Meeting 01-07-26-special complete
1/7/2026 · Special
Items: 3 / 3
Docs: 3
Docs: 3
Scottsdale City Council Special Meeting
Synced: 2026-06-09 10:21 AZ
Item text
• History of Downtown Scottsdale
Presenter(s): Joan Fudala, Scottsdale Historian
– Scottsdale Historian Joan Fudala gave a PowerPoint presentation on the history of downtown
Scottsdale.
• Keeping and Enhancing Old Town Scottsdale’s Tourism Draw
Presenter(s): Mike Lee, MLD Worldwide
– Mike Lee with MLD Worldwide gave a PowerPoint presentation on keeping and enhancing Old
Town Scottsdale’s Tourism Draw.
• Downtown Parking Solutions
Presenter(s): Chris Mielke, SoniPark, LLC
– Chris Mielke with SoniPark, LLC gave a partial PowerPoint presentation on downtown parking
solutions.
– Vice Mayor Kwasman made a motion to end the presentation. Councilwoman Dubauskas
seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Kwasman withdrew his motion.
– Vice Mayor Kwasman made a motion to recess into Executive Session. Councilwoman
McAllen seconded the motion, which carried 7/0, with Mayor Borowsky; Vice Mayor
Kwasman; and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham, Littlefield, McAllen, and Whitehead
voting in the affirmative.
– Mayor Borowsky recessed the Special Meeting to the Executive Session at 6:13 P.M.
– Mayor Borowsky reconvened Special Meeting following the Executive Session at 6:29 P.M.
– Mayor Borowsky explained the remainder of the presentation would not be given due to possible
procurement concerns.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Page 3 of 5
Note: The Council may make comments or ask questions to the presenter(s); however, no
Council action will be taken.
***1A. Downtown Merchants’ and Others’ Presentations and Recommendations
• Tom Silverman, Former Scottsdale City Councilman
– Former Scottsdale City Councilman Tom Silverman discussed his family’s history, the importance
of Old Town, concerns about Old Town losing its appeal, and the need for maintenance in the Old
Town area.
• Hong Bischoff, Owner – Bischoff’s Gallery and Bischoff’s Shades of the West
– Bischoff’s Gallery and Bischoff’s Shades of the West Owner Hong Bischoff discussed her
business, the importance of art, the need to create new energy and experiences for Old Town. She
stated there is sufficient existing parking for this area. She noted the need to examine the proposed
structure of the parking garage and how to improve upon it while keeping the Farmer’s Market in
mind.
• George Cavalliere, Owner – Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop
– Elizabeth Cavalliere, spoke on behalf of Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop Owner George Cavalliere.
She discussed the difficulty in finding qualified applicants needed to reopen the blacksmith shop,
concerns about the parking garage and its effect on the Old Adobe Mission and other possible
locations, possible construction disruptions, and the need to preserve the character of Old Town.
• Brian Raab, Partner – Mission Restaurant
– Mission Restaurant Chef Matt Carter spoke on behalf of Brian Raab, who is a partner in the Mission
Restaurant. He discussed his clientele not having difficulty parking, concerns with parking garage
construction, and the alternative forms of transportation used by the restaurant’s guests.
• Todd Bankofier, Chief Executive Officer – Western Spirit Museum
– Western Spirit Museum Chief Executive Officer Todd Bankofier discussed the Western Spirit
Museum, how crucial tourism is for Scottsdale, and the need to promote and improve upon
characteristics that make Scottsdale special.
Note: The Council may make comments or ask questions to the presenter(s); however, no
Council action will be taken.
Note: Public comment for Item 1 [Presentations] and Item 1A [Downtown Merchants’ and Others’
Presentations and Recommendations] were taken together.
– Mayor Borowsky opened public comment on these items.
– Steve Sutton, Scottsdale resident, discussed concerns about building a parking garage across
from the Old Adobe Mission, the aesthetic of the parking garage, the lack of evidence that a parking
garage is needed, the underutilization of current parking garages, and the need for parking signage.
– Carmen Fallen, Scottsdale resident, discussed the importance of farmer’s markets, concerns in
relocating the farmer’s market, and opposition to building a new parking garage.
