Kris Baxter-Ging

The study session involved discussions regarding the NOVUS Corridor. Key topics included a proposal for future zoning map and code text amendments to incorporate Parcel 5F into the Athletics Facilities District Planning Area (AFDPA) Overlay, which would involve removing the Marina Heights East PAD Overlay and applying AFDPA Rio Salado and Rural Mixed-Use Subdistrict standards. The committee also received a development update on the NOVUS Corridor, noting that the west side of NOVUS Place is 100% leased and there are plans to develop a hotel on a triangular parcel. Further discussion centered on the rationale for the zoning and code changes, distinguishing between the standards of the Marina Heights and Athletic overlays, and the status of the new fire station in the NOVUS 4C parcel.

The board meeting addressed several agenda items. Key discussions included the review of changes to the AZ Post Physical Requirement documentation, specifically proposing that the City of Tempe utilize the standard AZ Post Medical Form while supplementing it with a separate city form to capture medical history disclosures, and requiring a physician familiar with public safety to sign off on the form for new members. Furthermore, the board considered and approved new member applications for five individuals, noting pre-existing conditions for all applicants.

The public hearing included consideration of the previous meeting's minutes, which were approved. Under the consent agenda, the Preliminary Subdivision Plat for SAN SONOMA was approved. The regular agenda focused on two Development Plan Reviews. The first was for CAMPUS POINTE APARTMENTS, involving a request for a repaint and landscape modification, which ultimately passed by a 4-3 vote, approving the 'green on green version' despite concerns about the amount of green color proposed. The second item addressed a building material modification for ASH PROPERTY RESURRECTION, where the commission approved changing materials to a combination of vertical batten board and Hardie plank siding, moving away from the initially proposed stucco.

The board meeting included the approval of the January 8, 2026 Fire PSPRS Board Meeting Minutes and Executive Session Minutes. A key discussion point was the motion to approve new member applications for five individuals, including Auston Hillman, Kiefer Huff, Makenzi Holmes-Digiovine, Marche Dennard, and Oscar Orozco Baeza. Additionally, a status update was provided regarding the application for Accidental Disability Benefits for Zachary Kwiatkowski, with the Independent Medical Exam results to be presented at the April meeting. A brief PSPRS update referencing the first quarter newsletter was also delivered.

The Study Session commenced with housekeeping matters, followed by discussions concerning the Property Assessed Development (PAD) process. Key topics included the minimum and maximum density standards permitted under the PAD process relative to the General Plan, and whether a lower density development could supersede a higher potential density. Concerns were raised regarding parking ordinances and the need to potentially review how zoning aligns with the General Plan 2040 recommendations. The Commission also discussed scheduling working retreats to focus on PADs and the General Plan. Furthermore, the possibility of televising meetings again was mentioned, potentially by moving meetings to the afternoon. The session concluded with the consideration of meeting minutes, approval of the Consent Agenda, the appeal hearing for Midnight Hookah (which was ultimately denied, upholding the revocation of the Use Permit), and the consideration of The Haven project for the Consent Agenda.