Phoenix Council Approves Two Data Centers and Desert Ridge Housing Amid Community Backlash Over Environmental Review and Traffic Planning

Detail is intentional. Firefighters have immediate access to washing machines and showers, two sets of turnout so they always have a clean set available and ventilated gear rooms to keep contaminants contained. Even the flooring, the ventilation systems, and the separations between living quarters and apparatus bays are designed to reduce exposure. All of these features matter. They matter to our members who appreciate the support by this city, by the department, and by the community.

In a few minutes, Gerald from Pearlman Architects will talk will share more about the specific design features that make this station one of the safest and most innovative in the country. But before I close, I want to thank everyone here today, our city leaders, our partners, our firefighters, and the community. Fire Station 74 represents collaboration innovation and commitment.

But most importantly, it represents our promise to you that when you call, we will be there ready, trained, and equipped to serve. Thank you. [applause] [cheering] Uh good morning everybody. It's a pleasure to be here today. I drove up from Tucson. We had our state convention there and the I10 was shut down for a bit. So, I'm a little late, but happy to be here.

Uh, first want to take thank the mayor, Councilman Robinson, uh, Ed Zurker, the city manager, Councilwoman Pastor, thank you to senior staff, and, uh, most importantly, thank you to the community for allowing us, partnering with us to make this happen today. And also want to thank the firefighters. This fire station is going to save lives. Somebody that otherwise wouldn't be here without this being built is going to benefit from this.

Uh I had the pleasure of working at Battalion SE 7 which is at fire station 43 on 40th Street in Chandler Boulevard. We used to have a decent amount of mountain rescues at this mountain just just uh west of here. Back then, unfortunately, the highly trained people that uh Chief Duran was speaking about had to come from the city of Chandler to assist on those rescues. Now, your Phoenix firefighters will be able to do the job that they're paid to do and protect the community.

Uh we've had a lot of progress these last few years with getting fire stations built, getting more members to serve your community or our community, I should say, cuz we all live and work in this city. Uh and I want to say thank you to you guys for that. Thank you to senior staff and again, most importantly, thanks for the community for voting uh and and putting good uh good politicians in place to allow us to to build what we got coming. Um, local 493 appreciates all the partnership.

We love our community, love our fire department, and appreciate everybody. Have a wonderful day. [applause] Good morning and welcome. Uh first and foremost, welcome to the community members and to our distinguished guests. It's a pleasure uh to be able to speak in front of you today. Um it's it's hard for me to imagine being here today. Uh as a as a kid who grew up in the Awatuki foothills and moved here 43 years ago, this was definitely not on my bingo card.

Uh and I had more hair when I had my visions then. Um, I want to start out by thanking uh the city of Phoenix, Sylvio, Haimey, and Kyle. Thank you for being amazing partners through this this delivery. Uh, this is an absolutely beautiful facility and and we're excited to deliver it. Thank you to Gerald at Pearlman Architects.

He's been an absolutely wonderful partner to work with and collaborate with um in delivering this absolutely beautiful facility uh to our our family members at the city of Phoenix. I want to especially thank uh the team at BFL, Ducks, Jake and Shawn who really uh really stepped up to deliver uh this grand opening in in in such a beautiful fashion. Um the fire department, I'm I'm excited for you folks to have this beautiful new facility and just want to say welcome home.

Thank you very much for this opportunity and including us. Uh and congratulations. [applause] Finally, I'd like to welcome the president of Pearlman Architects of Arizona, whose partnership over the years has been invaluable, Gerald Adams. [applause] All right, for uh good morning and for one day, I I guess I'll clarify. I'm not the president, but it's an honor to be here. It's an honor to be working on these projects. Uh my job is a director. All right.

And so our job is to bring this facility to life. We talk to the the people, the community, the firefighters, all of our engineers, and I'm going to start by saying thank you. It's an honor. Um we're always honored. We don't take these for granted. We we look forward to working with these every year and every every possible chance we get to work on a fire station. Um whenever you think of a fire station, I think three things come to mind. Commitment, dedication, and service.

And I think this fire station slow idolizes that particular message. The commitment from the city and the leadership in the community to put this fire station on this site to make this happen for this community is huge. The dedication all the men and women it took to build to design to construct this facility to be supported for the service for the firefighters that are going to serve this community for the next 50 to 75 years. So in a nutshell, this is about commitment, dedication, and service.

Now, I get the honor to tell you a little bit about what's in the station, how it's designed, the sustainability and the technology. This station has been built once before. In an effort to try to keep cost down, we rebought the station back to life, put it in this neighborhood, but we update it for the modern technology that we need in this station. And that has to do with the decontamination. Everybody's talked about hot zone. We have red zones, yellow zones, and green zones.

And as you tour the facility this afternoon or a little bit, you'll see signs. And each of those signs represent a different color. Those colors represent the areas of closed contamination, minimum contamination, and clean zones. And so what we're trying to do is educate everybody, the firefighters, and every visitor here when in a particular zone, not to carry the the carcinogen exposures from one zone to another.

We want to keep our firefighters healthy, happy, and able to preserve their health so that they can take care of all of us when we need it. So, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Just real quickly, this building is very energy efficient. It looks like a block building. It's really not. It's a block veneer over an ICF building, which means we have an R48 envelope on this building, which is off the charts. Most people's homes are like R20 to R30.

So, we're saving cost every single day this operation. We're saving cost of taxpayer dollars to run this facility. And fire stations are big. They use a lot of power, a lot of water. Our goal is to reduce all of that by these these things that we're doing. A lot of the systems now are automatically turning off, turning on. We're lowflow water. We're doing a lot of sustainability. So these all these walls, roofs, overhead. This building is very comfortable right now.

It's end of May and we're comfortable in this room. Um so as you tour the rest of the building, you'll you'll see that the alerting I think there's five and a half miles of cable I believe in this building that's buried behind the walls. And you notice a lot of these walls are cleanable. They'll spray them down. They'll keep all the carcinogen exposures off. We'll start at the scene or the firefighters will start at the scene. We want to bring them back to the station as clean as possible.

Again, on behalf of Proman Architects, our entire design team, there's a lot of our consultants here that helped us make this a reality today. Thank you for your time, your energy, and your commitment, and it's an honor to work on these, and we look forward to the next one. Thank you. [applause] All right, that concludes our formal remarks for this morning. I'd like to thank everybody for joining us. We are going to ask our distinguished guests to join us for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

For everyone else that's here today, please stay and enjoy this beautiful facility. [music] Kayla Kuren is a passionate advocate for urban forestry whose work is transforming neighborhoods across Phoenix. She co-developed the city's first equity focused tree planting grants, including Canopy for Kids and the innovative community canopy program, initiatives that in just 18 months have planted more than 4,100 trees in areas with the greatest need.

Her leadership also helped secure a remarkable [music] $10 million US Forest Service grant, doubling the city's annual tree planting pace and advancing environmental justice. Kayla is a [music] certified arborist and Spanish speaker, allowing her to connect personally with thousands of residents as she educates, supports, and empowers them.

Whether reviewing site photos, hosting neighborhood events, or delivering tree care kits, Kayla builds trust, answers every question, and creates positive experiences that keep residents engaged. Her work strengthens [music] communities, expands shade, and redefineses what it means to serve both people and the planet. We're so proud that she won. She is great [music] with people. She uh spends a lot of time on the phone with the public and she's so kind [music] to them.

So proud of you, Kayla, and we know you're going to excel [music] at everything you do. Nicholas Bleo has made a remarkable impact on how the city manages its telecommunications. Through sharp analysis and collaboration across departments, Nicholas identified inefficiencies and created a new quarterly review system that brought accountability and clarity to mobile line usage.

His efforts led [music] to a 9% reduction in monthly costs and nearly $1 million in annual savings by removing thousands of unused lines. [music] He also negotiated more competitive mobile plans, adding another $100,000 in yearly savings, all while improving device tracking and [music] ensuring every line is properly assigned. Nicholas's thoughtful, datadriven approach has strengthened operations citywide and set a new standard for fiscal responsibility and innovation.

He's an exceptional team player. He goes over and beyond with all his duties. He steps in when there's vacancies. He doesn't just do the minimum. He's a great [music] coach to his team. He's great with all the vendors. The vendors really enjoy working with him. [music] He's enthusiastic about his job. He brings tons of passion. Great employee to work with. The housing support and relocation team took on a challenge rooted in something far deeper than logistics.

When Mville Parkway Terrace underwent full rehabilitation, 103 senior and disabled residents were asked to leave the place they considered their safe and familiar home. For many, this meant confronting mobility barriers, medical needs, and an overwhelming fear of losing stability. That is why the team's work mattered so profoundly. They responded with extraordinary empathy, calling residents daily, sometimes late into the evening, simply to reassure that they weren't alone.

They protected medications, oxygen equipment, pets, and personal belongings. They kept essential services running, and they handd delivered paperwork to reduce stress. Housing placements were chosen thoughtfully to keep residents close to their doctors, groceries, and community ties. And when residents returned, the team stayed beside them, making sure every homecoming felt safe.

Their compassion resulted in zero escalated complaints and countless moments of heartfelt gratitude after the renovation. When the seniors came back, they were amazed of what they were coming back to. Newly renovated apartment that they could call home. And I want to congratulate the team for doing such a great job relocating our residents, taking the time, the care [music] that was needed to make this project a success.

In just [music] her probationary year, Megan Mullen delivered achievements that would challenge even a seasoned professional. She coordinated the roll out of 2,000 smartphones [music] across police precincts, ensuring specialized access and smooth transitions for units with unique needs.

She then played [music] a key role in the citywide Windows 11 migration, supporting more than 5,400 police department computers and even coordinating an overnight upgrade of 1,000 devices, contributing to a 96% [music] completion rate and significant cost avoidance. Megan also supported the launch of the new records management system, streamlining [music] complex vendor processes with automation.

Her adaptability, technical skill, and determination strengthened infrastructure, saved city funds, and improved public safety operations, all in her first year. Megan's demonstrated a strong leadership since the moment she got to the department. She's not only motivated members of her own team, but members of staff [music] across all parts of the IT bureau. I'm looking forward to all the future projects that Megan will be overseeing and running.

Megan, congratulations on this well-deserved award. While on duty near 42nd Avenue, Arnold Gracia witnessed a young child run into [music] traffic, visibly terrified. Without hesitation, he safely stopped the vehicle, blocked traffic, [music] and reached the child, who ran into his arms for safety. Arnold protected him on the sidewalk, coordinated with bystanders, [music] and contacted police to ensure the boy received immediate help.

He remained with him until officers arrived and later learned the child had been missing for several weeks. When the child's mother asked to meet him, Arnold humbly declined, saying he simply had done what any [music] responsible person would do. His quick action, calm presence, and compassion made a profound difference in a moment of crisis. And you know, it's just part of Arnold's character. He he's a he's that fatherly, strong, you know, uh person.

and he know you know when that I'm sure that kid didn't feel any safer any other person in the world. He's a big old bear. I'm proud to be able to that I was nominated him for the award [music] and that he received it. I couldn't see it going to a better person. [music] Clayton Freed recognized a critical challenge in recruiting engineers and saw an opportunity to build something transformative.

[music] Drawing on his past experience, Clayton led the creation of the water services [music] rotational engineer apprenticeship program, one of the first state registered [music] programs of its kind. He conducted deep research, coordinated with HR and operations, [music] and designed a 4-year program to prepare the next generation of engineers. The program [music] successfully launched with four apprentices selected from over 50 applicants.

Clayton also helped meet immediate workload needs by training [music] contracted project managers, boosting the department's workforce pipeline. His vision, persistence, [music] and collaboration created a sustainable path for future engineers and set a model for other departments to follow. Not only is Clayton Free a fantastic [music] engineer, but he saw a problem.

He saw a challenge, something that is very difficult, not only for the water services department, for the rest of the [music] city as well. So Clayton, thank you very much. Great job on finding a solution that will not only help the water department, but it'll also help the city of Phoenix in the future. The Phoenix Community Court team is transforming lives by meeting people experiencing homelessness with dignity, compassion, [music] and unwavering support.

Bringing together the office of homeless solutions, the municipal court, the prosecutor's office, and the public defender, the team helps individuals break the cycle of repeated arrests related to survival needs. They connect participants with shelter, treatment, health care, employment services, and long-term case management, ensuring every person is seen and supported.

Since its launch, [music] the court has worked with nearly 700 participants with 180 graduates already [music] achieving stability and hope. Their work restores trust, builds confidence, and strengthens the entire community through patience, perseverance, and humanity.

I would like to say to my team how proud I am to be a part of this, of everything that you're doing, showing an unparalleled [music] commitment to our mission, to our vision, and to alleviating the suffering of those people most in need in our community. I'm very proud of you, [music] and you should be proud of yourselves. Lexi Van Heron has advanced Sky Harbor's global connectivity in extraordinary [music] ways.

Serving as the airport's sole air service representative, she secured the first non-stop flights to Asia with Starlux [music] Airlines and China Airlines, an achievement requiring extensive strategic planning, high level coordination, and international engagement. These new [music] routes are projected to generate over $170 million annually. Lexi also brought the prestigious Cranky Network Forum to Phoenix [music] drawing record airline participation and elevating the city's global visibility.

Her strong airline partnerships delivered measurable results, including expanded [music] service with Air France and the restoration of daily flights to Mexico City. Lexi's leadership, communication, and innovation position Sky Harbor as a worldclass aviation gateway. So, it really just goes to show that Lexi's commitment [music] and passion to be able to deliver air service to our community that we were able to get [music] not just one but two Asian carriers.

She really does live that vision that we have to welcome the world to Phoenix and she [music] is the one that helps us be able to deliver on that message. The revenue collections team delivered an extraordinary year of financial stewardship, recovering more than $23 million in delinquent balances, a nearly 180% increase over the previous year. Their improved Dunning letter process alone generated almost $19 million and strengthened communication with customers.

