Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

Economic Development Director Wendy Bridges introduced Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) President and CEO Christine Mackay.

Ms. Mackay provided an overview of GPEC and its mission to attract and grow quality businesses while advocating for the competitiveness of the Greater Phoenix region. She reviewed GPEC’s partnership with member communities and investors to support regional business attraction efforts. Ms. Mackay discussed active industry prospects, recent company locations, and provided an economic snapshot of the Phoenix metropolitan area. She also reviewed regional labor force comparisons, a job forecast, and highlighted recent projects in the city of Goodyear.

In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Mackay stated the desert region is emerging as a high-tech hub capable of competing globally and noted the Greater Phoenix area ranks number one in semiconductor supply chain activity.

Council expressed support for the partnership with GPEC and discussed opportunities for Council engagement with foreign investors. Council congratulated Ms. Mackay on her new role and discussed GPEC’s advocacy efforts related to increased federal funding through Title 42, higher state revenue sharing to support public infrastructure, and workforce training initiatives.

Guylene Ozlanski, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced the item and provided information on Goodyear senior recreational services through the Parks and Recreation department, and turned the presentation over to Jeremy Dyck, Neighborhood Services Manager. 

Mr. Dyck reviewed the senior services currently provided through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the city of Avondale, highlighting participation levels, growth in Goodyear, and the strength of the ongoing partnership. He discussed Avondale’s per-participant pricing model and the anticipated increase associated with the FY2027 annual IGA renewal. Mr. Dyck noted the increase provides an opportunity to evaluate potential senior service options for Goodyear and how they may align with the city’s strategic plan, while services would continue through the Avondale partnership during the evaluation period. He also provided an overview of the FY2027 budget request related to increased service costs and noted staff anticipates bringing forward an IGA amendment and renewal for Council consideration at a future meeting. Mr. Dyck concluded with remarks on the growing senior population in Goodyear and the community’s evolving service needs.

Council discussed opportunities to expand senior services, including the potential for a senior center through funding and partnerships. Council expressed support for the item being reflected in the strategic plan and supported continuing the partnership with Avondale while service options are evaluated.

Katie Wilken, Development Services Director, introduced the strategic plan item related to updating the Zoning Ordinance. She introduced Christian Williams, Planning Manager, and Matthew Klyszeiko, Consultant with Michael Baker International. Ms. Wilken provided an overview of the project timeline and noted the presentation would focus on proposed regulations related to battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers, along with other staff recommendations.

Mr. Klyszeiko reviewed staff’s recommendation to incorporate regulations for BESS facilities into the Zoning Ordinance, noting a draft ordinance was provided in the Council Action Report. He highlighted proposed regulations addressing permitted locations through a special use permit, separation distances from residential areas and other uses, screening and landscaping requirements, emergency response planning, noise and hazard mitigation analysis, and decommissioning plans.

Council discussed facility lifespan, potential locations and setbacks, current and future electrical demand, the special use permit process, regulatory flexibility, emergency response plans, decommissioning requirements, and potential impacts to resident quality of life.

In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Wilken confirmed requests for BESS facilities have been received and noted one facility was previously permitted in the I-2 zoning district. She explained the proposed ordinance update would require BESS facilities to obtain a special use permit, providing Council greater oversight.
Mr. Klyszeiko explained that the ordinance would establish development standards and permitted uses within the zoning code. He noted the proposed 500-foot separation from residential areas was based on standards used for other permitted uses in the zoning code.

In response to Council inquiry Tim Wayne, Acting Fire Chief, explained the on-site premise alert system that provides information regarding hazardous materials and noted high-hazard facilities are inspected annually. Ms. Wilken also discussed evolving technology and industry practices related to battery storage facilities.

Council requested additional consideration of the proposed separation distance between residential areas and BESS facilities and requested information regarding BESS-related fires in Arizona.

Ms. Wilken continued the presentation with an overview of data center development, noting six active data center campuses in Goodyear and the city’s role as a regional leader in the industry. She addressed common misconceptions related to water usage and explained data centers are currently permitted uses in industrial zoning districts. She noted the ordinance update would codify standards based on previous Council direction and stipulations.

Mr. Klyszeiko explained data centers would remain permitted uses in the I-1 and I-2 zoning districts. He reviewed proposed development standards, including setbacks of 300 feet from residential uses and 100 feet from commercial or industrial uses. He also discussed noise considerations related to backup generators within 500 feet of residential areas and proposed limitations and scheduling requirements for generator testing. The ordinance would also acknowledge “will-serve” letters from utility providers.

Council discussed the evolving economy and technology sector, branding opportunities, visual appearance and design considerations, appropriate setback distances, and potential noise mitigation strategies. In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Klyszeiko discussed potential noise mitigation measures with data center operators and noted additional research may be required. He further explained the methodology used to determine the proposed 500-foot residential setback. Ms. Wilken added that data centers are currently treated as permitted uses in I-1 and I-2 zoning districts, and the ordinance update would formally codify those standards. Council requested additional information regarding the proposed setback distances and education for residents related to data center water and power usage.

Mr. Williams concluded the presentation by reviewing additional staff recommendations, including a proposed Arts District Overlay that would be developed through a separate process from the zoning ordinance update. He also discussed additional topics such as medical office parking requirements, mixed-use development, affordable and age-restricted housing parking considerations, and drive-through uses.

Council discussed public safety considerations and parking. Council expressed support for exploring an arts district overlay with flexibility to encourage cultural and creative development.