Thank you, Mr. Christopher. Welcome to our Mesa City Council meeting, April 21st, 2025. All members of our council are present. Tonight, we're going to begin with an invocation by Anthony Campson of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahigh of Mesa, after which we'll follow by the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Campson, will you come forward and give us a prayer, please? We'll all stand. Thank you. This is an invocation for local food systems development highlighting his urgent importance for sustainability and health. Gracious creator, source of all life. We gather in unity, aware of the urgency to cultivate and nurture local food systems in a world facing environmental challenges and health crisis. We seek your guidance and strength. Help us to rediscover the profound connection between land, food, and community. May we honor the earth by embracing sustainable farming practices that replenish the soil, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. Inspire our farmers, gardeners, and all who toil to grow wholesome food, infusing them with resilience and innovation. guide our communities to support local food initiatives, farmers market, rooftop greenhouse gardens, and food cooperatives. Let us prioritize fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced food, enhancing our health and well-being while reducing our ecological footprint. We ask for wisdom for our leaders and policy makers. May they enact good and hopeful policies that promote sustainable agriculture, equitable access to healthy food, and the preservation of our natural resources. Foster collaboration among us, uniting diverse voices and efforts to create a robust and resilient local food system. In this endeavor, may we remember our interconnectedness, recognizing that the health of our planet, our communities, and ourselves is intertwined. Guide us with hope and determination as we work towards a more sustainable and just future. With gratitude and hope, we offer this invocation. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Mr. Camson. Join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Tonight, we're proud to recognize Arbor Day. It's a time to celebrate the important role of trees in our city. And as we know, trees provide beauty and shade, clean air and water. Throughout through thoughtful planting and care, we're investing in a healthier, greener future for future generations. I'd like to introduce Stephan Addison. Stephanie, you'll come forward and talk about our initiatives and our proclamation, after which we'll come down and take a photo with you and your team. Good evening, Mayor Freeman and council members. Uh, today we celebrate Arbor Day and our 15th year as being recognized as a Tree City USA. Arbor Day reminds all of us the importance for planting and caring for our trees. Uh, and we are a city that is planting and caring for our trees. We've been busy this past planting season and I wanted to highlight some key contributors that have helped Ma uh Mesa greatly. So, I'd like to introduce um Ashley and Bill, two project organizers and educators with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance and their IRA funded tree steward program. Jake, the director of Southwest urban forestry with American Forests, and Roger from Tree Theory, who couldn't make it tonight. They represent a number of Mesa residents and volunteers that are working hard to increase our tree canopy cover. They've helped us plant more than 150 trees at Mesa Parks and schools and households. We expect to see a three to 5% canopy cover increase in those areas from this collaborative um investment. Uh Ashley and Jake will say a few additional words about this wonderful program. Ashley, good afternoon. Uh, the Mesa Tree Stewards are a dedicated group of volunteers who complete hands-on training courses focused on the installation, care, and maintenance of trees as well as the fundamentals and advocacy efforts of urban forestry. Upon completion of the workshops and correlating tree plantings, tree stewards contribute uh will contribute 10 hours of volunteer service annually by partnering with organizations in need of urban forestry support. Over the past past two completed uh cohorts, we've had 32 tree steward graduates. Our cohort plantings target geographical locations of need by utilizing the climate and economic justice screening tool. Cohort one completed a tree planting at Sherwood Park uh with a total of 94 trees planted and um directly served over 3,400 residents that live in a 10 minute walking distance of the park. Cohort 2 planted a total of 77 trees between Wood Whittier Elementary School and the uh residents of Garden Hills and North Garden Grove. Um with um directly serving 486 students and 20 residential homes and their families. Um this is a total of 171 trees so far and many more to come with our remaining three cohorts. Um, it is important to understand that federally funded programs such as the Mesa Tree Stewards has deep and lasting impacts for Mesa Tree Stewards. This program is more than about trees. It's about equity, climate