Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 10, 2025
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Meeting Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
November 10, 2025 | 6:00 p.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 6:01 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
Invocation
The invocation was given by Prayer Ministry Leader, Stew Bruner, Faith Church.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Encinas.
Scheduled Public Appearances
MAYOR HARTKE invited Councilmember Poston to join him for the recognitions.
1.
Service Recognitions
Jesus Ruiz, Public Works & Utilities – 10 Years
Juan Vidaurri, Fleet – 15 Years
Tyler Service, Police – 15 Years
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2.
Recognition: Community Hero Award - Nick Arreola
MAYOR HARTKE invited Nick Arreola to be recognized. Mayor Hartke shared that Mr. Arreola is an
emergency room nurse who noticed a house fire in a Chandler neighborhood, called for help and
helped evacuate the Quezada family. Mayor Hartke presented Mr. Arreola with the Community
Hero Award for his courage and compassion.
MR. ARREOLA thanked Mayor and Council for the recognition and thanked his family for their
support.
3.
Recognition: Chandler Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Chamber Program of the Year
& Industry Leader of the Year
MAYOR HARTKE invited Terri Kimble, President & CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce,
and members of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to be recognized. He
said that the Chandler Chamber of Commerce received two prestigious awards from the Arizona
Chamber Executives. The Chamber’s Business Retention and Expansion Program was recognized
as an Outstanding Program of the Year, and Terri Kimble was honored with the Industry Award.
MS. KIMBLE welcomed members of the Chandler Chamber Board of Directors who were in
attendance and thanked them for their leadership. She said it is an honor to represent so many
amazing Chandler businesses. Ms. Kimble shared that the business retention and expansion
program has been important for businesses in Chandler as it offers a centralized resource for
businesses.
HILEN CRUZ, Chandler Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, congratulated and thanked Ms.
Kimble who was recognized for her leadership at the Arizona Chamber Executives Conference.
4.
Recognition: 2025 Video Awards
MAYOR HARTKE invited the Video Team to be recognized. Mayor Hartke announced that the City
of Chandler Digital Media division won three prestigious Telly Awards honoring excellence in video
and television: a bronze Sound Design Telly for Twister Trackers, a bronze Motivational and Advice
Telly for The Courage of Our City, and a silver Advocacy and Causes Telly for The Heart of the City.
The team also received three nominations for the Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards. Mayor Hartke
thanked and congratulated the team for high-quality storytelling and production representing
Chandler.
STACY SACCO, Digital Media Manager, thanked Mayor and Council for their support and said she
is very proud of the video team.
5.
Presentation: Season of Giving – AZCEND
MAYOR HARTKE invited Trinity Donovan and Councilmember Poston to share information about
the Season of Giving this holiday season.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON explained that all city events during this season will have food
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donation boxes for community members to donate food at. Chandler Fire will also have a food
donation box at every fire station.
TRINITY DONOVAN, AZCEND CEO, thanked Mayor and Council for sharing this information. She
commented that there has been an increase in need around the Thanksgiving holiday, with more
first-time visitors accessing the community’s food banks. She explained that the most needed
items include canned fruit, canned vegetables, meat, peanut butter, soup, and pasta. Ms. Donovan
also highlighted that financial contributions to local food banks are greatly appreciated.
6.
Recognition: 2025 Employee of the Year Awards
JOHN POMBIER, Acting City Manager, introduced the winners of the Employee of the Year awards.
He explained that employees were voted on by their peers because of the great customer service
they provide to internal customers and to Chandler residents. He invited these employees to be
recognized and noted that these employees exemplify the Chandler way
Ryan Jauregui, Police
Gina Savasta, Public Works & Utilities
Bernita Goldtooth, Management Services
Leslie Peralta, Neighborhood Resources
Stacy Sacco, CAPA (Mayor & Council)
Danielle Schager, General Government
Pia Petruzzi Nelson, Community Services
Krista Mikesell, Information Technology
Taylor Kosareff, Development Services
Scott Onyett, Fire
Douglas Lukes, City Magistrate
Consent Agenda and Discussion
Discussion was held on Item 3.
City Clerk
1.
Approval of Minutes
Move Council approve the meeting minutes of the Council Special Meeting Budget Kickoff
held on October 13, 2025; the Council Regular Meeting held on October 13, 2025; the
Council Study Session held on October 13, 2025; Council Special Meeting held on October
16, 2025; the Council Regular Meeting held on October 16, 2025; and the Council Special
Meeting held on October 22, 2025.
