We'll get started in about two minutes. If I can ask everyone to head towards their seat. >> That's it. I told you there were there wasn't enough attention tonight next week. Is there a thing this week? Scott Okay. I'd like to call to order the regular town council meeting of May 5th, 2026. And our invocation tonight will be by John Mchatton. John button. >> It was my privilege to speak with the mayor um before and I asked him, "So, is there anything you'd like to have prayer for?" And he said, "Everything." So, join me as we pray for everything. Father, we thank you for this wonderful town. Father, we thank you for the mayor and council of Gilbert. Father, we do ask for two things, Father. And those are the things that you've asked us to ask you for, and that is love and wisdom. So, Father, may the mayor and council and the town staff, Father, may they serve you as they serve people that you love. And Father, we do ask for wisdom. wisdom, Father, to steward well this great community, Father, to meet the needs of this community with your wisdom. Father, to see the vision that you have for this great town. And father we ask that not only the the wisdom for the mechanics of the town but father for the youth for the adults for the children father that for all generations for the seniors father to be well cared for and thrive and father most of all we ask your blessing upon this time father may your presence fill this face in Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Thank you, John. Our pledge will be led by council member Buckley to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation indivisible with liberty andice for all. Thank you. Roll call. >> Mayor Scott Anderson >> here. >> Vice Mayor Chuck Bonjiovani >> here. >> Council member Bobby Buckley >> here. >> Council member Kenny Buckland >> here. >> Council member Youngowski. >> Council member Monty Lions >> here. >> And council member Jim Toruson >> here. >> Aquar is present. >> Thank you. We have a number of proclamations and presentations tonight. I'm going to move number five up. the uh recognition of Ascend in the East Valley Mayor's prayer breakfast since we have a number of people that are attending for that tonight. So, we'll move that up first. I'll come You're looking as fine as it gets in Gilbert. up here tonight. I want to thank each one of them for the part they played in planning and and carrying out the mayor's prayer breakfast which was held on April the 8th at the repairarium preserve. It was a very successful event. We had many sponsors. Uh our presenting sponsor was historic programs. Our breakfast sponsor was ASU. Supporting sponsors included Arizona Public Service, Salt River Puma Maricopa Indian Community, Southwest Gas, Johnston and Company, Liberty Market, Core Construction, and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. And uh so many more that participated that morning and and we are proud to have been able to host that breakfast and for the results of that breakfast. And I the the first thing that we did when we started to plan this was to call on the experts and that was Joel and Stephanie Biggs and um talk about some credentials. Um Joel leads historic programs producing major commemorative events across the country and around the world including D-Day memorial events in Normandy, Pearl Harbor events in Hawaii, as well as programs in Washington DC. Uh, I'd like to at this time um recognize Joel and Stephanie for the work that they did. And I'm I'm going to ask Joel to take the program from here. [applause] Appreciate you. Thank you very much, [snorts] Mayor. It's an honor to uh help produce this event, but couldn't do it without some amazing people that you'd mentioned here. These guys are incredible, and this is these are the folks that make it happen. Uh now in a few weeks I'll be on the beaches of Normandy, France where we will be conducting a ceremony for a few of the remaining World War II veterans who stormed the beaches of Normandy about 85 years ago. Now these gentlemen still remember in great detail what happened on that day and recognize the importance of liberating France at the time from Nazi tyranny. Uh, every time we produce an event, our organization gives out what we call a history maker medallion. On the front of this medallion, it says, "Serve, honor, unify, educate, and inspire." Now, if you go to the Normandy American cemetery where there are thousands of crosses and perfect lines uh marking the resting place of one of our brave uh men who stormed the beach of Normandy. Occasionally there's a cross that says here lies a comrade in arms known but to God because they never identified who that person was. They just knew he was valiant for what he did. And I always get goosebumps when I stand on those grounds. But overlooking those grounds, there's a statue and it's on the front of this history maker medallion. It's called the spirit of American youth rising from the waves, symbolizing that many of these men lost their lives just the minute they got off those landing crafts and those spirits rose from the waves. It's a reminder of their service and their sacrifice. On the back of this medallion, it says one who represents the spirit of America and whose selfless service and influence affects positive change in the world. Now, each one of our committee members has received one of these medallions. We presented this to heads of state. We present this to our World War II veterans. We present this to Medal of Honor recipients. Many great people have received this all with the common determination to go out and affect positive change in the world. At this time, on behalf of historic programs, as well as on behalf of our team here, put this mayor's prayer breakfast together for us this year. We'd like to present you, Mayor, with a medallion, as well as each one of our council members with a a medallion just to help you help remind you of the influence and the impact that you have on people that you serve. So now you can consider yourself history makers. Of course, the ribbon uh reminds us that this is the 250th anniversary of the beginning of our great nation. This prayer breakfast was an official event of that. Stephanie, come give the mayor one, too. He's standing right here. Make it official. Okay. [applause] Thank you. Thank you everybody. Appreciate that very much. I'm going to I told Valerie, "No mayor has ever had it so good." Valerie is such an amazing person and she was instrumental in of course making this a success. I'm going