Minutes of the Work Session held on February 26, 2026

Meeting Minutes 
City Council Work Session 
 
February 26, 2026 | 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 4:10 p.m. 
 
Roll Call 
Council Attendance 
 
 
 
 
Appointee Attendance 
Mayor Kevin Hartke  
 
 
 
 
John Pombier, City Manager 
Vice Mayor Angel Encinas, arrived at 4:23 pm  
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney 
*Councilmember Christine Ellis  
 
 
Jennifer Ekblad, City Clerk 
Councilmember Jane Poston 
 
 
 
 
Councilmember Matt Orlando  
**Councilmember OD Harris 
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins 
 
*Councilmember Ellis attended virtually 
**Councilmember Harris attended virtually and arrived in-person at 4:33 p.m. 
 
Staff in Attendance 
 
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager  
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer  
Ryan Peters, Deputy City Manager 
Leah Powell, Deputy City Manager 
Matt Burdick, Communications & Public Affairs Director 
Tawn Kao, Deputy City Attorney 
Thomas Dwiggins, Fire Chief 
Riann Balch, Neighborhood Resources Director 
 
 
Discussion 
1. 
Presentation and Update regarding Opioid Response Program

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MAYOR HARTKE called for a staff presentation.  
 
TADD WILLE, Assistant City Manager, introduced the discussion item. 
 
THOMAS DWIGGINS, Fire Chief, presented the following presentation.  
• Opioid Response Program 
o Program Results and Request for Expansion, February 26, 2026 
• ORU Program Timeline 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if there is a budget associated with this item. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS answered that a budget is not included in this presentation. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS continued the presentation.  
• Opioid Response Deployment Model 
o Staffed with 1 FTE and 1 Intern 
o Operational M-F 8am-5pm 
o Deployed from FDHQ 
o After Hours Coverage from CR Unit 
o Scope of Practice: Opioids 
o Backup Crisis Response 
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked about the current work hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through 
Friday and if that works for the need seen in the community for these services.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS explained that the current work hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through 
Friday were implemented in this pilot program because the hours of need were unknown. Normal 
peak times for calls to the Fire Department at largely are between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. They have 
learned that the opioid response is needed at different times. One problem encountered when 
providing services after 5 pm is that other partner organizations are often not open at that time, 
leaving patients to wait until services reopen. There are other resources besides treatment 
centers, but treatment centers are open 24/7. The plan presented tonight proposes different 
working hours for the team. Even though many of these calls occur outside operational hours, 
they are still served by the Fire Department.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS continued the presentation.  
• Four Core Services 
o 911 RESPONSE 
 911 Response to All Overdose Incidents 
o NAVIGATION 
 Navigation Assistance for Treatment Facilities and Insurance

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o PREVENTION 
 Narcan Distribution and Training 
o EDUCATION 
 Prevention, Identification, and Treatment Education 
• RESPONSE 
o ON SCENE ASSESSMENT, NAVIGATION, EDUCATION 
 Dispatched to all overdose incidents regardless of suspected substance 
 Dispatched to all incidents of suspected opioid abuse 
 Dispatched to any incident where an assessment or education is appropriate 
• TREATMENT FACILITY & INSURANCE NAVIGATION 
o Treatment 
 Partnership with 13 local facilities for 24/7 access to beds 
o Insurance  
 Benefit evaluation and service provider identification 
o Intake 
 In-home assessment and screening 
o Transportation 
 Packing and transportation from front door to back door 
 
MAYOR HARTKE referenced out of 21 individuals who successfully received transportation 
assistance from the ORU and completed full treatment last year, how many more individuals 
needed care that were unable to complete full treatment. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said more data will be shared later in the presentation, but the success rate to 
that level of care is likely less than 25% experiencing that outcome. There are many other 
resources available to patients. ORU follows up with patients to evaluate their needs. A treatment 
facility is not the answer for every case.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS continued the presentation.  
• OVERDOSE DEATH PREVENTION 
o Narcan Distribution 
 Narcan distribution at public and private events including resident requests 
o Narcan Education 
 Administration, education, and signs and symptoms of opioid overdose 
• EDUCATION 
o Public Events 
 Fire Station Open House, Senior Expo, Airport Day, Public Safety Day 
o School Education 
 Dangers of prescription medications 
o Neighborhoods 
 Block Parties, HOA Meetings, Health Events 
• 2025 ORU PROGRAM DATA