They also developed a new citywide collections policy, improved account accuracy, [music] and expanded the use of aging schedules to help departments respond proactively. Additional achievements included bankruptcy claim processing, lean management, improved liquor license review procedures, and detailed reconciliation of hazardous materials accounts.

Through teamwork, [music] strategic thinking, and datadriven improvements, the revenue collections team strengthened the city's long-term fiscal health. Laura, Marco, Jude, Nate, thank you for [music] your continued dedication and your commitment to excellence. These achievements reflect so much more than numbers. It demonstrates exactly what can [music] happen when a team is committed to continued process improvements and a commitment to [music] financial excellence. Congratulations.

Phoenix Fire Chief Danny Guile has led support services through a year of major improvements that strengthen safety, accountability, and financial stewardship by introducing letters of intent for fire apparatus purchases. He protected the city from escalating costs and secured savings estimated at $2 million. He redesigned the boot procurement process, creating a voucher system that saves a4 million dollars annually, allowing reinvestment into uniform upgrades for sworn members.

Chief Guile also rebuilt the department's equipment tracking system, enabling [music] real-time accountability and projecting more than half a million dollars in annual oversight improvements. His thoughtful member focused leadership continues to enhance operations and support every firefighter in the department. Chief Guile oversees our support services division. In his time there, he's done an absolutely remarkable job.

Chief Guile continues to look for opportunities [music] to uh create cost savings and better efficiencies within the Phoenix Fire Department and he's very deserving of this award. When a fire caused severe damage [music] to critical systems at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, the unified recovery team [music] sprang into action with extraordinary skill and determination.

Instrumentation and controls specialists, user tech staff, and electrical crews work [music] side by side to assess damage, restore power, and rebuild the systems that allow operators to monitor and manage [music] this essential regional facility.

They repurposed fiber lines, installed temporary [music] controls, reestablished electrical feeds, and brought vital equipment back online [music] within days, restoring service that supports multiple cities and even the [music] Palo Verde nuclear power plant. Their creativity, teamwork, and long hours [music] turned a major emergency into a rapid, coordinated recovery. This team's dedication protected public health and ensured uninterrupted [music] wastewater treatment for the entire region.

And all this happened within three or four days was was really outstanding. It really highlighted the talent, the sense of ownership and just the work ethic that the city of Phoenix has at the staff here at 91st Avenue. It really exemplifies employee [music] excellence, not just for the city of Phoenix, but also for the surrounding municipalities. Jacob Leachchetta is known throughout the city as a leader who brings [music] out the best in people.

When the IT project management office faced burnout [music] and low morale, Jacob listened closely to staff and rebuilt operations with empathy and structure. The new procedures [music] he developed improved efficiency by 68% and restored confidence across the team. Jacob is also widely recognized [music] as a mentor who never gives up on anyone, providing guidance, support, and encouragement through both professional and personal challenges.

He empowers project managers, creates opportunities for staff to lead, and inspires innovation at every level. His approach to leadership has [music] strengthened the organization, and shaped future generations of city leaders. Jacob [music] is extremely caring.

He has an ability to recognize when people feel uncomfortable and he reaches out [music] and he brings them into the virtual fold so to speak of caring [music] and he helps people to see that they really are important and not just see it but they begin to feel it thanks to Jacob. After being launched by the Office of Emergency Management just [music] two years ago, the Bleeding Control Initiative team has quickly brought life-saving skills directly into the community.

By adapting the national stop thebleleed program, the team trained hundreds [music] of city employees and community members to act confidently in emergencies. They installed bleeding control stations in key facilities, expanded public training sessions across every council district, and secured creative funding that stretched resources while maximizing impact.

Their efforts have already proven critical, most notably when trained library staff used a bleeding control kit to stabilize a shooting victim until EMS arrived. Through collaboration across six departments, more than 4,500 hours of work, and a passion for public safety, this team is building a safer, more prepared Phoenix. We didn't have a budget for instructors. We didn't have a budget for labors to put up stations. Um, we didn't have a budget for space.

And this team came together and we saw for all those things. When you talk about collaboration, working together across city departments, this team, we did that. [music] For more than 20 years, Jeremy Le has helped shape the city of Phoenix, guiding [music] the growth of districts, destinations, and some of the city's most ambitious civic projects. His career spans community and economic development, law, the Phoenix Convention Center, and the office of the city engineer.

experience that has made him a trusted steward of major city assets. Most recently, Jeremy completed the $190 million renovation of a 27story tower into the new Phoenix Police Headquarters, redefining the footprint of public safety downtown. He now leads [music] progress on the citywide geo bond program, helping deliver critical investments across Phoenix.

Previously, Jeremy oversaw the $240 million reimagining of the downtown arena, the Mortgage Matchup Center, modernizing the home of the Phoenix [music] Suns and Mercury. He also facilitated the sale of the Sheridan Phoenix downtown, Arizona's largest hotel, strengthening a cornerstone of the city's hospitality portfolio. Jeremy has negotiated and overseen major real estate deals across sports and tourism, including multiple MLB spring training complexes.

Jeremy's mark on the city of Phoenix can be seen wherever people go, and we're forever grateful for his dedication to making Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit. Hello everybody. I am an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy [music] is a profession not a lot of people know about unless you or a family member or loved one has worked with an OT directly. I've been an OT for over [music] 10 years.

I currently work in the Paradise Valley Unified School District in the learning for independence program. So I work [music] with students kindergarten through 22 years old with moderate to severe physical and cognitive disabilities. When [music] I teach my OT students, I'm like, it's not a disability. It's a different ability. We have to figure out the different [music] way that they can get this done. We are going to have a fun day today with the learning for independence program.

It's a lot of hands-on life [music] skills. So, what I try to incorporate is creative job skills and [music] job readiness skills. Today, we are going to be working as Costco employees. They will be [music] prepping and handing out samples. They'll be working on their fine motor skills, their social interaction skills, and just [music] overall problem solving, motor planning, what it would take to have a job after high school. It's not always about what you have, but what you give.

I put [music] a smile on these kids' face. They are motivated. They remember, oh, Miss Kelly did this really fun thing with us and go home and tell their parents, [music] it doesn't matter your disability. It's who you are inside that really is what's most important. Occupational therapy is such [music] a selfless profession. I'm never doing it for me. I'm doing it for the students I [music] work with.

I'm doing it for the families that I work with, educating them, providing them the opportunities that they might not have without the education or the knowledge that I know. I'm just so thankful. I'm just so shocked that I won this award. To be recognized is such a big honor.

It's such a collaborative [music] um profession that I work with teachers, I work with physical therapists, vision and hearing [music] specialists, that all of these collaborators have one common goal of helping children succeed. [music] That it's such an honor that I got recognized, but the individuals that I work with [music] deserve the recognition. It just betters the lives of our future and just deserves to be recognized. I didn't know a lifetime achievement award.

Okay, that's taking me back a little bit. Okay. Um I don't think anyone in the nonprofit world does this for accolades. We do it because of our mission and what we're trying to do for the community. I got involved with the Foundation for Blind Children when my son was born. Uh, Max was three months when his doctor said something's wrong with his eyes.

And the last thing the doctor told us to do is to call the Foundation for Blind Children and called them and they showed up on our doorstep the next day and from that moment on we were a part of Foundation for Blind Children. My wife and I got on the board. Once I was on the board, our CEO retired [music] and I looked at my wife and I said, "I think this is what I'm supposed to be doing." and I sold my company [music] and came to work here and that was 17 years ago.

We've built this into the largest braille library in the country. We built this from the largest preschool in the country. Uh we serve blind and visually impaired people of all ages from the day they're born the day they leave us. Our oldest client right now is 101 years old. We are [music] overcoming major chronic problems. We didn't have enough teachers, so we built a teachers program with ASU. We didn't have a low vision clinic, so we built a low vision clinic.

We needed more classroom space, so we built a new school. Whatever the obstacle is, we will [music] overcome it. And that's what we teach our students. Vision loss is not the end of the world. It's just a different world. The Foundation for Blind Children really gives parents that hope and give those students, those children that hope that they could do anything. And we've proven it over and over again. They do everything.

We took eight blind [music] students to the top of Mount Kilimaro 19,340 ft. We set four world records. We had the longest blind group, largest blind group ever. We had the first blinded US vet to reach the top, first person with albvinism to reach the top. And my son was the youngest blind climber ever reached the top and still is. That's my favorite part about my job. I get to tell the story over and over and over again, and it inspires people to do bigger and better things.

I love the foundation for blind children. I love our students. I love our families. I truly believe [music] that doing right for them completes me, makes me who I am. When the mayor's office recognizes you for what we do every day, it's pretty special. I know that over my lifetime, I've done some special things. I've seen some kids do some special things. I've led some [music] kids in the top of mountains, across oceans, and um I didn't do it for the accolades, but I did it for the kids.

And but it's always nice when the mayor [music] recognizes you. What a wonderful day it is to be here as we welcome China Airlines with the first ever non-stop service from Taipei to Phoenix, Arizona. What a great day it is. [music] It was an honor to be on that inaugural flight from Taipei, Taiwan to Phoenix. It is indicative of what I know is a tremendous partnership that is really going to propel this region, the relationship between the two countries.

This new route is more than just connection between two cities. It's a bridge between two dynamic regions. The economic impact of this year round service is expected to exceed $100 million on an annual basis. Passenger traffic between Phoenix and Taipei has surged by more than 400% since 2019, highlighting the growing demand for this connection. We are thrilled to welcome travelers from the Silicon Island to the Silicon Desert. The future is bright and this is just the beginning.

This flight is not only about tourism. It's about forging more collaboration uh in our industries, in our technologies, in our exchanges, in education and in all fronts. [cheering and applause] We truly believe in this city potential and uh look forward to building even stronger partnership together in here. The milestone is possible because of your dedication.

you had the confidence to make sure that this day happened and I just want to thank you and the entire China Airlines team for allowing us to make that today possible. [music] Good morning. Thank you for attending today's meeting. If you could please find your seats, we will begin in one minute. Good afternoon. It is July 1st. Welcome to Phoenix City Council Chambers. We are celebrating many things uh with today.

If you came in from the north, you may have seen the America 250 bus, which is one of the ways our city will mark our country's 250th anniversary. We are also celebrating our deputy city manager, Amber, who this will be her final meeting with us, and she's served our city in so many different roles, including steering our budget process. So, Amber, thank you and congratulations on your retirement. We'll begin today with an invocation from police chaplain Harry Ston.

Madame Mayor, honorable council members, ladies and gentlemen, my prayer today is based upon Psalm 144:es 3 and 4 that reads, "Lord, what is a human that you care for him? A son of man that you think of him? A human is like a breath. His days are like a passing shadow." Let us pray. Oh father, I want to start by thanking you for each person here who sits upon this council. Oh Lord, while we acknowledge our frailties, we know from your word that you have raised them up for this time and purpose.

So Father, we beseech that you grant them peace as they carry the heavy burden of leadership. Father, give them unity even as you, your son, and the Holy Spirit are united. Let them guide our city with a level of compassion and understanding that can only be attributed to your hand. And give them the strength to endure that they may finish well and bring goodness to our community. Amen. [clears throat] Thank you so much, Chaplain Ston.

Councilman Wearing, would you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Thank you, Councilman Wearing. I'll now call the formal meeting to order. Will the clerk call the role? Councilwoman Waldo, here. Councilwoman Hernandez here. Councilwoman O'Brien here. Councilwoman Pastor here. Councilman Robinson here. Councilwoman Stark here. Councilman Wearing. Vice Mayor Hajj Washington here. Mayor Ggo here. Mario Barahas and Elsie Darte are with us to provide Spanish interpretation.

Mario, would you introduce yourself? Yes, mayor. Thank you. Good uh good morning. Uh my name is Marioas. I'll be working uh with Elizart Spanish interpreters. I'll now take a moment to introduce ourselves to our Spanish speaking audience. facilit. Thank you, mayor. Thank you so much. Will the city clerk read the 24-hour paragraph?

The titles of the following ordinance and resolution numbers on the agenda were available to the public at least 24 hours prior to this council meeting and therefore may be read by title or agenda item only. Ordinances number G7525 through 7532S 53065 through 53089 and resolutions 22388 through 22390. Will the city attorney explain public comments? Yes. Thank you, mayor. Members of the public may speak for up to two minutes to comment on agenda items.

Comments must be related to the agenda item and the action being considered by the council. General comments that go beyond the scope of the agenda item should be made during citizen comment session at the end of the agenda. The city council and staff cannot discuss or comment on matters related to pending investigations, claims, or litigation.

Additionally, any member of the public who appears before the council in their capacity as a lobbyist must, as required by Phoenix City Code, disclose this fact before addressing the council. The city code states that speakers must express their comments respectfully and courteously. Use of profane language threats or personal attacks on members of the public, council members, or staff are not allowed. Such comments are disruptive and unrelated to the council's business.

Any person who violates these rules may lose their opportunity to speak further and could be asked to leave. Thank you, mayor. Thank you so much. Item number one is the for is formal meeting minutes. Councilwoman Gordado, do you have a motion on item one? Motion to approve item one. Second. Motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I passes unanimously. Item number two, we have a great group of commissioners for boards and commissions. Vice Mayor, do we have a motion?

Motion to approve the mayor, the revised mayor and city council boards and commission nominations. Second. We have a motion and a second. Roll call. Yes. Ernnandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hudge Washington, yes. Figo, yes. Passes 90. Congratulations to our new commissioners on your unanimous approval. We'll ask you to come forward for a swearing in ceremony. Congratulations. Please raise your right hand. I state your name.

Ians do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

And that I will faithfully and impartially I faithfully discharge the duties of the office of state your office commission according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Congratulations. Thank you for continuing to serve our city. Or you can shake the hands. Thank you so much to our boards and commissions members. Such an important role in the city of Phoenix. We next move on to appointments of municipal court judges. And we have two today.

