2026 Alternatives 
Report, excluding each of the alternatives proposed by the upper basin and lower 
basin states. 
o November 2025 – Deadline for seven state consensus 
o Spring 2026 – reclamation will publish a preferred alternative and develop any 
federal legislation needed to grant additional authorities required to implement the 
preferred alternative 
o Summer 2026 – June/July deadline for final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and 
August deadline for a Record of Decision. Implementation for calendar year 2027.  
• Salt and Verde River Watersheds 
• Salt and Verde Reservoirs 
• Colorado River Conditions 
• Groundwater Supplies 
o In response to surface water shortages, Chandler will rely on groundwater reserves 
or stored water 
o 32 wells provide redundancy 
o 31 active wells 
o 1 new well (in-progress) 
o 2 future well sites reserved 
o Decades of well maintenance and careful planning

Page 8 of 16 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how many SRP wells are in Chandler. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said there are four active SRP wells and two inactive SRP wells. There is one planned 
shared well with SRP that has not been constructed.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked what would happen if SRP wanted to pump well water to 
areas outside Chandler.   
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that the wells are directly connected to Chandler’s distribution system. 
Structural changes would be needed to redirect the well water. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked why does SRP partner with Chandler on the wells in the city.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that Chandler is an SRP shareholder. SRP can meet its responsibilities to 
chandler by delivering water in that way.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE confirmed it is not possible for SRP wells in Chandler to distribute water outside 
of the city.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said that was correct.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• Regional Partnerships and Infrastructure 
o Regional projects provide additional operational flexibility 
▪ Bartlett Dam Modification 
• Funding a feasibility study which evaluates the potential to restore lost 
capacity due to sedimentation and modify Bartlett Dam height to 
increase the available storage space 
▪ SRP/CAP Interconnect Facility 
• Allows for delivery of water stored in the SRP system into the CAP canal 
for delivery to Chandler’s Santan Vista Water Treatment Plant (adjacent 
to the CAP canal) 
▪ Roosevelt Dam Flood Control Space 
• Five-year pilot program to optimize the use of Roosevelt flood control 
space. Opportunities for planned deviations from normal operations, 
extending from 20 days to 120 days.   
 
MAYOR HARTKE said this SRP/CAP Interconnect Facility does not change the destination of SRP 
water. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said that is correct. This infrastructure requires water rights to have water. SRP 
Association water can only be used on SRP member lands would not be a candidate to move

Page 9 of 16 
 
through this system. Alternate water supplies can be used outside of the SRP member lands. If an 
entity has other water supplies, they can use the infrastructure. For example, participants in the 
Bartlett Dam Modification could put their share of that water through the infrastructure.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE confirmed that Chandler’s SRP water would still only be used by Chandler. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD agreed.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• 2024/2025 Water Infrastructure Investments 
o Water treatment investments, new recharge capacity and new wastewater and 
reclaimed metering infrastructure 
o Reclaimed Water Interconnect Facility (RWIF) – New membrane treatment facility to 
increase Chandler’s aquifer recharge and deliver additional water for industrial 
cooling at Intel’s expanded facilities. 
o Two ASR wells at Tumbleweed Park for Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR), with 
improvements to the reclaimed water conveyance infrastructure between the RWIF 
and Tumbleweed. 
o Pecos Water Treatment Plant upgrades improve water quality – new Granular 
Activated Carbon (GAC) filters 
o Reclaimed and Wastewater Meters – Extensive meter replacements and 
infrastructure upgrades 
• 2025 Reclaimed Assessment 
o All reclaimed accounts evaluated for contract compliance in Summer 2025 
o Communication & Education 
▪ Letters sent include 2024 water use, annual allotment, reclaimed agreement, 
description of required permits, irrigation schedules, and customer service 
options 
o Notification of Exceedance 
▪ Letters mailed to 73 accounts to notify of exceedance 
o Conservation Customer Service 
▪ Irrigation scheduling, leak assessments, water budget software, help with 
understanding permits 
o Recent Updates Impacting Reclaimed Water 
▪ Removed exemption from allocation policy, plans to remove exemption from 
the drought Plan, and remove exemption in landscaping ordinances 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the follow up from the notification of exceedance.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD responded that the extra water allotment of the 73 accounts would be freed up to 
assist with the current supply deficit.

Page 10 of 16 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how long it would take to notify all account holders of 
exceedance. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that letters would be sent to all relevant account holders by the end of 
the year. Continued efforts will continue into the next year with these customers to provide 
education and support.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if there has been compliance with this request. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said that 25 out of 73 have responded to the letters and engaged with the 
department to reduce water usage.  
 
