Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on May 7, 2026

Meeting Minutes 
City Council Regular Meeting 
 
May 7, 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 Vice Mayor Angel Encinas at 6:00 p.m. 
 
Roll Call 
Council Attendance 
 
 
 
 
Appointee Attendance 
Vice Mayor Angel Encinas  
 
 
 
John Pombier, City Manager 
Councilmember Jane Poston 
 
 
 
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney  
Councilmember Christine Ellis 
 
 
 
Jennifer Ekblad, City Clerk  
  
Councilmember Matt Orlando   
 
 
Councilmember OD Harris 
 
 
 
 
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins 
 
Absent 
Mayor Kevin Hartke – excused  
 
Invocation 
The invocation was given by Councilmember Ellis.  
 
Pledge of Allegiance 
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Harris.  
 
Scheduled Public Appearances 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS invited Councilmember Poston to join him for the recognition. 
 
1.  
Recognition: I Rise Foundation AI Bots 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS recognized the I Rise Foundation for advancing to the world competition 
representing Chandler. The I Rise Foundation AI Bots Team consists of elementary school students 
from Chandler Unified School District who will represent Chandler in the 2026 FIRST LEGO League

Page 2 of 6 
 
 
Robotics Worldwide Competition in Boston, Massachusetts, in June.  
 
RAMYA GODAVARTHY, Coach, introduced the team members and shared that they are among the 
top five teams to advance to the world competition. Representing the state of Arizona, they will 
compete against more than 100 teams worldwide in the field of archaeology. She thanked Alberto 
Esparaza, CEO of I Rise Foundation, for his support and leadership.  
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS shared that on Wednesday, May 6, the Chandler Unified School District 
Governing Board voted to name Frye Elementary School's soccer field in honor of Alberto Esparza.  
 
Consent Agenda and Discussion 
City Clerk 
1.  
Approval of Minutes 
Move City Council approve the Council meeting minutes of the City Council Special Meeting 
held on April 20, 2026, the City Council Work Session held on April 20, 2026, the City Council 
Study Session held on April 20, 2026, the City Council Work Session held on April 23, 2026, 
and the City Council Regular Meeting held on April 23, 2026. 
   
City Manager  
2.  
Professional Services Agreement No. TP2501.101, with Y2K Engineering, LLC, for the 
Roadway Safety Action Plan Pre-Design Services, Citywide 
Move City Council award Professional Services Agreement No. TP2501.101 to Y2K 
Engineering, LLC for the Roadway Safety Action Plan Pre-Design Services, in an amount not 
to exceed $700,000, and authorize an appropriation transfer of $560,000 from the General 
Fund, Non-Departmental, Contingency Account to the Grants Fund, Transportation Policy 
Division, Other Professional Services Account. 
 
Development Services  
3.  
Job Order Project Agreement No. DS2201.404 with Caliente Construction, Inc., Pursuant to 
Job Order Master Agreement No. JOC JOC2409.401 for the Outside Plant Fiber 
Telecommunications Remote Buildings – Brooks Crossing Located at Brooks Crossing Park 
Move City Council award Job Order Project Agreement No. DS2201.404 to Caliente 
Construction, Inc., pursuant to Job Order Master Agreement No. JOC JOC2409.401, for the 
Outside Plant Fiber Telecommunications Remote Buildings – Brooks Crossing., in an 
amount not to exceed $1,171,543.00. 
 
Law  
4.  
Settlement in William Vannasap vs. City of Chandler, et al. 
Move City Council approve the settlement of $340,000 in the matter of William Vannasap 
vs. City of Chandler, et al., case no. CV2024-090659, in full and final satisfaction of all claims 
asserted without admitting liability, and further authorize the City Attorney to sign any

Page 3 of 6 
 
 
necessary documents in such forms as are approved by the City Attorney to effectuate the 
terms and conditions of settlement of this matter. 
 
Management Services  
5.  
New License Series 10, Beer and Wine Store Liquor License Application for Michael 
Raymond Kaffer Jr., Agent, Fly Hi Smoke Shop, LLC, DBA Fly Hi Smoke Shop 
Move for recommendation to the State Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for 
approval of the State Liquor Job No. 385235, a Series 10, Beer and Wine Store Liquor 
License, for Michael Raymond Kaffer Jr, Agent, Fly Hi Smoke Shop, LLC, DBA Fly Hi Smoke 
Shop, located at 701 S. Arizona Avenue, and approval of the City of Chandler, Series 10, Beer 
and Wine Store Liquor License Number 311674. 
 
6.  
New License Series 12, Restaurant Liquor License Application for Rafid Joseph Jamil, Agent, 
Yo Pauly's Chandler, LLC, DBA Yo Pauly's New York Pizza 
Move for recommendation to the State Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for 
approval of the State Liquor Job No. 385484, a Series 12, Restaurant Liquor License, for 
Rafid Joseph Jamil, Agent, Yo Pauly's Chandler, LLC, DBA Yo Pauly's New York Pizza, located 
at 4040 W. Ray Road, Suite 12, and approval of the City of Chandler, Series 12, Restaurant 
Liquor License No. 311710. 
 