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o RESPONSE 
 159 total number of responses to overdose incidents and suspected abuse 
o NAVIGATION 
 108 total number of follow ups with 911 patients and crew referrals 
o PREVENTION 
 1,292 total number of Narcan kits distributed throughout Chandler 
o EDUCATION 
 67 total number of education events to include public events, business 
requests, and follow ups 
• OPIOID DATA: MEASURING PROGRESS 
• OPIOID INCIDENT DEMOGRAPHICS 
• Chandler Fire Department Opioid Related Incidents Calendar Year 2025 
 
RIANN BALCH, Neighborhood Resources Director, continued the presentation.  
• SOBER LIVING SERVICES 
o Provides safe, substance-free housing where people can rebuild their lives, 
strengthen their recovery foundation, and develop the skills necessary for long-term 
sobriety and self-sufficiency 
o Removes a leading trigger for relapse 
o Reduces overdose risk during the highest vulnerability 
o Creates a clear pathway to permanent, independent housing 
o Builds accountability and support 
o Provides connections to services and support systems 
o Builds employment, life skills, and financial stability 
o Decreases reliance on ERs, shelters, and justice system 
o Reduces returns to homelessness 
• SOBER LIVING PROGRAM DATA 
• SOBER LIVING PROGRAM DATA 
• PROPOSED EXPANSION OF ORU 
o CURRENT 
 STAFFING  
• 1 FTE & 1 Intern 
 OPERATIONS 
• M-F 8am-5pm 
 SCOPE 
• Opioid Incidents 
o PROPOSED 
 STAFFING 
• 2 FTEs & 2 Interns 
 OPERATIONS 
• M-SU 8 am-7 pm 
 SCOPE

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• All Overdoses 
• LONG TERM FUNDING STABILITY 
 
KELLY SCHWAB, City Attorney, added that the funding displayed on the slide is without any 
additional settlements, but the city will likely pursue more. There will likely be additional funds 
from other settlements, this amount represents the amount known today.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked if there are enough sober living spaces in the city to handle 
the estimated number of cases. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS explained that sober living is under Ms. Balch’s purview. Treatment centers are 
already backing up. One of the ORU's largest concerns is the availability of beds in treatment 
centers. Chandler has access to a small number of facilities that will have to grow.  
 
MS. BALCH explained that their department looks for sober living facilities that meet certain 
standards to provide clients with structure and accountability. They are developing new 
agreements with eight service providers. There is enough to meet the need now. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO noted that some facilities recently closed, citing a lack of Medicare 
funding. He asked whether the department has long-term contracts with facilities to ensure 
funding certainty. 
 
MS. BALCH said the current process is to offer a year contract with the option to renew. They 
currently contract with eight facilities.  
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS asked how the information about Chandler’s free NARCAN distribution 
spread to other cities and towns.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said that information from the Arizona Department of Health Services about 
free NARCAN directs people to Chandler. Chandler distributes NARCAN at public events and 
provides it free of charge to anyone who needs it. Over 1,200 kits have been given out.  
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS requested more information about this program to be shared with 
Chandler residents. He asked whether there is data supporting the proposed extended hours.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said the department collects data from peak timelines where symptoms and 
treatments can be searched, and trends will be displayed. Most trend lines for other symptoms 
and treatments have peak times from noon to 5 p.m., but the peak time for opioid use is between 
6 and 8 p.m. There are opioid cases on Saturday and Sunday. Out of the 201 opioid use related 
calls that the ORU could not respond to, he is confident that with the adjustment to staffing time, 
50% could be served by the ORU. A 24/7 ORU is not currently feasible. The crisis response unit is

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trained. The goal is to have each patient in the hospital connected with an ORU member before 
discharge.  
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS noted that the current scope is opioid related incidents and asked if the 
funds from the settlement would be able to be used for the expanded scope to include all 
overdoses outside of opioids.  
 
TAWN KAO, Deputy City Attorney, mentioned that certain requirements must be met.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS added that they met with the state and Maricopa County about the distribution 
and use of these funds for this purpose and that they determined it was allowed. They considered 
that overdoses of any kind could lead to potential opioid use. Chandler’s program is the model for 
the state. All of Chandler’s efforts funded by that fund are going toward prevention or services to 
provide people with permanent help.  
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS confirmed that the settlement funds were being appropriately used. 
 