Vice Mayor motion to approve the swearing in of Judge Laura E. Lori and Judge Tina Solomon as Phoenix Municipal Court judges. Second. Have a motion and a second. Roll call. Yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hodgej Washington, yes. FGO, yes. Passes 90. Both judges are longtime city of Phoenix public servants and we are excited to unanimously approve their swearing in. Today we'll conduct two separate ceremonies.

We'll begin with Judge Lowry and then we will do a second ceremony for Judge Solomon. Thank you. And do you want to introduce who are with us? This is my son Nick Lowry, his wife, and my daughter-in-law, Lauren Lowry. And in two weeks, it'll be my first grandchild, London Lowry. Huge congratulations to the whole family. I state your name.

I, Laura Lowry, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona and the Constitution and laws of the state of Arizona. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies. and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic. foreign and domestic.

and that I will faithfully and impartially And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of Phoenix Municipal Court Judge discharge the duties of Phoenix Municipal Court Judge according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Congratulations. Thank you for your service. Thank you so much. We'll let the city council congratulate Judge Lowry and then we will conduct the swearing in ceremony for Judge Solomon. Ready? Okay. Okay, it's fine. Thank you.

Please raise your right hand. I state your name. I, Tina Solomon, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona and the Constitution and the laws of the state of Arizona. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. and defend them against all enemies.

and defend and defend them against all enemies. Foreign and domestic. forward and domestic. And that I will faithfully and impartially And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of Phoenix Municipal Court Judge discharge the duties of Phoenix Municipal Court Judge according to the best of my ability. So help me God. Thank you for stepping up for our city. Thank you so much to our municipal court judges.

We have one of the best municipal court systems in the country and they keep innovating and trying to serve our community even more effectively. We next go on to the liquor license bingo and offtrack betting applications portion of our agenda. The Phoenix City Council serves an advisory role to the state of Arizona on liquor licenses. Vice Mayor, do we have a motion? Motion to approve items 4 through 36, except items 35 and 36. Second. We have a motion and a second.

All those in favor, please say I. I. Any oppose? Nay. Passes unanimously. We next go to item 35. Item 35 is Garden of Eden Grill. This is in district two. Uh we do have uh one speaker on that. Councilman Wearing, should we hear from the speaker or do Yes, please. All right. Uh Alliance Zawadi, if you could please come forward. You may begin when you're ready. Thank you so much. Um, I want to say that um some of u the report from police is incorrect.

Um one is that he uh the police said there's a stage in the restaurant but that's incorrect. There's no stage anymore. That was for the previous owner. There's no stage in in the restaurant right now. Okay. Another one he said that uh the sign outside it says private party and uh live entertainment but there's not I have a proof of uh how the outside sign look like right now. So there's no uh live entertainment. Uh also he say about the neighbors being complaining about the noise.

Uh also that's incorrect. I have uh 11 business neighbors the sign or the papers for me saying that I never have a problem with any noises or anything. So I have all the proof of it. Also he say about um me not making like the restaurant is now making 40% of the sale of the food. That's also incorrect. I have all the proof of uh like all the sales with me right now. So I have it and I send it to him via text message and um also email. He also mentioned about You can finish the thought. Okay.

He also mentioned about um about uh May 30 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 1150. They say the police uh saying that I have party at the restaurant also. That's incorrect. It was my brother graduation dinner. So they eat after they I cook the buffet for them. They eat after they they eat. I crossed the restaurant around 11:30. So, they went outside. What happened outside? I didn't know what's happened outside. Wonderful.

Thank you so much for letting us have that person important information. Uh, mayor, may we have a response from police and the clerk? Yeah, if you don't mind, I kind of go through a few things with that. So, uh, there was some changes made to the property. Um, and again, good morning, mayor and council members. Um I guess introduce myself. So I'm Jeremy Campbell. I'm a community action officer out of Black Mountain precinct um where Guardian Grill is at.

So um we do stand by the disapproval um Phoenix Police Department and Gardinina Grill. Um an inspection there is also further stuff that um brings issues. Um there is color changing lights in the inside and there is still music equipment in the stands uh with huge speakers inside. Um the neighboring businesses did identify concerns about the changes made to the interior of the restaurant um as it appears more like a banquet hall and a club.

Um the application is for a series 12 license which is bonafideed restaurant like a casual eery or dining um where primary sales for food is at least 40% not a club. Um the diagram submitted with application did not match match excuse me the on-site visit. Uh the limited food which is in the fridge is nothing that appears to match what is listed on the menu at the location and this minimal food could not even support a restaurant.

Um when looking in the fridges the menu outside shows Mediterranean food and the applicant stated is Ethiopian cuisine which was submitted with the application. [snorts] Uh the neighboring business is advised they usually leave about 8 to 8:30 at night and the business is never open when she identified that she is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

[clears throat] Um since the applica application was submitted uh there has been several police calls regarding Garden of Eden uh grill [clears throat] uh one of which was a large gathering um which Alliance speaks of with individuals outside and this was after midnight. officers responded, spoke to individuals, and they identified, uh, that there was a party at the venue, uh, which is not supposed to be a venue.

There's also been multiple alarm calls, uh, to neighboring businesses, and when the officers arrived, there's loud music coming from Garden Eden and Grow, which has been at 1:00 in the morning. Um, so, mayor and council members, I just like to say, um, this is a few of the reasons the Phoenix Police Department does recommend disapproval based on the above findings. The applicant has not shown that she is capable, qualified, or reliable to hold a liquor license.

In addition, based on the recent calls for service, which is of great concern, I expressed by neighbors, the establishment does not meet the requirements of a series 12 liquor license and the community will not substantially be served by the issuance of this license. Thank you, ma. Mayor, council members, thank you so much. Councilman Wearing, I'm ready to make a motion. Mayor, I move to disapprove. Second. We have a motion and a second.

And do Kristen, do we need the whole reason for disapproval? Uh, thank you, mayor. Only if the council requires us. Great. All right. Roll call. Yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hodge Washington, yes. Passes 90. [clears throat] Thank you. Item 36 is Sky Market. It is in district 3. We do not have anyone registered to speak on this item. Councilwoman Stark. Yes. I'm prepared to make a motion.

I recommend that we disprove this liquor license uh for two reasons. First, we've had neighborhood protest. And secondly, the applicant has not resolved the pending City of Phoenix building and zoning requirements. Second. We have a motion and a second. Roll call. Yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Haj Washington, yes. GGO, yes. passes 90. All right, that concludes the liquor license portion of our agenda.

City clerk, are we ready for ordinances, resolutions, new business, planning, and zoning? Yes, mayor. Vice Mayor, motion to approve item. Motion to approve items 37 through 91 except for the following items 51, 52, 60, 65, 75, 77, 89, 90, and 91. Noting that item 48 is as revised, item 83 is withdrawn, item 89 has additional information. And can the clerk confirm are there any other items that should be excluded for in-person public comments?

Mayor, Vice Mayor, no other items to exclude at this time. Second. Have a motion and a second. Roll call. Ward, yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hodgej Washington, yes. GGO, yes. Passes 90. Next is item 51, which is a public hearing on the adoption of the property tax levy for 2026 2027 fiscal year. We'll open the public hearing. We have one member of the public to testify. Elizabeth Venal.

I'm not going to say anything that exciting, but I support this property tax because I support the need to generate revenues from the city of Phoenix through its programs. Thank you so much, Elizabeth. You've long advocated for general fund funding for fighting homelessness, and this is a big year for that. uh property tax levy. The property tax will notch down in the property tax rate. So a small decrease in the property tax rate. Close the public hearing.

The next item is a related item which is the adoption of the property tax levy for the 2026 27 fiscal year. Vice Mayor motion. Motion to adopt the property tax levy for the 2026 2027 fiscal year. Second. We have a motion and a second. Roll call. Ward, yes. Ernnandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hodge Washington, yes. Viego, yes. Passes 90. Wonderful. This concludes our budget process.

Thank you to everyone who worked on it and a special thank you to Amber on your your last budget process. Appreciate it. want a sec. Frank wants a second round of applause. It's worth a budget that invests in public safety, child care, helping our most vulnerable. So, worth worth celebrating. And thank you, Amber, for your work on it. We next go to item 65, Cactus Park Architectural Services. Nope. 60. 60. I don't see that up there. 60. All right. 60. Uh, item 60 by Vice Mayor.

Motion to approve item 60. Second. We have a motion a second. Counciloman Hernandez. Thank you so much, Mayor. Um, just want to start by thanking the Arts and Culture Department for all of their amazing work and just have a couple of questions. Thank you so much. Um, my first question is, how is the city measuring the impact of these investments on neighborhood pride, economic activity, or community well-being?

Mayor and council, I have Carrie Brown, interim uh, arts and culture director, answer the question. Great. Mayor, members of council, council member Hernandez. Uh we use a number of different tools to measure impact including online surveys, focus groups, um individual conversations that we have when we're out in the community presenting to community groups.

Um but through our work on the Sombra experiments and shade project, we really kind of elevated our efforts um based on some of the grant requirements. So, with those lessons learned, we've been um implemented those into our public art program, including an assessment that we do at the beginning of each project where we're looking at um the best ways to engage the community, where is their input most needed, um what does that followup look like, how and when they're engaging with the artist.

Um and that evaluation also includes um dollars spent. So, we know that the majority of our budgets are spent locally, even when artists are from out of town. Um but again through that SRA project we were able to look more closely at some of the local businesses that participate in our um celebration events. So we're seeing that broader picture there.

And then lastly um I'll mention that when we have our older projects that might have been in the community for 15 20 years and they need refurbishment we will also reach out to the community then. Um especially if the project needs to be altered or removed for some reason we definitely want that feedback. So that's another way we can kind of assess the impact of the projects in those communities through that work. Thank you so much for just that detailed explanation.

Um and then just my next question, as we integrate public um art into like heat mitigation projects, um are we prioritizing neighborhoods that have some of the highest vulnerability um and the least existing shade? Mayor, members of council, and council member Hernandez, yes. Um and I'll mention the summer project again. We did work really closely with the heat office to identify some park locations. There were other factors that kind of went into the decision-m but that was where we started.

We also um worked with them on another project that was permanent where they identified locations and then we participated in the design of the shade structures. So we're definitely using that data to inform our decision-making. Of course there's other things that come into play like can we dig in this ground? Is it you know in the right of way?

things that we have to consider, but we definitely start with looking at that data and lean on our partners in the heat office to help us determine best locations. Thank you so much for that. And the Sombra was amaz the Sombra project was amazing. Got to partake in that. Um, but no, thank you so much for that. I'm just really glad to see that we're continuing to move on making more investments in art here in Phoenix.

Um, I'd like to highlight one specific component with the within the arts and cultures proposed public art plan, which is the Rio reimagined. Um, Rio is a central fe feature to uh my districts as it cuts through the heart of Estustrala and into the tulles parts of the district. Um, I am proud that some of the artwork featured at the Rio uh will elevate Odo ODM community's relationship with the river. This is a powerful statement and I'm proud to support it.

I also want to quickly um speak on item 61 which I know was in the consensus agenda uh but it is connected to arts and culture and I learned from you you and your staff uh that the panelist's response to the recommended 138 applications uh is that the caliber of arts and culture organizations and projects has grown to be especially outstanding um transparent data driven and community embedded work. So, I think that just speaks in in and of itself.

So, really thank you, Carrie, the entire arts and culture department for all the astounding work that you bring um and the high quality of work that you bring into D7 and across the city. So, uh really happy to support this today. Thank you so much, Mayor. Thank you. Roll call yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hodgej Washington, yes. Diego, yes. Passes 90. Item 65 is the Cactus Park precinct architectural services. Do we have a motion?

Motion to approve item 65. Second. Councilman [clears throat] O'Brien. Thank you, Mayor. As one of the council members who represents the Cactus Park precinct, I'm especially pleased to support this item. To say that this project is long overdue is certainly an understatement. The current precinct was built before women were even allowed to serve as Phoenix police officers, and there are still ashtrays in the bathrooms.

The new precinct at 31st Avenue in Thunderberg will provide modern, functional spaces and updated technology. Our officers deserve facilities that reflect the professionalism and dedication they bring to the job every day. This investment demonstrates that we value their service and want to ensure they have the tools to succeed. Just as importantly, residents deserve a precinct that can keep pace with growth and support the high level of public safety services they expect.

The new campus will create a welcoming space for community meetings and strengthen the relationship between residents and the police department. I'm excited that the former Fry Electronics, an iconic store for many residents, will be transformed from a vacant retail site into a major public safety asset. The new precinct will take up more than 8 acres with the remaining four acres to be used for a future fire station. I want to thank the voters who approved the 2023 bond program.

Their support makes projects like this possible and helps build the infrastructure we need. I appreciate everyone's work to bring us to this point and look forward to seeing it move forward. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, Councilwoman, and thank you to our voters who supported general obligation bonds to be able to make this improvement and so many others in our city. When you vote, it really does matter. Roll call. Yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes.

Wearing yes. Hodgej Washington. Yes. VGO. Yes. Passes 90. We next move to item 75 which is water service department mutual aid agreement. Vice mayor. Motion. Motion to approve item 75. Second. We have a motion and a second. This is a really important partnership that will allow us to work with other communities to make sure we secure our water supply.

As Phoenix and communities across Arizona feed significant cuts to our Colorado River resources, we need increased flexibility, water sharing options, and options to encourage creative conservation projects. Phoenix takes seriously our leadership role in the state and the region. And I'm proud that our team has played a key role in delivering this new mutual aid framework known as the secure water Arizona program or swap.

It will help communities who find themselves in emerging situ situations by providing a clear pathway to access resources from communities who have the ability to help all through completely voluntary transactions that respect the unique needs of every community. SWAP also provides a framework to incentivize creative conservation projects, allowing communities to support conservation efforts in other parts of the state and to acquire some of the water saved.

SWAP creates a mutual support framework as we all face significant cuts to our Colorado River supplies. It's a practical program that will allow our state the flexibility to weather the uncertainties in the Colorado River basin and it reflects our commitment to one another. We've particularly heard from some other cities who want to know if Phoenix might be able to partner with them through a very uncertain time.

