Gilbert Budget Adoption Roiled by Allegations of Decade-Old Unsolved Murder, Police Harassment, and Fiscal Dysfunction

I'm going to go ahead and get started if I have could have everyone take a seat, please. No, not not before communications. After communications before Thank you. I'd like to call the the meeting to order. Culver Town Council uh June 9th, 2026. Our invocation and pledge of allegiance tonight will be led by Council Member Lyons. Let's bow our heads in prayer.

Father, we just want to thank you for the privilege of being able to come here tonight and to partake in the exercise of governing our community. This is a fantastic community and I thank you for being able to be a part of it. I ask you, Lord God, that you would allow your grace and your mercy to rest upon us tonight and that your spirit would guide us in all that we do. Give us wisdom, give us insight that leads to good understanding, good policy, and good decision-making.

I thank you for every soul in this room. Let your spirit rest upon them all. And we just want to thank you again, Lord, for just the grace of being able to be a part of this body politic in this great community. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. [clears throat] Let us stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Roll call. Mayor Scott Anderson Here.

Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni Here. Council Member Bobby Buckley Here. Council Member Kenny Buckland Here. Council Member Jan Kaprowski Here. Council Member Monty Lyons I'm here. and Council member Jim Torgerson. Our quorum is present. Thank you. I'll let the council know that tonight since Council member Buckland is joining us virtually all of our votes will be voice votes tonight. So you're aware of that. This time we have one recognition if Don Prince Is Don here? Come on down Don. Thank you.

As many of you may know in the audience Don has served as our interim town manager for the last 6 months and we couldn't have asked for a better job a seamless transition and carrying on with so many important things in the town so we're so grateful for her and we have a recognition letter that I I'd like to read parts of it that will demonstrate her abilities.

As mayor of the town of Gilbert it is my distinct pleasure to recognize and honor interim town manager Don Prince for exceptional service and leadership during one of the most consequential transition periods in our organization's recent history. It is with immediate immense gratitude and appreciation that we recognize and commend her for steadfast commitment to this organization and the community we serve.

As interim town manager Don led Gilbert through a financial stability process that produced a balanced budget, reprioritized resources, and converted long-standing limited term staff positions to full-time roles. She also maintained Gilbert's regional leadership presence, supported the launch for Gilbert and Your Dollars, Your Gilbert communication campaigns. Perhaps most significantly, Dawn led the people first.

Through virtual town halls, individual checking check-ins, and deliberate visibility across the organization, she ensured staff felt seen and supported through a period of real uncertainty. She championed employee well-being, mentored emerging leaders, and modeled the kind of steady principled leadership that holds an organization together. Dawn has served this community with grace, competence, and an unwavering commitment to Gilbert's future.

As she transitions back to her role as an assistant town manager, uh the council wishes to express its deep gratitude for all she has given during this chapter in her career. Thank you, and congratulations. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. [applause] Thank you. I should be there. People are there. I guess so. I guess she'll be there. I guess We'll go ahead and move on to our communications from citizens. Thank you, Mayor.

Uh we value the participation of our community members and robust robust exchange of ideas. However, it's essential that this discourse remains respectful and constructive reflecting the professionalism expected in such forums. Misinformation and personal attacks undermine our collective efforts and do not contribute to the productive dialogue necessary for our town's progress. This is an opportunity for the public to address the town council directly about issues impacting the town.

Accordingly, the town council will not allow for members of moments of silence or playing of music or other recorded material which could distract from the meeting or violate copyrights. While we understand and appreciate the passion of our community members bringing to this session, we remind everyone that clapping during the meeting is not acceptable.

This practice can disrupt the flow of discussion, potentially intimidate others, and distract from the respectful atmosphere we strive to maintain. In accordance to state law, we are unable to respond to issues that have not been properly noticed.

Therefore, the town council may only listen to may only listen to to citizens who wish to address them and at the conclusion of the open call to public, responses limited to individual members of council responding to criticism made by those who have addressed the public body, asking staff to review a matter, or asking that a matter be put on a public on a future agenda. Um however, please be assured that your concerns and input are being heard and valued.

In accordance to town code, speakers may not use this forum to advocate for or against any candidate for public office. Town resources, including the public meeting, may not be used for campaign or election purposes. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. Priority will be given to Gilbert residents, business owners, and property owners. Public statement will be limited to 30 minutes total at the beginning of the meeting.

The town clerk will notify the council once the 30-minute limit limit has been reached. If additional comments remain, they will be heard after the conclusion of the public hearing items with the same 3-minute limit per speaker. When you come up, please come to the podium and state your name and city of residence. Uh council, we have eight people today, so we won't need to go an extra 30 minutes. [snorts] So, okay, let's start.

Barbara Barbara Colvin [snorts] My name is Barbara and I live in Gilbert. I am not a vindictive or spiteful person. In fact, I go out of my way to help people. But I also won't sit back and shut up when I know a wrong is being imposed on the residents in the town I live in, which is why I show up every town hall. To remind you that I am representing those that can't be here or have felt defeated by those that were entrusted to do right by us.

During the May 19th town hall, one of the council members made a comment during his feedback to the Harvest Grove residents. He said someone on a previous topic made the comment about us not caring. Since I was the only one who spoke earlier, it was me. And yes, I did make that comment. And yes, that was an error on my part, and I apologize. What I should have said was you do care. You just don't care enough to do right by the residents of Gilbert.

This is not just a reflection of the seven people represented by this council. It is inclusive of the Gilbert town staff. The town manager, Patrick Banger, departed. Kelly Poort, Rebecca Hamel, and Jessica Marlow. These are the only names I have, and I'm sure there are others. Now, whether it was the town staff that came up with a horrendous resolution process that took place or you the council or it was it a con- collaboration effort on both sides.

You cannot say all of this was done during previous councils. This is the most irritating response and not totally true. At least half of you have been on the council at some time during the past 10 years. The town manager had been here for 14 years. The town staff had anywhere from three to plus 10 years. All were here long enough to not let the town get in this situation. And the actions taken by the town staff and town council for a resolution were some of the worst I have ever seen.

In what reality do you live in that you can honestly say we are doubling your monthly sewer rate. We are tripling your monthly flat rate fees. We are raising your water rates to astronomical unaffordable rates for some. And we are going to raise them again in 2027 and probably the next three years after that. And this is only one bill we are paying. And you sit there and tell us you have our best interest in mind. We as residents have followed the rules.

We have been financially sucker punched by every government entity there is. You have turned your enjoy- our enjoyable town into a New York City LA wannabe of wall-to-wall apartments and all of our open lands turned into nothing but concrete heat absorbers. No, you can't tell developers what they can build on land they purchased, but you do have control of the zoning, the rezoning or not to rezone at all. They can restrict their build to the way the land is zoned.

You encourage residents to communicate with you to bring things to your attention. You have proven time and time again it is a ruse to let us think that what we have to say matters. Your minds are made up before any meeting takes place. Points of fact, water open houses, water listening sessions and Harvest Grove. You listened to everyone at each of these events as a courtesy. You knew which way you were voting. See you in 2 weeks. Thank you, Barbara.

Tiffany Silva Uh Mayor and council members, um I'm concerned about the scale of the current say where you're from, please? Oh, sorry. I'm No problem. Tiffany uh Gilbert resident. Thank you. I'm concerned about the scale of spending in the current agenda. It reflect reflects approximately 1.7 billion in planned projects over the next decade. Yet, I do not believe most residents have a clear understanding of what is being proposed.

What will what it will cost them or how how much long-term debt is being taken on. I've reviewed the agenda for tonight's meeting. It's over 1,200 pages, 1,279 to be exact. And my concern is not only the size of the spending, but the lack of clear prioritiza- prioritization and transparency around it. I suppose um I support responsible investment in Gilbert.

However, residents are repeatedly asked to approve additional funding while there is limited clear reporting on how existing revenues are being spent. One of my concerns in this bill, there's a $100 million capital capital improvement program contingency fund. A contingency of this size must have clearly defined limits and strong oversight. Right now, that level of clarity is not evident. The taxpayers deserve to know how those funds may be used.

My next concern is the scale of the parks and recreational spending, which exceeds $400 million. While these projects may be desirable, they are not essential infrastructure. Some of this includes pickleball courts and a pump track. Most residents probably don't even know what a pump track is. These are being included under a quality of life initiative. But from my perspective, quality of life also includes affordability, such as lower water bills. Which brings me to my final concern.

Months ago, I requested an audit of the water situation due to the rising water bills. I understand that an audit has been completed or is near completion on being done. Unfortunately, it was only done on the meters. That's not the level of detail I was looking for. So, I want to be very clear. I'm requesting another independent third-party audit or review of the water treatment plant and related water infrastructure costs, especially given reported cost increases.

And I want detailed line item uh review of expenditures and cost increases, not a high-level summary. This way, the public can clearly understand what is driving these increases. The public deserves clear answers for why their water bills have risen so significantly. In closing, um this is all about trust. We have given you guys some ability to make decisions for us, and the trust has been eroded. Large-scale borrowing um needs to have confidence behind it.

