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2026-01-07 - City Council

Summary

Built from City Council formal meeting minutes

  • Councilwoman Guardado attended virtually, left before item 55 vote. Mayor Gallego left during item 68, returned during item 70. Councilman Waring arrived before item 65 vote.
  • Hodge Washington selected as new Vice Mayor, succeeding O'Brien. 8-0 vote.
  • Two annexation public hearings held: Briles Pass (14.334 acres, zero population) and Sun Up Ranch (190.2551 acres, zero population).
  • Del Monte Village Garden Association licensed 4,710 sq ft of city-owned property near 36th Avenue and West Encanto Boulevard for community garden use. $37.50 annual rent.

Veterans Court Funding

Two related items advanced Veterans Court programs through city contracts. EMPACT/La Frontera received one-time SAMHSA grant extension payment for October 2025 services ($6,219.90). City Council approved retroactive acceptance of $169,900 from Arizona Administrative Office of Courts and $3,000 from Friends of the Court for Veterans Court navigation and support services via Community Bridges contract expansion. Leonard Clark spoke in support of both items.

Parks and Recreation Infrastructure

Council authorized $50 million additional funding to nine miscellaneous building repairs contracts serving Parks and Recreation Department (189 parks, 495+ buildings). Hernandez sought clarification on District 7 park investments and equity in distribution across smaller parks. Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar confirmed funds support renovation and construction projects citywide.

SSS Academy Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds

Industrial Development Authority approved issuance of up to $35 million in Educational Facilities Revenue Bonds for SSS Academy at 2727 W. Bronco Butte Trail (District 2) to finance arena facility construction. Resolution 22361 adopted 8-0.

US Army Military Training Exercises

Authorization to execute short-term licenses for US Army military training on city-owned property, 2026-2029. Hernandez expressed disapproval; concerns raised about notification to public and affected district councils. Assistant Chief Brian Lee clarified no connection to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, described as routine training by multiple military branches. Hodge Washington requested transparency and alignment with community values. Passed 6-1 (Hernandez no).

Traffic Safety Grant

Police Department authorized to apply for National Safety Council Fiscal Year 2026 Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant (up to $200,000, no matching funds required). Funds target reduction of traffic fatalities in high-crash intersections through enforcement equipment, portable breath/alcohol tests, and community outreach on speeding and impaired driving. Hernandez expressed disapproval, noting enforcement focus over infrastructure interventions. Hodge Washington requested specific pilot program locations; Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro provided list. Application deadline January 16, 2026.

ADOT Water and Sewer Relocation

Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona Department of Transportation for Water Services Department to relocate water and sewer mains ahead of US 60/35th Avenue/Indian School Road interchange improvements (Districts 4 & 5). City will be reimbursed up to $17.1 million for pre-construction relocations; some additional infrastructure moves needed for unrelated water system coordination will be city-funded. Passed 8-0.

Zoning and General Plan Amendments

Four companion items for residential development projects:

  • Scottsdale Crossings (District 2, 7079 E. Bell Road): General Plan Amendment changing 4.32 acres from Industrial to Residential 15+ dwelling units per acre, plus rezoning from C-2 Commercial to PUD for multifamily residential and commercial uses. Owner GDC-Scottsdale Crossings LLC, applicant Fifield Companies. Both items passed 8-0.
  • Gateway School PUD (District 8, 1100 N. 35th Street): General Plan Amendment changing 15.25 acres from mixed residential to Public/Quasi-Public/Commercial, plus rezoning from mixed residential and single-family zones to PUD to allow secondary commercial uses with public school. Owner Creighton Elementary School District #14, applicant Creighton Community Foundation. Mayor recognized Jeff Bowles' commitment to community youth; both items passed 8-0.

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