resilience, and community. Um, if you're interested in more about learning about tree stewards or participating cohort 3, um, please feel free to talk to me or Bill afterwards or we also have a QR code uh for the crowd. Awesome. And Jake, thanks Ashley. Good evening everyone. Uh it's an honor to be here with you today as we celebrate uh Arbor Day and the city's commitment to the power of trees. Uh at American Forest, we believe that every neighborhood should have the benefits that come with a healthy tree canopy, cleaner air, cooler streets, and stronger communities. That's why we're happy to partner with City of Mesa to improve tree equity, ensure every resident has access to shade and green spaces, and build a more resilient future for all. We look forward to working with mayor, council, the urban forestry team to put get together a clear, cohesive vision for the million tree initiative in 2025 and beyond. Um, we're not just growing trees here, we're growing opportunities. Thank you all. Thank you very much. I know as council we just discussed planting trees, uh, Miss Spillsbury, Miss Duff recently, just what was it, Friday or Saturday? Friday morning. Friday morning. Miss Falcon Hills. Well, great. We're going to come down and take a picture with you. So hold on. You guys all can take our class in September. [Laughter] How you doing? Nice to see you again. How you been? I'm fine, thank you. Shout out from the state. So just continues the recognition of USA. Hold this. All right, sir. I can't hold them both. Oh yeah. You know what you got to say? You got to say trees shade. Thank you guys for the opportunity. Thank you. Nice to see you. We'll see you at the next. This goes to Thanks a lot. Good to see you again. Good to see you again. [Applause] Yeah, that's what I was wondering about again. Thank you so much. With that, item two is the consent agenda. Mr. Christopher, if you'll come forward and please read the consent agenda. Good evening, mayor and council members. These are the items on the consent agenda. All items listed with an asterisk will be considered as a group by the city council and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion unless a council member orders citizen request in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered as a separate item. Item two, approval of minutes of previous meetings as written. Item 3 A, act on liquor license application for Mesa Drummer Bar and Grill, 1211 North Country Club Drive. Item 3 B, act on liquor license application for Tipsy Chicken, 1933 West Main Street. Item 3 C, act on liquor license application for Bambata Cajun Seafood, 2711 South Alma School Road. Item 3 D, acting liquor license application for Dozer's Grill, 7012 East Hampton. Item 4 A, approving contract for Signal But Park phase 2 project, construction manager at risk, guaranteed maximum price, one of two. This project is funded by the 2018 general obligation bonds through the parks and cultural bond program. Item 4 B, approving three-year term contract with two-year renewal options for storm drain grates and manhole covers for the transportation department. Item 4 C, approving three-year term contract with two-year renewal options for LED street light fixtures for the transportation department. Item 4 D, approving dollar limit increase to the cooperative term contract for communications cabling systems for various departments as requested by the Department of Innovation and Technology. Item 4E, approving three-year term contract with two-year renewal options for weed management and landscape services at city water treatment plants for the water resources department. Item 4 F, approving contract to purchase one filtration, media, and installation services for the southeast water reclamation plant for the water resources department. Item 4G, approving two-month use of cooperative contract for original manufacturer, auto and light duty truck parts and repair services for the fleet services department. Item 4 H approving dollar limit increase the term contract for coated steel pipe for the energy resources department. Item 4 I approving contract to purchase bore shields and wraps for the energy resources department. Item 4 J approving and authorizing the mayor to enter into an employment contract with Scott Butler for the position of the city manager effective as of June 1st, 2025. Item 5A, approving resolution to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with DPS to assign one Mesa Police Department detective to the Arizona Vehicle Thft Task Force and receive up to 75% reimbursement. Items 5B through 5 are resolutions authorizing submittals of grant applications by the following agencies to the Fort McDal Yavapai Nation and the accepting subsequent awarded funds is passed through grants. 5B is from a new leaf. 5C is from Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. 5D is from Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley. 5E is from Child Crisis Arizona. 5F F is from Gene Lewis Boxing Club and Youth Center. 5G is from Maggie's Place. 5H is from Native American Fatherhood and Families Association. 