It's a real point of pride for me that we're moving this item forward and that we can be good partners. I'll next turn to Vice Mayor Haj Washington. Thank you so much, Mayor. As the city's representative on Ammo, I too wanted to take a moment to highlight the mutual aid agreement as an important solution in our collective effort to as we are facing uh the challenges that we are facing regarding the Colorado River water supply.

I am proud of the work that we as a city are doing to ensure that our 100-year water supply remains intact even with some uncertainty from the Colorado River. As we prepare for potential water resources cuts from the central Arizona project, we must and we continue to be innovative in our approach and work with our partners throughout the region to provide real solutions to this very real challenge ahead of us.

As mentioned, these agreements will create a emergency reserve of water to help address potential shortage. It will also help establish a reduction offset program and lastly provide an opportunity to work with partners on new water transactions making us more nimble in our approach to this issue. I also would like to take a moment to thank our water services and water resource team.

Brandy Kelso's leadership gives me confidence in our water and wastewater services and Max Wilson as her water resource advisor has done an excellent job in keeping the council updated and involved in the critical water negotiations. Just last week, Max presented the mutual aid agreements to the members of Ammoa and did a great job explaining to our regional partners the importance of this solution.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not again emphasize to the other communities that rely on the central Arizona project to join us in these agreements. These agreements are a testament to our continued effort to ensure that residents in our beautiful desert city will have continued access to water and our willingness to collaborate with willing partners. So this is a step forward not just for the city but for the region as a whole. So thank you mayor. Thank you so much vice mayor. Roll call.

Yes. Hernandez. Yes. O'Brien. Yes. Pastor. Yes. Robinson. Yes. Stark. Yes. Wearing. Yes. Hodge Washington. Yes. VGO. Yes. Passes 90. Item 77 is next, which is the abandonment of eel easement for Thistle Landing Drive. We do have several members of the public. Do you want to hear them first? All right. Uh we'll go first to Alex Johnson and Alex will be followed by Kathy Monk. All right. Morning council and Mayor Ggo for holding this meeting. Could you move the microphone up or right here? Great.

Thank you. Um I've been a Phoenix resident almost my entire life. Um I've lived in multiple districts and now I'm a homeowner in district 6 in Awatuki. Um which is often a forgotten part of Phoenix. Um, first and foremost, I object any future permits or zoning plans for this data center in my neighborhood until our um questions as a community have been answered.

It is my understanding that we have given answer or questions to the planning department and our council and our mayor mayor uh at the end of April which has been two months. We've not heard anything since then. It is also our understanding that this land is not zoned properly. And it's also ironic that tomorrow we celebrate one year of the city council putting red tape around data centers which thank you for doing so.

Um feels a little bit reactive but I understand that this has taken us all by storm. Um but that being said uh that initiative has not been applied to our project and has not been applied to other projects that are being uh especially waved into development. As the planning and development news release a year ago said they understand that data centers have negative impacts on neighborhoods. It is recorded.

It is proven there are communities all over the country, all over the world that are being impacted by these. I have a one and a halfyear-old at home and [clears throat] um I work from home and I want Awatuki to be my home. It's my wife's home. It's her family's home and a data center has no business being in our neighborhood. It is 300 ft from a friend of mine backyard. The city has expedited construction by allowing uh the developers extended hours. They yet to respond to our concerns.

This is waking up families in our neighborhoods. It's already a disturbance. That being said, the infrasound hasn't started. The pollution hasn't started. There are plenty of environmental reasons to stop this project, which the city has also failed to complete. Noise, ground, pollution, etc. And they refuse to answer to us, the residents of Aatuki, and the taxpayers.

So, um I would just like to object and suggest that you guys consider um what is happening in our community before we move forward granting these developers any more um rights to development until you hear from us. So, thank you. Thank you so much. Uh Kathy is next, followed by Taylor. Do we have anyone online? No one online. So, we don't have any additional speakers on this one. All right. Well, then uh we'll turn to Councilman Robinson. Ta Taylor. Okay. Wonderful.

Uh just for uh background in in the future, we have two lists, one for virtual and one for in person. And so we if you register for virtual, we check you to see if you're logged in online and then called from that. Uh so easier to register for in person so we know where to look. Taylor, floor is yours. Thank you. Uh good morning. My name is Taylor Twitchell.

I am with the Awatuki Community Alliance a 501c3 we have formed this spring in response to this data center that is being built in our community. I'm seeking today on item 77 the abandonment of the drainage easement on the water line easement of the thistle landing drive. We recognize this item presents as routine. We are asking that it not be treated that way.

The easement abandonment supports a 257 megawatt data center campus, five buildings, nearly a million square feet of land just hundreds of feet from daycare, surrounding homes, schools, churches, and a senior care facility. An independent acoustic study submitted to the city in April found that the facility as designed is predicted to exceed Phoenix own 55 dibel noise standard. No noise review appears anywhere in the city's 31 permit findings for this project.

A peer-reviewed ASU study published this year found data centers raise the downward temperatures up to 2.2 degrees C. This facility is larger than any of the facilities that were studied in that study. We also want to flag the broader process. This project was approved in 2024 through stipulation modification described to the public at that time as a quiet user and a technology center.

3 weeks later, it was renamed and the developer's own attorney described it in writing to the city as a data center. On April 27th, we submitted 31 written questions to the planning and development. The only response response we've received is confirmation that they've received it. We have received no answers to our questions of substance.

Each item that moves this project forward, including the drainage easement, narrows the window for the city to require studies its own ordinances contemplates. We're asking the council to hold this item at this time. I would also like to speak directly to my council member uh Councilman Robinson. We have reached out to you several times to attend our meetings. We meet bi-weekly. We have heard no response to that.

You have come out and you have said that there is no legal standing to stop this data center. However, here we are voting today and we ask you that you hold this finding at this time. Thank you. Thank you. And is Kathy in person? We had a Kathy registered to speak not here. Okay, Councilman Robinson. Thank you, Mayor. [clears throat] First of all, if I could, I'd like to go to uh Mr. Victor Derek. Um Josh, could you speak to the the issue that was raised by I think Mr.

Johnson with regard to the property not being zoned properly? Mayor, Councilman Robinson, members of the council, the property is zoned Commerce Park, uh General Commerce Park. It's been zoned that way for uh several years. Uh I the reference may be in fact uh to the the issue that the city council approved a regulatory framework regarding data centers that was approved just last year about a year ago.

There was a provision in that ordinance that said if a property had secured preliminary site plan approval prior to the adoption of that ordinance, the ordin that that property wouldn't be subject uh to the new standards. that that that is the case for this property. So, it is it is a allowed use on the site and it is it does not is not required to adhere to the new standards because it had preliminary site plan approval prior to council's adoption of the ordinance last year. Okay.

Thank you very much. And also I I see Mr. Nick Wood in the audience, the zoning attorney for the property. Mr. Wood, could you take the um podium for a couple quick questions, please? Mayor, members of the council, Nick Woods, Snelling Woman, one East Washington Street, and I represent Menllo. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Wood for being here.

Could you um again, um Josh just explained or gave an explanation about the zoning for the particular area and some other things were said, I think Miss Twitchell, with regard to the noise and a host of other things. Can you talk about the mitigation that your client is going to be required to follow through with through our planning department as they move further into the building of this particular facility? Sure. Mayor, Council Member Robinson.

Um, as you know, you heard Josh say, this was approved, the zoning was approved decades ago. Um we did an amendment back in 2024 to permit uh the data centers. It's a combination data center and office. Um basically much of the mitigation includes uh setbacks um and the fact that the property is actually significantly below grade. There's a lot of uh landscaping and other things around it. Um but the buildings themselves are set back I think almost 200 to 300 ft. Okay.

Can you also explain the efforts you went through with regard to contacting neighbors and what efforts you put in that particular area? Sure. U Mayor, Council Member Robinson, um we had an outreach team that basically knocked on a thousand doors in the area, uh connected with over 400 and we had several hundred letters of support. Okay. Thank you very much. Nick, may I actually ask you a question? Mr. Wood, one more question if you don't mind.

So, we at the city have been asking data centers to be good neighbors and data centers have done things like we had a community that wanted a park where they built a park. Others have wanted some local community support. What What is Menllo's commitment to the Awatuki community? Uh, mayor, we included a park. Uh, in fact, we work with the community to design the park. It's a couple of acres. It includes some pickle ball courts and some other things. We'll maintain it.

Um, it won't be at the cost of the city and it'll be open to the public. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, Mr. Woods. You know, I want to begin by acknowledging the concerns from the residents. We have heard you. Um, I understand it. We're still um having discussions with segments of the community, not all of them. Clearly, you're shaking your head, Miss Twitchell. I know there's a couple groups that let us know usually a day before their meeting.

I have not been able to make those meetings. If I'm given a little bit of notice, I will be there. And I'm personally spoken with several community meetings and our office will continue to have those conversations and we're also working to schedule broader meetings over the summer to give everyone an opportunity to voice or for their voices to be heard. Now, the action before us today is not an approval of the data center itself.

The property owner already has a zoning entitlements to build a data center. And that approval came many years ago. As Mr. Wood just said, this item is, albeit doesn't appear that way to some, a minor administrative function. The abandonment of the existing drainage easement was approved on September 16th, 2025. This step does not expand, accelerate, or alter the data center project. It simply addresses a technical requirement tied to the site's layout.

One year ago, as the mayor mentioned, the council recognized community concerns about data centers and took action by creating a data center ordinance. As part of that process, we had to establish an applicability period, a clear line that defined which projects which projects the new regulations would govern.

After careful legal legal guidance, discussion, and consideration, council determined that the ordinance would not apply to developments that already had preliminary site approval at that time. Mr. Nick, Mr. would um mention that that it was some time ago that they were given approval for that particular site. This particular development is one of two sites that already had preliminary site approval before the ordinance was adopted.

This was an inter this is this was an intentional boundary set by the council to ensure the ordinances was legal and sound and enforcable. Approving this item does not diminish or dismiss the concerns of the community. Our office will continue to listen, meet, and work collaboratively with residents throughout the summer and beyond. With that context and recognizing both the administrative nature of this item, I move to approve item 77, adopt the and adopt the related resolution.

Thank you, mayor, for the time. Second. We have a motion and a second. and and to our neighbors just want to speak to you. I understand this is frustrating. There was an article that came out in the Wall Street Journal this month that said Phoenix is mecca for data centers. It's not the word I would have chosen and it's not our goal. We've been working very hard on reforms. When we m moved this data center permit through, it was leading in the nation.

We got deep criticism from the data center industry that we went way too fast and that we did not take into account the business needs. But we passed it unanimously because we thought it was very important. The number of data centers in this community makes us one of the epicenters in the world. The greater Phoenix area has one of the highest concentrations of data centers anywhere. Part of that is the tax incentives.

In my state of the city, I pushed very hard that data centers should pay the same tax rate as our small businesses. These are some of the wealthiest companies in our country and in the world. It is good news that the state of Arizona on a bipartisan basis passed a budget with a three-year moratorium on the most generous of the tax incentives, but there are data centers that will still get it in our community. We have a lot of work to do on reform and we are working very hard.

Uh, I've spent a lot of time working with mayors all over the world, frankly, who are all facing this issue. This industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate. We're working very hard to be as responsible as we can, but we have more than $700 million in threatened litigation from data centers. So, we're trying to navigate the best we can. We want to be prudent stewards of City of Phoenix tax dollars. The counciloman and I just spoke about our water challenges.

We want to make sure we're using the highest our water for the highest and best uses in Arizona. We are building power plants that will use groundwater to power data centers. That's a real conversation we need to keep having and we are trying very hard at the city of Phoenix to be at the forefront and and we're committed to continuing to do this.

I know this is frustrating, but we got to do it within Arizona's parameters that they have set for us and and we have to work with the state legislature and continue to make changes so that we can protect the health and safety of our community. So, thank you for being here. I know it's been frustrating. Believe me, I spent a lot of time on this and I'm also very frustrated. Anyone want to make additional comments? Vice Mayor, thank you, [clears throat] mayor.

I I just wanted to echo that some of the mayor's sentiment as well as Councilman Robinson's sentiment. I know this probably does not feel like a victory, but I can tell you one thing I know about Councilman Robinson. He's a man of his word and if he said he's going to continue to engage with you, I trust that he will. And I will ask if anything, can we also ask the planning department to respond to the 31 questions because I do think that's important.

I do think that our residents, this is not an easy issue. We see this issue popping up on the national level and there's a lot of uncertainty regarding data centers and their place in residents in residential neighborhoods. Um, but as mentioned, we uh we are bound by what the law provides for us and our own ordinance that we provided. But I will say I actually want to just kind of echo what Councilman Robinson said to the developers and de developers attorney on this.

Please continue to engage our community. Continue to engage the residents. show them that it is possible for us to work collaboratively on this and hear their concerns and move the issue forward. We can't undo the process at this juncture, but we can make sure that the process works for both the uh the developer and the residents in that area. So, thank you, mayor, for the opportunity. Thank you. Roll call. Yes. Hernandez, no. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes.

Hodgej Washington, yes. VGO, yes. Passes 81. All right. We next move to yet another data center. 89. Authorization to grant 5C data centers a binding waiver of enforcement of the special permit provisions for data centers. Uh we do have testimony on this one as well. So, we'll begin there. Uh, we'll begin with Mike, followed by Luis, and then Alex. Good morning, mayor, uh, council members and cities. My name is Mike Mariciano. I'm here on behalf of Hypert USA.

I'm the president company headquartered Phoenix. We've been here for about 15 17 years. Uh now we are proud to support 5C data centers as a technology reseller and partner of the Phoenix01. We strongly support this project. We believe it represents the type of investment that helps Phoenix move forward. The Phoenix project is not simply a data center. It is a modern and digital in infrastructure that supports the AI future.

cloud computing and advanced manufacturing education healthcare government services, and b business innovation. The project can bring meaningful benefits to Phoenix and the Encanto neighborhood. It will help revitalize an area of the city that is well positioned for new investment while we also create long-term opportunities for local businesses, skilled workers, and service providers.