to turn it over to her for this check presentation. >> All right. Hi everyone. Valerie Schaefer, mayor's aid. Um and yeah, I just want to echo everything that's already been said. Mayor Anderson uh set a really great vision for this event at the start of the year um at the Riparian Preserve. Joel Biggs and historic programs really was instrumental in making that happen. Um, and we had a great theme, America 250, celebrating 250 years of faith and freedom. So, it was a beautiful morning. I do just want to recognize our sponsors here. Um, it was really easy for people to say yes to an event of this um, just caliber and how special it is to have it in Gilbert. It rotates among the East Valley cities every year. So, we were grateful to host it at the Riparian. And these were all of our sponsors. And then I just wanted to click through and give a couple more shoutouts. We had several people donate in kind um or you know cover the costs of uh for example Liberty Market and Johnston and Co. donated our hot breakfast. Mesa Sign Shop sponsored our East Valley Freedom Trail. As you walked up, you had quotes from our founding fathers about faith and freedom. Um that was a really special component of getting logistically getting people to the event through the riparian and also just made it kind of set the tone for the morning. State 48 roofing was our water sponsor. Tropical Smoothie Cafe. If you were at the event, it was a little toasty out there. So, having those smoothies was uh really key. So, thank you to them for their inkind donation there. Historic programs made sure we had excellent coffee from Farmers Daughter Coffee Cart. Donna Mundy Photography donated her professional services and um captured the event beautifully. Special thanks Gilbert Chamber of Commerce was our registration and financial partner. So they handled all the finances, ran through them and registration for the event. Parks and Recreation make sure we had our venue all ready to go and just worked with us seamlessly to make that happen. We're so grateful for their time and commitment um to pull this pull this event off. Claude Haynes was in the observatory allowing people the unique experience to view the sun in the day through um our observatory there. So that was very special. And finally Lewis uh with OCE donated his time and created a really incredible uh video recap which is on the mayor's Instagram. So if you want to uh check that out, it's a really great video. [snorts] All right. And then finally, most importantly, our planning committee. Thank you all for your time and dedication over the last year. Each of you truly just stepped up. Somebody covered the food, coordinated volunteers, got things donated. Like it was just all hands on deck and I'm so grateful and it's been a privilege to work with each of you. Some of you serve on this committee year after year. Some of you jumped in because it was Gilbert. So just to each of you, thank you for your time and commitment to this event. And here's a few more volunteer photos. Um our mayor's youth advisory committee was out there welcoming folks. So everybody pitched in. Okay. We have um a special recognition we wanted to make first and this is kind of where we're getting into this whole event um is to raise proceeds. Our kind of our main event and main announcement here today is our um primary event sponsor. But we did just want to take a moment and recognize [clears throat] Care Inc. and for our cities and towns um through some really special sponsors that came in unique to Care Inc. and just through um how everything kind of shook out um we this event is able to donate $3,000 to Care Inc. and for our cities and towns uh to continue the great work that they do. So John, I'd love for you to just share for a minute about uh what you do and what what this event is all about. That'd be great. Well, simply we're better together. And picture a table where you have leaders from every sphere of influence talking about what can we do to alleviate a need? What can we do to identify needs? What can we do to bring resources to that need? And the greatest resource is people. And so we've been going for 21 years. We've had for a city or for a town This is off page and to 20 more years of of working together. >> So, thank you, Gilbert. If you notice, uh, former mayor, uh, John Lewis, um, and I started the East Valley Mayor's Prayer Breakfast 15 years ago. And next year, can I can I go ahead and say it? Next year again is Queen Creek. >> Queen Creek, Jeff. [applause] All right. And last but not least, as I mentioned, our primary event beneficiary. Um, we're grateful to be able to donate $20,000 to Ascend. So, we're thrilled to share that with you. And Steve, if you can share about the work you do, um, and what that means. [applause] >> Wow. Um, thank you. Thank you so much, mayor, and and everyone that helped out with the event. John, who's been for our towns, for cities for a long time, and I've been part of that, and I appreciate what everything you guys bring to the table. this will go so far. Um, we are Ascend. We do five social services in the Gilbert and Chandler communities, including a food bank, including homeless services, including rent utility support, including senior home delivered meals. And that's not just attacking the food insecurity. It's attacking that isolation for seniors. And so, a lot of this these funds will go to that as well as our um we have a family resource center both in Gilbert and Chandler with free preschool classes and free family support systems. So, this will go a long way in in and continue to serve the needs of our community. So, again, thank you all, mayor. Thank you, Valerie. Thank you so much. >> Take some photos and we'll wrap up here. [applause] group together Maybe. test. Test Council member Buckland will present to the town clerk staff for municipal clerk's week. Shaveveli, you and your wonderful staff want to join me. [snorts] Cheveli and her staff right now, well, they always work really hard keep us straight. right now, obviously an election going on. They're doing a fantastic job making sure that all the candidates know the rules, have the information they need while also trying to juggle us. So, thank [clears throat] you for all you guys do. Whereas the office of the municipal clerk, a time-honored and vital part of the local government, exists throughout the world and remains the oldest profession among public servants. And uh the office whereas the office of municipal clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels. And whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality, impartiality, rendering equal service to all. Whereas municipal clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. [snorts] And whereas municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the office of municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and annual meetings of their state, provincial, county, and international professional organizations. And whereas it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the office of municipal clerk. And now therefore, I, Kenny Buckland, on behalf of Mayor Scott Anderson, Mayor of Towner Gilbert, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through May 9th, 2026 as Municipal Clerk's Week in Gilbert, Arizona. And furthermore, extend appreciation to our municipal clerk, Shaveali Herrera, and Gilbert Town Clerk's office to all municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their continued dedication to the Gilbert, the communities they serve. [snorts] want to say anything? >> No. Okay. She doesn't want to say anything. [applause] Thank you so much. Next up, Council Member Buckley will present to the economic development team for National Travel and Tourism Week. >> They're not traveling. >> Are they gone? Is no one here? >> We can bring them forward. Just say >> I'll come forward. All right. Welcome to my to my favorite group here. Well, one of my favorite groups that you guys are everybody's my favorite group. [laughter] So I'm going to go ahead I'll read the proclamation for you and then you guys can each talk if you would like to do that. And um so whereas Gilbert is a premier leisure sports and business travel destination and discover Gilbert is recognized by destinations international as an official accredited destination marketing organization. Whereas the US travel association is the national organization that represents and advocates for all components of the tourism industry. And whereas travel is a pillar of economic growth supported by the Gilbert Office of Economic Development to enhance the quality of life for residents of Gilbert and visitors of Gilbert um visitors to Gilbert. And whereas tourism activity in Gilbert generated $371 million in visitor spending in 2024 and attracted 6.9 million visitors in 2025. Whereas Gilbert hotel room uh demand grew by 6.7% in 2025. Now therefore, I, Bobby Buckley, on behalf of Mayor Scott Anderson of the town of Gilbert, do hereby proclaim May 3rd through the 9th, 2026 as National Tourism and Travel Week. All right. And would you like to say a few words? [applause] Well, what a pleasure it is to serve the community through our tourism efforts. This is the team here that really makes the tourism happen in the community and delighted to serve on this team. And like to hand it over to Glenn for some additional words. >> Um I just want to give a big thank you to Denise Lopez and and Christy Davis um who are here tonight, partners in the community, HD South and the Arizona Urban Agricultural Foundation. um our partners, our business community um really makes tourism possible in this community and um we're excited about the synergy with the community and all the um efforts they do on the behalf of everyone here in Gilbert. So, thank you. >> All right. Well, with that, I'll present the tourism and travel departments of economic development uh your certificate. And I do want to say I I have just really enjoyed working with this entire group and I'm the liaison for for tourism and so it's it's been a pleasure and we're going to miss you. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. Next up, council member Toruson will present on economic development week. >> Dan, can we have your team down here? >> [snorts] >> For those of you that don't know, Gilbert's future is going to be dependent upon these people. They are going to develop the base for which we thrive over the next 20 years. And I've had the honor of working with this man for an extremely long time. And I consider him a friend. I consider him a professional and excellent at what he does. And his whole department, his team reflects that. Jen, all of you. and it's just been it's been an honor to work with you and here I go. Whereas Gilbert serves on the International Economic Development Council and whereas the IEDC is the largest professional economic development organization dedicated to serving economic developers. And whereas Gilbert was the first economic development organization accreditation recipient of all economic development organizations in Arizona as recognized by the IEDC. And whereas the Gilbert Office of Economic Development promotes economic well-being and quality of life for the community through its efforts focused on creating, retaining, and expanding jobs to facilitate growth, which enhances wealth and provides a stable tax base. And whereas the Gilbert of the Gilbert Office of Economic Development is guided by a robust strategic plan that encourages investment, business retention, expansion, and growth while cultivating economic prosperity for all. Now therefore, I, Jim Toruson, on behalf of Mayor Scott Anderson of the town of Gilbert, do hereby proclaim May 4th through 8th, 2026 as Economic Development Week. Mr. >> [applause] >> Mr. Henderson for your people. >> Yes. >> Well, what an honor to serve the community. Um, our efforts in economic development are certainly guided by a lot of strategy, um, a lot of, um, uh, team sport activity. What we do, we do together. And I am so, um, honored by this recognition and, um, to serve this team um, in our capacities to bring economic development into the community. And real quick, um, have everyone introduce themselves. >> Uh, Jennifer Graves. I serve as the deputy director for economic development. >> Linda Yap, administrative assistant for economic development. >> Chance Love, redevelopment project manager for Gilbert Northwest. >> Michelle Strereer, marketing and communications project manager. >> Mike Martell, redevelopment program manager. >> Glenn [snorts] Schlotman, tourism program manager. Liz Mangan, tourism project manager. [applause] Next up, Vice Mayor Bonjiovani will recognize our parks and recreation team for recognition of Cactus Yards for receiving this outstanding park of of the year award for the sixth time. >> Oh, we don't. >> Okay, >> I hear you. It's like you guys just had a workout or something. You're all like sore and stuff. Michael brought the whole team with him. >> So, I'm the