Michelle Albanese

The Study Session focused primarily on reviewing and discussing items slated for the subsequent Regular Council meeting. Key discussions included proposed amendments to zoning and fire codes regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), specifically addressing a 1,000-foot separation requirement from residential areas, which prompted debate among Council members. The Council also discussed proposed amendments to Titles 2 and 11, aimed at reorganizing and modifying the duties of the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) by adding alternates and adjusting composition to align with state legislation (HB 2447) requiring administrative reviews based on objective standards. Further discussion covered streamlining the site plan and design review processes into a single 'Development Plan Review' process, with staff recommending delaying the ordinance introduction to February to allow for further stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the session addressed a rezoning request (ZON24-00998) for a 15-unit multiple residence development. Finally, the Council discussed amendments to park regulations concerning electric bicycles and scooters, and confirmed appointments to Council Committees and acknowledged receipt of minutes from the Education and Workforce Development Roundtable and Human Relations Advisory Board meetings.

The Study Session focused on reviewing and discussing items scheduled for the subsequent regular Council meeting. Key discussion points included clarifying regulations regarding the use of electric vehicles, specifically e-bikes, within city parks and rights-of-way. Clarification was also provided concerning the three-year term contract for fencing installation and repair services for various city departments, detailing the associated costs and usage context. Additionally, Councilmembers provided updates on recent events, meetings, and conferences attended, and the schedule for upcoming meetings was confirmed.

This study session focused on reviewing and discussing agenda items slated for the subsequent Regular Council meeting on December 8, 2025. Key discussions included resolving issues related to liquor license applications (Dragon's Lounge and Safeway #1948), confirming evaluation criteria for business licenses (Royal Palms Golf Course), and detailing proposed three-year term contracts for CCTV Camera Replacement for the Transportation Department and for Sewer, Manhole, Siphon Cleaning, Video and Repair Services for the Water Resources Department. The Council also reviewed a request for a dollar limit increase to the term contract for water service valves to maintain adequate inventory. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing zoning applications, including a Council Use Permit for an Amazon Data Services major utility facility and a rezone request for the Fujifilm Electronic Materials USA Inc. expansion, where job creation and alignment with existing industrial zoning were noted. Additionally, the session included a presentation on proposed amendments to City Code regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), specifically debating separation distances (400 feet versus 1,000 feet). A second major presentation covered the MesaCONNECTED Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan for the five-mile corridor, detailing node classifications and next steps for Council action. Finally, staff presented proposed code updates concerning the allowance and regulation of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in City of Mesa parks, addressing safety concerns, battery hazards, and enforcement strategy after a public awareness campaign.

The meeting involved handling several consent agenda items as a group. Key regular agenda discussions included taking action on liquor license applications for Udon Shin and University Market. Contract actions addressed a one-year term contract with renewal options for water service valves, fittings, and hydrants, with an anticipated total not to exceed $2,550,000 annually awarded to Ferguson Enterprises, LLC dba Ferguson Waterworks; Fortiline, Inc.; and Winwater Works Phoenix AZ Co. dba Winwater Works Phoenix. A resolution was approved authorizing the sale of City-owned real property. Ordinances were introduced setting public hearing dates for February 9, 2026, regarding a Major Site Plan Modification for Sun Devil Auto and a Rezone/Site Plan Review for The Lincoln development. Resolutions and ordinances were also introduced to establish public records and set a public hearing date for non-residential water utility rates and terms for utility sales. The Council discussed and took action on proposed amendments to the Mesa City Code concerning the organization and duties of the Planning and Zoning Board and the Design Review Board. Actions were taken on site plan modifications for a Department of Child Safety of Arizona office development and the de-annexation of public right-of-way near East Brown Road and North Crismon Road. Further action was taken regarding a zoning case for the 202 RV Valet Storage Expansion and an accompanying development agreement. Items removed from the consent agenda included a Four-Year Term Contract for an Enterprise Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) Telematics Solution, awarded to LB Technology, Inc., and a resolution authorizing an Amendment to the Communications License Agreement. The Council also approved a significant Intergovernmental Agreement with the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) for fixed-route bus, paratransit, and RideChoice services, and a funding agreement for current light rail operations, despite public commentary questioning the financial sustainability of the latter. Finally, the Council accepted the City of Mesa's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025, which received an unmodified audit opinion.

The City Council addressed several agenda items, including the approval of all consent agenda items as a group. Key actions involved awarding a three-year contract for landscape maintenance services for Zones 1 and 2, recommending approval for a three-year contract for fire suppression nozzle and shutoff replacements for the Fire and Medical Department, and approving a sole source contract for forensic DNA supplies. The Council also voted on resolutions, including one authorizing applications for Highway Safety Contracts with the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety and another concerning a Council Use Permit for freeway landmark signs. An ordinance modifying the site plan for a service and repair facility was discussed, along with resolutions and an ordinance related to the development known as "The Lincoln" involving a General Plan Amendment and Rezone. Additionally, the Council discussed and adopted an ordinance setting terms and rates for non-residential water utility services, which involved reallocating costs toward commercial customers. Finally, the meeting included public comments regarding the City's 287(g) agreement with ICE and an ordinance adopting terms and conditions for the sale of utilities.