7.  
License Series 11, Hotel/Motel Liquor License Application for Amy S. Nations, Agent, 920 N. 
54th Street Property Owner, LLC, DBA Sonesta Select Phoenix Chandler 
Move for recommendation to the State Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for 
approval of the State Liquor Job No. 384485, a Series 11, Hotel/Motel Liquor License, for 
Amy S. Nations, Agent, 920 N. 54th Street Property Owner, LLC, DBA Sonesta Select Phoenix 
Chandler, located at 920 N. 54th Street, and approval of the City of Chandler, Series 11, 
Hotel/Motel Liquor License No. 311701. 
 
8.  
New License Series 18, In-State Craft Distillery Application for Pamela Fulton, Agent, Happy 
Jack Distillers, LLC, DBA Happy Jack Distillers 
Move for recommendation to the State Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for 
approval of the State Liquor Job No. 385789, a Series 18, In-State Craft Distillery, for Pamela 
Fulton, Agent, Happy Jack Distillers, LLC, DBA Happy Jack Distillers, located at 6710 W. 
Chicago Street, Suite 5, and approval of the City of Chandler, Series 18, In-State Craft 
Distillery No. 311320. 
 
Public Works and Utilities 
9.  
Introduction and Tentative Adoption of Ordinance No. 5163, Authorizing the Abandonment 
of Two Temporary Drainage Easements Located at the Southwest Corner of Pecos and 
McQueen Roads 
Move City Council introduce and tentatively adopt Ordinance No. 5163 authorizing the 
abandonment of two temporary drainage easements located at the southwest corner of 
Pecos and McQueen roads, in Chandler, Arizona that are no longer needed for public use.

Page 4 of 6 
 
 
 
Consent Agenda Motion and Vote  
Councilmember Harris moved to approve the Consent Agenda of the May 7, 2026, Regular City 
Council Meeting; Seconded by Councilmember Poston.  
 
Motion carried unanimously (6-0), Mayor Hartke absent, excused. 
 
Unscheduled Public Appearances 
NOAH JAMES MARKHAM, Tempe, expressed concerns regarding the sewer odor in Chandler. He 
commented on the importance of police relationships with the disabled community. He noted he 
would like to see light rail service expand in Chandler.  
 
JINHUI CHEN, 4944 W. Buffalo St., Chandler, spoke to advocate for the repeal of Chandler’s 1.5% 
grocery tax. He shared that the tax places a burden on those with the least ability to pay, such as 
low-income families, working-class households, and seniors on fixed incomes. He acknowledged 
Chandler’s reputation for innovation and suggested relief for taxpayers.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS inquired if this food tax is regulated by the state.  
 
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer, explained that it is not regulated by 
the state. Various cities and towns have a 1.5% transaction privilege tax on food and retail.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked whether removing the tax would affect Chandler’s operating 
budget. 
 
MS. LANG responded that if the tax were removed, the city’s revenue would be reduced by 
approximately $17 million on an ongoing basis.  
 
Current Events 
Vice Mayor's Announcements 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS announced the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership Annual 
Celebration, where Mayor Hartke will deliver his State of the Downtown address. This event will 
take place at Soho63 on Friday, May 14, beginning at 9:00 a.m. 
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS shared the event Arizona 250: History, culture, and community will take 
place on Saturday, June 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Sunset Library, in celebration of the 
nation's 250th anniversary. Chandler Library is hosting a special lecture series that explores the 
state's natural environment and its relationship to our history, culture, and lived experiences. 
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS recognized Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10.

Page 5 of 6 
 
 
Council's Announcements 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON announced the Asian American Community Connection event will be 
held on Tuesday, May 12 beginning at 4:45 p.m. in the ASU Innovation Center. This event will be a 
chance to connect with community members, listen, learn, and engage in meaningful 
conversation. This year’s event will feature five organizations offering opportunities to connect, 
share resources, and build understanding.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER ELLIS shared that the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon is scheduled for 
Friday, May 8 beginning at 10:15 a.m. at the Avion Center. She invited residents to join for an 
inspiring afternoon featuring lunch, a keynote presentation, a panel discussion with accomplished 
women and opportunities to connect with the community. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Judith 
Robles, CEO, Vice President and Co-founder of Robles Unstoppable Foundation. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS wished his family and the community a happy Mother’s Day. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS wished the community a happy Teacher’s Appreciation Week. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS shared that Downtown Chandler businesses have many special 
events for Mother’s Day, including Black Sheep Wine Bar, SanTan Brewing Company, The Perch 
Brewery, The Crowne Plaza Phoenix – Chandler Golf Resort, and The Brickyard. Visit 
downtownchandler.org for more information.  
 
City Manager's Announcements 
JOHN POMBIER, City Manager, shared that the City of Chandler celebrated Public Service 
Recognition Week earlier that day. He thanked Someburros and the Vasquez family for their 
support of this event.  
  
Adjourn 
The meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m. 
 
 
ATTEST:  _______________________  
______________________________ 
                       City Clerk                                                   Mayor 
 
 
Approval Date of Minutes:  May 21, 2026

Page 6 of 6 
 
 
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 7th day of May 2026.  I further certify 
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
DATED this _______ day of May, 2026. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
__________________________ 
                                                         
           City Clerk