uh parks erect liaison, which is very appropriate because I'm nothing but a big kid. Anyhow, was you were you going to do a presentation? That's good. Okay. So, we look at this lineup. Holy cow. Go for it, sir. >> Good evening. On behalf of the United States Sports Specialty Association for Baseball, it is an honor to recognize Cactus Yards Ballpark as our 2025 outstanding park of the year, making it an incredible six out of seven times receiving this distinction. This award is not given lightly. It reflects the excellence across every level, staff professionalism, field visual appearance, elite playability, and the overall experience, including concessions. If you haven't had the pretzel there, I highly recommend it. Year after year, Cactus Yards continues to set the standard not just in Arizona, but across the country. As the premier facility in the state, Cactus Yards serves as the home of our top divisions and highest level of competition. It's where players, families, and teams come expecting and receiving a first class experience. This achievement is a direct result of the people behind the scenes. From the maintenance crews who prepare championship fields to management team that operates with professionalism and vision to the leadership and governing council of the town of Gilbert. This award belongs to all of you. You should take pride in what you've built here. Cactus Yards represents a top tier facility. what it should look like and the standards of what others strive to reach. Congratulations again on this well-deserved honor. Thank you. [applause] >> Congratulations again. And is anyone here really responsible for the pretzels? Raise your hand. Oh, you're my new best friend. M I'm gonna give you a chance to talk. Congratulations, guys. >> So, I'm pretty much just the honeypot. I didn't really have anything to do with this. I'm just the director. All the accolades go to the staff here. Uh you said it perfect, Rick. These guys are just class exemplified. Cactus Shards is just this amazing facility and it's because of the things you guys do day in and day out. So I I echo everyone else's sentiments and can't thank you guys enough. If you're giving out awards, make sure I get one last in case you run out because these guys deserve way more than I do. So >> introduce yourself real quick. >> Oh yeah, let's do that. [snorts] George Tol, recreation coordinator. >> Trevor Henry, recreation coordinator. >> Heath Jackson, park superintendent. >> Xavier Castillo, grounds maintenance worker two. >> Tyler Williams, grounds maintenance worker three. >> Nick Ry Clark, facility maintenance. >> Franken Contreres, ground maintenance worker one. >> Dan Wilson, recreation supervisor. >> Anthony Sutton, director of culinary. Adam Jubie, food and beverage. >> Stacy Ducker, senior director of food and beverage. >> Jody [snorts] Gray, assistant director of operations. >> Peter Garcia, maintenance worker. >> Mel Bartholo, custodian extraordinaire. >> Lane Graham, assistant director. >> Matt Clark, field supervisor. >> Katie Devonuto, business manager. >> Edward Gonzalez, custodian 2. as well. just highlights from the letter on there. If you >> That's what I'll do. >> It's the Dan Henderson show. Dan, come on down. It's hard to imagine, but this gentleman and I have served together for two decades. >> Two decades uh working in in Gilbert for economic development and for planning. And it's been my pleasure to call him a friend and a colleague during that time. And we're going to miss him. He's moving on to Glendale. Uh and we will miss him greatly. Um, it's hard to summarize something in just a couple of paragraphs, but I'm going to try and do that real quick and let you speak a little bit. I think our town manager has something for you, too. But again, thank you so much for your service. Uh, very important to the town. Uh, Dan joined our team in 2007 and as a business development manager and was promoted to economic development director in 2012. And in that role, he's led Gilbert's economic development strategy during a critical period of growth. And he continues to do that. As you heard council member Toruson say, this this team and whoever is leading this team is instrument will be instrumental in the economic uh development of this community and the strength of this community. Uh through their efforts, he played a key role especially in transforming the heritage district into the vibrant downtown that you see today. Virtually everything down there has Dan's fingerprints on it one way or another. And we have him to thank for all that activity that that you are all aware of and partake in and the people that come from out of town and talk about all the time and we look forward to that continuing to develop and the the uh redevelopment area in the northwest part of the community which uh his group will uh take on after he's gone too. So, thank you so much for your service, for your leadership in the town, and being a steady strategic guidance to major decisions in the town. And uh on bea behalf of myself and the council, thank you very much and good luck with your new endeavors. >> Thank you. >> I think uh town manager, I think Don has something to present you also. Can I say a few words? >> You sure can. >> Absolutely. >> So, I have a few words to say before we present you with your gift, Dan. So, um, finding an individual who possesses both exceptional skill and genuine kindness is rare, but we've watched you demonstrate these qualities daily. Uh, for 19 years, you not only have developed and implemented a vision within the heritage district, but you've also led numerous significant projects and initiatives. You've also established a benchmark of excellence in Gilbert that has become widely recognized and is the envy of all in the valley and we know that because people come and visit and they want to see our heristic and they want to hear our story about how we got there and you've been a a huge part of that. Um your departure is a significant loss for the town and for our team but the culture that you've helped foster with your team and with us as your colleagues will stay with us. Um, you've been an incredible asset to the town and to us and you will be sorely missed and we wish you nothing but the absolute best in your next adventure. >> Take that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And we want to present you with this photo of Gilbert that was put together specially for you. that you can put this somewhere special that you can just always