MS. SCHWAB said the city will remain in full compliance with state requirements for these funds.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS thanked staff for the presentation and for clearly explaining Chandler’s 
program. She thanked Chief Dwiggins for the program's continued success. She asked how 
Chandler can expand its partnership with hospitals to improve patient outcomes.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said the Fire Department works very closely with the hospitals. Paramedics work 
under the ER physician’s license and are fully on board with supporting this. This care benefits 
hospitals by reducing patient return visits. The hospitals have teams that provide this information 
and care as well, but they are overwhelmed and accept any outside support. The Fire Department 
has provided this service to any patient who has made a 911 call to the hospital. He anticipates 
the hospitals will be supportive of continuing this care, as ORU service hours may change, and 
that discharges will be held until a patient can be addressed by the Fire Department.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS said she was glad to hear about the continuity of care provided to these 
patients in partnership with the hospitals. She asked if there are any plans to increase the number 
of contracts with sober living facilities, and how long-term care is supported.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said as the Fire Department expands its services and responds to more overdose 
patients, the concern is that there may not be the bed availability they have today. Facility 
placement depends on the patient’s insurance status. The goal is to reduce the barriers to 
treatment to benefit the patient.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS asked how care will continue for patients placed in facilities outside 
Chandler.

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CHIEF DWIGGINS explained that the ORU team conducts patient assessments, intake, and 
transportation. Once someone is in treatment, the ORU's services stop. Once someone is 
discharged from treatment, follow-up may come from Neighborhood Resources and the Police 
Department’s behavioral unit. The next step is to increase efficiency among these three teams and 
support one another. The program will grow stronger as the three departments work together to 
implement it.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS recognized the work of Grant Woods, who litigated in the settlements 
regarding the opioid crisis.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked about long-term funding stability and whether the $2.8 million 
available in July 2026 is a projection for the next four months.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said it is what the city is bringing in right now.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if the funding amount until 2038 is a projection based on 
current incoming funds. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS acknowledged that the funding amount can be confusing. The settlement funds 
and their use were recently audited to ensure that funds are being used appropriately. The state 
produces a document detailing the settlements coming in for cities to use. This projection 
presented today only accounts for settlements the city is already involved in. They predict they 
can support this program through 2039 with the current funding, and as additional funds are 
pursued, then services can be provided longer.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked if they are expecting additional opioid settlements. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS said yes. 
 
MS. SCHWAB confirmed yes, more settlements are expected. 
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS continued the presentation.  
• RECOMMENDATIONS 
o 1 Approve Funding 
 Authorize additional funding for (1) FTE, (1) PD Vehicle, and funding for sober 
living 
o 2 Authorize FTE 
 Approve the recruitment and hiring of (1) Crisis Interventionist and (1) Intern 
o 3 Expand Scope 
 Expand response scope to include all overdoses outside of opioids 
o 4 Implement Plan

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 Recruit and hire new FTE and Intern, create policy for expanded scope, deploy 
resources 
• QUESTIONS? 
 
MAYOR HARTKE noted that this program is entirely grant and settlement funded and not paid for 
out of the general fund.  
 
MS. SCHWAB confirmed that settlement funds can be used for opioids use disorder and substance 
use disorder.  
 
2. 
Presentation and Update regarding City Council Strategic Framework Action Plan 
 
MATT BURDICK, Communications & Public Affairs Director, presented the following presentation.  
• Strategic Framework Executive Action Plan 2026-2027 
• Vision and Brand 
o Our Vision: 
 We are a world-class city that provides an exceptional quality of life. 
o Our Brand: 
 A safe, diverse, equitable and inclusive community that connects people, 
chooses innovation and inspires excellence. 
• Future Focus 
o Planning and wise investments position Chandler for the future. 
o City Council’s focus areas provide the strategic planning framework of priorities that 
guide the city’s decision making.  
o Each focus area highlights ways we are focused on the future. 
• Community Safety: Focus Area 
o Ensuring community safety through: 
 Community-based policing and engagement through a presence in 
neighborhoods and schools. 
 The care provided by a municipal ambulance service and accredited 
paramedic training program. 
 The enhanced capabilities for crime prevention and investigation enabled by 
the development of a Police Forensic Sciences facility. 
 Technology that advances community safety and efficiency of public safety 
resources. 
 The attraction and retention of the next generation of our public safety 
workforce.  
• Community Safety: Action Plan 
o Create a faith-based police advisory board. 
o Publish the Community-based Risk Reduction Strategic Plan. 
o Continue the School Education Engagement program in elementary and middle 
schools.