From a hypertext perspective, this project will directly support the creation of an additional 30 to 50 jobs in support of this data center and they're highpaying jobs. That means they're engineers, uh, high paid technicians, no knock center employees. And this will help us scale um to a level that we've never been at before. And the community uh around us, it will support the restaurants. It will support bringing home great money to their families, so on and so forth.

In addition to those direct roles, a project of this scale creates broader benefits through construction, electrical, mechanical trade, security, facility management, logistics, maintenance, and local supplier relationships. Hypert will play a role in all these uh projects and servicing this data center. We're looking forward Thank you. Luis is next, followed by Alex. Hi, my name is Luis. Um, I've been a long-term resident from Phoenix and I've been looking over this data center for a while.

I went to the boys and girls community um, meeting that they had two weeks ago and they made some I really think this will benefit the community because they made great points about the water system. It's actually a closed loop. They use this I did some research myself. They use this system with glycol which actually they use less water than the other data centers in the whole valley. So I really think it it will benefit the residents on Palm Lane and also the security.

um there's a lot of um homeless people in that area and I think the security that brings it with the data center will actually benefit all of us around. So yeah, thank you. And do you um tell us you work in a a service provider for the data center industry? No, no, I'm just a a a resident. Wonderful. So you live near the near data center. Thank you so much for taking the time to testify. We really appreciate that. Thank you. Alex is next, followed by Thomas. Me again.

Um my understanding that this uh developer is seeking a special waiver for the city to allow them to build here. Um and it's my understanding, again, I may be incorrect, city documents are very difficult to read and understand. uh but that this data center company is claiming fair market value property loss. Everybody in your neighborhood Luis will also lose uh property loss values as well.

It is recorded and common amongst nations across or cities across our nation that property values decrease by a minimum of 20%. Again, it's all speculative, but so is the um the the dollar figures that the data centers are bringing to your table. Um, I'd like people who live in Phoenix to understand what data centers do to our environment and the health um, risks of it.

Cognitive and learning impairments in children, my daughter, your daughter, your grandchildren, arterial hypertension, increased risk of heart attack, strokes, the weakening of heart tissue from infrasound. That's a cool one. Migraines, insomnia, vertigo, high blood pressure, anxiety, fluid in ears, and elevated cancer risk. That is what everybody who supports data centers is comfortable with in their neighborhood.

Industrial-grade pollution, industrial-grade sound, diesel fumes because the industry is lacking the infrastructure to build them properly. So they'll be using diesel powered generators to fire up all of their servers. As a small business owner, as somebody who works in the creative field, it is um not uh unbeknownst to me that I benefit from data. I do. Um, also for my business, I buy solid state drives and the data center boom has created a product that was once $300 for me $1,400.

That is problematic. The health issues are worse. Economic growth should not happen at the expense of our health or the property values. And our city council and de development uh department needs to seriously consider that. Thank you, Thomas. Hello. Uh, good afternoon, mayor and council members. My name is Tom Branch. I serve as a director of the Aluki Community Alliance, and I want to speak briefly on item 89 and a fairness question it raises.

The waiver before you today locks in real recorded protections for the neighbors of the 5C site. specific decibel limits day and night, equipment setbacks, generator and hazmat disclosure, fire department pre-planning. That's a meaningful improvement over having no enforceable standard at all. And I think it's a reasonable model. My question is about consistency.

A separate data center proposed at Thistle Landing in Awatuki is being treated as exempt from the 2025 ordinance because its permits predated. But based on public records I've reviewed, that project's site plan is still an active correction. Its plat is unrecorded and its easement abandonments haven't been completed. It isn't finally entitled in the way that a true vested project would be.

I'd ask the council and staff to consider if an older project's approvals are still open, shouldn't its neighbors get the same floor of protection you're establishing here today? I'd welcome the opportunity to share a documentation with staff on this point. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much. I believe that is all our speakers on this item. So, uh, we will next turn to city council. And I understand we have an a representative for the applicant on this item.

If you could come forward, that would be great. Thanks so much. Uh there was a gentleman who testified earlier about 30 to 50 jobs. How many jobs long-term will be created on site uh over the mayor council post construction? Mayor council Jason Morris with you Morris Ball on behalf of the applicant. Uh thanks for the opportunity on this one. In terms of job creation, uh 30 to 50 is the range long-term. Uh that wasn't just a short-term number. Wonderful. And those will be on site.

They're direct employment at the site. That is correct. Wonderful. Thank you so much. The state of Arizona has I think starting today a moratorum on a very generous sales tax incentive. Uh will your client be paying the traditional sales tax rate or using the sales tax incentive? Mayor, council members, I did not. First of all, it's my understanding that the property owner is the one that has to apply uh for that use.

I I'm not aware of whether the property owner applied for the tax credit before today. Um given the state of this and what's occurred on this, and if you don't mind, I'm going to give a little bit of background so that we understand really what's occurred on this site. This this was a 2024 application by 5C for this site. At at the time they were actually working in conjunction with both uh regional economic development and local economic development for the reuse of an existing building.

It's a very small site frankly as far as data centers go. This is a 7 acre site. Uh the amount of power is is considerably less just by way of scale. The last item on the agenda that you just considered was I believe 275 megawws. We heard this is a 20 megawatt site. Uh this is a a 7 acre site versus I think the the last one was roughly almost a full section almost a 40 acre site. So this is a small infill more importantly an adaptive reuse.

uh this building exists and uh when 5C initially moved forward, they went to planning and they went to economic development. They made sure that the path was clear, actually went to APS, paid out a significant money uh amount of money in order to get the planning and and power done. But then they paused uh and were actually working with new tenants for the building.

During that time, unbeknownst to them, uh the city of Phoenix passed a a a very holistic data center ordinance that was referred to earlier. And that data center ordinance, as we recognize, has essentially made data centers uh uh in terms of land use at least inappropriate in any district that does not have special permit. This is one of the last sites I believe that will come before you in this manner. Uh because anything else is going to be a new data center entitlement.

Based upon what we've seen and heard and what we understand and the city's concerns, that's not likely to happen. So this site has been left over and we are now re-engaging because of the existing ordinance through the waiver process. uh but given their existing zoning, the adaptive reuse of the building, and I'll just for what it's worth point out that this building since it's been vacant uh over the last 2 years has been broken into 13 times.

Uh this is really an attempt to put a viable small use into an existing building uh without disrupting the neighborhood. So, I'm sorry that's a very long answer to a question that I'm not sure was answered, but I just want wanted to allow the council to understand the site. Wonderful. It's important history. One of the things that I understand is positive about this site is you will not need to bring in any new electric transmission, the existing grid capacity.

Mayor, council members, that's correct. We are bringing in two we are essentially extending underground to existing lines from a uh substation. So it won't disrupt any of the neighbors in terms that's correct. It's it's entirely through the industrial property. Okay. I think that makes it a in some ways a better site. But one concern I do have is there's residential on on two sites. As you know early in my time as mayor, Phoenix firefighters responded to a lithium battery fire.

Uh some firefighters from a neighboring city were pretty severely injured at that fire and so the fire code has changed. When there is a lithium battery, we will now let the fire burn out, which could be a week of a fire burning. That is a use that I have some concern right next to residential. To me, it seems more appropriate with diesel generators and lithium batteries to be in an industrial area if there could be a fire.

And it certainly doesn't help that it seems like this this project will not pay the full sales tax rate of it's that its neighboring businesses will pay. So, help me understand with the lithium battery and the diesel why we should put that right up against residential. Uh, mayor and council members, I I appreciate your concern and it's warranted. Uh I was aware and that certainly was brought forward during the data center conversation when the ordinance was passed last year.

In this instance, we're not talking about bringing a new industrial use. In fact, unlike most of the other data centers that have created new buildings, this building has had all of the nomclature of industrial use. Meaning this over its lifetime has been a manufacturing facility that has used chemicals. It has been a storage facility of flammable materials. This is not bringing in this application or in in fact that's not application. This waiver is not bringing any new use to this area.

It was zoned A1. It will still remain an A1 site and it is in as as you pointed out this transitional area where on two sides there are residences and on two sides there are industrial intense industrial uses with similar attributes. Thank you. We are trying to push these data center operators to give back to our communities. This data center is going to do some small things. Will you tell us about those? Uh, mayor and council, thanks for that opportunity as well.

Uh, frankly, we're constrained by size. As you mentioned, some of the other users, some of the other data centers, the newer, larger data center opportunities have also had land where they can offer either a pocket park as was the case in the last uh, or as you're aware, soccer fields or other amenities. This being a 7acre site with an existing building, it is essentially building and parking. So, we've looked for other opportunities at the neighborhood meeting.

Uh, one of the questions that was asked, I believe, by the council member is what does the community want to see, specifically the residential community for this site? And there was a request for enhanced landscaping, larger mature trees, a mural for the area. There was talk of uh whether it would be appropriate to keep this in a a gated landscape setting and what that would look like, whether it would be secure, whether there were cameras, uh 24-hour personnel, that type of thing.

Those were the major concerns. Beyond that, in terms of community outreach, the applicant, I'm sorry, I'm so used to using that term, uh 5C in this instance, the the request for claim, has agreed to do a uh a fund for the community that the community would have access to and would work in conjunction with the city and the community to make sure there were funds available for things that were important to the community. Thank you. And how many folks attended the community meeting?

Uh I believe it was and I'm going to give you all of the numbers that have been given to me. There were over 400 homes I think 410 homes invited. Uh there were 148 where there was actual interaction with the neighbors and of that probably less than 20 attended the meeting. Okay. I had heard four. Does that seem possible? I I was not at that meeting. It's actually it was six. Okay, thank you. All right, that is all of my questions. Does anyone have any additional questions? Wonderful.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Right. This would not be my favorite site for a data center. It does have residential on two sides, but uh we did have a press release go out saying that uh the regional economic development folks and councilwoman were excited about that which makes it a little bit more complicated as well and it is complicated with the timing but I'm speaking to the industry.

I really hope that you will look for locations in industrial land and not immediately adjacent to residential. Counciloman Pastor. Yes. Um, all of us have the same concerns. Um, in particular, we all have the same concerns of the mayor. Uh, this area is in an industrial area. It's an A1 and and what these neighborhoods are surrounded in an by an industrial park. So, I believe um and I'm going to go back and look at some history.

uh that probably originated as an industrial park and then uh homes were built around it. Um, and it's unfortunate uh we're at the space that we're at right now.

as the mayor the mayor is correct that there was an article where I do have a quote stated and it does talk about uh bringing jobs and it talks about uh the data center in a in a space uh where at that time because it's an industrial center where is appropriate um and in the data center space we all have uh entered in uh wanting data centers when I entered uh there was a big uh push for wanting data centers and then uh as we moved and evolved we realize what is the impact it has in our community.

Um this item is a was entered and in placed in 2024. Uh there is a letter stating that a data center can be built here. uh we passed the the regulatory pieces in 2025 and this is one of one um that is in the bubble or limbo that uh is now being presented. I I I move the approve item 89 per the memo uh dated July 1, 2026. That is my motion. Second. We have a motion and a second. Roll call. Yes. Anonymous. No. O'Brien, yes. Has yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes.

Hodgej Washington, I'd like to explain my vote first. Um, I I too share the concerns given the proximity to residential, but it's rare that we see neighbors come forward and speak in favor of the data centers. And while I want I want to respect their position. Um also it's not I was not present at the neighborhood outreach and I will defer to the councilman's uh who represents a district um where this is where this is placed. So I will vote yes. GGO. Yes. Passes 81. Next we go to item 90.

A resoning application at the southwest corner of 56th Street and Ranger Drive. Mayor, may I make a suggestion? Please. Uh may we hear from the people petitioning against first? Perfect. Uh we'll open the public hearing and uh welcome the group that Councilman Wearing suggested and I understand they do have a PowerPoint. Are we doing five minute PowerPoint? I don't think they have a PowerPoint. Okay. Yeah. So five minutes is fine. Yep. They're not in. Yes, but there's no PowerPoint. Wonderful.

If we could get five minutes for this presentation. Thank you. Fortunately, I did have PowerPoint I submitted. I'm not sure. Oh, sorry. I saw somebody nodding no, so apologize. I guess there is a PowerPoint. Oh, okay. All right. I'm Doug Miller. I'm a resident in the Desert Ridge area that backs up against the wildfire wild fire wildfire golf course. And right now, Ranger Drive is my only access point to get to my house from Tatum Boulevard. All right. All right.

So, I just wanted to give a little context of what was originally proposed. Um, Cayanian just put bought the property at the southwest corner and Ranger Road was supposed to connect to 56 during that construction. Um, that construction and that roadway was identified in the Desert Ridge specific plan and the street classification map for the last couple decades.

Um it's also consistent with the approved traffic impact analysis and during that um construction that cost would be on the developer itself. Thanks. The new addendum states that the road will no longer go through and it'll be a a culde-sac that will be temporary. So it's not being removed from the plan itself. It's just being another temporary uh postponement of the construction and the connection.

So unfortunately that shifts back the financial responsibility to the city as a capital improvements project and I've have I have attended uh two of the three planning meetings and listen to uh the public input as well and I want to kind of step back a little bit and just look at the community as a whole. Um, I pulled this map from the the MAG Northeast Valley Transportation Study and it just kind of highlights what the current traffic conditions are now.

There's a lot of uh public input that that states there's an overabundance of traffic right now and it's it's building. Uh, Tatum right now carries over 30,000 vehicles and does have a lot of backup at the 101. But you also look at some of these other callouts where um people have made comments uh specifically to the Ranger Road at 56. There's one that says there should be connected to provide multiple access points to reduce congestion.

Um there's other access points on Deer Valley and 64th Tatum um Deer Valley and 40th and it just basically I want to portray how uh the traffic is building right now, right? We're getting a lot of investment. There's a lot going on. Uh the the Cardinals facility going on along Scottsdale Road. The land at Deer Valley and 40th was also just purchased for uh residential. So there is more growth happening and we're already kind of seeing some implications of traffic issues.

