[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6077430,"mediaKeyId","2964646-c40e0ef830e6a912957b28acb98023a1","parentId",2964646,"title","Tempe council approves contracts, bonds and policy introductions in 6-0 votes; nuisance ordinance amendments set for May hearing","audioSeconds",3441,"startMs",2679000,"endMs",6120000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964646-c40e0ef830e6a912957b28acb98023a1&start=2679&end=6120","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964646-c40e0ef830e6a912957b28acb98023a1/thumbnail_2679000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6077430/Tempe/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Tempe-council-approves-contracts-bonds-and-policy-introductions-in-6-0-votes-nuisance-ordinance-amendments-set-for-May-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077430-5b7b68a77b68afa4e69b7ed352365e68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178400&Signature=Ked94cyLW7RTGPoNhyNSB5SwfswDrI5-Pf~zd1k5R8dfruapHEi-Vu1WU2NwpfASqWesNMPAA2f7RZhxqgfKZ6IJ15wBhoxwrWRvf5wOLdzNFVU1YnEjUO~BXNqXZ4PxkmF7s3JK5opQAWUaSsHFQe2~i8VIO9ebgm2eZ28TXx4a-8yKEWAnpjr309GsMsR7PF~p0nj681IUy8dHJJ1iFB7NyROHNwgjiPeEXDVo9SAbp88chSvbUYz5ro5QzahUSNebePRVZXgz0G7bYFXLM9TSpiyPZhoWwx6PAE8AJJ0oGUZd6qm-WBUqRkGOAQJN3zb9i5AhyMn6SeKbs7jG7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Tempe, AZ","date","2025-04-11T04:15:37Z","article","Tempe City Council on a series of motions approved a slate of contracts, professional services agreements, and bond resolutions and introduced several ordinance changes during its regular meeting; most measures passed unanimously, 6-0, with Councilmember Keating absent.

Key votes included authorization to enter formal negotiations with a development team for roughly 6.73 acres at Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane, multiple contract renewals for employee benefits and technical services, awards of professional services and construction contracts for public‑works projects, and the adoption of resolutions authorizing general obligation and excise‑tax revenue bonds.

The council voted 6-0 to authorize the city manager or designee to enter formal negotiations with Urban Development Partners LLC and Palindrome (with Richmond Group as a secondary option) on a proposed lease and redevelopment of city‑owned land near Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane. Phil Amarosi, representing Citizens for the Apache Corridor, spoke in support of combining affordable housing with grocery retail at the site.

Other approvals that passed unanimously included:
- A one‑year renewal with Cigna Dental Health Plan of Arizona to provide dental coverage for eligible city employees and dependents.
- Use of a five‑year State of Arizona cooperative contract with Oracle Corporation for cloud‑based utility billing licensing and support, and a contract increase for implementation services for that system.
- Renewals and awards for maintenance and repair services (electrical switchgear and generators), refrigerated carbon dioxide supply, and program management and engineering contracts for wastewater, pavement and SCADA work.
- Construction and professional services awards for wastewater collection rehabilitation and pavement quality index acceleration projects.
- Adoption of a revised property tax stabilization policy and resolutions authorizing issuance of City of Tempe general obligation bonds (Series 2025A and refunding Series 2025B) and solid waste excise tax revenue obligations (Series 2025).

Council also handled public‑hearing items: a biennial audit for development impact fees was received (no council action required), and two second‑and‑final public hearing ordinances carried 6-0: transferring capital among CIP projects to fund construction of a communication monopole into the Municipal Operations Center Phase 2 project, and authorizing a power distribution easement to Salt River Project over city land at 2060 W. Rio Salado Parkway.

Separately, the council introduced, and held first public hearings for, three ordinance items to return for final action on May 1, 2025: a proposed amendment to Chapter 2 adding exclusions and definitions for criminal trespass in public places; an amendment to city code clarifying the city manager’s authority to execute certain contracts, licenses, grants, leases and memoranda of understanding; and revisions to nuisance and property‑enhancement code language (Chapter 21 and related sections) that would change enforcement options and penalties. Vice Mayor Lauren Garland, who led the nuisance‑ordinance stakeholder process, said the draft changes would extend the “clean‑slate” period from 90 to 365 days for repeat nuisance findings, increase fines (doubling the base and allowing escalations up to $4,000 with appeal rights), and carve out protections for victims and those needing emergency medical services; final vote on that ordinance is scheduled for May 1.