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o Complete the design of the Police Forensic Sciences facility and train staff to perform 
enhanced services. 
o Expand the police department’s Real Time Operations Center software. 
o Explore the Drone for First Responder Program for citywide implementation. 
o Expand the pipeline of prospective police talent through the police aide and cadet 
programs.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked what the points “Create a faith-based police advisory board” 
and “Publish the Community-based Risk Reduction Strategic Plan” mean.  
 
MR. BURDICK explained that the faith-based police advisory board is an item the Police 
Department identified, in which pastoral resources across the community will be collected to 
share insights into what they are experiencing in their congregations. It will be another 
opportunity for the police to hear from the community about what is important to them.  
 
CHIEF DWIGGINS added that the Community-based Risk Reduction Strategic Plan was a Fire 
Department item. It is a different way of looking at risk within the city and of creating a strategic 
plan to prevent incidents. It uses real-time data for points such as fires, EMS calls, and fall 
prevention. This plan is being developed with community partners, including hospitals, 
businesses, and city facilities, to determine how to respond to and prevent emergencies.  
 
JOHN POMBIER, City Manager, said that the faith-based police advisory board is second-
generation community policing, intended to create a network for discussion and resources to 
serve the faith community and provide information to the Police Department.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE provided context and added that during previous community movements, police 
met with pastors to learn from and engage with one another.  
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS asked about point three, “Continue the School Education Engagement 
program in elementary and middle schools”.  
 
MR. BURDICK said this is the program in which active and retired police officers engage 
elementary school-age students before they reach middle or high school.  
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.  
• Community Safety: Action Plan 
o Write policies and procedures for ambulance operations and incorporate emergency 
medical technician curriculum into training for the incumbent workforce. 
o Approve mutual and automatic aid agreements for ambulance service with other 
cities. 
o Recruit and hire staff to support the ambulance program.

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o Implement an asset management program to produce emergency medical supply 
distribution efficiencies. 
o Explore recruitment and retention strategies for specialized members of the fire 
department workforce. 
o Develop videos that educate the community on protective orders for domestic 
violence victims and provide virtual hearings in partnership with domestic violence 
shelters. 
o Provide an online reservation process to see a judge. 
o Provide court externships and high school volunteer hours.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE suggested that if Council has any action items or focus area notes they would like 
to add, they should follow up in one-on-one meetings with the City Manager.  
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.  
• Connectivity: Focus Area 
o Forward-thinking transportation and technology networks with: 
 Safe, attractive and well-maintained roadways, bike paths and transportation 
infrastructure.  
 Integrated micro-transit services and other forms of mobility that connect 
people with local destinations. 
 Advanced fiber and wireless technology networks that connect people and 
businesses. 
 Investments in transportation infrastructure that supports commerce and the 
viability of neighborhoods. 
 Resident input and communication that follow best practices and promotes 
awareness of upcoming roadway projects and neighborhood improvements. 
• Connectivity: Action Plan 
o Continued investment in roadway maintenance. 
o Integrate trails and an analysis of sidewalk gaps into the city’s transportation master 
plan for possible retrofitting. 
o Incorporate public transportation service for key areas of Chandler. 
o Analyze micro-transit needs and gaps in service areas. 
o Complete the Fiber Master Plan. 
o Seek regional participation for funding of the city’s transportation projects. 
o Improve and streamline communications for the public to promote awareness of 
construction projects on city streets.  
 
MR. POMBIER noted that the emergency sewer line repair on Chandler Blvd. and Delaware St. 
messaging is a real example of point seven, “Improve and streamline communications for the 
public to promote awareness of construction projects on city streets”. 
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.

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• Economic Vitality: Focus Area 
o Strategic economic development through: 
 A future focus that preserves employment areas for business expansion and 
quality job creation.  
 Proactive public infrastructure investments that lower development costs for 
desired infill and economic development with long-term returns for the city.  
 Promoting chandler’s favorable ecosystem and business environment to 
attract financial partnerships and capital investments that further the city’s 
economic development goals.  
 A modern airport that supports business aviation and job creation through 
airpark area employment.  
 Workforce development partnerships with higher education, trades and 
industries that keep Chandler’s next generation of talent locally.  
 Streamlined development processes that create a reputation or excellence 
trusted by private sector developers and businesses. 
 Attraction of targeted industries and unique retail destinations. 
 Downtown development that promotes the city’s cultural heritage, economic 
vitality, safety and walkability.   
• Economic Vitality: Action Plan 
o Update the integrated utilities master plan for proactive investment in utility 
infrastructure. 
o Seek voter renewal of the Arizona Public Service Franchise Agreement, 
o Engage regional and state utility providers to ensure the generation and distribution 
needs are being prioritized to support the attraction of technology industries.  
o Perform federal and state advocacy to protect water and power resources as well as 
local control for development decisions. 
o Conduct an airport runway extension impact study. 
o Continue strategic employment development through the preservation of land for 
target industry clusters.  
o Deepen existing partnerships with Arizona State University, University of Arizona, 
East Valley Institute of Technology and Chandler Unified School District.  
o Produce communications to support workforce development initiatives.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked about the point, “Produce communications to support 
workforce development initiatives.”  
 
