Scottsdale City Council approves $100K for attorney in Axon dispute

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily)— The Scottsdale City Council voted Tuesday night to spend tens of thousands on outside legal counsel regarding the controversial Axon development.

According to the city’s agenda, the council voted to approve a contract with Dominic Draye, the former solicitor general of Arizona, who specializes in constitutional law. The contract calls for Draye to analyze SB 1543 and provide legal recommendations for Scottsdale.

“There is certainly a legal argument to be had about the constitutionality of the bill that this bill evidences, so the city is looking at all potential legal claims that exist,” said Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky. “The bill is very detrimental to Scottsdale and to other communities impacted by it, so, for example, if a company like Axon wants to come in and build 1,900 apartment units, all bets are off; the city has no oversight over the project.”

The vote was 5-2 to pay Draye $100,000 for legal advice. “I refuse to not have enough information going in, hire a lawyer. Trust me. It’s the right thing to do,” said Councilman Adam Kwasman.

But others felt more dialogue with Axon is needed. “So if you’re trying to repair a relationship with your family, you odn’t start by hiring a lawyer. You start by talking to them,” said Councilwoman Solange Whitehead. Councilwoman Maryann McAllen was the only other person who voted no.

The legal counsel would help the city explore its options in opposing a bill passed by Gov. Hobbs last month that would skip a public vote on the proposed development.

Axon is a Scottsdale-based technology and weapons company. The new development would reportedly include a hotel, the Axon headquarters, and nearly 2,000 apartment units near the Loop 101 and Hayden Road.

In response to the city council’s vote, Axon President John Isner released the following statement:

“We want our neighbors to be happy with this project before it commences. As such, last week I asked to meet with several City Council members, and I left believing we had productive discussions.

“Each meeting ended with my commitment that a deal could be reached in a matter of weeks. The only thing I respectfully asked was that the City not raise the temperature during this time, as it would be a distraction to progress.

“Tonight, the Council instead chose to raise the temperature yet again. When the Scottsdale City Council decides to lower the temperature, we will be standing by as willing and productive partners.”

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