remember us. I think we'll bring the the council down for a photo and then after that will be the executive team. Feel free executive team if you want to wait in the wings. Come on down. All right, we'll swap out and do E team. Come on down. Do you want to say anything? Thank you everyone. Next up is communications from citizens. Vice Mayor. Thank you, mayor. We value the participation of our community members and and robust exchange of ideas. However, it's essential that this discourse remains respectful and constructive, reflecting the professionalism expected in such forums. Misinformation and personal attacks undermine our collective efforts and do not contribute to the productive dialogue necessary for our town's progress. This is an opportunity for the public to address the town council directly about issues impacting the town. Accordingly, the town council will not allow for moments of silence or playing the music or other recorded materials which may distract the me from the meeting decorum or violate copyright laws. While we understand and appreciate the passion of our community members bring to this session, we remind everyone that clapping during the meeting is not acceptable. This practice can disrupt the flow of discussion, potentially intimidate others, and distract from the respectful atmosphere we strive to maintain. In accordance to state law, we are unable to respond to issues that have not been properly noticed. Therefore, the town council may only listen to citizens who wish to address them. And at the conclusion of the open call to open call to public, response is limited to to individual members of the council responding to criticism made by those who have addressed the public body. Uh asking staff to review a matter or asking that a matter be put on a future agenda. However, please be assured that your concerns and input are heard and valued. In accordance to town code, speakers may not use this form to advocate for or against any candidate for public office. Town resources, including this public meeting, may not be used for campaign or election purposes. Each speaker is limited to three minutes. Priority will be given to Gilbert residents, business owners, and property owners. Public comments will be limited to 30 minutes total at the beginning of the meeting. The town clerk will notify the council once the 30 minute 30-minute limit has been reached. U if if additional comments remain, they will be heard after the conclusion of the public hearing items with the same three minute um limit per speaker. When you come up to the podium, please state your name and city of residence. [clears throat] Noah, I'm going to have you go first. I can give Barbara a break for today. Wow. Okay. Aloha uh [laughter] mayor and to the rest of the city council. Um I would like to um congrat on their first um location here in Gilbert. Thank you Gilbert for bringing them here to uh spread the aloha. Also, um there's a lot of things that people may not talk about it a lot, but I will keep on talking about Preston and Lord because there is a lot of things that you know the Gilbert police have a lot of baggage. We know that already. Um and not even just this case. Um, but yeah, I I just don't know why these people are in jail, the ones that have, you know, might have murdered, you know, praise the Lord. I mean, we knew about this. We knew about this clan. We knew about the Gilbert Goons before he even killed. Praise the Lord. So, it it just doesn't make sense why we're accusing all these people. It It's just embarrassing. Also the police officers. We need more police officers here. Also, we need more attention with people with disabilities. It needs to be talking about. It's, [snorts] you know, it it's exhausting that I have to talk about this. Then also, you know, the Mormons think they rule Gilbert, Arizona. And I'll say, you know what? You're just a part of Gilbert, Arizona. There's a lot of other people too, not just y'all. Also, please clean the sewers downtown, [laughter] especially one by Portillos's. Woo, that one's really bad. Um, [laughter] and then we need to build out here. Also, the last thing I want to talk about is we need this rail here. We need the light rail. And this is how we will compete with China. Right now, the president of the United States is making us fall back. I mean, it is awful. So, I hope that we keep on competing with China. I'm a Chinese American and you know, hopefully we will. Mahalo and thank you so much. >> Thanks, Noah. >> Barbara, my name is Barbara and I'm from Gilbert. Can you hear me now? [laughter] My name is Barbara and I'm from Gilbert. And [sighs and gasps] to start off with, you've made the statement several times to reach out to you, but in actuality, you don't want that. You had your open houses and your listening sessions and encouraged people to call, but you gave your false impression that you cared. In fact, I'm having a hard time understanding why you grace us with our threeinut opportunity to speak. It serves no purpose. Somehow you tell yourselves you did good. You did your part. You asked us. But the part you leave out is you don't care. You are going to do what you want and that's that. You had made your minds up long before uh regarding the water situation. Now, whether or not the town staff, Patrick Banger, departed, Rebecca Hamill and Jessica Marlo and others were in on it, too, I don't know. I don't know if it was brought to the council's attention, and you dismissed it or if they assisted with this blatant disregard for every resident of Gilbert. This debacle did not have to happen. You sit up there on the DAS and you look like you can hardly stand it when residents speak. you are more interested in parks and playgrounds and trying to make Gilbert into Scottsdale East. It is utterly pathetic what you have done to this town and I and others still have a hard time saying town when we have a population of 300,000 and in no way do we even resemble a town anymore. The only reason being is so Chuck can say in articles and on television that he's on the council of the largest town in the country. You appear to put more credence on presentate presenting certificates, plaques, acknowledgements, and proclamations. This is great and I wholeheartedly agree with this. There are a lot of people in Gilbert who work for Gilbert who do a great job and volunteers make many things happen. They deserve to be recognized. What I don't understand is why this can't be presented in one town hall and the other town hall