VICE MAYOR ELLIS asked for more information on the account exceedance. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said these accounts were billed for all their water usage. The allotment in the 
contract is a specified volume of water with an annual limit. It is looked at on an annual basis. If 
they were using more water than allotted, customers still paid for water usage above their 
allotment. There will be savings by the customer once their water usage is reduced.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked how much water would be saved if these accounts were under 
compliance. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said she would follow up with that information. There are about a dozen that are 
significantly over the allotment. Most accounts have a minimal exceedance; simple actions will 
allow them to come into compliance with their contract. Much of the overuse could be due to 
overwatering of landscaping.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• Chandler Water Conservation 
o Outreach & Education 
▪ Community workshops, water wise site visits and landscape consultations to 
assist residents, HOAs and businesses. 
o Rebates 
▪ Landscape conversions and technology rebates to reduce outdoor water use. 
• Water Demand Trends 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how much agricultural conversion plays into water 
conservation over time. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that this is just examining city municipal water use. The city does not 
serve water to agricultural customers. It is likely served as SRP irrigation or RWCD to agricultural

Page 11 of 16 
 
customers. There may be indirect benefits when agricultural use converts to a developed use, 
such as the reduction of pumping wells.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• Residential Conservation Rebates 
o Grass to Xeriscape Rebate 
▪ $2 per SF of grass converted to xeriscape, up to $3,000 
▪ Landscape must include 50%plant coverage post conversion 
▪ Minimum of 500 SF needs to be removed to qualify 
▪ You need to apply before removing grass 
o Indoor Water Conservation kits (multi-family and homes built before 1992) 
▪ Water efficient showerhead 
▪ Aerators 
▪ Toilet Water Displacement 
o Smart Controller Rebate 
▪ 50% off the purchase price (pre-tax), up to $250 
▪ Must be a WaterSense approved smart controller 
• HOA/Commercial Conservation Rebates 
o Large Landscape Grass Removal Rebate 
▪ Reimburses 25% of the total project cost and an additional $3/Sq Ft for “Non-
Functional” grass. 
▪ Landscape must include 50% plant coverage post conversion. 
▪ Minimum of 5,000 SF needs to be removed to qualify. 
▪ Need to apply before removing grass 
• Water Conservation Successes 
o Grass removal incentives increased October 2023 and program participation has 
significantly increased 
o Single Family Grass Removal – Participation increased 234% after increase to $2 per 
square foot (sq ft) and lowering the minimum from 1,000 to 500 sq ft. Roughly 
132,000 of grass removed since Oct. 2023 and approximately $240,000 in rebates 
($25,000 prior to change) 
o Commercial/HOA Grass Removal – Participation increased 260% after developing a 
Large Landscape Grass Removal (LLGR) Rebate. Roughly 371,000 sq ft of grass 
removed since October 2023, and approximately $770,000 in rebates ($18,000 prior 
to change) 
o Smart Controller Rebate – Residential smart controller rebates nearly doubled to 216 
rebates ($14,500 since Oct. 2023, compared to $7,700 in the prior period). 
o Water Efficient Technology Rebate – New program in Oct. 2023. Thirteen customers 
approved and approximately $171,000 in rebates.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked what the amount is decreasing in the single-family grass removal 
rebate.

Page 12 of 16 
 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that it is currently $2 per square foot, and it will decrease to $1.50 per 
square foot. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if the program is expected to still be popular with the rebate 
decrease. 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD expected a continued participation level at the same level regardless of the 
decrease. Additionally, the current maximum of $3,000 is not reached by most projects submitted. 
Customers have been notified that a change is expected January 1, 2026. Anyone in single family 
grass removal rebate will be approved under the existing policy.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if the current policy would be honored for single family grass 
removal and the commercial/HOA grass removal projects until January 1, 2026.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said yes, the current rebate amount would apply to anyone with an existing project. 
They are working on finding funds to cover the gap until the end of the year.   
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked where in the process someone would need to be to receive the existing 
rate.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said individuals with a Notice of Proceed document would be assured they are 
under the current policy prior to any changes.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• 2025 Conservation Initiatives – City Facilities 
o New sub-meters on select city pools and all city facilities with cooling towers 
o Turf to xeriscape program in city retention basins, $3 Million WIFA grant funding 
(2,000,000+ sq. ft.) 
o City Parks – reduced overseeding, smart controllers for all parks and 13 
basins/medians 
o Partnered with SRP for funding landscape irrigation efficiency evaluations at all city 
parks 
o Consultant completed water efficiency evaluations for large city facilities and 
implemented updates 
• Rebate Policies 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked what the original staff recommendation for rebate policies was when first 
proposed.   
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said when changes were proposed in October 2023, the staff recommendation was 
an increase from $0.20 to $1 per square foot.