Just to recap, the $100 million contingency fund needs to be clearly defined what it'll be used for. Non-essential park recreational projects should be postponed until we have the funds to pay for them without a bond. And the last is an independent review of the water treatment facilities. Thank you for your time. Tiffany, thank you. Um I think it says Lauren Reber. I'm Lauren Reber, a homeowner here in Gilbert. I have several things I would like to address. I'll do it as quick as I can.

I only got 3 minutes. Uh our water bills this month came with a notice letting people know that if you want to get rid of your grass, Gilbert will pay you up to $2,000 depending on how big your yard is. My neighbor two houses away had already decided to get rid of his until he found out you'd pay him. Now he's watered the damn grass and has it all nice and green again cuz it has to be green in order for him to apply for that money. Something wrong with that system.

A lot of my neighbors have put in desert. They don't realize nobody stops to think. When you put in that much rock everywhere, you create a heat island around your house. And all that money you were going to save watering that little bit of grass, now it's going to come up on your electric bill because your AC's going to run a whole lot more cuz your house is hot, your yard is hot, everything's hot.

Um I know there's have been some discussion about maybe going to a primary property tax, uh extra taxes. This town can't manage the money it has. Why would you want to have more property taxes to waste? Please, Gilbert residents, wake up. If they bring this on you, you're just going to be spending more money with a town council that doesn't know what to do with it all. There's an and I I like that lady before me, $15 million for a repairing education center, $14 million for a pickleball court.

These people want to pick a pickleball court, let them go play in Mesa where there's plenty of them. $59 million for a pool. Why does Gilbert want to build a swimming pool while they're telling us water's going to be an issue? You don't need to be building a $60 million pool at my expense or anybody else's. Um, I filled out a separate paper to address the e-bikes. And when I came here tonight, there was a young man riding right down the sidewalk out there doing wheelies on an e-bike.

So, you have a real problem. Where I live, I have a trail between SRP and my property. And those kids, because that thing is lighted all night long, they are up and down it all night long. 2:00 a.m. in the morning, I listen to their motorcycles. Or I listen to their e-bikes. I watch them race up and down there because they know nobody can catch them.

So, I don't know what y'all are going to do, but the rules that were published in the little newspaper saying that's what you'd like to put in place, please put all those rules in place and maybe even more. And then when it comes to helmets, if y'all haven't decided what helmets they should wear, they should all be wearing helmets. We take 5-year-olds and tell them if you're riding a bicycle, you should have on a helmet for your own safety. Well, so should these kids.

Everybody should have on a helmet. I used to ride show horses over fences. I never rode my show horses at home or in a show ring without my hard hat on cuz it can save your life. Um, I got my 3 minutes. Thank you. Thank you, Lauren. Uh, May Dobbins. May Dobbins and I am a resident and business owner here in Gilbert. I've lived here for 20 years.

Homeowner for 20 years almost here in Gilbert and I just want to say to you all that, um, I know that some of the things and decisions you've had to make are really challenging and having to navigate all of that, but I am a proud Gilbert resident and I'm thankful for all of the work that you all do. Um, I know that it's not easy and I know that there are questions and there issues that you're navigating, but I am grateful for, um, a team of folks like yourself.

One of the things that I've had the opportunity to see living in Gilbert for the last 20 years is the growing diversity of Gilbert. I think it's beautiful and so I will leave you with a note of that. It is my hope that the town would be proactive in seeking out diverse voices and backgrounds at our leadership levels so that representation is evident and that all can feel that they belong here at Gilbert. May, thank you. Um, I think it says Carlo Montenegro? Charlie's? Charlie?

Help me out with this. What is it? Charge. Okay. Thank you, sir. Of course, I'm dating myself with that reference to Charles in Charge. Um, uh, Mayor and the Council members, I'd like to first thank you for your service to the community. Um, my, uh, 3 minutes today I want to spend, under 3 minutes, to reinforce, um, by the way, I live in Gilbert, Power Ranch just down the street, and I've been here since 2013, uh, Arizona native born, and so on.

So, I do want to, um, applaud you for taking uh, or considering the ordinance for e-bikes. As I was reading through this, there's a lot of great things in it. But, I'd like to emphasize a couple of things that we need to either strengthen or make this well known. First of all, safety. I think a couple of people mentioned helmets. I'm on the one of the committees for the HOA board in in Power Ranch.

And yesterday when I was leaving one of the committees, there was a a pod, a group of 50 e-bikes when I left the meeting. I looked over. I said, "Holy cow, we're being invaded." And about less than 25% of them had helmets. So, safety is a huge issue. And I'd like you guys to really consider enforcing the helmet issue. I see it in the in the ordinance draft, but really emphasize that the need for helmets. Same thing with lighting.

Um especially maybe perhaps even in addition to the the rear light of strobe light for the rear. Just like some of the people who ride 10 speeds or I see strobes and those are wonderful safety issues to add to the safety component to the e-bike. Um now, I live in Power Ranch as I mentioned. And tomorrow morning, I'd like to invite each and every one of you. Um I'll buy you a big gulp at the Circle K at Rittenhouse and Power.

And you'll see a lot of e-bikes, kids, and they're leaving Circle K with a big gulp in their hand. And trying to control that the e-bike with one other another hand. So, in terms of beverages, I think you referenced beverages, but it had to do with alcoholic beverages, not a big gulp or a slurpee, or that blue Powerade stuff they drink. You know, I never tasted it, but looks good. Um so, the beverages when they're driving that that e-bike.

And finally, when it comes to the the fines, I know that there's a $250 component for the fines. And I lived in during the '80s and '90s, of course, and there was an issue about the three strikes and and you're out. And what I mean by that is we should have consider an escalating fine. The first fine, $250. The second fine, $500. The third fine, $750 and maybe even in impound that bike for a month.

Um, and so that I know it sounds a little, you know, mean or strict, but that'll reduce some of the, you know, issues that we have with the with the um e-bikes. The last thing I'll mention, um, I live in the HOA and I see e-bikes being ridden in the in the green areas, the grass, and we spend a lot of money watering the grasses and we certainly don't need e-bikes riding on our property, especially the green belt areas. Thank you very much. And I'll be back. I have a one other thing.

It's a different yellow piece of paper, whatever that was. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Noah, you here? Oh, there you are. Aloha, mayor and to the rest of the city council. Um, my name is Noah James Markham and I'm from the great city of Tempe, but it's great to be back in this town always. Um, let's talk about happy Pride Month. Wouldn't those Pride flags look fantastic down that Heritage District? Oh my goodness, wouldn't it?

Um, congratulations to the new city manager, even though I would have liked the woman. It's Okay, I know people that don't understand what a woman can do in some of the most powerful roles. It's fine. I will continue the legacy and keep speaking for women that don't have a voice. And as a man, I will keep on making sure that women can have the best roles, just like men do, and only think they can do.

Flock cameras, I know that's a big thing around not just this city, but around a lot of other cities and we need to take care of our flock cameras. That is a good thing that we have here. Also, I would like to talk about Israel and Palestine. They both matter. Also, I would like to talk about transgender people. They need their own private restrooms here, so I hopefully you guys can figure that out and they should not be playing in women's sports.

As being a Democrat, I would talk about these subjects. We also need to extend the light rail here in Gilbert and the Gilbert of Chambers of Commerce, you didn't even think about women. It's okay, I understand. I understand. You just want the men to be in charge. One more thing we need to make sure we get the ball rolling on and start building our Cactus Surf Park. It's time to get the ball rolling. Um and yeah, that's it. Mahalo and thank you for your time. Thank you, Noah. Daryl Grosson.

Daryl Grosson Daryl Grosson, [clears throat] Gilbert resident. I'm speaking tonight because there is massive There's a massive blind spot on this dais. The dialogue in Gilbert has been hijacked, not just so by so-called keyboard warriors, but the very people elected to represent us. Decorum has collapsed. We see protocol routinely ignored by council members to prioritize non-residents over Gilbert taxpayers, even after reading the statement every meeting, and it happened again tonight.

We see council members openly calling citizens liars and lobbying unfounded accusations at anyone who challenges them. We've even seen police used to harass a resident at their home over a Facebook post. This is unacceptable, possibly illegal, and an abuse of power. You have dismissed genuine concerns as political theater or the work of fake accounts. This isn't government governance, it's intimidation, ignorance, and childish.

Government's core or Gilbert's core values are driven, kind, and bold. Yet, there is nothing kind about attacking residents, nothing bold about avoiding accountability, and nothing driven about silencing those who challenge your assumptions, your half-truths, and your misinformation. This behavior has crossed the line from unprofessional into outright defamation.

Recently, members of this leadership falsely accused me of encouraging 6,000 people to stop paying their utility bills and attempted to blame me for the town's $470,000 water meter audit. I have thoroughly reviewed council meeting recordings, my personal recordings of our meetings that I attended, and my social media history. For the official record, your allegations are categorically false. I challenge you to to produce evidence to the contrary.

