Planning and Zoning Special Meeting Minutes 01.07.2026

Meeting Minutes
Planning and Zoning Commission
Special Meeting

January 7, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.

Chandler Museum C..2. CHANDLER
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300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler, AZ Community of Innovation

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Koshiol at 5:32 p.m.

Roll Call

Commission Attendance Staff Attendance

Chairman Rick Heumann* David de la Torre, Acting Planning Admin.
Vice Chairman Sherri Kohshiol Lauren Schumann, Principal Planner
Commissioner Charlotte Golla Kevin Mayo, Acting Development Services Director
Commissioner Michael Quinn Darsy Smith, City Planner

Commissioner Tom Bilsten Thomas Allen, Assistant City Attorney
Commissioner Ryan Schwarzer Dan Cahalane, Associate Planner
Commissioner Tracy DuCharme Danielle Smee, Clerk

*= virtual attendance

Absent
N/A

Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Chair Koshiol.

Scheduled and Unscheduled Public Appearances

Members of the audience may address any item not on the agenda. State Statute prohibits the
Board or Commission from discussing an item that is not on the agenda, but the Board or
Commission does listen to your concerns and has staff follow up on any questions you raise.

Discussion

1. General Plan Update, Chandler 2026 General Plan: evolving the Chandler way
As required by Arizona Revised Statute (9-461.06), the Planning and Zoning Commission
will hold two public hearings at different locations within the municipality to obtain
public input and promote citizen participation. This is the first of two public hearings,
and, therefore, no action will be taken by the Planning and Zoning Commission at this
hearing.

LAUREN SCHUMANN, PRINCIPAL PLANNER, presented the General Plan Update 2026; evolving the
Chandler way. MS. SCHUMANN provided information on the timeline that occurred for
constructing the 2026 General Plan, including the events held throughout the year that helped
provided valuable feedback from Chandler citizens.

MS. SCHUMANN shared a general overview of what a General Plan is as well as the updates that
are being made to Chandler's 2026 General Plan with the assistance of the public and the Resident
Advisory Committee. Updates included minor changes such as policy updates, timelines,
reference plans, future land use maps, and grammar. Major changes included an updated vision
statement and altered growth areas (reduced numbers of growth areas from the previous plan)
and an added implementation table and action plan to be held accountable for the future goals
of the city.

MS. SCHUMANN concluded her presentation with a review of the comments made by the public
and the Resident Advisory Committee, as well as ways that these comments and concerns were
addressed within the document. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Department asked for
additional language to be added in the plan for Urban Forestry to better plan for a sustainable
future with the use of native trees. There was a total of 127 comments made and 89 revisions
occurred to the General Plan, resulting in a final draft for review by the Resident Advisory
Committee. The Resident Advisory Committee approved the document.

MS. SCHUMANN opened the floor for questions and comments, informing commissioners that
any changes they wished to see would have to be addressed formally at the January 21, 2026
Planning and Zoning Commission hearing when a vote is being taken.

VICE CHAIR KOSHIOL made note to the clerk that COMMISSIONER BILSTEN did arrive late (5:39
PM) but is present.

CHAIR HEUMANN noted that he did abstain from voting on the General Plan at the Resident
Advisory Committee and will vote at the Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing on January 21,
2026. He noted it was a strong General Plan going forward, with input from citizens and many
events that were well done. CHAIR HEUMANN thanked staff for their work on this project.

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COMMISSONER GOLLA inquired about the urban forestry element presented, specifically about
using native trees. MS. SCHUMANN reported that Chandler does have an urban forester who is
looking at planting trees that are sustainable and will survive, looking at getting more trees in the
city that are native to the area.

COMMISSIONER SCHWARZER asked how landscaping would be enforced in areas around the city,
including replacing trees and plants when they die. MS. SCHUMANN reported that Neighborhood
Preservation (formally known as Code Enforcement) would oversee enforcing those
requirements, with Planning staff reviewing landscaping for future projects as they come. It is
noted that this is no longer only “complaint” driven but is now going to be more proactive with
developers and business to ensure plants get replaced as needed.

COMMISSIONER BILSTEN asked about adequate transportation facilities and how that would be
measured in the future. MS. SCHUMANN shared that Traffic Engineering is included in projects to
be sure adequate transportation can be supported within the city. MS. SCHUMANN noted that the
General Plan is flexible and does not have to “check a box.” COMMISSIONER BILSTEN shared that
this part of the General Plan appeared to be “a gray area” as things like autonomous vehicles,
increase use of ride shares, and people working from home and giving up a vehicle are more
prevalent. MS. SCHUMANN thanked COMMISSIONER BILSTEN for his feedback.

VICE CHAIR KOSHIOL opened the meeting to any additional speakers.

BOYD DUNN, CHAIRMAN OF THE RESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, spoke to his experience
with the Resident Advisory Committee, speaking positively of the committee, staff and the
consultant.

TERESA WARNICK, 264 N EVERGREEN STREET, CHANDLER, addressed the group stating she had
attended several events throughout the city pertaining to the General Plan and that she was in
support of the document and staff.

TERRI HOGAN, CONSULTANT FOR LOGAN SIMPSON, complimented Planning staff, stating that
staff has “been a pleasure to work with.”

Consent Agenda Motion and Vote
There was no vote taken at this meeting.

Member Comments/Announcements

VICE CHAIR KOSHIOL introduced and welcomed new commission member, TRACY DUCHARME.
DAVID DE LA TORRE also welcomed COMMISSIONER DUCHARME.

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Calendar
The next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be held on January 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM
in the Chandler City Council Chambers, located at 88 E Chicago Street, Chandler.

Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

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David de la Torre, Secretary Rick Heumann, Chairman

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