So I wanted to zoom in a little bit closer. Um Ranger Drive right now is seeing about 2,800 cars per day. And this data is coming from Placer AI who uses Interex for their their traffic data. And I wanted to just kind of understand um what the other similar connector roads currently do. So Pathfinder is a similar laid uh laid out road that has similar uh widths, bike lanes, and setbacks. They're doing a little over 3,000. Marriott Drives doing a little over 3,000.

and Trailblazer Drive is doing a little over 2,000. So, it we're still in range. Um, I put this together because there was a lot of comments saying if you open this road, you're going to create a major arterial cut through. Um, this would suggest it does not do that. So, that was just uh trying to trying to support it being more more data driven than specul speculative. Um, so I'll just wrap it up with fiscal responsibility, right? That road has been planned for a couple decades now.

It's in the general plan and it was there for the developer to complete when that land was purchased. Um, growth pays for growth. You're going to invest. I'm all for the investment. Um, but I think we should require them to also connect those roads as planned versus versus turn around and put it back on the taxpayers as a capital improvements project. All right. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Uh, Councilman, do we want to hear from the applicant or we do have three folks online and and then additional speakers in person? Uh, let's do additional speakers who are against. Okay. All right. 90. We should have Barry. And I have a Neil Peterson who signed up after my list was printed. So I don't know if he's against or in favor, but Neil will go to you next. Neil's in favor. Okay. And then the other two who are here are in favor.

And then online, we do have three virtual speakers in support. I'm sorry, Barry is against. So he would be now. All right. Uh so Doug Miller and Barry are two opposed. Okay. So Barry, the floor is yours. Sorry for the confusion there. Thank you, mayor and council members for the opportunity to speak. I'm Barry Goldfarb and I've lived in the valley for 50 years and I appreciate the work you do to make Phoenix a great city.

I'm here today to speak about the connection of Ranger Road to 56th Street in Desert Ridge. I have served on Desert Ridge Community Association board for about 12 years and currently serve as one of the officers. Desert Ridge specific plan expect um expects to have approximately 50,000 residents with 19,000 homes and 30,000 jobs. Yet unlike most of Phoenix, our community does not have the typical onem grid of east, west, and north south arterial roads.

That limited road network already creates congestion and will only become worse as the growth continues and zoning changes increase density as this application. Today, just over half of the planned homes have been built. In addition, [clears throat] more than 2,000 apartment units are under construction are currently being leased.

Major commercial developments, including the new Trader Joe's and Sprouts Marketplace, are both located at or near 56th Street in Deer Valley, and both are slated to open very soon. Maricopa Association of Government in their Northeast Valley Transportation Study has stated that even after Loop 101 was widened to its full buildout, it continues to experience severe congestion on a regular basis.

The east west ranger extension connects Tatum Boulevard to 56th Street has long been part of the area's transation plan. Residents who chose to live near the planned road extension knew or should have known that the road was planned. Delaying the project to the benefit of small number of nearby residents will negatively affect thousands of current and future residents, employee employees, and commuters.

I respectfully ask that you reject the recommendation before you delay before you delay the rager road extension and allow this important transportation project and move forward as planned to help with the severe traffic we are already encountering. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. So we do have two in person in support and three online. Uh one us to speak if necessary. Uh why don't you go with the people who want to speak who are in support. Okay.

Um and then I the applicant if necessary. Okay. I have uh Brandy in person to speak in support. We have the attorney for the applicant and then we'll go to virtual to Albert first. Uh thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Brandy Stab and I'm the resort manager at the JDM Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. Um, I attended both the two village planning meetings and a planning and zoning meeting prior to this meeting. The turnout was robust from the community.

Um, they all oppose the extension of Ranger Drive. Um, I would say that the resort appreciates the developers willingness to revisit the original plan and come forward with a revised approach as it pertains to Ranger Road and 56th Street. The cultisac design at the end of Ranger paired with a small park uh for the community is a thoughtful solution that avoids creating a direct connection to 56th Street and better aligns with the character and width of that road.

From our perspective, this is a positive step forward and one we can support. Uh the portion of Ranger Road um that we're talking about is used regularly not only by nearby residents and local community, but also by golfers, resort associates, and golf operations, including beverage cart and golf cart crossings.

If in the future Ranger was drive was to be open to 56th Street, the road would become a major thoroughfare, introducing a serious hazard to 36,000 golfers annually, golf course associates and maintenance staff, and residents who currently pass over Ranger.

We would ask that Ranger is not extended and if in the future Ranger is open to 56th Street, we would ask that plans would include provisions for the safety of these individuals and that the cost of the road would be considered with tunnels uh and not uh toward the resort. Uh really our goal here is to create safety. Um when you look at Marriott Drive currently, which comes around the resort, um someone noted how many uh people drive on that road daily. I can tell you it's very very significant.

The speeds that happen on that road uh create a danger to those even walking on the sidewalks and that's two lanes on each side which this road going through a community doesn't have the ability to have based on size. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much. We'll go next to Albert and followed by Claudia. Hi there. My name is El Karina. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to address this council.

I am the initiator of one of the 546 signatures of the petition opposing the proposed extension at Ranger Road. The concern is straightforward. Connecting Ranger Road to 56th Street will increase non-resident cut through traffic in our neighborhood, creating safety risks and challenging the character of our community from a quiet residential neighborhood into a pass through route.

When our neighborhood was developed, the Desert Ridge Pacific Plan adopted on July 18th, 1980 uh 1990 made a clear commitment that local streets would loop through residential areas and discourage through traffic. Specifically, the plan states the local streets will loop through traffic uh will loop through residential areas created in neighborhood character. No shortcuts between arterial speed neighborhoods will be found, discouraging any traffic other than local.

Many homeowners can purchase their home relying on that commitment, and we believe it should be honored today. The city's own neighborhood policy also recognizes that strong, healthy neighborhoods are essential to Phoenix's quality of life, and that preserving neighborhood character benefits the city as a whole.

Policy states, "Do healthy neighborhoods are critical to the long-term vitality and success of Phoenix and to the quality of life of its residents." I also want to make it clear that many residents, including myself, are not opposed to the new Toro housing development. In fact, many of us have signed statements supporting the building. Residents have also reviewed and endorsed the builder's alternative plan, which includes a park and a turnaround instead of extending Ranger Road to 56th Street.

Our objection is specifically to the road extension because it would invite additional cut through traffic and drivers seeking to avoid congestion on nearby arterial streets. The planning committee's previously two previous two meetings resulted in unanimous votes on this resolution. [clears throat] Since the last meeting, we have continued to gather additional signatures from residents who oppose connecting Ranger Road to 50 6th Street, demonstrating that community opposition remains.

Claudia is next, followed by Brian. And good [clears throat] morning, Mayor Ggo and council members. My name is Claudia Garza. I've been a resident of Desert Ridge for over 25 years. A lot of what has been said was initially what I was going to say. So, I will not repeat it. I will not bore you with all of that. What I will say is that when we purchased our home, we understood that growth would come to the area and with that growth comes comes more traffic.

But I ask if is it necessary for congestion on our major streets like Tatum, Deer Valley, and Pinnacle Peak to to compromise Ranger Drive to make it a pass through. As was mentioned by Mr. Miller and my Miss Stab, yes, Marriott Drive is carrying a lot of traffic right now, but that is what will happen to Ranger Drive if it becomes a a full a street all the way through to 56th Street. A lot of the traffic on Marriott Drive right now is quote cut through traffic is the best I can describe it as.

Um the the develop what the developer has proposed the the compromise that the developer has proposed is acceptable understanding that it is only temporary and can be changed by the city at any time or by another developer should they purchase another parcel within Desert Ridge. With that said, I sincerely ask that you accept the resoning application, which most of us do not have a problem with, but please deny the stipulation to extend Ranger Drive to 56 Street, at least for this time.

Thank you for your time, and I appreciate it. Thank you. Brian is next, followed by Neil Peterson. Hello everyone and thank you for your time. My name is Brian Olsen, uh resident uh in the the corridor along Ranger Drive, and I I think all the other um folks that just spoke before me, we hit a lot of the same points. Um a few of the other ones that I would just like to um brief everybody on is the amount of time and energy that's gone into the redevelopment with uh Mr.

Wood's help and and Snell and Wilmer's help has really addressed the concerns that that the neighbors have. Um as um Al had mentioned um there's more than um [clears throat] residents nearby that have um petitioned to support the culde-sac rather than the road going through. And I I just state it in a way uh with some of the other um that are are for the road to go through. Um they did all mention that traffic in this area is is very high and very strong.

The thing that wasn't mentioned is that Ranger Road, if it does go through at 56th Street, would not have a street light. And because of that, I think it's going to encourage more traffic to cut across Ranger Road than go up to Pinnacle Peak, which I know in the future, Pinnacle Peak is supposed to be expanded. I think the the concern from our end is if Pinnacle Peak was expanded now, we wouldn't have as much concern with traffic coming down Ranger Road.

However, because Pinnacle Peak is only one lane in each direction, people are going to look for thoroughares to cut through much like at the the JW Marriott um pass through. So, that that's a big point of contention. I also want to say too that within our community at Desert Ridge, Ranger Road is a unique road um because it does meander in and around the golf course.

um a lot of the other streets in the other area or actually none of the other streets in the area do the same um meandering and without a good understanding if the road went through of what traffic mitigation would take place along Ranger Road. That is really the biggest concern. I personally know some some kids on bicycles that have been hit by cars.

Um turning from Tatum onto Ranger and understanding that this road went through that traffic would be even more intense along Ranger Road is a major concern for most of it. Neil is next and then we'll have Nick Wood on behalf of the applicant. Thank you for your time this morning. I am um in favor of the revised plan. I'm very supportive of what was done. I thought there was a lot of effort put into this and we appreciate that.

Um I've been a resident of Desert Ridge and actually uh be 29 years this month that I moved into the home uh near Ranger Road. And I will say Ranger and you've heard some of this I'm not going to repeat, but it is truly unique. If you've not traveled on that road, there's nothing like it in Desert Ridge. It is a meandering road. It does an outstanding job uh working as a neighborhood feeder street.

It is not and should not have ever been considered initially when it was designed as an arterial street. It it would not be safe. It will not be safe if that's the case. Um it connects to 10 streets which uh go out to different neighborhoods. Does an excellent job of that. It also um borders nine golf holes on the championship two courses of the Marriott. Either the holes terminate on the street or they tee off from the street and whatever. There's no street in Desert Ridge like that whatsoever.

Uh and as I said, it is meandering. It is a 40 foot wide street. It can't get any wider. That includes two bike lanes which are each 6 ft wide. It doesn't leave a lot of room in the center of the street. It's a single lane each way. There's no turn lanes whatsoever except at the very edge of Tatum and and uh Ranger for a right turn lane. That's it. So, it's again, it's not positioned to handle what will inevitably come to that street if it's opened up all the way to 56th.

Yes, population is growing. And yes, in the age of GPS and people looking on their phones, what's the shortest route I can get? And you've heard the story about the Marriott Drive. We'll see that here at Ranger and that will be highly dangerous. Lots of children, lots of walking, lots of jogging, lots of biking have gone on over the many, many years that I've been there. Last thing, uh, if anything could be done with Pinnacle Peak, that would be wonderful.

Uh, Pinnacle Peak I used to take to go see my house being built. It hasn't changed a bit except for the intersection at Tatum and Pinnacle Peak. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much. And I believe our last speaker will be Nicholas Wood. Members of the council, Nick Wood, Snoman has a question for you. Thank you. Just a couple questions, Nick, to kind of move this along. So, uh, I appreciate very much you working with the community.

uh when you called to say that this had failed at the village which I believe was in March when the road was part of the application um uh it was frustrating for me because here is a project that the the community seemed to embrace under your good ospices but it was a city demand that was causing it to fail that was the only issue I don't believe the project has changed other than the road between the first vote and the second the first vote it failed at the village. Correct. That's correct.

Mayor Councilman Wearing yes it failed at the village. So I have you've worked with me for a long time but mayor you know if something fails at the village I I don't vote for it going forward. Now if something passes at the village I still feel I have discretion but it fails at the village the reason we have the village I have great respect for the people who serve on the village. Uh I want a kind of a ground level like what do they think? So that was very telling.

the president of the uh board of Desert Ridge HOA. He's on that committee. He voted no. So, I definitely take that seriously as well. Long working relationship with them. Uh but uh we we worked together what what might be an acceptable alternative and we came up with what passed. So, the second iteration without the road I believe passed nine to nothing at the village. Was that the vote? Mayor, Councilman Wearing, yes. It was unanimous approval there as well as at the planning commission.

So, at the planning commission, which was that six to nothing if memory serves, if you don't know off top of your head, but it was about 15 or 16 able-bodied adults who volunteer their time to do this and they all voted for this whereas the first iteration failed. Uh, somebody mentioned, I think it was uh, one of the gentlemen on line that 586 people had signed a petition against.

heard in my office from vastly more people against the road than in favor and it wasn't close and it was my understanding that that's what turned out for the community meetings and the meetings that you held. Is that also correct? Mayor Congressman wearing yes there was in excess of 40 people at the first uh village hearing and probably 70 at the second. So I have done a lot of door knockocking in Desert Ridge over the years. So I'm very familiar with this road.

not as much obviously I'm not claiming that as people who live there but I am very aware that they are sort of enclosed neighborhoods basically along that road. Uh some are gated but some aren't. I've been through there. It's to me it would be a really nice setup. I understand that this road has been on the plan for many years but I also didn't think it made sense at a time when we're trying to get more housing for the people moving here. You've got Mayo right there.

The Cardinals were mentioned. You got TSMC not a far drive from this site. A lot of people want to live in Desert Ridge. They want the same fantastic amenities and lifestyle that the people who already live there have a wonderful [clears throat] community. It didn't seem to make sense for the purposes of this road to not have this project go through. I will also add uh Desert Ridge uh the resort is incredible. if you haven't been there.

