Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 8, 2026
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Meeting Minutes
City Council Regular Meeting
January 8, 2026 | 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 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call
Council Attendance
Appointee Attendance
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Tadd Wille, Acting City Manager
Vice Mayor Christine Ellis
Tawn Kao, Acting 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 Rev Fr Teilo M Lwande AJ, St. Andrew the Apostle.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Ellis.
Consent Agenda and Discussion
City Clerk
1.
Approval of Minutes
Move City Council approve the Council meeting minutes of the City Council Work Session
meeting held on December 8, 2025, the City Council Study Session held on December 8,
2025, the City Council Special Meeting held on December 8, 2025, the City Council Regular
Meeting held on December 8, 2025, the City Council Regular Meeting held on December 11,
2025, and the City Council Special Meeting held on December 15, 2025.
Page 2 of 11
Development Services
2.
Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 5144, Rezoning, PLH25-0016 Havenwood Manor, Generally
Located South of the Southwest corner of Ocotillo Road and Basha Road
Move City Council adopt Ordinance No. 5144, approving PLH25-0016 Havenwood Manor,
Rezoning from Agricultural (AG-1) district to Planned Area Development (PAD) for single-
family residential, subject to the conditions as recommended by Planning and Zoning
Commission.
3.
Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 5145, ANX24-0004, Annexation of approximately 18.64 net
acres and Initial City Zoning located South of the Southwest Corner of Ocotillo Road and
Basha Road
Move City Council adopt Ordinance No. 5145 approving ANX24-0024, annexing 18.64 acres
in an area south of the southwest corner of Ocotillo Road and Basha Road, and approving
initial City Zoning, as recommended by Planning staff.
Facilities and Fleet
4.
Purchase of Floor Covering Products and Installation Services
Move City Council approve the purchase of floor covering products and installation services,
utilizing the 1GPA Contract No. 23-08PV-03-E3, with Diversified Flooring Systems - Phoenix
LLC, and the State of Arizona Contract No. CTR072520, with Spectra Contract Flooring, in
the combined not to exceed amount of $898,200.
Information Technology
5.
Purchase of ESRI Advantage Program for GIS
Move City Council approve the sole source purchase of the ESRI (GIS) Advantage Program,
from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), in the amount of $119,400.
Law
6.
Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 5146, Amending the Code of the City of Chandler, Chapter
14, Article IV, Sections 14-39, 14-40, and 14-41, Relating to Animal Seizure and Post-Seizure
Bond, Hearing and Appeal
Move City Council adopt Ordinance No. 5146, amending the Code of the City of Chandler,
Chapter 14, Article IV, Sections 14-39, 14-40, and 14-41, to change the bond amount to
$500.00 per animal in animal seizure cases and to address procedural due process
protections.
Mayor and Council
7.
Appointment of City Clerk and Approval of Employment Agreement
Move City Council appoint Jennifer Ekblad as City Clerk and approve an Employment
Agreement for the term of January 11, 2026, through January 11, 2027.
Page 3 of 11
Public Works and Utilities
8.
Professional Services Agreement for the Tumbleweed Park Recharge Facility Underground
Storage Facility Permit Modification and Aquifer Protection Permit Amendment Consultant
Services
Move City Council award Professional Services Agreement No. WW2206.102, to Matrix New
World Engineering, Land Surveying and Landscape Architecture, P.C. for the Tumbleweed
Park Recharge Facility Underground Storage Facility (USF) Permit Modification and Aquifer
Protection Permit (APP) Amendment Consultant Services, in an amount not to exceed
$253,407.
9.
Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 5138, Approving the Abandonment of a Retention Basin
Easement Located on 56th Street Between Ray Road and Chandler Boulevard
Move City Council adopt Ordinance No. 5138 approving the abandonment of a retention
basin easement located on the east side of 56th Street between Ray Road and Chandler
Boulevard that is no longer needed for public use.
Consent Agenda Motion and Vote
Councilmember Harris moved to approve the Consent Agenda of the January 8, 2026, Regular City
Council Meeting; Seconded by Vice Mayor Ellis.
Motion carried unanimously (7-0).
Public Hearing
10.
Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Changes to Certain Water, Wastewater and Reclaimed
Water Rates, Fees, and Solid Waste Collection Fees
Open Public Hearing
MAYOR HARTKE opened the public hearing at 6:04 p.m.
Staff Presentation
MATT DUNBAR, Budget & Policy Director, presented the following presentation.