Development Services
2.
Introduction and Tentative Adoption of Ordinance No. 5142, City Code Amendment, PLH25-
0025 Objective Design Standards, amending Chapter 35 Land Use and Zoning and Chapter
48 Subdivisions Pertaining to State-Mandated Requirements Contained in House Bill 2447
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Move City Council introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5142, approving PLH25-
0025 Objective Design Standards, relating to the state-mandated requirements contained
in House Bill 2447, requiring cities to authorize administrative personnel to review and
approve design review plans and plats based on objective standards without requiring a
public hearing.
3.
Introduction and Tentative Adoption of Ordinance No. 5141, City Code Amendment, PLH24-
0024 Middle Housing Overlay District, amending Chapter 35 Land Use and Zoning
Pertaining to House Bill 2721
Move City Council introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5141, approving PLH24-
0024 Middle Housing Overlay District, to allow for duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and
townhomes on all lots zoned single-family residential within one mile of the Chandler's
Central Business District, and at least twenty percent of any new development of more than
ten contiguous acres as a permitted use.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked for a presentation on this item.
DARSY SMITH, Planner, explained that item 3 related to House Bill 2721 must be approved by
January 1, 2026., which requires middle housing, which includes duplexes, triplexes, and
fourplexes to be approved within a mile of the city’s central business district.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO inquired whether the city has any control over middle housing.
MS. SMITH said that was correct, the city does not have control over middle housing as stipulated
in House Bill 2721.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked how this item was brought forward for Council consideration.
MARGE ZYLLA, Strategic Initiatives Director, explained that this item was a policy proposal from
the state legislature as an effect of housing supply concerns. This proposal does threaten local
decision-making. This item was not proposed by the city but is affected by the state’s decisions.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO stated that he understands that this is an item mandated by the
state that takes away local control such as area plans and General Plans. Unfortunately, larger
cities are facing this mandate. He stated that in the future, some items such as historical districts
need to be considered. He asked about federal laws for historic designations, do any of these laws
apply to Chandler’s historical districts.
KELLY SCHWAB, City Attorney, explained that the federal designation does not preempt the state
action. Federal laws for historic designations mostly relate to funding. Federal historic designation
laws differ from the state laws.
MAYOR HARTKE asked if there is interest from legislators regarding historical districts.
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MS. ZYLLA explained that this bill received significant attention. There is some leeway in what is
considered compatible uses for housing within the middle housing overlay district to fit with the
existing housing. Legislators are interested in historical districts.
MAYOR HARTKE said there has been interest from neighborhoods in incorporating middle
housing into the city code outside the overlay.
MS. ZYLLA said that is possible.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked how the city navigates this process while supporting the needs
of the community as it pertains to housing affordability.
MS. ZYLLA said there are a multitude of factors that affect this process.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS emphasized the importance of maintaining historic districts and
requested updates regarding the development of this subject.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked what the penalty for the city is if they do not approve this.
MS. SCHWAB said the city retains some level of control if the item is approved. If the item is not
approved, the state can preempt these requirements over the entire city.
JULIA PALAZZI, 298 N Washington St., said she is a resident of Silk Stocking Historical District, and
shared concerns about preserving the history in the district. She read a letter on behalf of Silk
Stocking resident Yvette Cook.
Dear mayor and members of the city council, I'm writing as a resident and homeowner in the Silk
Stocking Neighborhood Historic District to express my strong opposition to ordinance number
5141, which proposes establishing a middle housing overlay district allowing duplexes, triplexes,
fourplexes, and town homes on all single-family residential lots within one mile of Chandler's
central business district. This proposal stands in direct contradiction to the historic preservation
district overlay that the city council adopted in April 2024 for a portion of the silk stocking
neighborhood district. That overlay was the result of a year's long community-driven effort led
by silk stocking residents in partnership with the city's planning division, the historic preservation
commission, and the city council itself. The purpose of the historical preservation overlay is to
preserve in the architectural integrity, visual harmony, and historic significance of one of
Chandler's most cherished neighborhoods. The Silk Stocking Neighborhood historic district is
deeply tied to Chandler's history. Many homes here represent early ranch craftsmen and
Spanish colonial revival styles and several were once owned by families central to Chandler's
early growth including the Basha Bogle and Serrano families. Notably Arthur Price, Chandler's
first city attorney and personal friend of Dr. Chandler, also resided here. These homes and them
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setting collectively tells the story of Chandler's formative years. I appreciate hearing your support
tonight.