Why this matters: The council’s approvals cover routine municipal operations (insurance, software licensing, maintenance), near‑term capital and service contracts, and financing actions that affect the city’s borrowing plan and capital projects. The introduced nuisance ordinance would change enforcement timelines and fines for repeat offenders if adopted.

Votes at a glance (selected items from meeting record)
- Minutes approval (items 4A1–4A2): approved 6-0 (Keating absent)
- Acceptance of board/commission minutes (items 4B1–4B4): approved 6-0
- Authorize negotiations with Urban Development Partners LLC/Palindrome (Agenda item 8A3): approved 6-0 (Keating absent)
- Cigna dental plan renewal (8A4): approved 6-0
- Oracle cooperative contract and implementation services (8A5, 8A6): approved 6-0
- Contract renewals: Risa Power (switchgear/generator maintenance) 8A7; Reliant Gases (refrigerated CO2) 8A8: approved 6-0
- Program management/professional services (8A9–8A13): awards approved 6-0
- Adopt revised property tax stabilization policy (8A14): approved 6-0
- Adopt resolution for GO bonds Series 2025A and refunding 2025B (8A15): approved 6-0
- Adopt resolution for Solid Waste Excise Tax revenue obligations (8A16): approved 6-0
- Second/final hearing — transfer in CIP for communication monopole into Municipal Operations Center Phase 2 (8C1): adopted 6-0
- Second/final hearing — grant power distribution easement to SRP (8C2): adopted 6-0
- Ordinance introductions (first hearings scheduled for 05/01/2025): Chapter 2 trespass exclusions (8B1), city manager authority amendments (8B2), nuisance and property enhancement amendments (8B3): introduced/first hearing held; final votes set for 05/01/2025.

Public comment: During the item authorizing negotiations for the Dorsey/Apache site, Phil Amarosi of Citizens for the Viper and Apache Corridor spoke in favor of a mixed project that includes affordable housing and grocery retail; no opposition speakers were recorded on that item.

Ending: Most votes were unanimous and procedural; several introduced ordinances return to the council for final hearings on May 1, 2025. Staff will proceed with negotiations where authorized and return agreements for council approval when terms are finalized.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tempe City Council - Regular Session - April 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The city council approved multiple contract renewals, professional service awards, bond resolutions and other measures largely by unanimous votes (6-0, Keating absent). The council also introduced nuisance and trespass ordinance amendments for public hearing on May 1, 2025.","taxTitle","Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2209,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6077433,"Tempe council sides with developer, approves partial demolition and alteration plan for First Congregational Church site",2402,2997000,5399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964646-c40e0ef830e6a912957b28acb98023a1&start=2997&end=5399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964646-c40e0ef830e6a912957b28acb98023a1/thumbnail_2997000.jpg","/articles/6077433/Tempe/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Tempe-council-sides-with-developer-approves-partial-demolition-and-alteration-plan-for-First-Congregational-Church-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077433-aae84a784cf7bd054c36de9018c23869/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178400&Signature=aABaJxuLvuqFFMXDDlwt~2CjIr1pDQP3UTx1xr6IQRzFBfTfvLBiTkCv6t60PL-0AU4E-2ayzy9Wkj4uGJtc7CR8IAa46c~cNAwsv2FBEWebWm7t6XrHCM9LEkQ9wkQ3mdL9aCqj4ZyYt50jsTLgqdimTbp7ZTvmJ8ZgAkqNihUSb99O~IiGuiDWBA7GV1X2rgwsmc7rkFvCB0k-TAqyGVdCTeY0dt2qIPh-6f5jd28W2yZGhToUmHh6WIKnATNPHQ8yVwOmBa1rkHJpzArqXD4irGMXFwAjJDG1r9BAVQ-xRrRGyRdA1MNGzrmqYVtDU39uO6ol7qFBYbMprm-0EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tempe City Council voted 6-0 to approve an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s March 12, 2025, decision and grant two certificates of appropriateness that allow removal of non‑sanctuary structures at the First Congregational Church site at 101 E. Sixth St., while preserving the church sanctuary and committing to relocate the Harry Walker House.

The vote by Mayor Corey Woods and council members Garland, Adams, Amberg, Chin and Hodge (Councilmember Keating was absent) followed staff presentations and a statement from appellant Darren Sender of Sender Associates, who represents the development team that includes Wexford. Vice Mayor Lauren Garland moved to approve the appeal; Councilmember Hodge seconded the motion.