• Utility Rates Public Hearing
• Agenda
• Utilities Rate Change Outreach
• Rate Analysis & Revenue Requirements
• Rate Change Overviews
o Water
o Wastewater
o Reclaimed
o Solid Waste
• Overview of Proposed Ordinances
Page 4 of 11
• Water, Wastewater, Reclaimed & Solid Waste Rate Change Outreach
• Public Outreach: Website
o Public meeting schedule, Council action schedule, process timeline
o Rate changes in % and $ by classification
o Monthly bill calculator, FAQs, Feedback button
o Last Cost of Service (COS) study presentations, COS report
• Public Outreach: Meetings
o City Council Work Sessions, Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, and ongoing updates
o Residential and Non-Residential public meetings 10/9/25 and 10/14/2025
o Met with Chamber, Multi-housing group, emailed 88 HOAs
o Met with individual stakeholders as needed and provided bill change effect estimates
o Information was also communicated in CityScope, Social media posts, and media
releases
o Feedback provided included 2 emails, 1 letter, 5 website comments and 43 captured
social media comments, with a mix of understanding the need, to not in favor of rate
changes, to comments not related to utility rates
• Rate Analysis and Revenue Requirement
o City’s Financial Plan Review – What is the funding requirement?
o Direction was to allocate revenue requirements equally on all classifications and to
adjust the timing of future rate increases to annual adjustments to more quickly
address economic trends and smooth the overall impact of revenue requirement
needs.
• Water Rates
• Major Water Revenue Requirement Drivers Aging Infrastructure & Operating Cost Increases
• Known Water Impacts
o Increasing the rate of replacement of highest and high risk watermains over the next
30 years
o Added a redundant 48” transmission line to reduce the risk of single point of failure
o Increased aging plant improvements and filter media in the 10-year CIP
o Increased water purchase costs of CAP and SRP
o Increased operating cost of treatment chemicals
o Increased power costs (solar savings will help some)
o Increased new and existing personnel costs for certified operators
• Water Revenue Requirement
o Revenue Requirement
o Residential
o Multifamily
o Non-residential
o Industrial
o Landscape
o *Outside city rates will continue at 1.4 times in city rates
• Volumetric and Base Water Rate Changes (15% Revenue Recovery)
• Water Average Bill Example
Page 5 of 11
• Water Conservation
o Tiered rates encourage conservation
Low water users pay less per gallon for the water they use, high water users
pay more
o Chandler offers free water-wise workshops, site visits, and retrofit kits (homes built
prior to 1992)
o Current conservation rebate programs
Residential and commercial grass removal
Non-functional turf removal
Smart irrigation controller installation
• Wastewater Rates
• Major Wastewater Revenue Requirement Drivers Aging infrastructure & Operating Cost
Increases
• Known Wastewater Impacts
o Increasing the rate of replacement of the highest risk lines and 7,000 manholes in
the highest, high, and moderate risk over 30 years
o Added 66” redundant line underneath Loop 202 to allow for existing pipe rehab
o Added Ocotillo Water Reclamation Facility Influent Pump Station construction
o Increased aging plant improvements in the 10-year CIP
o Increased operating costs including treatment chemicals
o Increased power costs (solar savings will help some)
o Increased new and existing personnel costs for certified operators
• Wastewater Revenue Requirement
• Wastewater Rate Changes (15% Revenue Recovery)
• Wastewater Average Bill Example
• Reclaimed Water Rates
• Reclaimed Water Volume Rate Change and Average Bill Example
• Solid Waste Rates
• Solid Waste Rate Change and Average Bill Example
o Major rate driver is collection contract increases these will be part of the February
Fee Schedule Adjustments
• Solid Waste Fee Updates in February Fee Resolution
• In addition to general rate changes discussed:
o Initial Cost of containers for newly constructed residences from $148 to $150
o Adjusts the Special Collection fee for curbside collection from $18.50 to $23.50
o Adjusts the Special Collection fee for alley from $35 to $41.50
o Adjusts the fee for additional bulk collections above free allocation from $35 to $43
o Adjusts RSWCC per ton fees above the initial 400 lbs. covered as free from $50 to 70
o RSWCC visit costs for first 400 lbs (after all free visits used) from $10 to $14
o *All of these are to adjust costs to the current city cost for full cost recovery
• Combined Average Customer Bill Example
• Average Residential Cost Comparison for Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste
• Average Multi-Family Cost Comparison for Water, Wastewater
Page 6 of 11
• Average Non-Residential Cost Comparison for Water, Wastewater
• Average Industrial Cost Comparison for Water, Wastewater
• Average Landscape Cost Comparison for Water
• Proposed Ordinance #5148
o Includes Water, Wastewater, Reclaimed rate changes
o Updated the fee for services outside normal working hours from $27 to $35
o Adjusts language to reflect administrative practice (shall to may)
o Adds clarifying language on using reasonably estimated reads and entering premises
for meter and pipe inspection
o Memo allows for the transfer of $25,000 to support additional Acts-of-Kindness
funding