These fabricated attacks are designed to detract from actual issues. It is easier to point fingers at the public, blaming pri- property leaks, overwatering, or public records requests than it is to take accountability for your own financial oversight. I've seen the comments demanding that I take my 3 minutes to issue a huge public apology. From me when when the delayed audit results return, mockingly ask if I will deliver my apology as a chart or a graph. Let me be perfectly clear.

I will never apologize for demanding fiscal transparency. I will never apologize for doing the math, analyzing the budgets, and using comparative graphs to make town finances clear to the taxpayers. It's presenting hard data. If presenting hard data is treated as a punchline by this council, that says everything about your character and commitment to transparency. However, I'm sorry for the thousands of voters who believed your empty promises.

I have nearly 300 pages of council member screenshots to back my statements that I continually update and I have shared publicly. The core duty of this council is to represent the residents. Instead, you're attacking the residents who do their homework. The public deserves a town council that relies on facts and body true Gilbert values, not online smear campaigns.

It's time to elevate the dialogue and return to the fresh to the professional standard that the people of Gilbert expect and deserve. Thank you. Thanks, Errol. Carissa. My name is Carissa Arnold and I am a Gilbert resident. Today, marks the 10-year anniversary of the murder of Alyssa Romaine. She was reported missing and her naked body was found floating in the Riparian Preserve. She was just 30 years old when her life was taken.

The fact that she was found naked and was Sorry, the fact that she was found naked was hidden from Alyssa's family for several years. There was no water in her lungs, no drugs in her system, but there were signs of assault. The family was forbidden to see Alyssa's body before putting her to rest. Gilbert police prohibited the family from posting any information and said that any communication with the media would compromise the investigation.

Alyssa was murdered just 4 months before Gilbert was designated the safest city in America. It has been 5 years since Gilbert has taken any action in the investigation. It has been nearly 10 8 years since Gilbert police have even spoke with the family. At one point, when a detective was asked about the investigation, he replied, "We don't know. The Bible-thumping freak did it to herself." Apparently, he did not realize he was speaking to Alyssa's cousin. This was not a suicide.

It is time to call this what it is. Alyssa Romaine, a young, beautiful, and vibrant woman was murdered and left floating naked in your precious riparian preserve. And the facts were concealed because they made Gilbert look bad. Gilbert has gone another year pretending nothing happened. This is what you do best. This has become a common theme. It has been 4 years since Rachel Hansen's murder, 6 years since Nick Cordova's murder, and now 10 years since Alyssa's murder.

Nothing bad ever happens in Gilbert. Isn't that what you want everyone to believe? This council has done nothing to hold Gilbert police accountable. The only direction you seem willing to provide is when you dispatch police officers to harass residents who lawfully post the delinquent tax statements and credit card lawsuits of council members running for re-election. I could not make this up if I tried. You have blood on your hands.

Your inaction makes you complicit in the systemic fraud and cover-up that is occurring in our town. As a reminder, the Arizona Attorney General is currently investigating the town of Gilbert. Tonight, I am saying what many residents have been demanding since the Gilbert Goons and the murder of Preston Lord. I am asking the residents of Gilbert to to join me and demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Soberg.

Chief Soberg has failed the victims, failed the officers who serve under him, and failed the residents of Gilbert. Change in Gilbert Police Department leadership is years past due. It is time for our town to move forward with new leadership that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and is worthy of public trust. Thanks, Chrissa. I just have a just a couple of comments. Um the any kind of primary property tax must be approved by residents, not us.

We cannot vote and approve a primary property tax. That has to go to the residents. Um also, um Facebook posts, death threats, or doxing will receive a visit by the Gilbert Police Department every single time. And uh thirdly, about non-residents speaking, that that rule, shall we say, applies when we have 30 minutes at the end of the meeting if we go over 30 minutes. The first 30 minutes, whoever's sitting in this seat can choose the order of what speakers.

If we go over to the next 30 minutes, yes, you are correct that Gilbert residents would have to go first. So, I just wanted to clear that up. And I'm going to turn the meeting over now to the mayor. Thank you. From this point, we're going to move the agenda around a little bit um and to help uh Council Member Buckland, who Council Member Buckland, are you there? Yes, Mayor, I'm here. Okay.

We're going to move the uh public hearing items and also the uh budget items uh forward before we do the consent calendar, so that'll give you an opportunity to participate before it gets very late where you are, if that's okay with you. Thank you, Mayor. Appreciate that. Public hearing items, uh I'd ask you all to review the public hearing items, um items 25 through 34. I do have requests to speak on 32, 33, and 34, so we will be pulling those off.

Are there any other um public hearing items that anyone would like to have a separate hearing on? No? In that case, I'll open the public hearing on items 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 and close the public hearing and ask for a motion and a second. I move to approve items 25 through 31. I'll second that. It's been moved and seconded. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? None opposed. Motion carries 7-0.

Item 32 is uh conduct a hearing and consider adoption of ordinance number 2986 amending the code of Gilbert, um chapter 62, traffic and vehicles, article 4, bicycles and micro mobility devices, and article 5, motorized play vehicles and motorized skateboards. Staff, if we could get a short presentation first on this and then uh we'll ask the uh for the those who would like to speak. Hello, Mayor and Council. My name is Mike Angstead. I'm an assistant chief with Gilbert PD.

And I'm back here um once again with regard to e-bikes in the ordinance that we're proposing. Um and I am happy to run back through the presentation I did at our last study session. Uh and I can do it really quickly if that's helpful or um however you'd prefer. I think just hitting the highlights uh what you consider important in in Gilbert. Perfect. If you don't mind, I'm just going to skip ahead to a to the the portion of this presentation that specifically addresses the ordinance.

So, some of the the highlights of changes that we're proposing um we'll just go into this blue box just to uh clarify for anybody that wasn't that didn't watch our the study session previously.

Um we're talking about restrictions that will apply largely to a bicycle, an electric bicycle, an electric miniature scooter, an electric personal assistive mobility device, an electric stand-up scooter, aka a bird scooter if you will, a motorized skateboard, a motorized wheelchair, and a personal mobile cargo carrying device. So, as we move forward, I'm just going to sort of refer to these as the devices.

Um we amended the or we're suggesting that this ordinance be amended to uh include that these devices have to be operated in a manner that's consistent with state law, specifically title 28. That they can't be operated where signage prohibits within the town. That they may operate on sidewalks and multi-use paths in parks, although operators must yield right of way to pedestrians and give an audible warning when passing.

And we clarified at uh study session this would um also include things like horses uh if you're going to overtake one. Additional restrictions apply uh uniformly to all the devices, so it kind of brought all these devices in line as a category. Um as discussed by um, one of the speakers earlier, lights must be displayed, not just equipped on these devices at night. And um, to clarify, it does require uh, headlight at night time as in addition to a um, a rear red light to the rear.

And a reflector. So, it does have that that light to the rear. Um, illegal parking provisions are expanded to all these devices. And violations of any of those type of issues that are listed there are civil violations and they're handled by our court accordingly. Um, we are suggesting an age restriction. And this one's a little bit different. If you look on the right side of the screen, just as a review, there are various um, uh, ordinances out there with regard to ages for e-bikes.

Uh, in Gilbert specific, what we're recommending is no person under the age of 12 may operate a class one or class two e-bike, uh, electric miniature scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or an electric stand-up scooter. And no person under 16 year of years of age may operate a class three e-bike. And just as a reminder, the class threes are slightly faster. They go up to 28 mph. That's uh, hence the age difference there. Um, currently right now, there is no age restriction.

So, a, you know, theoretically, a four-year-old could ride a class one uh, e-bike. And so, this is an effort to to create an age restriction. And all of those violations are civil. This establishes uh, a speed limit. So, a 15 mph maximum on all sidewalks within town boundaries. And a 15 mph maximum on all town parks and multi-use paths.

Operators, um, in addition to the speed limit, operators must also travel at a reasonable and prudent speed under the existing conditions and actual or potential hazards. So, even though somebody may be going under 15 mph, if it's a crowded sidewalk and they're running into crowds of people, that would be not a reasonable and prudent speed based on those conditions. Operators must control the speed as necessary to avoid colliding with people, objects, or vehicles.

This applies to bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, motorized skateboards, wheelchairs, and personal mobile cargo carrying devices. And again, all of those violations are civil. Uh we're suggesting a helmet requirement, and the protective helmets are required, fitted, and fastened for all bike uh all all e-bike and electric scooter riders under the age of 18. And this includes bicycles, pedal bicycles. So, all of the devices to include bicycles would require a helmet if you're if you're a minor.

Parent liability and reckless riding is added to this ordinance. Um specifically with parental responsibilities, parents, guardians, custodians may not authorize or knowingly permit a child to violate this article. And that's those are civil violations with criminal options. [snorts] Um those criminal options already reside under state law if if it warrants it, if it's serious enough.