MELISSA LALICH, 265 N. Colorado St., said that it seems like this bill resulted from the current
housing situation, and this is being done at the expense of historic housing. The one-mile radius
was lobbied for because it originated with the overlay applying to the entire city. However, the
one-mile radius of downtowns in cities of a certain size is where a majority of historic districts and
buildings may be. New structures may disturb the characteristics of an established historic
neighborhood.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked about how the boundaries of the central business district as
listed in the bill were chosen.
MS. SMITH explained that the central business district was previously adopted by resolution in
2019.
COUNCILMEMBER ENCINAS asked how the district was created and asked if any location is more
appropriate.
MS. SMITH said that the bill states the district is within the downtown area, which the city’s central
business district includes.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS suggested reexamining the central business district map before
approving this item.
KEVIN MAYO, Acting Development Services Director, explained that the central business district
map was created for federal funding, economic development, and downtown redevelopment. He
advised against waiting to approve this item, as the item won’t become effective in time to fulfill
the state requirement.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said he would like more time to consider the central business district
map relevant to this item.
MAYOR HARTKE asked what else is at risk if this item is not approved.
MS. SCHWAB explained that the city’s share of state-shared revenues may be at risk if this item is
not approved. Additionally, the central business district was created statutorily, the process in
place for amending the district would not give the city enough time to comply with the state
mandate. Changing the district could affect funding through rebate and blight funding. She
cautioned there are some risks to continuing this item.
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MAYOR HARTKE noted that there is some desire from the legislature to adapt to historical districts.
There is the possibility of working with legislators in the future to pull historical districts out of this
middle housing overlay. He asked what the timeframe for this Council item is to become effective.
MS. SCHWAB answered that this is the first reading of this ordinance. It requires a second reading,
which is scheduled for Thursday, November 13. Thirty days after the date of the second reading
the ordinance goes into effect. She added that the city’s central business district was developed
in 2012, it provided economic incentives through tax rebates, which could be at risk if this is
changed.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said he would like more information on the item.
MAYOR HARTKE said Council has limited ability to delay this item.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if the district could be revisited after the middle housing overlay
item is approved.
MS. SCHWAB said she is unsure if the central business district could be revisited after the middle
housing overlay item is approved. However, she read from the house bill that “if a municipality
does not adopt the regulations required by this section on or before January 1, 2026, middle
housing shall be allowed on all the lots in the municipality zoned for single-family residential use
without any limitations.” She will look into the issue of changing the central business district and
have an answer to Council quickly.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON said she would vote yes on this item but encouraged staff to discuss
this issue further with state lobbyists and to support issues of local control.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS requested that additional information be provided before Council’s
second reading of the ordinance.
MAYOR HARTKE recommended that Council approve this item tonight, allowing staff to follow up
on the requested information before the second reading of the ordinance.
MR. MAYO added that there is no way to reconfigure the central business district to protect the
Silk Stocking neighborhood. He advised that reducing the size of the central business district
would not achieve the Council's goals and would affect existing funding for sites within the district.
He suggested that the best path forward would be to work with state legislators in the next
legislative session to exempt historic districts from the middle housing overlay.
MR. POMBIER said he is hesitant to move the central business district due to unexpected
unintended consequences. He said staff can look into how to change the district after adopting
this ordinance and encouraged political action in the future to exempt historic districts.
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Public Works and Utilities
4.
Final Adoption of Ordinance No.5136, Granting a Non-Exclusive Power Distribution
Easement to Arizona Public Service Company, as Part of the Frye Road Protected Bike Lane
Project
Move City Council adopt Ordinance No. 5136 granting a non-exclusive power distribution
easement to Arizona Public Service Company (APS), an Arizona corporation, at no cost, as
part of the Frye Road Protected Bike Lane Project ST2106.
Consent Agenda Motion and Vote
Councilmember Orlando moved to approve the Consent Agenda of the November 10, 2025,
Regular City Council Meeting with the stipulation added to Item 3: changing the allowance of two
households living independent from each other to four households living independent of each
other; Seconded by Vice Mayor Ellis.
Motion carried unanimously (7-0) with the exception of Item 3 which passed by a majority (5-2),
Councilmember Harris and Councilmember Encinas dissenting.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
ATTEST: _______________________
______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
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 Regular
Meeting 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