• Proposed Ordinance #5149
o Does not include Solid Waste rate or fee changes as those will come forward with the
Fee Schedule Change Resolution in February
o Adds clarifying language to definition of covered residence (3 or fewer units)
o Adds clarifying language to container spacing (from 2 to 3 feet), Christmas tree
collection dates (two full weeks), and documentation requirements for RWSCC usage
o Allows for Home-based business waste to be rejected based on type or quantity
o Removes the requirement for annual tonnage reports from private haulers allowing
for those to be provided at the city’s request
• Rate Adjustment Timeline
• Task or Event
o Notice of Intent Adopted (60 days prior to Public Hearing) completed October 16,
2025
o Public Outreach completed Aug-Oct 2025
o Notice of Intent Published in Newspaper (20 days prior to Public Hearing) completed
December 19, 2025
o Feedback to Council on Public Outreach completed November 13, 2025
o Public Hearing/Ordinance First Read Date January 8, 2026
o Ordinance Final Adoption (Can go into effect 30 days after adoption) Date January 22,
2026
o Resolution to Update Citywide Fee Schedule (Solid Waste and other rates & fees) Date
February 26, 2026
o Rates and Fees Effective for March Billing Cycle Date March 2, 2026
• Questions
Council Discussion
MAYOR HARTKE stated that the 15% rates are due to the increase every other year. Council has
decided to investigate an annual increase to reduce the amount the rate must increase yearly. He
commented that Council will plan to address current needs.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if solid waste fees are for special collection times.
Page 7 of 11
MR. DUNBAR said that is correct, regular trash collection is included in a resident’s monthly bill.
This fee is for a special collection, like if someone needed their trash or recycle picked up two
times in one week outside of their normal pickup schedule.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO mentioned that Council is looking into additional ways to make rate
adjustments better for residents and the city. He said he will look for information on adjustments
in the CIP in the upcoming budget process. He asked about how the classes of utility users are
determined.
MR. DUNBAR said the classes are based on the actual cost they put into the system and the
demand for service.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO noted that if a particular entity had a bigger burden, the city would
ensure it is properly compensated, and that the city is not subsidizing their activity. He commented
that five years is a long time between studies and asked if there was a way to examine rates and
cost of service more frequently than five years.
MR. DUNBAR responded that staff is beginning a new cost of service study starting July 1, 2026.
Chandler’s financial policy requires a cost of service study every five to seven years, but a smaller
interval could be used.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said even the reallocation of waters from water sources would
warrant a cost of service study.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if residents receive free bulk pickup service.
MR. DUNBAR answered that residents receive either four bulk trash pickups or trips to the
Recycling Solid Waste Collection Center.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS mentioned that the average resident only uses two visits per year and
confirmed that this information is available online.
MR. DUNBAR said yes.
MAYOR HARTKE suggested staff research private vendors who provide waste pickup for
appliances and other items.
Discussion from the Audience
None.
Close Public Hearing
MAYOR HARTKE closed the public hearing at 6:32 p.m.
Page 8 of 11
Action Agenda Item 11
11.
Introduction and Tentative Adoption of Ordinance No. 5148, to Adjust Certain Water,
Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Rates, Fees, and Processes
Move City Council introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5148 amending the
Chandler City Code Chapter 50, Sections 50-1 through 50-5, Sections 50-7 through 50-9,
Sections 50-11 through 50-12, and Section 50-19 to adjust certain Water, Wastewater and
Reclaimed Water rates, fees, and processes, effective March 2, 2026, and approve a $25,000
transfer from the General Fund, Non-Departmental, Contingency Account, to the General
Fund, Local Social Service Donations Account, to provide additional funding to the Acts of
Kindness (A-OK) program through AZCEND to assist residents in need with utility bills.
Vice Mayor Ellis moved to introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5148 amending the
Chandler City Code Chapter 50, Sections 50-1 through 50-5, Sections 50-7 through 50-9, Sections
50-11 through 50-12, and Section 50-19 to adjust certain Water, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water
rates, fees, and processes, effective March 2, 2026, and approve a $25,000 transfer from the
General Fund, Non-Departmental, Contingency Account, to the General Fund, Local Social Service
Donations Account, to provide additional funding to the Acts of Kindness (A-OK) program through
AZCEND to assist residents in need with utility bills; Seconded by Councilmember Harris.
Motion carried by majority (5-2), Councilmember Orlando and Councilmember Poston dissenting.
Action Agenda Item 12
12.