Reckless riding, um it would be unlawful to operate uh these devices with reckless disregard for safety of persons or property. And the reckless actions may include wheelies, carrying passengers on a bike that's only designed for one person, um using uh phones and things like that, carrying you know, potentially carrying drinks unsafely, intentionally swerving, and um modifying the actual devices to increase the speed, which we run into actually quite a bit.

Uh kids have figured out how to hack what would be a class three uh e-bike and make it go, you know, 50 mph. All of those are class one misdemeanor. We added DUI, failure to stop, and business requirements. Those are new. So, riding under the influence, um the DUI provisions would apply to bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and all human-powered devices. It's a class one misdemeanor. Very similar to the laws that exist already for automobiles.

Failure to stop, it would be unlawful to knowingly refuse to stop or flee from a law enforcement officer or authorized traffic enforcement agent. That would be a class one misdemeanor as alluded to previously tonight. We do run into situations where we'll try to take enforcement action on somebody who's clearly operating one of these devices in violation of the law, and it's not uncommon that they flee. So, this gives the officers a tool to be able to address that.

Business requirements, we'd require businesses to inform customers purchasing a motorized device about the rules within this article. And we it is our plan to set them up for success so they could notify the purchaser via paper, website, or mobile application. And the business would be prohibited from selling or renting e-bikes or town devices on town property or rights of way without permission.

The Gilbert transportation device safety program, so this is a program optional for civil violations selected prior to court proceedings. If the violator completes the program, civil fines are waived. The court shall impose a fee for the administration of the safety program, and if the violator is under 18, the parent or guardian must attend with the violator. Eligible if the violator has not participated in the program within the past 12 months.

The entire intent of this portion of the ordinance is just to provide a mechanism for education. That's That's ultimately what we what we want is just safety. These can be operated in a safe way. Not so much the electric motorcycles that have no business being on the road, separate issue. But these electric bicycles can certainly be operated in a legal and safe way. We want to get there. We want to work with parents to accomplish that.

That is and the last thing I will say on this slide is as we covered at the the last meeting a kind of our intent in getting this in front of the council is to push this ordinance through if it's possible before we get too deep into summer break.

It's such a short summer now here in the valley that the kids will be back in early July, but we're really trying to start off this campaign if we're going to launch an ordinance where we can partner with the schools and get the education out there that things are changing and this is getting kind of reeled in. And with that mayor I I'll stop. Thank you, Chief. Any questions in the council? Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. Mike, I've seen this in briefings.

I've seen this in the study session, but I just hit me for the first time. We have listed on here motorized wheelchairs. Is it illegal anywhere for I I I don't know any place where a motorized wheelchair can't be? Council member Bon Giovanni and Mayor, I'd have to go back and look at the specific provisions that apply to the motorized wheelchairs. I know there is the motorized assistive devices which are slightly different.

In our discussions with legal, it was my understanding that anything having to do with a wheelchair was excluded. Okay. Cuz I saw that in there. I just wanted to make sure of that cuz that that one kind of bothered me there for a second. Um second question, if we vote on this and it all passes, would this be the strictest e-bike ordinance in the valley? To your knowledge?

You know, when we compared to other cities, I'll just go back to this slide with with regard to um ages and so forth, it it's pretty pretty restrictive, yes. There are I I want to say age-wise we're a little bit more permissive when we allow kids to ride some of these devices at the age of 12. Where other communities don't have any age restriction, but I mean by and large, yeah, we're Yes. Okay, thank you, sir. Thank you, Chief. I have two requests to speak. Our first speaker, Lauren Reber.

Push push the button, Lauren. Here. There you go. Ah, there we go. Red light. Lauren Reber, Gilbert Um, I kind of already spoke to you cuz I didn't know I was going to get to speak again. I'd like to see all these rules absolutely adopted. I do have a question. I used to shop at Bashas' over there on Higley. I quit going over there. I won't go near that place because of e-bike riders, motorcycle riders, and kids driving golf carts all over the place. Can we do anything about the golf carts?

Or are there rules about the golf carts that maybe aren't being enforced? I mean, that store lost my business. And I used to go there a lot, and that's not the closest store I can go to. I can almost walk to Fry's, but I would drive to Bashas' cuz I liked it. Once that place got taken over by all these kids, I was like, I don't need this. I quit going there, but I would like you to consider if there's something that can be done about these kids running around in golf carts.

Sometimes it's one kid and sometimes it's eight of them piled in there and and driving on the street and the sidewalk and running in front of cars and everything else. Um as far as the e-bikes go that's all I have to say. I just want something done. Especially if you can keep them He said something about having signs that would say you can't ride them here. Well, that little trail that goes down past my house between me and SRP from Warner Road to the canal put a sign there. No e-bikes.

No motorcycles. No nothing. Bicycles is okay. They don't make noise. But the rest of it, yeah. Especially at 2:00 in the morning. Thanks. Thank you, Chief. I think golf carts are treated as regular moving vehicles, aren't they? Mayor, that's correct. There's actually two kind of devices that looks really similar. A golf cart is only belongs on a golf course. It doesn't have any safety or anything on it. The the type that you would actually golf with.

There are neighborhood assistive devices or neighborhood electric vehicles that you can get a license plate from the Department of Transportation and it has all of the proper signals and whatnot. It is considered a motor vehicle and you can't operate it. You have to be 16 years old. You have to have a driver's license. So, if if it's a kid, truly a kid somebody under 16, it's inherently illegal to operate that. Thank you. Our next speaker, Charles Montenegro if you have any additional to add.

Uh yes, thank you. First of all, I I heard there are the PD conducted uh some again, I'm dating myself, a a dragnet of e-bikes in Power Ranch, I think it was or Gilbert. So, I thank you for that. Uh the other issue um what I didn't see in the presentation in terms of enforcement. So, I just like to hear more about the enforcement component of the ordinance. And what can um residents do to report situations? I I as I said, I live just across the street from the Circle K, Power Rittenhouse.

I see a bunch of stuff, a lot of you know, uh I wish e-bikes were available when I was a kid. Man, I would I would have loved one. Except my dad, he had me pedal up and down the street. I guess it kept me active and which is a good thing for kids. But today kids don't pedal, you know, and which is I wish I had e-bike myself, but I I would like to know more about the e- uh the ord- um the enforcement component.

And also in terms of businesses, uh the resident um before me mentioned um the the grouping of uh e-bikes at at the businesses. You know, uh grocery stores or Bashas as the resident before me um mentioned. But I also when I sometimes I go by a um which I shouldn't do too often, by Mickey D's, I see a bunch of e-bikes blocking the doors. So, I know that's a you know, business, but I'd like to find out what we're doing how to address that issue as well. So, again, thank you for letting me speak.

Uh I'd like to have see this ordinance pass along with the enforcement component and what can residents do to um notify the PD when there's an issue. Thank you. Thank you. I'd encourage the two of you to meet together after the item so you could talk to him a little bit more, Chief. Thank you. I'll uh close the public hearing, bring it back to the council for action. Or discussion.

Council member I just I always hesitate on things because I feel like we're stepping on the opportunity of some parents to be parents. At the same time, I realize a lot of parents aren't being parents. Well, this is this something that we're going to see revision on, a sunset on, or something you know, something to modify as we see how it works, or is this something that's just going to be in code, done, not revisited? Well, you can visit anything in the code when we need to.

We can make amendments as necessary. All right. Um Council member Buckley. Perhaps maybe we could ask for an update on uh I don't know where two things Ted went, but our assistant chief, but uh could we maybe get numbers of how this has worked uh in you think 6 months? Uh or maybe a year? Do you think six Well, 6 months should work quite well because of the summer break will be over, and um okay. Ask Mario how he feels about that. Yes, absolutely, Mayor and members of the council.

We can provide an update in 6 months on the effectiveness of the ordinance and how things are going with enforcement. Council member Kaprowski. Thank you. Um I echo the sentiments of the residents that spoke tonight. Uh the reality is that Gilbert today is very different than it was 20 years ago. We're approaching build out as a community. Our streets and pathways and intersections carry more people, more vehicles, and more activity than ever before.

At the same time, distracted driving has become a significant challenge. Cell phones are now a constant presence in daily life. And I think every parent understands that even the safest child can be placed at risk by the actions of someone else. I think this ordinance recognizes that reality and it acknowledges that children and teenagers share public spaces with these vehicles, motorcycles, e-bikes, and scooters in an increasingly urban environment.

And so I think as a community, it's our responsibility to take some steps to reduce the severity of those injuries when the crashes occur. And I think this ordinance is a great step in the right direction. And as was mentioned by Councilmember Torgerson, maybe having some concerns for parents, my thoughts on that as a parent is I believe this requirement provides an important tool for parents.

Many parents already require their children to wear helmets, but they often face resistance, especially as children get older. They're not able to monitor their children, you know, out when they leave the home if they give them a little bit of freedom, which I think that they do here in Gilbert cuz we're a safe community and and we like to give our children that opportunity. [snorts] But having a clear community standard allows parents to say, "It's not just our family rule. It's the law.