I've taken my kids there and so forth to use the lazy river over a long period of time. It's been there for about 25 years. Uh the fact that they were adamantly opposed also was very telling for me. They are a point of pride for district 2. Um thrilled to have them. Uh definitely take their concerns. Brandy, I appreciate you being here today.

um was just out there with the general manager Paige Lond and your predecessors have done a wonderful job of building something that frankly all Arizonans could be proud of certainly Phoenix can u that brings visitors in if they think this doesn't make sense that's also very telling. So when you couple that with all the residents who spoke out against it, uh I heard Claudia Garza, I know she served on the village for years, uh Neil, people who have lived there for decades.

It it wasn't that hard of a call to come up with what we came up with. Um particularly given my antipathy for projects that do not pass the village and this did in this iteration, not the other. And that really was the only thing that changed. Um, I will also say this. I appreciate your willingness to work with me to find a solution.

Uh, really the one thing about this, I recognize I don't live in this community, but the one thing that was really impactful to me, I mentioned Desert Ridge and the working relationship with them and and how proud I think we all should be of their community. Um, I see Terrence Smith here who works uh intimately with the board. I've worked with him for 13 or 14 years.

uh the board members, Barry is one of them who we've worked with uh in my office for the whole time I've been on the council and I've represented the area between that and the state senate for about 25 years about the same hotel's been there. Um we've developed long working relationships and they are to me heroes of our communities. They have worked their hearts out. If you live in Desert Ridge and you came here today, those people on that board, they put their hearts and souls into it.

And I know Terrence does for sure. So, um, again, I take that feedback, but there were two board members, Barry was one of them, who actually did express that they had interest in the road going through, but the totality of the feedback was that the residents who lived along there were not in favor of that, even as they were in favor of the project itself. Uh my final comment about the Desert Ridge board is the plan we came up with as a park that your client is going to maintain. Correct.

That's correct. So I appreciate that. So you're not getting off scot-free. You're not spending less money or anything. This is just shifting the resources. [clears throat] But I very much appreciated your willingness to name the park after Doug Dixon, who was a longtime president of Desert Ridge, a great friend to District 2, great friend of mine, frankly, passed away suddenly a couple of years ago. So we have been trying in my office to find something some way to honor him.

Hadn't be able to come up with it. So I very much appreciate your willingness to entertain that notion and to put it forward. I know you mentioned it uh to people at the village. So that wasn't the original impetus for the failure. You tried to get the project through with the road, but that didn't pass with the village. So that's not to me really an option here today. with all respect for the people who who brought good arguments and talked about Ranger going through.

Um so I am going to uh move forward with the motion as presented. But people have had one concern. You know the people against the road don't really ever want there to be a road. So Mr. Miller in his presentation talked about the funding. Um Josh, I'm going to switch to you if that's okay. Mayor, uh, it is not, this road is currently not in our five-year rolling capital improvement plan. We just passed a budget last week or two weeks ago.

So, can you kind of explain what that means in layman's terms? Uh, mayor, council mayor, members of the council, it would require the council to identify funding in a future CIP budget, which would require the the approval of this council uh, and designate that funding to to see that come see the city develop it at some point. And I think the earliest mayor that could happen would be in fiscal 2031 at this point because it's not in the next five years.

Mayor, members of the council, uh, Councilman Wearing, I I'd have to defer to our our budget director, city manager's office, or street transportation department to to to answer specifically about when the next available time that that uh, but it's a few it's a few years out. Um, so at that point in time, council members would have to vote to include it. There's no current funding. So, uh, I will be gone.

I'm term limited, so uh, probably makes a lot of you happy, but I I won't be here for that uh, discussion should it ever arise. I don't know what my successors would do, but it will not um they would really have to go to the mattresses and convince, frankly, at least four other council members to frankly give up something in their district to pay for this. So, Mr. Miller is not wrong. We're shifting the costs from the developer to the city. We are getting the park out of it.

That might not necessarily make sense if the plan was ever to build the road. I'm against the road because that seems what the neighbors and quite a few community leaders are against. I don't know what successors would do. I just feel having served on this council for almost 15 years. It is unlikely that this road is going to be built. So, while Mr. Miller raised a good point, that's only a good point if the road ever actually gets funded.

I don't really necessarily see a path unless the neighbors completely flipped their views of what they want sometime in the future and the hotel who I also consider a constituent of frankly great value as well. They've told me they don't want the road period. They generated a lot of income for the city and we had that discussion with data centers and so forth. Well, this is one that I'd be hardressed to see what the negative is.

Like people come in, they spend the money, they spend the money at the resort, they spend the money at Desert Ridge Mall, city collects tax revenues, very low crime. I mean, it's kind of a perfect setup. So, uh, I plan to support this. I think I've laid out sort of a fact-based argument of why I don't think there's going to be a road in the future either. Appreciate very much the developers willingness to work with me on this and appreciate the feedback from the community.

Did I miss anything, Josh?

my long herang mayor councilman wearing members of the council I'd say your characterization of of the process is accurate the what I would just reiterate is that the stipulation is set up to still require the developer to provide the and dedicate the necessary ride ofway so the land will be in place some of it is pavement right so the the land acquisition is not in question what would be a a future discussion amongst the council is the funding to construct the road [clears throat] thank you Josh I apprei appreciate it.

Uh so, mayor, uh with your indulgence, um I have a motion to approve for the planning commission recommendation and adopt the related ordinance. Close the public hearing. Thank you so much. Uh we have a second from Councilwoman Pastor. Exciting vote. We're going to bring a lot of housing in. Uh roll call. [laughter] Yes. Hernandez, yes. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes. Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hodgej Washington, yes. Yes. Passes 90. So that concludes the planning and zoning portion.

And today we entitled up to 314 units of housing. We share this because all nine of us think housing is a big priority. We next go to item 91, which is a citizen petition from Jerry Van Guest. So I'll ask Jerry to come forward and he'll be followed by Jeremy Thcker. Good morning. I think it still is. Uh Jerry Van Gas here.

Uh you have a petition in front of you expressing uh our desire to have you vote to rename the Caesar Chavez Park after uh Olympian humanitarian that lived his last decade here, Jesse Owens. Uh March 25th when the council directed parks to rename everything that had been named for Caesar Chavez, I was here to push for Jesse Owens. I had his medals sitting right here on the on the desk, the counter here.

Uh, ironically, 50 years ago this week, those medals were touring around the country on the freedom train part of our bsentennial celebration uh before they returned here to Jesse's house. Uh, and it's ironic that 90 years ago, 1936, Jesse won those four medals in the Berlin Olympics in front of Adolf Hitler where he was snubbed by Hitler. But Jesse came back here to the US and was also snubbed by our president, Franklin Delanor Roosevelt.

Uh, coincidentally, this week, the same week, our 250th birthday, July 4th, Jesse's already been named by USA Today as the most important athlete in our 250 year history. And he'll undoubtedly be named the greatest track and field athlete on Saturday. So, we're asking that uh you know, we honor him. You know, we don't need to, you know, he's already been snubbed twice. That we honor him for what he did. He embraced Phoenix as his adopted hometown. Let's do this. Thank you, Mr. Vanas.

Can I ask a question before you Thank you, ma'am. Oh, I forgot it's not called to the public. Just one quick question. Um, your end goal here is for us to honor the legacy of uh, humanitarian and Olympian Jesse Owens. Correct. Correct. Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Our final speaker on this item will be Jeremy. Mayor Council U. as you, this may be a surprise to many of you, but sometimes I'm a bit of a cynic.

Uh, so with all the stuff going on around us, I think what's why are we talking about renaming a park? What is gained by renaming a park? The answer is possibly nothing, but maybe everything. Like many Phoenicians, I wasn't born or raised here. When I got here, I didn't know the city's history, but I learned it through the names of the public places around me.

Without those places, I may have never known about Sander Day O'Connor become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, or Margaret T. ants, Phoenix's first woman mayor who helped shape the city if it weren't for the park named after or the history of the Indian school and the plight of the Native Americans which reminds us and makes us empathize with the difficult chapter in our history if it hadn't been for the park in the street that I live by. Names matter.

They tell us who we are, what we value, and whose stories we choose to pass on. Jesse Owens represents perseverance in the face of a prejudice, excellence in the face of doubt, and dignity in the face of hatred. His legacy reminds us every child that uh his legacy reminds every child that character, courage, and determination matter. A child visiting this park one one day may ask, "Who was Jesse Owens?" That simple question opens the door to a story that is worth telling and looking into.

So, what is gained by naming the park after Jesse Owens? Maybe nothing, but maybe everything. Thank you. Thank you so much. That concludes our test concludes our testimony. Vice Mayor, thank you, Mayor. I want to start off by saying extending my appreciation to Mr. Van Gas for bringing this petition forward and for emphasizing Jesse Owens and his place in Phoenix history.

following a recent subcommittee, you gave me the opportunity to actually hold and see um Jesse Owens medals, which I would admittedly say I was a little surprised to learn that the medals were not currently on display for our entire community to see and learn about his inspirational story. Jesse Owens is one of the most extraordinary athletes and Americans in our nation history. His courage, perseverance, and achievements transcended sports and helped challenge prejudice on a global scale.

He used his platform to bring light to injustices. He represented tenacity, resilience, and the continued fight for civil rights for all Americans. He is certainly the kind of individual whose legacy deserves recognition. And I would extend that sentiment to many other historic figures, particularly those whose contributions have been too often been overlooked.

As a as a city, we should continue looking for opportunities to celebrate individuals whose stories have shaped our nation and inspired future generation. At the same time, I also believe we have a responsibility to respect the community engagement process. According to the staff report, the parks department conducted a month-long outreach effort receiving 1,843 responses with nearly three quarters coming from residents within the park service area.

The highest level of support was for Agila Park and Community Center. This information should be consider should be for the parks board to consider. While I recognize the petitioner's concern, I believe that we should be more intentional in how we recognize Jesse Owens or other deserving historical figures.

Instead, I hope we continue identifying meaningful opportunities across our city to honor their legacies in ways that educate, inspire, and reflect the rich history of our community and our country. Um, Mr. Zacher, I'm going to quote your comment. You said, "What do we gain by regaining the park? Possibly nothing. I want us to be intentional." So, with that, I'm ready to make my motion.

My motion is to accept staff's recommendation to deny the citizen petition and to direct staff to conduct a process that will identify a way to honor Jesse Owens and potentially other important historical figures of Phoenix, then return with an update to the relevant city council subcommittee by the end of 2026. Second. We have a motion and a second. Councilman Hernandez. Thank you, mayor. Um, I'll just be quick and to the point here.

I have expressed my frustration to this up here on the council um to the parks department with how the naming process itself has unfolded in multiple places where the city is removing Cesar Chavez's name. You know, I have made it clear that his name never represented the power of the farm workers movement. He was only one person within the movement. The movement was made up of and it continues to be led by migrants, by women, farmers who fight for dignity and workers rights.

The that movement was built on Mexican, Asian, and black farmers that harvest our food and fed this country. Workers across the United States owe so much to the farm workers movement itself. You know, my concerns that I shared back in March and were also shared by many residents that removing Chavez's name should not result and could not result in the whitewashing of our spaces and the eraser of the history and the spirit of those farm workers.

But that's what really has transpired over this process. I'm not happy with the naming process of the parks department moved on, nor am I happy with how the options for renaming this park were proposed. Both Aguila and Lavine are generic names that do not honor or carry or continue to uh honor any of that history. And I do not agree with any park sport decision to renaming the park with either of those names. That brings me to this citizen's petition.

Jesse Owens was a monumental figure in this nation's history. As a black athlete, he faced racism here in the United States. He also stood up on the global stage when called upon and put Nazi Germany in its place. at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin by winning four gold medals, setting individual Olympic records in each event, plus as another um another one as a member of the 400 meter relay.

This was especially beautiful because both American politicians and Hitler himself claimed that Owens had no place um in the Olympics because he was black and that he would not be able to compete against obst ostensibly superior white athletes. So that was really a statement from Owens. Owens went on to retire here in Phoenix, which makes this power this his powerful story a part of Arizona's history. Owens was one of the greatest track and field athletes in our country's history.

Um I I will be voting I would I support the citizens petition because his legacy is a type of story that should be told in our parks and his name will carry forward the spirit that farm workers also carried and for which the parks uh was intended to hold. Um, I do want to thank the mayor and I want to thank the vice mayor for your motion.

Um, while I agree with you that we need to be intent, very very intentional in finding um, an appropriate place to name um, and to honor Jesse Owens, I still cannot support this because of the staff recommendation of requesting this citizen's petition, which the results is that the legacy of the fire workers movement is being whitewashed from our parks in Lavine. Thank you very much. Thank you. We're ready for roll call. Roll call. Yes. Hernandez, no. O'Brien, yes. Pastor, yes. Robinson, yes.

Stark, yes. Wearing, yes. Hudge Washington, yes. Bego, yes. Passes 81. Thank you. That concludes our agenda business. And now we'll go to the final portion of the council meeting, which is our citizen public comment. I'll turn to our city attorney to introduce this portion. Thank you, mayor. During citizen comment, members of the public may speak to the city council for up to three minutes on issues of interest or concern.

However, the matters addressed must be within the jurisdiction of the Phoenix City Council and on which the council has the authority to act. The citizen comment session is limited to 30 minutes. The Arizona open meeting law allows the city council to listen to comments but prohibits council members from discussing or acting on the issues presented. However, council members may respond to criticism. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you so much. We'll begin with Alex Johnson followed by David Morgan.

Hello um council and mayor friends today. Thank you for your time. Um, a few things top of mind. Uh, first not related to data centers, which I'm sure will be a relief to y'all. Um, Awatuki is, uh, one half of a very oddly drawn district. If you're familiar, it represents Builtmore, Arcadia, and Awatuki, which are all considerably higher income neighborhoods. I think I speak for a majority of almost 80,000 residents in Awatuki that we consistently feel under represented.