Introduction and Tentative Adoption of Ordinance No. 5149 Related to Solid Waste
Collections
Move City Council introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5149 amending the
Chandler City Code Chapter 44 sections: 44-1, 44-4 through 44-5, 44-5.3, 44-6 through 44-
7.6 and 44-9.7 related to solid waste collections.
Councilmember Harris moved to introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5149 amending
the Chandler City Code Chapter 44 sections: 44-1, 44-4 through 44-5, 44-5.3, 44-6 through 44-7.6
and 44-9.7 related to solid waste collections; Seconded by Councilmember Orlando.
Motion carried unanimously (7-0).
Action Agenda Item 13
13.
Election of Vice Mayor for a One-Year Term
Move City Council elect a Vice Mayor of the Council with a term beginning January 9, 2026
and ending January 14, 2027.
Mayor Hartke moved to elect Councilmember Encinas as Vice Mayor of the Council with a term
beginning January 9, 2026 and ending January 14, 2027; Seconded by Vice Mayor Ellis.
Page 9 of 11
Motion carried unanimously (7-0).
Unscheduled Public Appearances
MEGAN RICHARDSON, 500 W. Jasper Dr., Chandler, spoke regarding traffic and safety concerns
around Knox Gifted Academy, located on Hartford and Orchid Lane. She noted that there is no
school zone signage in the neighborhood and no crossing guard. She explained that there is
unsafe driving in the neighborhood.
MAYOR HARTKE requested staff follow up with the speaker.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS requested law enforcement to survey the area for traffic calming and
enforcement.
Current Events
Mayor's Announcements
MAYOR HARTKE wished everyone a happy New Year. The new year brings the start of America’s
250th anniversary in Chandler. All year, there will be opportunities to celebrate America's 250th,
including a flag display at city events and through the red, white, and blue pass. The first event is
a 250-lap or 25-mile challenge: run or walk 250 laps around the indoor track at Tumbleweed
Recreation Center or run or walk 25 miles around Tumbleweed Park. This is the first of many fun
events in store all year long. More information on the full lineup of activities can be found at
chandleraz.gov/america250.
MAYOR HARTKE announced the state of the city address on Thursday, February 12, at the
Chandler Center for the Arts, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Council's Announcements
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS shared appreciation for Mayor and Council and looked forward to working
with them as Council continues to serve the city. He thanked his friends and family for their
support. He shared that this role as vice mayor is especially meaningful because this city is his
home and hopes that Council can inspire kids and students and inspire the next generation to
believe in what is possible in Chandler. When students believe they belong and that their voices
matter and that they too can make a difference, the entire community becomes stronger. He
thanked Council for this opportunity and shared gratitude to the residents of Chandler.
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON congratulated Vice Mayor Encinas.
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS congratulated Vice Mayor Encinas and thanked Council for their support
during her term as vice mayor.
Page 10 of 11
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS announced the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, January 17 at Dr. A. J.
Chandler Park, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Residents can enjoy cultural food, vendors, activities,
and performances in the park.
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS shared the Golden Neighbors Safety and Cyber Security event on January
22, where the Chandler Police and IT departments will share strategies for fraud awareness and
online safety from 9:30–11 a.m. at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 250 E. Chicago St.
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO announced the Chandler Discovery Library ribbon cutting on
Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Dr. A. J. Chandler Park. The mobile library offers a book
collection, free Wi-Fi, Culture Passes, a small seed library, and hands-on activities.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS congratulated Vice Mayor Encinas.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS announced the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Awards Ceremony on
Friday, January 16 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The ceremony will honor individuals
whose leadership and dedication reflect the values and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS shared that applications for Chandler boards and commissions are
open and invited residents looking for a meaningful way to serve their community to apply.
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS congratulated Vice Mayor Encinas.
City Manager's Announcements
None.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
ATTEST: _______________________
______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
Approval Date of Minutes: January 22, 2026
Page 11 of 11
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 8th day of January 2026. I further
certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
DATED this _______ day of January, 2026.
__________________________
City Clerk
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Agenda Item No.
Jan. 8 meeting, nos. 2 and 3, rezoning for Havenwood Manor
Comments
I understand that this rezoning and development for Havenwood Manor will move forward. I
want to ask that the Planning Commission and City Council consider a provision to preserve
the Basha water tower that sits on the proposed development site. The tower has been there for
some 40 years, more than two generations of Chandler-Ocotillo residents, and is a highly
visible landmark in the area. It would be a shame to loss this piece of visible history for a few
houses of a new development. Although the developer resists the idea, I suspect that they will
have sufficient revenue from the sale of many very expensive houses to make this contribution
to the community. Thank you!