This is something you should do." And that simple message can really help remove the debate and encourage that consistent behavior and helmet use and um emphasize the expectations that we have for our children, teens, and even adults to use these devices appropriately in the spaces in the community. So, ultimately, I think this ordinance is about education, prevention, and creating a culture of safety.

Um and I think that it will go a long way in helping to curb some of the behaviors we're seeing, and I believe it's a policy worth supporting. So, for those reasons, I'll be supporting this ordinance. Any other comments? I'll entertain a motion. Mayor Anderson, if I may, we've got one um recommended change to section 113. That's the Gilbert Safety Program.

So, in subsection A3, what it currently says is if the Gilbert Police Department's Gilbert Transportation Device Safety Program is chosen, the fine designated by the court will not be imposed.

What we're recommending instead of saying chosen, um and we came across this as we were re- re-reviewing this week, we would recommend instead of chosen that it would read, if the Gilbert Police Department's Gilbert Transportation Device Safety Program options is successfully completed by the time the initially provided by this section or by the court, then the fine will not be imposed.

What that would do is it would require them to actually complete the program before a fine gets uh waived, rather than just electing to do the program. But, that way there's enforcement to make sure that they would complete the program. That's good. Do we have a motion which it would include that language change? I'll make a motion to approve item 32 for the ordinance number 2986 amending the code of Gilbert um with the change to section 113 subsection A3 as Chris Payne just mentioned. Second.

It's been moved and seconded. All in favor, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? I. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Our next two items, items 33 and 34, have to do with our PKI PKIDs and our street light improvement district. Item 33 has to do with uh municipal street lighting improvement district and I think what we'll do I'll open the public hearing on this and ask Kelly if you get a very brief presentation about what is street light improvement district and how that operates. Mayor. Yes.

Could could I go back just a second and ask a question on what we just did? I don't recall us stating when this ordinance on e-bikes take effect. Will that be immediate? Would that be immediate? The The vote was The vote was unanimous. unanimous 7-0, so it could be immediate, I'm assuming. Yeah, Mayor, members of the council, council member Buckley, that's correct. The ordinance has an immediate clause in there and because it was passed by a super majority, then it goes into effect immediately.

So, there's no there's no 30-day wait like normal ordinances. for the people that's here to know when this takes effect. Correct. So, it is now in effect. Effectively, it's right now. Correct. So, if you have any kids out there, you might want to call them. All right, thank you thank you for I appreciate the being able to do that. Kelly, can you talk to us about uh street light improvement districts? Thank you, Mayor and council. We have what are called street light improvement districts.

They're geographic areas defined in the town um with specific properties included. Uh street light improvement districts are only allowed to cover the cost of the electricity for the street lights within that geographic area. The town has about 400 of them. Um and every year the town has to adopt a budget for to pay the electric costs on those street lights. Uh and then it's included on the property tax rolls for those properties. Did you want any more information than that?

I don't need any more. Does any of the council need more? I just like clarity real quick. How much of an increase have we seen in the electrical cost and has it been tied to any rate increases by the electrical provider? Uh I don't have a specific number off the top of my head, but yes, we have seen rate increases in electricity. This is a complete pass-through. Um so we don't make any money as a town. Uh and we just pay the electric costs for those areas. Hawkin can also provide information.

Yep, perfect. That was well said. Uh we haven't yet seen those any cost increases significantly come through. Um what we see is about a 5% difference from last year, but it it does depend on the exact uh street light improvement district itself. Uh and so as we look at what's happening, um we may see that, but it is a pass-through as Kelly mentioned. So the increase that we're asking for here, we Explain to me how we calculate that. Uh it is driven by the exact costs that we see and estimate.

Um the way that street lights are billed are by hours, not even by exact how long the light is on itself. Um SRP will calculate a a dusk-to-dawn time. Um I'm getting more detailed um maybe than the necessary here, but uh so SRP will calculate exactly what each street light uh requires. The street light districts themselves uh are set defined areas. Uh Uh we have what was last year generated um and what is it estimated to be required for that. Um It's a special revenue fund.

The money stays in that fund. Is that a cash fund? Yeah. Uh and my phone-a-friend reminded me to just this is a special revenue fund. So, the the funds can only be used to pay for this and the electricity only, no operations or or repair. All right. Thank you. Thank you. I have one uh request to speak, Barbara Colvin. Need to push the button. Push the button, Barbara. It got turned off, okay. My name's Barbara.

And I saw this late in the day today, and so that's why I wasn't totally understanding what was going on here. When I pick this up and I see nothing but a whole bunch of numbers going here, here, here, here, here. So, listening to them speak, it's strictly for light poles. The electricity. Okay, the electricity to the light poles.

So, all of these numbers here, am I to take in that those are the individual light poles that are going to be addressed or Those are the individual districts, street light district. And they're they're in different subdivisions, and each one of those stands for a particular subdivision. Okay. So, then I guess then the same thing would apply to that 34 budget, which is what I was going to take to you.

Because when I see something like this and something like this where it's looking for to conduct a hearing and consider adoption of, you know, that means they're looking for approval for the money for it, but then somebody said the money's can only be used for that.

And uh So, when I see things like that non-explicit it makes me wonder when if something can get slid into there like you've got this great big bill and you're going through and it's supposed to be for this then oops, let's slide in this and let's see if anybody spots it and we're going to go ahead and get it approved. That was my concern. Thank you. Any other discussion? I'll entertain a motion on item 33. Motion to approve item 33. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we approve item 33 relating to street light improvement districts. All in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Me. One. I'm nay. Council member Lyons is it is in opposition. Thank you. We'll move on to item 34 which is [snorts] a parkway maintenance improvement district.

It's also consideration of ordinance 2988 relating to the parkway maintenance districts and and again if I could ask I'll open the public hearing and ask Kelly and Hawkin if you could come up and talk briefly about parkway improvement districts. In which I reside in one of them. Mayor Council, a PK a PKID is a parkway improvement district is a collective of residents that have together agreed to form this. Uh and it is used to provide infrastructure repair and maintenance of shared space.

Um the town manages that. Uh but the the payment to pay to fund whatever improvements are occurring in that district uh are approved by those residents and are to maintain the shared space around those same residents. And so, what's before you today is to approve the budgets um for the required work done in those districts for the next fiscal year. Thank you. Council Member Kubrowski. How can this um these are these PKID districts are formed in areas where they do not have HOAs. Is that correct?

That is correct, yes. Thank you. I live happen to live in one and it operates very well. Very efficient. Any other questions? Comments? I'll entertain a motion. Or wait a minute. Uh Barbara, did you want to speak again? No. Thank you. I'll entertain a motion at this point. Motion to approve item 34. It's been moved and seconded that we approve item 34 adoption of an ordinance 2988 relating to Parkway Maintenance Improvement Districts. All in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed?

Motion carries unanimously. Thank you very much. That concludes the public hearings. At this point, I'd like to recess our regular meeting and convene a special meeting for consideration of the and Council Member Kubrowski has a statement for before we start on item 35. For item number 35, I'm recusing myself from voting on the CIP program due to a potential conflict of interest as my company is a qualified vendor with the town of Gilbert.

Although neither my husband or I currently perform work for Gilbert, my council term concludes this year and my firm may pursue future opportunities related to CIP projects. Thank you. We'll go ahead and consider and open the public hearing on item 35, capital improvement plan, consider adoption of resolution number 4673, approval approving the town of Gilbert fiscal year 2027 through 2036 capital improvement plan program, CIP. Kelly. Good evening, Mayor and Council.

I do have one presentation that includes CIP, property tax, and the budget all together. Um if you would like that or you could take a vote on CIP and Council member Kubrakowski could return. This is final budget night, so we do have the debut of our budget video, which we typically do at the end of that presentation. What would you like? I'd like Council member Kubrakowski to be able to hear the the portion that she is here actually present for, so if we could do it that way. Perfect. The No.

After the after the item, item 35. Do you want me to give a presentation on the CIP, yes. On the CIP, okay. I'm just going to scootch forward in this presentation to the CIP portion. Um this is total budget and then capital improvements, we do adopt the budget for capital improvements, the full amount of the budget, so we know that we can complete the project even though the project will be worked on over several years because these are large projects that require a lot of time.

So, there is in the capital improvement plan $1.7 billion of infrastructure that we are working on. $1.2 billion of that is already in progress and then the half of a million dollars is half a billion dollars is additional projects that we will be adding money to or adding new projects this year. Most of the uh work being done is on our streets, on our water system, and on our park system are the largest investments for this year.

And I think that is lots of good projects going on and looking to be completed over this next year. That's the CIP portion if there's any questions on that. Thank you. Any questions for Kelly? Councilmember Lyons. Oh, I'm sorry. I should have turned that off. Oh, okay. Any other questions? Thank you, Kelly. We'll take this one separately then. I'll entertain a motion on item 35, resolution number 4673 approving the capital improvement program. Do you want me to make I'll make the motion.

I make a motion to approve item number 35, the capital improvement plan. I'll second that. It's been a motion and a second that we adopt resolution 4673. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? [clears throat] Nay. Motion carries 5-1. Thank you. We'll go on to item 36, budget conduct hearing and consider adoption of ordinance number 2989 setting the secondary property tax levy for fiscal year 2027. Kelly. Thank you, Mayor and Council.