5 I is from Toothbuds. Item 6A, introduction of ordinance amending sections 10-4-4 and 10-4-5 of the Mesa City Code to modify the limits of the existing posted speed limit of 40 mph on Val Vista Drive between Pomegranate Street and Quentin Drive and establish a speed limit of 35 miles per hour on Val Vista Drive between Quentin Drive and the north city limits as recommended by the transportation advisory board. Item 7A, approving ordinance for zoning case 24-756 for property south of the southeast corner of Mccelps Road in Val Vista Drive reszone with bone in bonus intensity zone overlay for development of one single residence. Item 7B approving ordinance adding section 1-12-10 to the Mesa city code title 1 chapter 12 authorizing the Mesa Municipal Court to assess certain court monitoring fees in the schedule of fees and charges. Item 7 C approving ordinance amending section 1-20-4 of the Mesa city code title 1 chapter 20 to provide the city manager authority to extinguish abandon and grant certain easements and to dedicate rights of way and easements to the public from city- owned land and amending title 9 chapter 10 regarding the extinguishment of easements and item 8A approving subdivision platform map of dedication through PHX065. This is for property located at the northwest corner of POS road and south 106th place. Mayor and council members, these are the items in the consent agenda. Thank you, Mr. Christopher. Miss Mosley, are there any blue cards? No request. Mayor, thank you. All right. Thank you. We have a motion by Vice Mayor Summers, second by Mr. Heredia. Please make your vote. All right. Passes unanimously. Thank you. Next is item nine, which is from citizens present. And I just wanted to read something for for all of us here. You know, we're glad to hear from you as your comments from each of you and and I want to ensure that every voice is welcomed and respected and we ask that you refrain from reacting whether in agreement or disagreement while others are speaking. This creates helps create a space where all Mesa residents feel comfortable and participating in our event. Again, we allow three speakers up to three minutes to speak since the topic raised are not part of our official agenda. State law generally prohibits council from responding during the meetings. However, please know that council members or staff often follow up with speakers after the meeting to gather more information or explore the issue further. So, with that, I'd like to move over to we have three blue cards tonight. And first, we'll hear from Rebecca. Is that JP? Okay. Please come on up, Rebecca. Good to hear from you. after which uh Eric McDonald is on deck. Good evening. I'm Rebecca Temp like temporary. Um I live in district 2 and I work in district 2 also. I moved to Mesa 21 years ago when I began attending school at at Still University where I was trained to be a dentist. And it occurs to me working in a male-dominated field how lucky I am to live at a time when I live where many have come before me and fought for me to have the opportunity to have the career that I have chosen. And it leaves me standing in a place wondering who around me I could actually fight for and who I could help have the same opportunities that I have. And I have become acquainted and educated about the transgender community as of late. I have a friend who uh was assigned female at birth because of what they look like underneath their diaper. Many years later, they had genetic testing done and they come to find out that they actually have XY chromosomes. And for those of you that don't know, XY chromosome is typically associated with male. Um, I have another friend who same thing, assigned female at birth because the way they appeared and then had genetic testing done later in life and found out that they have a a mutation in their androgen receptor gene. And I have a basic understanding of this. This is not my field, but I do have a basic understanding. And essentially, a female I'm sorry, an embryo when it's created is female by default. And it is not until that embryo encounters certain um chemicals or hormones that that embryo will start start to develop male characteristics. So in this friend of mine, there was a mutation in the androgen receptor gene. That means when that body came in contact with androgen, it could not receive the androgen and therefore the cascade of events to create a male body was not triggered. So I would ask you these two individuals, what gender are they? Are they the gender that they were assigned at birth? because of their physical appearance or are they the gender that their chromosomes show that they are and I would argue that it is up to them to decide and to choose. Um I am also aware that uh biology and embryo development is a very complicated thing and honestly I feel like it's a miracle every time there is a baby born that is healthy. I don't believe that God makes mistakes, but I do believe that biology doesn't always follow a blueprint. And I might venture to assume that all of us have some personal interaction with a case where biology did not follow the blueprint. Um, I'm talking about Down syndrome or a lazy eye or a baby that's born without hearing or without a finger. All of these are similar in that the biology did not follow the blueprint. Um, just to summarize, one, I'm grateful to live at a time when I have the opportunities to follow my dreams. Number two, I believe that transgender citizens and transgender individuals are worthwhile and they are valid people and they deserve our respect and our um, protection. And number three is I'm grateful to live in a city that has an ordinance to protect these citizens. