Michelle Albanese

The City Council approved several consent agenda items, including a dollar limit increase for landscape maintenance services, the procurement of traffic signal loop detectors, and a cooperative contract for pavement management services. The council authorized a budget increase for the safety and medical supplies contract for the Police Department, approved the purchase of 200 ballistic helmets, and awarded a contract for the Traffic Management Center video wall upgrade. Additionally, the council approved a power purchase agreement for a solar project, an intergovernmental agreement for waste collection services, and introduced an ordinance for a land use request for an RV and boat storage facility. Finally, the council adopted administrative amendments to the Mesa City Code regarding land use applications and administrative review.

The board authorized the City Manager to accept grant funds for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Additionally, the board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Gilbert for the Housing Choice Voucher Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program to expand housing assistance for veterans.

The committee discussed proposed fee and charge adjustments for the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities department, intended to sustain programming and improve transparency. Key topics included new fees for the Convention Center and Amphitheatre, aquatic facility fee structures, updates to sports complex field use fees, and cost-recovery strategies for recreation centers. Additionally, the committee reviewed several audit follow-up reports covering remote access, street maintenance, intergovernmental agreements, city hiring and recruitment practices, and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program.

The committee reviewed funding recommendations for fiscal year 2026/2027 concerning the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Emergency Solutions Grant, and various Human Services and A Better Community programs. Staff presented the funding sources, eligibility requirements, and the allocation process for these federal and local funds, which support community development needs, housing stability, homelessness prevention, and human service activities. The committee provided direction to forward the discussed funding recommendations to the full City Council.

The council discussed the potential sale of two city-owned properties: a 15,661-square-foot parcel at 159 North Phyllis for redevelopment and a 10-acre parcel at 8130 East Redberry via an online auction process. Additionally, the City Manager provided information regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Regional Public Transportation Authority funded by transportation sales tax initiatives. The Finance Director presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, highlighting strong citywide revenues, positive audit results, and growth in net position. The council also received and acknowledged minutes from various city boards and committees and held an executive session for legal advice and contract negotiations.