This is just a straightforward We do have the property tax levy, which is 98 cents per $100 [snorts] of assessed value. This is the same levy we've had for several years in a row now. It would provide about 36.6 million dollars and that money can only be used to repay debt that voters have approved on a ballot. This is the amount we would need for our current debt and the transportation bonds upcoming that we will sell in the spring. Any questions on that? Questions? Comments?

We'll look for a motion. I'll make I'll make a comment. Okay. Council member Torgerson. This is difficult for me because I know how hard she's worked on this. Four years ago I opposed the the bond package. It passed by a quarter of 1% and once voters approved it, bonds were issued and obligations became real. I dislike property taxes on principle. To me, your home should be your safe place, something you truly own.

Property taxes create a feeling the government forever [snorts] has a claim against your ownership. I'm very fortunate and blessed in this world. I paid for my home in cash. I don't have an escrow account quietly collecting insurance and taxes each month where the impact is softened and spread out over time. Because of my business cycle and advice from my financial advisor, I pay my property taxes in even years in large sums directly to the county.

When I walk in and write a check for roughly $8,500, it hits like a ton of bricks. It genuinely stings every single time and I empathize deeply with taxpayers who feel squeezed by rising costs everywhere they turn. To credit our staff, Gilbert has worked diligently to maintain the lowest property tax rates in the region at 0.98. In fact, just 3 years ago, I believe it was, we took it down to 0.98. Going any lower, we're actually going to interfere with paying our obligations.

It really It's really We are paying our obligations. If we paid more, we would actually end up saving money cuz of interest. Compared to neighboring communities, we're far better with our property tax. Uh and as Councilwoman Bon Giovanni said, a primary property tax will only come with the voters' approval, the same as a transportation bond or a park bond or any bond. Uh The reality is the bonds are different from sales tax.

When a bond passes, even by 50% plus one, the obligation is posed on everyone, whether they supported it or not. It's not participatory in the same way that sales tax is, where spending is tied tied to activity and choice. I fully understand that maintaining our current rate would amount to only about $12 annually for the average homeowner. In the grand scheme, Gilbert's only 10% of the property tax you pay. It's very little compared to other communities. Definitely not primary property tax.

Uh My long-held views on property taxes and my previous opposition to that bond itself, I start to feel like a hypocrite voting for a secondary property tax. And I want I want people to know that they're not unheard when they're complaining about every single tax and fee and rate they see. Uh I feel it. I I feel it deeply. It bothers me greatly. And I do realize we have to pay the uh the debt that was incurred by the voters. Whether I like it or not, the debt has to be paid.

This is not a criticism of staff by any stretch. I'm not even going to be criticizing the projects that that are on it cuz most of this is transportation. I just wanted to make sure that people know, the people that that sting it even $12 a year uh or just sting on it by ideology, that they're that they know they're heard and I empathize with it, but unfortunately, the bill has to get paid. And the bill the voters mandated.

And I think when we talked, there was only like .38% wiggle room if we were lucky. And I'm probably .02% of that until I pay in in August. But [snorts] there wasn't really any There wasn't anything to do that was safe to take it even lower. It's just not safe. So, I just want people to know they're heard and other people up here feel it as do I. And I will be supporting the secondary tax rate because we have to pay the bill. Thank you, Councilmember Buckley.

Um I just wanted to say that I I agree with uh what Councilmember Ferguson has said. Um but I do want to acknowledge as well the work and the time and all of the efforts that Kelly, our budget director, and her team have gone through to come to the level of of where we are here and not having to raise our secondary property tax. I am not in favor of a primary property tax, not now or ever.

Uh because I think that we can make you know, make make everything happen and have our bills paid without doing that. There's other ways of us doing that. But I anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that we have worked on all of our budget for for since since we approved last year's budget, we started working on what you're seeing and what we're doing right now. So, thank you. Any other Vice Mayor? Thank you, Mayor.

It's tough being the third one to talk cuz everyone else says exactly what you wanted to say, but I want to reiterate um staff, all staff, you know, not just the budget department, but all staff has worked hard on this budget and it's nice to look down and see this graph and know that our secondary property tax is the lowest I've seen.

I don't know how far off far back that that graph goes, but at least 2009, um it's the lowest it's been and that just proves the leadership that you and your team have on managing all this for us and I really appreciate you and the rest of the department heads for working hard during the budget process cuz I know how difficult it is and I know that even at the last second when we want to squeeze something in, you guys still do what you what you need to do to make that happen.

So, I appreciate everyone, all the staff here today and and of course your you and your department. Any any other comments? Just one more. Yes, Council member. One one thing I don't think any of us mentioned is that this rate is exactly the same as last year. There's been no increase, no decrease, it's remained the same and I think that's important for for you all to know that we have the same rate as we had last year. It's actually remained that way for several years. Yeah. Thank you.

Do I have a motion and second? I'll make a motion to um We're on 37 or 36? 36. Okay, to make a motion to approve the budget ordinance number 2989 setting the secondary primary property tax levy for fiscal year 2027 at 36,635,000. I'll second that. It's been moved and seconded. All in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Item 37, uh budget.

Conduct hearing and consider adoption of resolution number 4674 approving the final budget for the period July 1st, 2026 to June 30, 2027. I'll open the public hearing and Kelly can give us another abbreviated time. Will do. Uh I appreciate Councilmember Buckley's comments. So, we do start the budget. It is a year-long process. Uh and tonight is our final budget adoption. So, we had our budget study session and open public meeting in April.

We had another open public meeting uh and uh public hearing in on May [snorts] 19th for preliminary budget adoption. And then tonight is the final uh opportunity and to close out the budget. Um We typically have a budget video. This year's video was really great education. Uh Lewis did an amazing job at really thinking through what information we believe the residents might need to know about this budget, which is different from other years.

So, I'll go ahead and let that tell most of the story about the budget since you've heard the presentation a couple of times now. And while the clerk's office is getting that put up, I think Mario had a a couple thoughts. Thank you, Kelly. Mayor and members of the council, just want to express my gratitude to to all of you uh for your for your leadership and uh guidance as we work through the budget process, but also to the great team that we have here at Gilbert.

It's really a collaborative team effort that works through the challenges that we have on the budget. It was a particularly difficult year uh as as we've talked about with you and the community many times. And our team really stepped to the plate stepped up to the plate to find a way to bring a a solid balanced budget to the council forward um that continues our great services that we provide to the community.

I also want to mention uh that as part of recent uh budget discussions, we've heard from council members that have expressed concerns about uh the number of traffic enforcement officers that are currently deployed by the town. And so, I have some good news to share on that front that I want here. Uh this year, thanks to a very successful academy class number 10, the town will be adding five traffic officers to the traffic enforcement team.

This means the town will have five more traffic officers by the end of this calendar year, uh which is a 62% increase above the uh number of traffic enforcement officers um compared to what we've had over the last 2 years. Um and so, I know that having more traffic enforcement is something the council has received numerous complaints and inquiries about. Um so, I wanted to share that positive update with the council tonight.

Um and then with that, I'll turn it over over back over for the for the video, which I think helps clearly communicate the challenges and the successes that we've had with the budget this year. about our budget. Woo! Typically, when the town announces our budget, it's good time. Maybe throw in a little B-roll sequence, show off the new parks, the new facilities coming to the community. But, not this year.

Now, look, we still have some amazing improvements coming like the opening of the advocacy center, [music] Desert Sky Park expansion, and many more. However, this year was less about what are the new things we're going to get, and more about what are the things [music] we can't afford to lose. Because the reality is that our general fund, that's the main funding source for our day-to-day operations, it's facing a $20 million a year loss in ongoing revenue.

On top of that, we understand residents are dealing with rising costs, including the recent [music] utility rate increase that just passed, which won't be increasing in fiscal year '27, so we do have that. But, the main concern for [music] this year's budget was around how we maintain the quality of life Gilbert residents have come to love and expect while managing a massive loss in ongoing revenue. So, how exactly does a town just lose $20 million in ongoing revenue?

The truth is this shortfall, it's not because of irresponsible spending, it's almost [music] entirely due to external changes both at the state and federal level. Let's do some math. First, the state eliminated residential rental sales tax, $9 million. Second is Arizona's move to a flat income tax, $5.5 million. Third, one big beautiful bill, $3.5 million. Lastly, our neighbor Santan Valley finally incorporated into their own city. We're just so incredibly happy for them. $1.8 million.

Basically, $20 million of ongoing revenue. Again, not a one-time dip. We're talking at least $100 million dollars over the next five years. When a town or city loses that much in ongoing revenue, they need to decide what the priorities are. For Gilbert, there are three big ones that stood out. First is essential services. This is important for maintaining a high quality of life. This is going to be your police officers, [music] your firefighters, your park rangers.