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Rebecca. Eric Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Vice Mayor, and esteemed city council. I am Eric McDonald. I live over near Gilbert and McKelps. I have been a resident of Mesa since 1992 when I graduated from law school. Over the last 33 years, I've raised my family here. Currently, I'm one of the managing shareholders at a law firm right across the way. I would like to comment on the non-discrimination ordinance passed by the city council a few years ago. I want to thank the city council for their courage, their determination, and more importantly their vision in doing so. It has made Mesa a safer, better, more all-encompassing city in which to live. More people rather than fewer people can feel part of this community, making the community something larger than the sum of its parts. It has opened the door to more businesses who actually care about their employees. Still there are naysayers, people who feel that the NDO may become overburdensome or worse open the door to some type of troubling circumstances. But let's be honest, they are simply concerned that the LGBT community will somehow or another cause mischief in their schools, in their churches, in their closely held small businesses, and in their personal lives. But let me be clear, the NDO, which ensures civil rights and civil protections for all people, including the LGBT community, does not even apply to these spaces. It does not apply to small, closely held businesses. It does not apply to churches. It does not apply to schools. It does not apply to private homes. Some will say because we have laws about the equal protect about equal protection on the on the books, we don't need an NDO. It is true that the federal constitution and the state constitution are supposed to prevent discrimination. And it is true that a gay man who is discriminated against has the ability to file a lawsuit. But even if he wins, these actions are expensive and slow. when the reality is justice delayed is equal to justice denied. That's why we need a more local enforcement mechanism. The NDO does not prevent businesses from making decisions for a variety of reasons. It encourages them against making decisions for the wrong reasons. the NDO if in Arizona in in Mesa if a business happens to engage in bad behavior we don't have to file a civil rights action in federal court it just allows the city to make contact with that business to rectify and and encourage them to learn how to make have better uh better behavior most the time a serious discussion is all that is needed uh to be a good actor So again, as a fellow manager of a business here in Mesa, I want to thank the city council for making a policy that encourages good behavior towards our fellow businesses, employees, and patrons and residents. Thanks. Thank you Mr. McDonald. With that, our next speaker is Alex Veransic. Alex, you want to come forward, please? Thank you. Thank you, mayor, council members. Alex Vinich, Los Angeles District 5. I trust everybody had a good Easter Sunday. He has risen. So, thank you for the opportunity here. Every just relax. I'm not going to say anything on the NDO. So, uh this actually is a compliment from those of us that have been here for the last several meetings to you, the mayor, on how the meetings have been conducted. We have uh we understand that there's a limit of three people at the end for three minutes at a time. In the last couple of meetings, you've been very gracious and you've allowed everybody that signed up to speak. We'd like to ask city council to uh consider increasing to three to possibly six or more so that in the event that there are more people that would like to speak that they don't feel like they have to race against each other to try to get in line so that they're not heard. um somebody that wants to speak, everybody should be heard. For somebody that doesn't get to be heard, that could leave a bad taste in their mouth and maybe some frustration, you know, if they've made their time to come to the meeting. So, that is my request that the city council consider increasing from three to six or nine or whatever the next number be. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Alex. And for the record, we do have other blue cards and that they wish not to speak and I think we had quite a few of them. Thank you for your participation in our city council meeting. With that, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Readia. All in favor, say, "I." Motion passes. Thank you. We're ajourned. [Music]