Page 13 of 16 
 
 
MAYOR HARTKE commented that this is still a robust program, it seems like there is still engaged 
participation.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked how many large organizations took advantage of the large 
grass removal rebates offered.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD estimated around 35 organizations took advantage of the large grass removal 
rebates offered, and there are 20 HOAs on the waitlist. Applicants were advised that staff cannot 
move forward with any projects until receiving some direction from Council on the action they 
would take on rebate programs.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON commented that it seems like the goal to be able to provide more 
funding for more projects.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that was true, the goal is to adjust the financial components of rebates 
to be able to continue these programs that have been successful.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• Drought Management Plan – Proposed Updates 
o Update drought plan triggers to match current water supply expectations, remove 
reclaimed exemption and update outdated language 
o Stage Triggers – update to reflect new shortage projections for post-2026 Colorado 
River reductions and modify triggers to evaluate supplies based on all surface water 
supplies. 
o Reclaimed Water – remove reclaimed exemption and add language to clarify the 
availability of reclaimed water during a shortage. Reclaimed water users will also be 
asked to conserve during shortages. 
o Update Language – Update references to more current resources available online. 
o Expiration of Drought Stage – One year after issuance or January 1st of a normal water 
supply year. Current plan does not address procedures to determine when a drought 
stage expires.  
• Drought Plan Triggers – Proposed Updates 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked to confirm that the same language is present in the requirements for the 
mayor to declare a state of emergency as the Stage IV water emergency.  
 
KELLY SCHWAB, City Attorney, explained that these items are different, staff will follow up with 
Council to share information on the overlap between these procedures.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how the declaration is put together while balancing many 
factors.

Page 14 of 16 
 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD responded that the next slide will explain more, communication to customers will 
explain the different stages.  
 
MR. POMBIER added that Stage III is where the drought triggers may invoke policy changes. In a 
scenario like this, City Manager and staff would work with Council before bringing anything 
forward for action.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO emphasized communication if Stage III was reached. He asked what 
percentage of a CAP reduction is expected next year.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that Stage III is if all surface water supplies were reduced by more than 
50%. She did not anticipate that level of shortage next year.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked for more information on how policymakers would engage in 
these changes in the future. Any shortages should allow for policy decisions that Council should 
be well-prepared for.   
 
MS. KJOLSRUD shared that mandatory reductions are only present in Stage IV drought planning 
to align with the city’s ability to enforce the reductions and managing to meet customer demand 
for water. If both supplies are reduced by 65% or more, then the city would enter into Stage IV. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked what mandatory water reductions for municipal facilities look 
like.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said deficit irrigation landscaping and city park water reductions.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON commented in Stage III there are mandatory restrictions for municipal 
facilities but it is not defined by how much.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said a 5% reduction is planned for. Current actions for water savings are the turf 
to xeriscape conversion and adjusting parks watering schedules. The goal is to maintain the 
current quality of life while making some adjustments to how water is used.  
 
VICE MAYOR ELLIS said the reason why these stages are here is due to the city’s planning in 
advance of challenges. If Chandler were to enter Stage IV of Chandler’s Drought Management Plan, 
other municipalities and levels of government would likely be taking drought regulation actions.,   
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said at that point, this would be a policy decision with other 
municipalities and levels of government.   
 
VICE MAYOR ELLIS commented she is secure in the ideas of the stages.

Page 15 of 16 
 
 
MS. KJOLSRUD said many municipalities may act after hearing the verdict on the Colorado River 
water in 2026. This drought plan is designed to be specific to Chandler’s water resources. There 
are some political considerations for this subject.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD continued the presentation.  
• Conservation Public Awareness Campaigns 
• Next Steps 
o Drought Management Plan – Proposed updates to Chandler’s Drought Plan will be 
published on the water conservation website and become effective January 1, 2026 
o Water Conservation – Adopt resolution to update rebate policies consistent with 
funding from operating funds instead of WIFA grants. Policies effective January 1, 
2026. 
o Reclaimed Water Agreements – Continue current engagement strategy, offer water 
budgeting software, irrigation strategies and assist customers exceeding their 
allotment. 
o Regional Partnerships – Participate in feasibility of Bartlett Dam Modification, the 
SRP/CAP Interconnect Facility, and maximize investment Roosevelt Dam Flood 
Control Space 
• Questions? 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked if any proposals in the drought plans affect enforcement over HOAs 
mandating overseeding in neighborhoods.  
 
MS. KJOLSRUD explained that her understanding is that the city cannot enforce a drought stage 
on the provisions of an HOA. There are some HOAs that require overseeding, and the city does 
request that HOAs do not enforce this. There may be future political action in the state legislature 
regulating this.  
 
MS. SCHWAB confirmed that information, it may be an action taken by the state legislature.  
 
Public Comment 
None. 
 
Adjourn 
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. 
 
 
 
ATTEST:  _______________________  
______________________________ 
                       City Clerk                                                   Mayor

Page 16 of 16 
 
 
Approval Date of Minutes:  December 8, 2025 
 
 
Certification 
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Work 
Session of the City Council of Chandler, Arizona, held on the 10th day of November 2025.  I further 
certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
DATED this _______ day of December, 2025. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
__________________________ 
                                                         
           City Clerk