Another priority is supporting economic growth. Unlike other cities that rely on a primary property tax to support their day-to-day operations, Gilbert, we don't have one. Instead, over 70% of our general fund comes directly [music] from sales tax and income tax. This is why maintaining a strong business environment and growing our sales tax base [music] is critical to strengthening our financial future. Lastly, maintaining our current workforce. I know what you're thinking.

Of course you would say that. You work for the town. But take a look at this chart. The median comparable city has around eight employees [music] per 1,000 residents. Gilbert operates closer to six. And that's not [music] a small gap. We run incredibly lean, meaning our staff does a lot more with a lot less. Now, this leads into things that didn't make the cut. Like we just went over, yes, Gilbert will be running lean in 2027.

Out of the nearly 300 requested staff positions that we need to maintain service [music] levels, we were only able to fund about a hundred of them. That means close to 200 requested positions remain unfunded. And over a hundred of those positions [music] are in public safety. That's police and fire. Now, you might be thinking, "What about all that government inefficiency?" And look, I was that guy, too.

That's why I was actually quite surprised when I started working with the town and found out that Gilbert practices zero-based budgeting. This is actually a very good practice and not many local municipalities, let alone for-profit companies, do this. Most places use rollover budgets. They take last year's spending, adjust for inflation, maybe a new AI subscription, on and on, the budget can just balloon.

Zero-based budgeting forces you to justify each dollar from zero, essentially helping you eliminate a lot of waste. Gilbert's been practicing zero-based budgeting [music] since 2018 and to date generated over 5 million in savings. But that's not going to be enough. So, to make up for the rest of the shortfall, we had to get a little creative and honestly, [music] we had to make some tough trade-offs.

This meant reducing spending on internal operations, [music] doing less park maintenance, and even shutting down core community events like fall movies in the park and outdoor expo. We're utilizing [music] a one-time funding source of 3.3 million from the sale of land. We also saved $4 million during phase one of the new advocacy center. It balances our budget for this year, [music] but let's be real, these are band-aid fixes. It's not going to solve our ongoing challenges.

For now, [music] it did help us from making even deeper cuts into core services. We're already looking at 2028 [music] and beyond, trying to figure out how to compensate for these ongoing losses without losing our high quality of life. As a resident, you actually have a lot of power here. Shop local, support the mom-and-pop shops, even the big-box retailers. Because every dollar you spend [music] within the town's boundaries helps tremendously.

As for the town, our goals will remain the same, protect what makes Gilbert exceptional. And while we had to [music] make some tough decisions this year, those decisions were guided by a long-term vision to ensure that Gilbert not only meets today's needs, but continues to thrive for generations [music] to come. Thank you, Kelly. Did you have anything else? No, just a shoutout to Louis and the OCE team. They always do an exceptional job. Very well done.

I'll close the public hearing and bring it back to the council for discussion and or motion. Vice Mayor. Kelly, I asked this question Come back here, please. [laughter] I asked this question every year cuz every year I hear misinformation. You know, when I hear we're spending $2.5 billion this year. Is that true? It is not. That is our total budget, but we are not allowed to increase our budget once we start the year.

So, any unknown things that come up, um we have to be prepared for that, which is why we have that $100 million of CIP contingency specific for that that reason. Okay, so approximately how much do we actually spend? Uh the Ballpark. Ballpark. [laughter] Uh 500 to 700 million, um and depending probably a little higher this year because our CIP spend is more with um the North Water Treatment Plant in construction. So, with the $100 million contingency, we could spend probably up to 800 or so.

But not $2.5 billion. No, most of that's with the capital improvement projects that will take several years to complete. It won't complete all in one year. And from what I understand, from what I've seen other cities' budgets, they don't do the same thing that we do, correct? Most of them don't do the CIP budgeting [snorts] the same way that we do. Right. So, when another city next to us or near us has an $800 million budget, that's their budget.

We call our budget $2.5 billion, but we pretty much spend the same. Correct. Thank you, Kelly. Yeah, I have to ask that every single year, you know that. So, thank you for answering that for me. Thank you. Any other questions, comments? Mayor. Yes, Council member Buckland. Thank you, Mayor. So, um in in um hearing that, when I was going through the budget in depth um this weekend, um you know, I hear people talk tonight about we need more transparency. I think there's something that we could do.

We you know, we for number of reasons we budget the entire project in in the upcoming year and we Councilmember Bonfiglio just reiterated that. I think what could help if we provided a forecast of what we actually expect to spend in addition to the financial statements maybe to better communicate to the general public because a budget document is not just a budget document, it is also a communication document.

Um I think that might help for that transparency piece so people understand better um what it really looks like. Thank you. You have that written down. Any other questions, comments? Again, I'll ask for a motion. I'll second. Uh are you ready for the motion? Yes. Okay. I'll make a motion to approve our budget via resolution number 4674 approving the final budget of 2 million 5 uh 2 billion 554 million 42,835 dollars for the period of July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2027. That's item number 37.

I'll second that, Mayor. It's been a motion and a second. All in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Nay. Motion carries 6-1. Who said nay? Jim. Councilmember Torres. Thank you. That I'll adjourn our special meeting reconvening regular meeting and we'll go back to our consent calendar at this point. Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. I'm going to turn this over to um our new town manager.

And um Mario's probably going to take me until the time that I'm no longer Vice Mayor to say your last name correctly. And having a last name like Bonfiglio, I'm horrible that I can't Can you please say it one more time for me, please? Yes, sir. Bonfiglio. Yeah, I'll see you in 3 months. [laughter] [gasps] All right, thank you, Mayor members of the council. I will give an overview of the the consent agenda items before you tonight.

And we as a reminder we continue to focus on building a strong economy, strengthening our prosperous community in an exceptionally built environment. And so with that, we will talk through the the items. Agenda item number two is in I intergovernmental agreement with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office that authorizes the use of the detention officer training academy at Maricopa County to train Gilbert police detention officers.

The cost is $1,000 per employee and is funded through the general fund. Item three is an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Arizona Department of Transportation authorizing the design and construction of road improvements on Warner Road from Recker to Power as part of the uh MAG Regional Transportation Plan Prop 400 and the town match requirement uh is funded through general obligation transportation bonds of $6,593,065.

Item four is a development reimbursement agreement with K L L B by 3 L L C providing for improvements to the south half of Bonanza Road between Greenfield and Columbus uh and that's funded uh via 20 fiscal year 27 roadway and maintenance contingency uh for the amount of $182,051. Item five is a cooperative agreement with M E S which provides for the purchase of firefighting safety gear and equipment uh funded through the fire department's annual budget in the general fund.

Item six is a cooperative agreement with Lincoln Contractor excuse me Constructors Incorporated uh for the concrete removal installation and repair in scuppers, catch basins, and manholes as part of Gilbert's infrastructure system uh funded through the environmental compliance fund in an amount not to exceed $50,000 each year over the next four years.

Item seven is a contractual agreement with Pro Pipe Incorporated funding CCTV video inspections of storm water pipes to ensure the integrity of the storm water system infrastructure uh funded through environmental compliance fund in an amount not to exceed 30,000 per year for uh 6 years.

Item eight is a contractual agreement with CDM Smith Incorporated uh for the evaluation of existing ferrous water pipelines 12 to 20 in uh uh for internal and external corrosion to develop a priority list and recommended rehabilitation work through the water fund for the amount of 382,164.

Item nine is a contractual agreement with Hazen and Sawyer, which is for the completion of a water modeling analysis in zone three of the water distribution system to identify recommended operational improvements through the water fund, 195,052 dollars. Item 9A is a property sale accepting the high bid for Gilbert surplus property in the area of Ray and Greenfield Roads. The sale is for 9 million and 9 dollars to support critical projects in the town's infrastructure program.

Item 10 is a contractual agreement with LSW Engineers Arizona Incorporated for the procurement and installation of standby generators at six critical lift stations, uh, supported through the wastewater fund for the amount of 106,408 dollars. Item 11 is a police department lease agreement amendment which provides for lease of workspace to be used by the police special investigation section and funded through the general fund.

Item 12 is for construction manager at risk construction contract with Chase Building Team for Freestone Skate Park repairs, concrete remediation, steel coping replacement, and concrete joint rehabilitation and Freestone Park ball field repairs, concrete restoration, fence remediation and replacement, as well as repairs to seating and backstops for an amount not to exceed 705,994 dollars through the general replacement fund.

One clarification I'd like to make on this item is that uh, the agenda referenced the contract that's to be used for this work uh, and they although that contract does include work for pickleball courts and skate park at Freestone. This action tonight is specific to this work that I'm describing here the skate park repairs and the ball field repairs and that's that's what this item covers.

Item 13 is the job orders 9 and 10 with TF Contracting Services LLC and PMCM contract with Consultant Engineering Incorporated. This supports a CIP project for improvements to existing stormwater channels, storm drain piping and associated infrastructure. The job orders with TF Contracting Services total 389,325 and the PMCM contract with Consultant Engineering is for 78,780. Both are rate supported through the environmental compliance replacement fund.