– Patty Badenoch, Scottsdale resident, discussed the 3,000 signatures collected to not build the
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Page 4 of 5
parking garage and her opposition to relocating the farmer’s market.
– Yvonne Cahill, Scottsdale resident, discussed the fact that she does not have issues parking in Old
Town, concerns about the Downtown Parking Solutions presentation ending early, City staff not
having a list of downtown merchants, the need for creative solutions, the existing parking study is
outdated, the importance of a task force, and the marketing contract denial.
– Crystal Caroll, owner of Simply Shroom Café, discussed the need for adequate parking garage
studies, lack of parking signage, and that the cost of the parking garage is not a good use of funding.
– Rosemary Preisel, owner of Hair of Fifth Avenue, discussed cleanliness, nonfunctioning elevators,
and the need for improved lighting at the Third Avenue parking garage.
– Mayor Borowsky closed public comment on this item.
Presenter(s): Joan Fudala, Scottsdale Historian
– Scottsdale Historian Joan Fudala gave a PowerPoint presentation on the history of downtown
Scottsdale.
• Keeping and Enhancing Old Town Scottsdale’s Tourism Draw
Presenter(s): Mike Lee, MLD Worldwide
– Mike Lee with MLD Worldwide gave a PowerPoint presentation on keeping and enhancing Old
Town Scottsdale’s Tourism Draw.
• Downtown Parking Solutions
Presenter(s): Chris Mielke, SoniPark, LLC
– Chris Mielke with SoniPark, LLC gave a partial PowerPoint presentation on downtown parking
solutions.
– Vice Mayor Kwasman made a motion to end the presentation. Councilwoman Dubauskas
seconded the motion. Vice Mayor Kwasman withdrew his motion.
– Vice Mayor Kwasman made a motion to recess into Executive Session. Councilwoman
McAllen seconded the motion, which carried 7/0, with Mayor Borowsky; Vice Mayor
Kwasman; and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham, Littlefield, McAllen, and Whitehead
voting in the affirmative.
– Mayor Borowsky recessed the Special Meeting to the Executive Session at 6:13 P.M.
– Mayor Borowsky reconvened Special Meeting following the Executive Session at 6:29 P.M.
– Mayor Borowsky explained the remainder of the presentation would not be given due to possible
procurement concerns.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Page 3 of 5
Note: The Council may make comments or ask questions to the presenter(s); however, no
Council action will be taken.
***1A. Downtown Merchants’ and Others’ Presentations and Recommendations
• Tom Silverman, Former Scottsdale City Councilman
– Former Scottsdale City Councilman Tom Silverman discussed his family’s history, the importance
of Old Town, concerns about Old Town losing its appeal, and the need for maintenance in the Old
Town area.
• Hong Bischoff, Owner – Bischoff’s Gallery and Bischoff’s Shades of the West
– Bischoff’s Gallery and Bischoff’s Shades of the West Owner Hong Bischoff discussed her
business, the importance of art, the need to create new energy and experiences for Old Town. She
stated there is sufficient existing parking for this area. She noted the need to examine the proposed
structure of the parking garage and how to improve upon it while keeping the Farmer’s Market in
mind.
• George Cavalliere, Owner – Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop
– Elizabeth Cavalliere, spoke on behalf of Cavalliere’s Blacksmith Shop Owner George Cavalliere.
She discussed the difficulty in finding qualified applicants needed to reopen the blacksmith shop,
concerns about the parking garage and its effect on the Old Adobe Mission and other possible
locations, possible construction disruptions, and the need to preserve the character of Old Town.
• Brian Raab, Partner – Mission Restaurant
– Mission Restaurant Chef Matt Carter spoke on behalf of Brian Raab, who is a partner in the Mission
Restaurant. He discussed his clientele not having difficulty parking, concerns with parking garage
construction, and the alternative forms of transportation used by the restaurant’s guests.
• Todd Bankofier, Chief Executive Officer – Western Spirit Museum
– Western Spirit Museum Chief Executive Officer Todd Bankofier discussed the Western Spirit
Museum, how crucial tourism is for Scottsdale, and the need to promote and improve upon
characteristics that make Scottsdale special.
Note: The Council may make comments or ask questions to the presenter(s); however, no
Council action will be taken.