I hear it at little league games for my nephew. I hear it at family dinners. I hear it with people I've met who oppose the data center. Um, I don't know how we do this, but I suggest that the city considers reszoning district 6 into two districts to adequately represent not only very difficult or different geological location, geographical locations of the city, but also a very different demographic as well.

Um, I'd also like to um acknowledge that in regards to our data center that our district has not made a public comment on their Instagram or social media regarding what's going on in our district or in our neighborhood. Um, the nonprofit that is organizing against the data center is public. It only takes one Google search to find out if there is resistance to the data center. So, I do not feel as if um our council members uh reasoning for not being available for meetings is adequate.

I found out about it through the internet. That means everyone else can too. Um sec lastly, I think it's important that our city council acknowledges the health consequences of decisions that they make regarding growth and industrialization of our neighborhoods. I've lived a very privileged life in Phoenix. I'm not afraid to admit that.

And I had an honest conversation with my wife the other day that I never thought in my lifetime, given the privileges that I have, would ever have to experience industrial-grade pollution in my neighborhood. I never thought when I bought my house 5 years ago that I would have to consider moving because of the health consequences that I'm concerned about.

It seems to me that many members of the council don't live within a data center and aren't faced with um the health consequences or maybe they're just not worried and to each their own. But these are legitimate issues. You could talk to doctors about it. You can talk to the medical offices that are adjacent to this data center about how it's going to impact how they treat their patients, how they treat our community members, seniors, people of my age, children. You work for the people.

We elect you and we expect you to take care of us and listen to us and respond to our comments and emails and concerns. I have emails that are left unanswered and I would appreciate a response. Thank you. Thank you so much. We have David Morgan followed by Clarissa Peterson. Thank you, Council Mayor. Um, [clears throat] as you know, I reside at the SOS shelter. Um, I represent Funds for Empowerment, and I've been voicing my concerns about things that are happening there.

A lot of the sanitation issues have been addressed. Thank you. Thank you. We do have water and ice. Thank you. I don't think I've asked for more than the basic necessities of life up to this point. Today, I ask for my human rights. I have more rights in prison than I have living [clears throat] at the shelter. There is no course for disciplinary action. Their favorite excuse for exiting people is non-compliance. Very much like unsubordination.

It's broad meaning for a lot of things and there's no way to fight it. Whatever they write, they write. We don't see it. There's no disciplinary recourse. There's no disciplinary hearing. At least I have that in prison. I don't even have that here. I'm asking, begging the people that run the shelters, you people that run them, pay attention. I'm still human. And so is the 250 people that live there. This is not just the SOS.

It affects every shelter because the same entity runs all of the same shelters. the city of Phoenix through the Office of Homeless Solutions, CBI, Keys to Change, and Lionhe Heart Security. Thank you. Next, we have Clarissa Peterson, followed by Frank Urban. Hello, um, Mayor, um, council members. Um, I want to say that um, thank you for the sanitation that's going on right now at the on the turf that going on. And I'm talking for everybody.

Um, there's always um, people being exited for no reason at all and it shouldn't be happening. And some have been working that have been let go from the shelter. Um there's always I mean they're the staff is always on the phone and they should be doing their jobs as they're supposed to be and tearing our phone cords or electronics out of the um outlets and not replacing them. And it seems like they're being lazy and not doing what they're supposed to do.

And it's like they don't have no care for any of us out there at all. I don't think they have a heart for any anybody there. And it it's like um it's like people suffering should be like [clears throat] that. That's all I have to say. Thank you so much. Frank is next and Frank is followed by Carla Kendall. Hello there, city council. As you know, I'm with Fund for Empowerment and I would like to speak about the bill you guys just passed. Uh, I believe that it's inhumane.

Um, I mean to limit the amount of help a homeless person can get to two times a month per park in Phoenix. That's just ridiculous to be honest. Um uh this matters to me because I'm with Fund for Empowerment. The reason I joined Fund for Empowerment is because I was homeless myself for for a number of years now. I've had a place of my own for about three or three four three about three years now. Um, and yeah, that's all I have to say. Thanks so much, Carla. Next, followed by Faith.

Good morning, Mayor Council. My name is Carla Kendall. I currently reside at the SOS and I have a few things to to discuss, but one thing is my mail. I've been residing there for about a year almost and I'm waiting for disability. Okay. And I got a phone call last week from my attorney stating that disability sent me letters and they received them back. I have not received one letter since I've been there and I don't know why but there is just not getting there.

And so my future depends on my disabilities to hit me so I can move forward. And you know, they've been waking us up at midnight to disrupt us and have us go up to the day room because they've lost electricity. So the cord to the generator disappears, you know, so we have to be dragged with our bedding up to the day room with everybody else, them slamming doors. We, you know, we can't sleep like that. I have a heart monitor that I have to sleep next to all the time.

So, I have to drag all that stuff up there and we can't even go back to our room until the next day whenever they decide to get it up and running again. And that has domino effects. You know, missing appointments the next day cuz you're so tired you can't keep your eyes open cuz you've been up all night. You know, stuff like this. It just it's not right.

and they just need to get more professional within their description of what their purpose is, you know, what what they represent in their job details and I don't feel that they're [singing] adequate. Thank you. Thank you for that testimony. Uh, Faith is next, followed by William Lockwood. I try to just let people know the order so you can be ready. Council I just like Frank Urban am with fund for empowerment. I too have been homeless.

I've had my rotation of the shelters of other places to try to stay. I've been stabilized now for about three years. So, it is possible for any homeless person to be able to get out of that situation if given the chance. Unfortunately, it seems like all the homeless aren't being given a chance. They're homeless. They'll never get out of it. And that's bold. There needs to be more job support. There needs to be more understanding. And for goodness sake, please fix these shelters.

They're despicable. They're dirty. And you really expect people to live in those and try to get their life together. It can't be done. And with that, I close. Thank you. William is next, followed by Jeremy Thcker. Yeah, my my thing is that I went to SOS about a year ago. I was pretty sick and um they told me don't worry about anything right now. They said just worry about getting well. So, I I wasn't really saving up any money or anything.

and um about a week ago or so when I'm you know I'm starting to get better at still healing and everything but they tell me um that uh I have to come up with a budget and save money. So um I said okay uh so we agreed on $200 a month and then uh when I went back to them again they says oh no no no uh $200 is enough and I says well how much is enough? Well, whatever you can.

So, I I feel like they're trying to come up with a a thing to get rid of me instead of giving me a chance to put things together so I can get a place. Thank you. Thank you. Jeremy is next, followed by Elsia. Thank you all for your positions earlier on the renaming of the park. I wholeheartedly agree that fair and intentional should both be priorities for renaming parks.

uh if you'd asked me a decade ago uh how we should name public properties, I would have told you with alphabet characters and numbers only that we didn't need that it was too controversial and it doesn't matter. Uh I don't know what it is about getting older but changes some of that view. Um, now I think we need to take those chances to inspire and not just uh, you know, not just take the easy choices.

And I don't think we need to wash whitewash the park's history and get rid of uh, what represents. So I'm good goat was opportunistic about the Jesse Owens name because the decision had been made to uh, remove the name that was there. So, but I think the farm workers should be represented there. It's uh the land that was there and it's got an important history. So, we support that completely uh as well. And but we also do believe that Jesse needs to be memorialized.

I mean, it's amazing that people don't know that he lived here. Uh we went by the medical center that's named after him, and it's uh it's amazing to hear people talk about him. we just visited with a few people that work there and uh the history. So, I I think it's impactful and I ask that you do it in the by the end of 2026 would be fantastic. I think that that's important because uh you know [clears throat] there's other people that need to be respected too.

Not saying any names, but maybe somebody who's given a lot to parks and takes bananas and waters to all the parks daily. Takes watermelons to the uh junior Olympics and things like that. So yeah, say uh I appreciate it. Thank you. And I hope we can find a way to do that by the end of the year. Thank you. Elsa is next, followed by Elizabeth. Hi, mayor. I just wanted to tell you thank you for all the new restrooms and stuff going on with that cuz we really needed them.

But I'm having a issue get keeping my wheelchair charged and now they're telling me I can't charge it in their office and I have to go to the day room and there's never any c or plugs to charge it. So, um, and I don't have a ramp to take it into my ex-w. So, I'm asking for some assistance with that because for the last two years, I've been able to charge it um per Miss Olsen, who is the director for city of Phoenix um in in the um office, but now all of a sudden I cannot.

So, I'm just asking you for some help on that cuz this is it's not a toy. It's a medical prescription from Dr. Palmer and Dr. Majeski. Thank you. Thank you so much for bringing that to our attention. Uh, Elizabeth is next, followed by Lee Ellis. Okay. Elizabeth Fenal, Fund for Empowerment. Um, I think it's really good that you guys have been um proactive in addressing the ADA situation at the SOS lot.

Um, I think it's good to look at the entire facility and see where like the X- Wings or other areas. I'm not allowed to go in the facility, so I can't tell you what might not be accessible, but to tour it maybe and and see what other improvements could be made because, you know, really it's a way it's it's a way for um, you know, it's a win it's a it's better for everybody. it's better for as a municipal facility and it's better for the residents, you know.

Um I wanted to also echo the concerns about um the contractors on the SOS lot. Um I don't feel like their training is um sufficient.

I've I've seen some of um the training materials of of the most prominent contractor and I don't find the number of hours to be um significant enough and and and the only reason I say that is um you know it has to come down to um you know efficiency again and some of that is the culture of the organization history inertia and some of it is um relationship building and um and that is also inertia from from past iterations of um the relationships with the city of Phoenix which have changed over time from being sort of like accompaniment to law enforcement to being more than that and having more scope in terms of running um shelters and and the outdoor facility the SOS and so um I think it's really important to look at, you know, sort of the culture of the programs, the culture of the organizations, and then also, you know, maybe the training because [clears throat] um the relationships I find are a real hindrance um to people um sometimes accepting services.

And I don't even mean within the the SOS law. I mean, especially like when people go um out to accompany law enforcement or or separately um on, you know, driving around [clears throat] doing outreach. Um there's a lot of people who have reservations or um difficulty um working with certain contractors and and I and I really noticed a difference. I'll say this real quickly.

About a year ago, I went to a um a budget hearing and it was in district three and there was a city of Phoenix employee that came out in a city of Phoenix vehicle and I don't know what organization they represented but they acted very professionally and I witnessed the entire interaction and it was exemplary and then I see other interactions with other contractors so I know it can be done. Thank you so much. Lee is next followed by Dorian. How you doing? Thank you for having my time.

Um, I stay at SOS. They have made some positive changes. I'm just more curious on to where uh they're going to bring into more programs like the worker and some more permanent housing solutions. They do have programs we can go out to Cass for the worker or whatever. Um, some of us aren't allowed on property there or whatever. more of these programs should be implemented uh to help us further our self-wealth. But thank you for your time. Thank you for your testimony.

Dorian is next, followed by William Kirkland. Hello Dorian Brendan, fun for empowerment. I got two points to talk about. Heat [clears throat] relief is key for the summer. Uh, and via direct outreach within the I17 corridor, people experiencing homeland homelessness or heat related issues have expressed a huge increase of ticketing and arrests across the board.

Uh, use of heat relief, cooling centers, outreach, and targeted relief of high issue areas are the job we aim to do, not just arrest and ticket folks.

uh and uh because of uh the issues we were talking about earlier as far as data centers uh that were mentioned uh I believe the people that are in opposition are actually asking for y'all to go forward with like more innovative ways to discourage these data centers uh and they're building uh and doing nothing but really spouting legal or bureaucratic speak moves the goalpost farther away from us having the ability uh to have control over our water, our land, and our communities.

And personally, I don't care if Grock or Chad GPT go away. And the implementation of these is fast, dangerous, and at the expense of our living spaces and our resources. Thank you. Thank you. William is next followed by David B. Good afternoon, y'all. My name's William Kirkland and uh I had something else I was going to say, but what they said today kind of changed my mind as far as I'm in the next wing myself. I'm Colonel. Um and the heat I think last week four times it went out.

Four times we had to come out. Uh and we can't like I said we can't go back cuz last year I measured it. It was 135 in my X because it's all steel. But I do want to thank y'all for everything y'all done. Since I've been there chain, I want to thank you for that. But and also as far as the mail goes, I've lost so many jobs and stuff because it doesn't come. And then like just yesterday, I finally my wallet got stolen.

I finally got my replacement ID and every time who gives them the right to open it? I don't understand. It's always open. And if there anything you get in the mail that feels like there's an ID in it or anything that ain't just a letter opened and if I'm not mistaken that's a federal offense. Not sure. But most importantly, thank you. I've noticed a difference. Appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Thank you, David Benfield, followed by Nicole Robinson who will be our final speaker. Hi, how are you doing? Um, I just have a few things to say. Uh, I've been around uh the streets here for about 3 years roughly um all sides of town and I've noticed a a big change since then, but it has nothing to do with anybody but God. I don't see anybody doing anything about it. I see the the changes coming from things that God has done. You guys have had to do your job.

And I and I don't know some of you have done your job because you follow God, but other than that, God is the only one that's worked out here. And I've seen that firsthand. So, I just want to read something real quick and I'll be done. Um, if that's all right. Um, let me go back. Um, have mercy upon us, oh Lord. Have mercy upon us. For we exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease and with the contempt of the proud.

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side. Now may Israel say, "But it had not been the Lord who was on our side. When men rose up against us, when they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us, then the waters had overwhelmed us. A stream had gone over our soul and the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers.

The snare is broken and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Amen. That's it. Thank you. And just a reminder to folks, we need uh testimony on things that is under the jurisdiction of the city council. Nicole will be our final speaker. Nicole Robinson, could you signal if you're here? Nope. All right, then we are adjourned. to look at this cuz they'll want something this beautiful as well. Uh and hopefully one day we'll get this all throughout the city.

But thank you so much. Thank you for being here and congratulations to the community. [applause]