Item 14 is JOC task order with Sunland Asphalt and Construction LLC change order for PMCM services with CEI and change order for AE services with Wood Patel and Associates Incorporated. These all support phase three construction of the Phoenix Avenue pedestrian mall CIP project. The amounts are 632,402 for Sunland Asphalt and Construction, 49,890 for CEI and 17,210 for Wood Patel and Associates and all are funded through 2027 general obligation bonds.

Item 15 is construction manager at risk construction contract with Hayden Companies for GMP one and PMCM phase two agreement with Mark Taylor Incorporated. These support phase two development of Gilbert Regional Park including six ball fields and carrying out the previous approval by the council for this project. This also carries out direction for re-prioritization of projects that advanced ballfields and the construction of ballfields in the community.

The agreements are for $23,537,536 for Hayden Companies and $5.5 million for Mark Taylor Incorporated supported by 2027 PFMPC bonds, system development fees, and the general fund. Item 15A is for Ascend Community Action Program contract supporting local nonprofits as part of the Community Action Program to provide rental and utility assistance to residents $180,000 from the general fund.

Item 16 is a contract change order with Origami Risk LLC providing for expanded use of software for workers compensation claims that allow streamlined processes, better data collection, and assistance to employees. And this is funded through the workers comp trust fund for up to $15,000. Item 17 is a contract change order with Depper Landscape for trail maintenance services by Depper Landscape at the Riparian Preserve through the general fund for up to $20,985.

Item 18 is a contract change order with Train USA Incorporated for facility chiller equipment maintenance and repair needs due to increased cost of materials, supplies, and labor. This is funded through each facility's operating budget for up to $26,793. Item 18A is a FEMA assistance grant to firefighters program authorizing the application and acceptance of a grant to purchase equipment used in structure fires, hazmat, and technical rescue incidents.

Uh it's in 11,000 or $111,145 grant with a 10% local match. Item 19 is a property, workers compensation, and casualty insurance item for the purchase of insurance coverage is necessary to protect the town's liability risk. The total cost of all these policies is 5,075,315. Item 20 is uh to authorize the initiation initiation of litigation against defendants named in the fire apparatus antitrust litigation and to approve the associated legal services agreement.

Uh there's no cost to join this litigation. Item 21 is stop-loss coverage for self-insured trust. Approving the stop-loss coverage for our self-funded health plan that protects from major financial risk with Symetra. The coverage amount is $1,790,649 funded through the health fund. Item 22 is updates to the town's personnel policies, clarifying, and updating, and correcting changes to employee benefits. Uh there is a cost uh to individual department personnel budgets totaling $345,000.

And item 23 is the resignation of development redevelopment commission board member and this accepts the resignation of T.J. Clausen from the redevelopment commission. Thank you, Mayor and Council, and uh we would happy to take any questions if there are any. Councilors, any questions for any items? Yeah. Councilor Turkington. Could you just lump together the number of things that are being spent on water?

Cuz a lot of these just come through as consent agenda, and I think people need to need to really specifically hear how many of these items are going towards water. Mayor and Council, I can take a quick look here and um try to add up the items that are related to our water system. Jessica's going to help us out. Jessica, you're coming up for to help me out here. Thank you. I had the benefit of sitting behind Rebecca the water manager.

So, Mayor and members of Council, there are two items on the agenda related to the water fund, items eight and nine. They're capital improvement projects totaling about just under $600,000. Was item seven an upkeep issue for sewers and water though, isn't it? Mayor and members of Council, Council member Torgerson, item number seven is actually related to our storm water system. So, that's funded by environmental compliance.

So, that's want people to see where this money is going off of off utility rates. Yes. That's that's the reason I'm bringing it up. Uh uh along with 13 storm water, part of the environmental but it's still part of the their bill and I want them to see that this money is going in somewhere. This is money isn't going into the air. It's being spent on one of these things is upkeep that we didn't receive for a decade and I'm glad it's there. I just think people needed to know it's there.

That not trying to pick on anybody. I'm trying to say thank you. Oh, thank you. Yes. And I'll I'll just add to that then. Item number six is also part of our environmental compliance fund, which is part of the utility rates. And then item number 10 um is related to our wastewater lift station system. So, that's wastewater rates. Fantastic. Thank you, Jessica. Thank you. Do we need a separate vote on that, too? No, [snorts] not at all. I just wanted to point it out. Okay.

Like 9A is pretty great, right? Yeah. Uh Councilmember Lyons, would you like to do item 37? Yes, please. Um item number 37 has to do with a 38, I mean. Yeah, 38. No, that's fine. Has to do with boards and commissions, and this is the appointment of uh four regular members with terms to the Veterans Advisory Board beginning June 16th of 2026 and ending on June 15th, 2029. Uh we had many great candidates that we interviewed.

We have determined that the following four um we are choosing to sit on the board. They are James Laplaesic, Rose Lichtenfels, Douglas McClure, and Raymond Kimball. And their terms will begin, like I said, in June of '26 and end in June of '29. Thank you, sir. Okay, so I have a motion to uh pass items two through five, six through 9A, 10 through 14, 15 through 18, 18A, 19, 20 through 24, and item number 38. Can I have a second? Second. Seconded by Councilmember Well, well Kubrowski on the right.

Um can we uh can can we have a verbal vote? Um Scott, how do I do this again? All in favor. All in favor. Thank you. Aye. Any opposed? Aye. Passes 6-0, I believe. No. No, I voted You voted no? No, no, he's not on it. Kenny voted. Kenny's not on the Kenny's not on the council. Okay. So, we all voted yes, correct? Correct. Okay. Motion passes 6-0. Mayor. Thank you. Uh future meetings, you can see the items that we have will appear on future agendas. Communications, report from the town manager.

Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Um I just want to thank uh say my thanks to the mayor and council uh for giving me the opportunity here to be uh the the town manager. I'm very excited for uh the chance to to uh contribute to the town and serve in this role and uh continue to advance our goals and um and just make continue to make this town great.

But, I also want to uh devote some of this time to um to have Dawn Prince come up because Dawn uh would like to say a few words to the town council uh and to the team. And so, um I want to give her this time now. If that's okay, Mayor. That's great. Good evening, uh Mayor and Council. I hope you can hear me. Um first off, I just want to say apologize for not saying this earlier. I should have, but I wasn't ready. But, now I'm ready.

Um so, I wanted to just come up and just say thank you so much for your trust in me for the opportunity to serve um the our town and to serve you in the role as interim. So, I wanted to say that. I also want to say to our team Gilbert, you know, I I hope you all know, so I'm going to I'm going to say this um this is not just to the council, but to team Gilbert, you're the best team ever. And I really appreciate every one of you for all the support that you provided.

Um support, kindness, um and the dedication to everything we do every day for the residents just made all the accomplishments that have happened over the 6 months possible, and I would not have been able to do it without them. Uh without all of Town Gilbert, so I wanted to mention that. And then also it it really was my pleasure to step in and to help through the transition, and I look forward to our exciting future with Mario at the helm. So, just wanted to say say that.

So, thank you for giving me the opportunity to say that. Thank you. I think I'm on behalf of the council and speak for everyone that thank you so much for the time that you devoted to this. And and as I said uh previously, that it was a seamless transition, and that was really important, I think, for Gilbert. Thank you so much. Mayor, may I add one thing, please? Sure.

You know, all the decisions that I feel like I'm going to make in my tenure on this council, the placement of the town manager is probably going to be the most important and the most having the longest-lasting implications over time. Um it was a 6-month process, and what was really helpful, and I can't express how much is knowing that you and the staff had stuff handled so that we could focus on that process.

And that I can tell you your presence and what the team did to help make sure things just moved without us having to think about a thing was phenomenal. Um never worried about it with you at the helm, and I thank you for all of you. Um you you too, Kelp Kelly, you've been beaten up a little bit, but I I can't tell you how much it really meant to us to know that everything was in good hands. So, job well done to everybody. Thank you. I would not have been able to do it without the team. Yes.

So, appreciate them 100%. Thank you. Thank you, Dawn. Reports from the council. Vice mayor. Thank you, sir. Here are parks and rec events I'd like to share. June 10th in partnership with the Southeast Regional Library this year's festivities promise an unforgettable experience for all of ages. Join us at a vibrant celebration of June 10th, the historic holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

Friday, June 19th at the Southeast Regional Library from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00. And then finally, our 4th of July celebration. Join us for the 2026 Gilbert 4th of July celebration. This family This free family friendly event is a great opportunity to experience live performances, our famous drone show, and fireworks finale. And that's, of course, this Saturday, July 4th at the Gilbert Regional Park from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and get there early. Any other reports? No report? No report. Great.

I don't have anything at this time, either. I I will be doing a summary of our our year at our next council meeting since it's the end of the uh fiscal year, so we'll have a presentation then, so So, there's that. Nothing else, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. I'll make a motion to adjourn. I'll second that. Motion and we are adjourned. You you guessed right. 8:30, yeah. Thank you. Thank you. This is your laptop, right? Nope, this is here. I knew that. I was testing you. Mhm.