Note: Public comment for Item 1 [Presentations] and Item 1A [Downtown Merchants’ and Others’
Presentations and Recommendations] were taken together.
– Mayor Borowsky opened public comment on these items.
– Steve Sutton, Scottsdale resident, discussed concerns about building a parking garage across
from the Old Adobe Mission, the aesthetic of the parking garage, the lack of evidence that a parking
garage is needed, the underutilization of current parking garages, and the need for parking signage.
– Carmen Fallen, Scottsdale resident, discussed the importance of farmer’s markets, concerns in
relocating the farmer’s market, and opposition to building a new parking garage.
– Patty Badenoch, Scottsdale resident, discussed the 3,000 signatures collected to not build the
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Page 4 of 5
parking garage and her opposition to relocating the farmer’s market.
– Yvonne Cahill, Scottsdale resident, discussed the fact that she does not have issues parking in Old
Town, concerns about the Downtown Parking Solutions presentation ending early, City staff not
having a list of downtown merchants, the need for creative solutions, the existing parking study is
outdated, the importance of a task force, and the marketing contract denial.
– Crystal Caroll, owner of Simply Shroom Café, discussed the need for adequate parking garage
studies, lack of parking signage, and that the cost of the parking garage is not a good use of funding.
– Rosemary Preisel, owner of Hair of Fifth Avenue, discussed cleanliness, nonfunctioning elevators,
and the need for improved lighting at the Third Avenue parking garage.
– Mayor Borowsky closed public comment on this item.
Supporting documents (1)
View on Agenda Online ↗
Item text
Request: Adopt Resolution No. 13583 forming a Downtown Task Force to provide recommendations on
improving the Downtown Character Area Plan and the Downtown marketing effort; directing the City
Manager to provide support for the Task Force; and providing for the dissolution of the Task Force upon
completion of the task.
Staff Contact(s): Luis Santaella, Interim City Attorney, 480-312-2405, lsantaella@scottsdaleaz.gov
Note: This item is agendized for discussion and possible Council action.
– Mayor Borowsky introduced Item 2 [Downtown Task Force Creation].
– Mayor Borowsky opened public comment on this item.
– Steve Sutton, Scottsdale resident, discussed who should serve on Downtown Task Force, citizen
petitions that are circulating, that the farmer’s market does not want to move locations, and the need
to do a new parking study.
– Dan Ishac, Scottsdale resident, discussed his support for the Downtown Task Force, concerns
about the proposed structure and membership requirements of the Task Force, and the farmer’s
market did not want to move locations.
– Tommy Plato, The Ends Restaurant owner, discussed his support for the Downtown Task Force,
concerns about density, the need to keep the spirit of the Arts District intact, and the farmer’s market
should be in a larger area.
– Mayor Borowsky closed public comment on this item.
– Mayor Borowsky made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 13583. The motion died for lack of a
second.
– Mayor Borowsky made an alternate motion to reduce the size of the Downtown Task Force to 7
members and to add residents to the list of those who can serve. Councilwoman McAllen seconded
the motion, which failed 2/5, with Mayor Borowsky and Councilwoman McAllen voting in the
affirmative and Vice Mayor Kwasman and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham, Littlefield and
Whitehead dissenting.
improving the Downtown Character Area Plan and the Downtown marketing effort; directing the City
Manager to provide support for the Task Force; and providing for the dissolution of the Task Force upon
completion of the task.
Staff Contact(s): Luis Santaella, Interim City Attorney, 480-312-2405, lsantaella@scottsdaleaz.gov
Note: This item is agendized for discussion and possible Council action.
– Mayor Borowsky introduced Item 2 [Downtown Task Force Creation].
– Mayor Borowsky opened public comment on this item.
– Steve Sutton, Scottsdale resident, discussed who should serve on Downtown Task Force, citizen
petitions that are circulating, that the farmer’s market does not want to move locations, and the need
to do a new parking study.
– Dan Ishac, Scottsdale resident, discussed his support for the Downtown Task Force, concerns
about the proposed structure and membership requirements of the Task Force, and the farmer’s
market did not want to move locations.
– Tommy Plato, The Ends Restaurant owner, discussed his support for the Downtown Task Force,
concerns about density, the need to keep the spirit of the Arts District intact, and the farmer’s market
should be in a larger area.