MR. BURDICK explained that workforce development is an important economic vitality goal, and 
the action item is to improve marketing and promotion of the programs available to increase 
awareness.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE noted that a recent presentation to companies interested in CUSD student 
interns had a great turnout.

Page 12 of 16 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about what the intended goal is for the point “Deepen existing 
partnerships with Arizona State University, University of Arizona, East Valley Institute of 
Technology, and Chandler Unified School District.” 
 
MR. BURDICK said this pertains to workforce development.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about the participation of labor associations or trade 
workforces.  
 
MR. POMBIER explained that the city's focus now is to work in partnership with existing education 
options like CGCC and EVIT to create additional pathways to careers and success beyond attending 
a state university.  
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.  
• Economic Vitality: Action Plan 
o Perform an annual review of code updates that allow for administrative approvals 
and seek consistent policy direction for implementation. 
o Actively participate in the International Council of Shopping Centers. 
o Continue development of the Washington Street Alignment focusing on 
neighborhood preservation to the east, adaptive reuse development to the west and 
pedestrian connectivity tying downtown to the Southside Village Neighborhood.  
o Educate and encourage development options updated in the Downtown Region Area 
Plan via a Downtown Summit. 
o Complete the wayfinding phase two project to encourage walkability, placemaking 
and identifying parking options within downtown. 
o Continue alleyway improvements to increase safety, pedestrian accessibility and 
beautification.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO asked about a plan for redevelopment of the four corners project. 
These street corners have been under focus for a while, and only one of the corners has been 
revitalized.  
 
MR. POMBIER said he will follow up with Council.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE said the lack of action could be market driven.  
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.  
• Neighborhoods: Focus Area 
o Destinations for people to live with an emphasis on diverse housing products for 
home ownership. 
o Designated housing corridors for infill and redevelopment projects that create 
housing, employment and retail uses.

Page 13 of 16 
 
o Land trusts that create affordable, high-quality workforce housing options for 
students, teachers and young professionals. 
o Projects that promote reinvestment in traditional neighborhoods through 
infrastructure and park maintenance that support cleanliness and community pride. 
o Innovative neighborhood engagement programs and partnerships with Chandler 
schools to develop investments and enhance neighborhoods. 
o Advocacy that seeks to protect neighborhoods from state legislative impacts and 
commercial blight. 
• Neighborhoods: Action Plan 
o Create model plans for the types of housing Chandler needs. 
o Complete the Comprehensive Housing Plan. 
o Designate housing zones and identify how housing and mixed-use developments fit 
in employment areas. 
o Form a Chandler land trust entity under the Chandler Housing and Community 
Services Corporation and identify related resource needs. 
o Determine necessary code changes to allow housing on religious institution lands. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON asked about the point “Determine necessary code changes to allow 
housing on religious institution lands”, as she wanted to confirm recent state legislature changes 
to code to allow housing on religious institution lands was in effect. 
 
MS. SCHWAB confirmed.  
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.  
• Neighborhoods: Action Plan 
o Align the city’s infrastructure capital project planning with land use planning. 
o Create a process to align neighborhood updates with stakeholder feedback and 
capital project enhancements. 
o Work with school districts to create redevelopment plans for former school sites. 
o Include neighborhood preservation code adjustments in future versions of code 
updates. 
• Quality of Life: Focus Area 
o Providing an exceptional quality of life through: 
 Parks, walkable spaces and recreational amenities that cater to community 
needs. 
 Recreational and social spaces that enable people to converse and connect in 
the community. 
 Partnerships and streamlined permit processes that bolster special events 
managed by community members. 
 Activities and programs that capitalize on Chandler’s culture, unique history, 
educational excellence and captivating artistic and musical talent.