can go straight into town business. I would stay to listen to some of the items on the agenda, but you already took the first 60 to 80 minutes of the meeting for acknowledgements and you had an hour before that for the schools. I know you're not going to answer any of my questions. I have asked you before to send me an email, post answers on Go Gilbert, or send it in with our Gilbert bill. I waited 20 days just to see if you took the initiative to answer my questions, and you did nothing. And Taylor did nothing. You were waiting for me to send an email before responding to the questions on my final mention for this evening. Who is auditing the finances of our town? There appears to be a lot of misinformation and discrepancy. How can Kelly Post Force or whatever she says her name is dismiss 12.3 or 12.5 million? I don't understand that one, but I don't know the whole parameters of it either. How can you say with a straight face there is not money that could have been used to address the water lines, the refuge trucks, and the sewer? I don't pretend to know all the details, but it would seem like someone or a bunch of someone's screwed the pooch where our finances are concerned and you are taking it out on the residents. In my opinion, all of you need to be removed from the council. Thank you. >> Thanks, Barbara. >> Okay. I'm going to pass the um meeting to um Don Prince for the consent calendar. Good evening, mayor, members of the council. Um, I'm going to go through the consent calendar, just a summary of the items that are on there. I want to start by um just showing our three pillars, which really are the the pillars that we um everything that we do roll up into. Um and so these are really important for um how we ensure our future uh resilience in the town. Item number six is an IGA with the Arizona Department of Transportation arterial widening program Higgley Road Improvements. This is under our exceptional built environment pillar. This is a motion to approve an IGA with the Arizona Department of Transportation to authorize funding from the Maricopa Association of Government's MAG arterial widening program for the design and construction of roadway improvements to Higgley Road from Warner to Amber Lane uh CIP project ST 2135. The town's portion of the cost share for this award is in the amount of two,843,46 and is supported via the roadway and maintenance fund. Item number 6A is an IGA with Maricopa County for Stacy Road improvements. This is also under our exceptional built environment pillar. This is a motion to approve an IGA with Maricopa County for design, permitting, environmental clear clearance, rightway acquisitions, utility relocation, construction management, and roadway annexation of Stacy Road east of Higgley Road as part of CIP project ST26. This project will pave and upgrade approximately a half a mile of Stacy Road. The IGA on today's agenda will correct a discrepancy in the legal description of a prior agreement and the proper annexation description enabling the CIP project to proceed. This agreement also facilitates the annexation of Higgley Road from Happy Road to just south of Stacy Road. There is no financial impact with this agreement. Item number seven is an agreement with SRP for funding match nonres non-residential grass removal rebate program. This is under our prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve an amendment of an agreement between the town and SRP for a dollar fordollar funding match of the non-residential grass removal rebate program providing for a total of $540,000 through April of 2035 up to $60,000 annually. This amendment will allow the town to expand the water conservation and efficiency programs that foster water resiliency during shortage conditions. Since payment of these rebates is on a reimbursement basis, the match funds have been included in the proposed FY27 water fund budget. Agenda item number eight is a cooperative purchase agreement with BLCG Corp. This is under our exceptional built environment pillar. This is a motion to approve a cooperative purchase agreement with BLCG Corp. DBA allpro fencing company for fencing and gate installation, repair, rental supplies, materials, and services in the town's parkland. Town park properties span over 800 acres of land, and this contract will enable the town to reliably maintain its park infrastructure. This agreement is in an amount not to exceed $400,000 annually and is supported via the general fund. Agenda item number nine is a contract with Skylight Ads LLC. This is under our prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve a contract with Skylight Ads LLC DBA Patriot Drone Shows in an amount not to exceed $73,500 annually over a term of four years to support drone shows at town events, including the annual Fourth of July celebration, which attracts over 40,000 attendees. This contract will support the 4th of July and up to three additional SH per contract year and provides the town with approximately $35,000 in cost savings per year compared to the previous drone agreement. This contract is supported via the general fund. Agenda item number 10 is a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. This is under our prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve a resi revised memorandum of agreement with the department of homeland security office of homeland security situational awareness to allow the town to assign a staff member as a detaile representative to the DHS national operations center. Council approved a previous on November 18th of 2025 for this assignment. Since then, DHS notified the town that it had implemented internal administrative changes, including an update to the name of the responsible DHS office and updated the agreement format requiring execution of an updatedou MOA. Um, this uh change is administrative in nature and there are no material changes to the purpose, scope or responsibilities and there's no financial impact to the town. Agenda item number 11 is a contract with Sunrise Engineering LLC and this is under our exceptional built environment pillar. This is a motion to approve a contract with Sunrise Engineering LLC for engineering design service services for CIP WA1654 system drought interconnects project in an amount not to exceed $33,530. This project facilitates water resiliency by enabling the town to receive additional water supply from the town of Queen Creek during peak demand periods or emergencies and maintain adequate water system pressure. This item is rate supported