– Mayor Borowsky closed public comment on this item.
– Mayor Borowsky made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 13583. The motion died for lack of a
second.
– Mayor Borowsky made an alternate motion to reduce the size of the Downtown Task Force to 7
members and to add residents to the list of those who can serve. Councilwoman McAllen seconded
the motion, which failed 2/5, with Mayor Borowsky and Councilwoman McAllen voting in the
affirmative and Vice Mayor Kwasman and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham, Littlefield and
Whitehead dissenting.
Supporting documents (1)
View on Agenda Online ↗
Item text
Request: At the request of Mayor Borowsky, direct the City Manager to agendize an item for a future City
Council Meeting related to future action on downtown parking solutions.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Page 5 of 5
Note: This item is agendized for discussion and possible Council action.
– Mayor Borowsky introduced Item 3 [Agendize Future Action on Downtown Parking Solutions].
– Mayor Borowsky opened public comment on this item.
– Dan Ishac, Scottsdale resident, discussed the need for more data and study related to this item.
– Yvonne Cahill, Scottsdale resident, discussed that a new parking garage was not the best use of
this funding, alternative methods of transportation such as rideshare vehicles, and concerns about
ruining the historic look of Old Town.
– French Thompson, Scottsdale resident, discussed Council Meeting decorum, lack of parking in Old
Town, the fact that the parking garage was designed for additional floors, and that funds already
were spent on garage design.
– Tom Frenkel, Scottsdale resident, discussed the revitalization of the Civic Center, the original intent
of the 2019 bond funding, that the parking garage was designed to have additional levels, and the
need for additional parking.
– Mayor Borowsky closed public comment on this item.
– Mayor Borowsky made a motion to direct the City Manager to agendize an item for a future
City Council Meeting related to future action on downtown parking solutions, including a
possible new parking study. Councilwoman Whitehead seconded the motion, which failed
3/4, with Mayor Borowsky and Councilmembers McAllen and Whitehead voting in the
affirmative and Vice Mayor Kwasman and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham and
Littlefield dissenting.
Adjournment – 8:14 P.M.
– Councilwoman Whitehead made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Councilman
Graham seconded the motion, which carried 7/0, by voice vote, with Mayor Borowsky; Vice
Mayor Kwasman; and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham, Littlefield, McAllen, and
Whitehead voting in the affirmative.
Council Meeting related to future action on downtown parking solutions.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Page 5 of 5
Note: This item is agendized for discussion and possible Council action.
– Mayor Borowsky introduced Item 3 [Agendize Future Action on Downtown Parking Solutions].
– Mayor Borowsky opened public comment on this item.
– Dan Ishac, Scottsdale resident, discussed the need for more data and study related to this item.
– Yvonne Cahill, Scottsdale resident, discussed that a new parking garage was not the best use of
this funding, alternative methods of transportation such as rideshare vehicles, and concerns about
ruining the historic look of Old Town.
– French Thompson, Scottsdale resident, discussed Council Meeting decorum, lack of parking in Old
Town, the fact that the parking garage was designed for additional floors, and that funds already
were spent on garage design.
– Tom Frenkel, Scottsdale resident, discussed the revitalization of the Civic Center, the original intent
of the 2019 bond funding, that the parking garage was designed to have additional levels, and the
need for additional parking.
– Mayor Borowsky closed public comment on this item.
– Mayor Borowsky made a motion to direct the City Manager to agendize an item for a future
City Council Meeting related to future action on downtown parking solutions, including a
possible new parking study. Councilwoman Whitehead seconded the motion, which failed
3/4, with Mayor Borowsky and Councilmembers McAllen and Whitehead voting in the
affirmative and Vice Mayor Kwasman and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham and
Littlefield dissenting.
Adjournment – 8:14 P.M.
– Councilwoman Whitehead made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Councilman
Graham seconded the motion, which carried 7/0, by voice vote, with Mayor Borowsky; Vice
Mayor Kwasman; and Councilmembers Dubauskas, Graham, Littlefield, McAllen, and
Whitehead voting in the affirmative.
Supporting documents (1)
View on Agenda Online ↗
3 item(s)