Page 14 of 16 
 
 A community and municipal organization that showcases its cultural heritage 
and values connection and impact. 
• Quality of Life: Action Plan 
o Complete Dr. A. J. Chandler Park Phase I. 
o Continue Park and Sports Field Refresh Programs in support of the Parks Strategic 
Master Plan and development of Mesquite Groves Park. 
o Complete the Recreation and Library Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan and the 
Arts and Culture Strategic Plan. 
o Pursue partnerships that develop recreation and wellness programming throughout 
Chandler and activate downtown spaces in A.J. Chandler Park. 
o Commence Phase I of improvements and program enhancements at Tumbleweed 
Ranch as a recreational and interpretive history amenity. 
o Engage neighborhoods through Chandler’s Discovery Library. 
o Reinvigorate the Community Garden. 
• Quality of Life: Action Plan  
o Integrate sustainable landscaping and urban forestry strategies to create shaded 
walkways. 
o Streamline the special events process to encourage third party events. 
o Implement and educate community members on the electronic approval process to 
reduce paperwork. 
o Conduct a “How to Host an Event in Chandler” educational seminar for small, first-
time event producers. 
o Encourage third party producers to bring in new events focusing on underserved 
populations and events. 
o Expand visual and performing arts offerings in the community through partnerships 
with private, nonprofit and educational organizations. 
• Quality of Life: Action Plan 
o Create programming that reflects the community’s demographics. 
o Expand access to city programs and services by identifying and removing barriers to 
participation and then engage diverse populations through targeted outreach. 
o Advance digital access and inclusive communication through initiatives like the 
Instant Language Assistance Program, which provides real-time translation at key 
service points to support non-English speaking residents and those facing 
communication barriers. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked if visual impairment can be added to the point “Advance digital 
access and inclusive communication through initiatives like the Instant Language Assistance 
Program, which provides real-time translation at key service points to support non-English 
speaking residents and those facing communication barriers”. 
 
MR. BURDICK said City Hall and other city facilities include braille signage.

Page 15 of 16 
 
MR. BURDICK continued the presentation.  
• Sustainability and Technology: Focus Area 
o Embrace sustainable and technology advancements through: 
 Investments in the city’s water resources and utility infrastructure. 
 Advocacy with energy and technology providers to enhance reliability and 
service capacity in Chandler. 
 A sustainable building program for private sector development that produces 
energy efficiency and cost savings for infill and redevelopment. 
 Advanced technology and artificial intelligence use that streamlines internal 
processes, ensures cybersecurity and promotes service delivery. 
 Partnerships with energy providers to help residents access solutions that 
improve energy efficiency and lower costs of services. 
 Urban forestry and green space assets that enhance livability while respecting 
the desert environment and preserving water resources. 
• Sustainability and Technology: Action Plan 
o Participate in the Bartlett Dam Project to enhance the region’s water reservoir 
capacity. 
o Continue to provide incentives that support the removal of turf and conversion of 
turf to xeriscape landscapes. 
o Continue water pressure optimization and infrastructure improvements to reduce 
water loss. 
o Partner with APS and SRP to understand the resiliency, reliability and redundancy of 
the grid as well as to develop an action plan to support it. 
o Research current building codes to make recommendations for future resolutions. 
o Develop sustainability standards for infrastructure. 
• Sustainability and Technology: Action Plan 
o Establish a citywide Artificial Intelligence Policy. 
o Deliver an artificial intelligence pilot customer service experience and use artificial 
intelligence for data driven decisions. 
o Continue the preventative maintenance of building systems as identified through 
facility condition assessments. 
o Continue monitoring energy usage through energy audits and make system 
adjustments to lower electricity usage. 
o Complete facility condition assessments and update the capital replacement plan. 
• Comments and Questions?  
o Next Steps:  
 Implement Action Plan for 2026-2027 
 Track outcomes and report progress to Council 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS suggested installing Wi-Fi in city parks, such as Dr. A. J. Chandler Park.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked for clarification on his suggestion.

Page 16 of 16 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS said he would like to see free Wi-Fi offered in city parks, similar to the 
free Wi-Fi in city facilities.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS asked if the Council will be able to follow up on any questions they 
might have. 
 
MR. POMBIER said he is available to discuss the Strategic Framework during the next one-on-ones 
with councilmembers.  
 
MR. BURDICK said reference material will be provided to the Council in advance of those meetings.  
 
Public Comment 
None. 
 
Adjourn 
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. 
 
 
 
ATTEST:  _______________________  
______________________________ 
                       City Clerk                                                   Mayor 
 
 
Approval Date of Minutes: March 23, 2026 
 
 
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 26th day of February 2026.  I further 
certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
DATED this _______ day of February, 2026. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
__________________________ 
                                                         
           City Clerk