from the water fund. Agenda item number 12 is a CIP contingency for the workers comp fund. This is under our prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve the use of up to 1.5 million in CIP contingency with a workers comp fund balance as the funding source for the self-insured workers compensation fund for claims. The current year has seen higher than expected costs associated with treating employee injuries and a contingency transfer is necessary to support these costs. Funding for workers compensation expenses is budgeted across departmental accounts and calculated for each position. Agenda item number 13 is a CIP contingency for our self-insured health trust. This is under our POS uh prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve CIP contingency of up to $3 million to support the self-insured health trust that provides medical and prescription coverage for employees and their families. High-cost claims incre in increased cancer claims and increased medical and prescription costs have created a need for contingency transfer to support the fund. Agenda item number 14 is a CIP contingency for our self-insured risk management fund. This is under our prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve CIP contingency with trust fund balance as the designated funding source in the amount of $600,000 for claims expenses in the self-insured riskmanagement trust fund. The town has experienced higher thanex expected claims costs this fiscal year and a need for this contingency funding funding is necessary to cover the m remaining claims expenses through the end of FY26. Agend agenda item number 15 is a contract for PMCM and AE services for the advocacy center phase 2 and three. This is under our exceptional built environment pillar. This is a motion to approve contracts for PMCM services and AE services for phases two and three of the Gilbert Advocacy Center CIP project MF2491. These contracts are PMCM contract with BARTH uh LLC in an amount not to exceed $467,500, an AE contract with DFDG architecture in an amount not to exceed $880,85. These initial contracts will support the completion of the pre-esign phase through approximately 15% of the design. These items are funded via the general fund as part of the quality of life initiative. Agenda item number 16 is a grant with a Bureau of Reclamation WSmart smallcale water efficiency project. This is under our prosperous community pillar. This is a motion to approve the application, acceptance, and administration of grant funds from the Bureau of Reclamation's Watersmart Smallscale Water Efficiency Project to support and expand the non-residential grass removal rebate program. This motion would enable the town to expand its current approved grant allocation amount of $125,000 to the full grant eligibility of $250,000, which would be used to support additional non-residential turf removal projects and increase the total water savings achieved through this program. This grant program requires a 50% match funded by the rate supported water fund. Agenda item number 17 is a grant from the governor's US office governor's office of highway safety click it or ticket program. This is under our exceptional built environment pillar and this is a motion to approve the application and acceptance of the governor's office of highway safety click it or ticket grant funding in an amount not to exceed $13,000. This program enables the Gilbert Police Department to execute increased traffic enforcement as part of the National Seat Belt and Child Safety Restraint Enforcement Campaign. There are no matching fund requirements for this grant program. And with that, we'd be happy to answer any questions the council may have. >> I'm going to add number 22, boards and commissions. um consider appoint reappointment of Michael Clark and Rick Kenard and new appointment of Carol Cherry to the parks and recreation board as regular members with terms beginning May 13, 2026 and ending May 12th um 2029. Congratulations. Okay. So, um would anyone like to uh have any questions about anyone? I heard number 15 is is one of them for Mr. Council member Toruson. [clears throat] >> On 15 at this point, it's in design, correct? This isn't breaking ground yet, >> Mayor. Council member Toruson. Yes, this is um the beginning of the design process and this is for the first 15% of design. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Many other council members. Are there any that you want to vote separately on? >> Nope. Okay. So it looks like um a motion to approve items 6 6A 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 A and B 17 18 and 22. Can I get a second? Second motion second by Council Member Toruson. Please vote. Motion passes 6 with one not voting. I pass the meeting off to the mayor. Thank you. We have two items on the public hearing calendar. Uh number 19 is a liquor license. Number 20 is a property sale. Does anyone want to pull off either of these two and discuss them separately? If not, I'll entertain a motion on I'll open the public hearing and close the public hearing on items 19 and 20 and entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> It's been moved and seconded that we approve items 19 and 20. Please vote. Motion carry 6 with one not voting. Administrative items tonight for council discussion. Council administration item number 21 consider adoption of resolution number 4660 designating the chief fiscal officer to submit the fiscal year 26 27 expenditure limitation report to the office of the Arizona auditor general. Is there any discussion on this? If not, I'll entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> It's been moved and seconded. We approve item 21, resolution number 4660. Please vote. Item passes 6. Future meetings. You can see the items that are put on there. Um, we will uh some of those we'll probably discuss in a regular session, but we'll talk about that at another time. Um, report from the town manager. Thank you, mayor. I just have a few items I'd like to go through tonight. Um, as you know, I typically go through department and division highlights. And so the department that I want to highlight tonight is our professional clerks uh for their professional clerk's week. So clerks week celebrates, as we talked about earlier, the commitment to excellence that our town clerk's office provides in the execution of all their duties. The town clerk's office serves as the institutional backbone of Gilbert's municipal government, fulfilling essential functions that