Council and staff said the action balances historic preservation with a planned mixed‑use redevelopment. Ryan LeVake, deputy director for the Community Development Planning Division, summarized the city’s multi‑year review of the property and told council staff recommended support of the developer’s plan because the proposal preserves the sanctuary — the site’s most architecturally significant element — and includes commitments to preserve or relocate other historic features.

Darren Sender, representing Sender Associates, said the development team originally filed demolition permits in earlier years but later expanded the project site by acquiring adjacent parcels (including the Blue Fish office building and the House of Trix property). Sender told council the team is committed in its development agreement to repair the sanctuary façade after removing attached classroom and administrative additions and to transfer the sanctuary building to city ownership; the team also committed to relocate the nationally listed Harry Walker House to a city‑designated site.

At the Historic Preservation Commission hearing on March 12, commissioners voted 7‑1 to deny the two requests, citing intact mid‑20th‑century elements and the design work of architect Kemper Goodwin. Council members who supported overturning the commission emphasized that the council’s approval would preserve the sanctuary and put those preserved elements under city stewardship, while enabling a large redevelopment project on the balance of the assembled site.

Mayor Corey Woods said he respected the preservation commission’s work but concluded the denial would place only a temporary stay on demolition and would not guarantee long‑term preservation. “I will be voting to support the appeal this evening because I think that this does strike the right kind of balance of historic preservation, but also, you know, with an opportunity to potentially move forward with a new development,” Woods said during deliberations.

Councilmembers also cited precedents where a mix of demolition and preservation allowed major downtown projects while retaining key historic resources. Staff referenced past city work on comparable projects in downtown Tempe that combined new development and preservation through negotiated agreements.

No members of the public testified during the public comment portion on this item. After the 6-0 vote (Keating absent), council directed that any relocation and restoration work proceed consistent with the city’s preservation standards and the terms negotiated in the development agreement.

Why this matters: The council’s action changes the earlier outcome from the Historic Preservation Commission and enables a large, 29‑story mixed‑use proposal the applicant has described while keeping the sanctuary and moving the Walker House, a property on the national historic register. The decision will shape downtown redevelopment, the city’s approach to preservation in growth areas, and where long‑term stewardship of preserved elements will sit.

Votes and formal action
Motion: Approve appeal of Historic Preservation Commission decision and grant the two certificates of appropriateness (demolition of non‑sanctuary portions; certificate for alterations/repairs to the sanctuary)
Mover: Vice Mayor Lauren Garland
Second: Councilmember Hodge
Tally: Yes 6; No 0; Abstain 0; Absent 1 (Councilmember Keating)
Outcome: approved (overturned HPC denial)

Key details and next steps
- The applicant: 101 East Sixth Street LLP / Sender Associates; development team includes Wexford (Sam Gordon) and other partners named on the record.
- Staff noted prior demolition filings in 2017 and 2020 and a 2020 HPC action that resulted in a six‑month stay of demolition for an earlier application.
- The development agreement includes commitments to repair the sanctuary façade, relocate the Harry Walker House to a city‑designated location, and transfer ownership of the sanctuary portion to the city; timing and final relocation site remain to be resolved by staff and the developer.
- The council’s action does not itself adopt development entitlements or final permits; those items and any required relocation logistics, building permits, or funding for restoration will follow through separate approvals and agreements.

Sources and authorities cited during the hearing
- Tempe City Code (process for appeals to council; specific citation referenced at hearing)
- Historic Preservation Commission decision (March 12, 2025; vote 7‑1)
- National register listing for the Harry Walker House (noted on the record)

Proper names mentioned: First Congregational Church (location: 101 E. Sixth St.), Harry Walker House, Blue Fish building, House of Trix, Sender Associates, Wexford (Sam Gordon), Kemper Goodwin (architect)

Ending: Council members and staff said they expect follow‑up work on the restoration plan, relocation logistics for the Walker House, and any related permits or agreements to return to staff and council for review. The council scheduled no additional votes on this specific site at tonight’s meeting; related land‑use approvals and permit reviews will proceed through the city’s normal review and permitting processes.","The Tempe City Council on a 6-0 vote overturned a Historic Preservation Commission denial and approved requests that clear the way to demolish non‑sanctuary portions of the First Congregational Church property while preserving the sanctuary and relocating the Harry Walker House as part of a redevelopment agreement.","actionData","errors"]

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Tempe council approves contracts, bonds and policy introductions in 6-0 votes; nuisance ordinance amendments set for May hearing

Tempe council sides with developer, approves partial demolition and alteration plan for First Congregational Church site