uphold transparency, accountability, and public trust. from maintaining official town records and ensuring public access to information to coordinating council agendas and minutes, administering elections and managing boards and commissions. The clerk's office touches virtually every facet of civic life. Their work, often conducted quietly behind the scenes, is foundational to Gilbert's ability to operate with the integrity and excellence our community deserves. Thank you to our town clerk's office. Also want to recognize Judy Martinez, our deputy town clerk, um who earned her master municipal clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, which represents the highest level of professional achievement in the municipal clerk profession. It signifies a sustained commitment to advanced education, leadership, and excellence in public service. Congratulations, Judy. also want to talk about a milestone which I found really fascinating. So, Gilbert uh erected its first traffic signal in 1971. We are now at our 230th traffic signal. Um that is uh that was put up at Leighton Lakes Boulevard and Boulevard and Lindsay Road. The signal marks a a safer, more efficient entry and exit to the Leighton Lakes neighborhood and was delivered as part of the Lindsay Road improvements project from Queen Creek to Akato Road. It also signifies Gilbert's growth over that time and just really I think highlights the fact that we we've done a lot of work in that time and so 230 to our 230th traffic signal. We're very uh pleased to see that come forward. also want to uh recognize the National Firefighter Day and National EMS week which is May 4th through May um and May 17th to the 23rd. So a couple times in May, these are pictures of some of our fire personnel. We're very proud of them. Um and so want to just talk a little bit about Gilbert Fire and EMS professionals. So, Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department's 270 first responders include 224 sworn members, 46 EMS transportation members, 33 volunteers, and 26 professional staff. And they stand ready every day to serve our community with skill, courage, and compassion. Last year, our teams responded to more than 26,000 incidents, including fire, hazmat, and medical responses. They completed over 10,400 medical transports, averaging 28.5 transports per day. A testament to the dedication and professionalism that define this department. Our EMS professionals deserve special recognition for the life-saving impact they deliver every shift. With nearly 76% of all co calls being EMS related, our crews are on the front lines of our community's health and safety, and their results speak for themselves. Against a national prehosp standard of 20%, Gilbert's return of spontaneous circulation rate has exceed exceeded 36% for both 2025 and 2026, meaning more of our neighbors are surviving cardiac arrest because of the extraordinary care delivered by our EMS professionals. Thank you to Gilbert Fire and Rescue. And with that, that's the end of my report. Thank you. Any reports from the council? Vice Mayor. >> Thank you, Mayor. Judy, can you bring up my slides? You >> is Monty's first? >> I'll do mine first. >> Yeah, mommy. Go ahead. >> All right. We have a Memorial Day coming up as a celebration and remembrance of those who have fallen in support of our nation. We encourage you guys to come out. We're going to have a a ceremony out on the lawn at 8:30 on Monday morning. So, please attend. This is our opportunity to remember those who gave us the ability to sit here tonight and to be able to express our opinions and govern our town as we see fit. So, let's I'd appreciate you all showing up. Um, and then one last thing, uh, we had a lot of proclamations around, uh, activities that staff was doing tonight and I just want to say thank you guys for everything. I am very proud of this community and, uh, one of the things that I think that makes that happen is all of you. I know a lot of you have left already, but um it means a lot to know that you guys are there and you've got our backs and you're doing a great job for this community and thank you very much. So that's it. >> And [clears throat] I want to echo what council council members said. Also, I'm proud to be the unaconsled the largest town in America. All right. So our dementia friendly caregiver support group join us uh each month to connect with others, share experiences and receive support in a welcoming environment led by a trained facilitator and community member. Uh the date is reoccurring every first and third uh Thursday Tuesday of the month locations at Gilbert Community Center from 1 to 2:15 p.m. And if you remember Gilbert is recently been uh acknowledged as a dementia friendly um town or city. Okay, next. Um, pitch, hit, run. Now, that's a cool looking slide. Uh, test your speed, throwing, and hitting accuracy on the diamond. Boys and girls age 7 to 14 may compete. The event is free to attend. The date is Thursday, March 21st. Location is at the famous Cactus Yards, and the time is at 5:30. So, that's what's going on with Parks Direct for this two weeks. >> Council member Buckland. >> Thank you, Mayor. I do not have any slides, but I come to you with data from Valley Metro. Um, I reported out to you guys like six months ago, and I have some new stuff for information. Um, particularly FY25, 162,6 boardings on our bus systems. Uh, that's 11% higher than FY24 and 38% higher than FY23, averaging 444 riders per day on [snorts] our bus networks. The first half um of FY26 has seen 61,119 um boardings averaging 334 riders a day. Um in taking care of those with disabilities, our ADA total trips, there's two versions. There's paratransit and there's right choice. Uh paratransit uh FY25 served 53,871. um 27,881 paratransit 25990 with ride choice that was 13% higher than the year before and FY26 through the end of February um we have served uh 40 the hardworking people at Valley Metro uh ride choice paratransit have served 40,668 in Gilbert 18,337 paratransit 22,331 ride choice averaging 168 trips per day for those with disabilities. >> Thank you. Anything else? I only have one item. Uh we want to wish Council Member Lions, I think this is his 30th birthday for the second time. Is that right? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. Happy birthday. >> Thank you. >> With that, uh if there's no other business, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. It's been moved that we adjourn. This meeting is adjourned. >> Pass that down to money.