05.05.2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
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May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF BUCKEYE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2026 MINUTES City Council Chambers 530 East Monroe Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326 6:00 p.m. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) the Council may, by majority vote, recess or adjourn to executive session at one or more times during the meeting, as needed to confer with the City Attorney for legal advice regarding any item listed on this agenda. 1. Call to Order/Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance/Roll Call Mayor Orsborn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; Pastor Jeff from Runion of Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) – Verrado Campus, led the invocation; Councilmember Heustis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Councilmember Youngker (via Microsoft Teams), Councilmember Berry, Councilmember HagEstad, Councilmember Beard, Councilmember Heustis, Vice Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Orsborn. Members Absent: None. Departments Present: City Manager Doug Sandstrom, Deputy City Manager Dave Roderique, Deputy City Manager Javier Setovich, Deputy City Manager Jared Askelson, City Attorney Tosca Henry, Deputy City Clerk Summer Stewart, Fire Chief Jake Rhoades, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Program Management Office Director James Shano, Community Services Director Miranda Gomez, Chief Financial Officer Keith Fallstrom, Economic Development Director Suzanne Boyles, Communications Director John O’Halloran, Chief Human Resources Officer Cindy Camarata, Public Works Director Amy Murray, Development Services Director Brian Craig, Police Chief Robert Sanders, and Information Technology Director Greg Platacz. 2. Comments from the Public: Darlene Terry expressed concern about the recent actions of the Board of Directors at All Faith Community Services, Robert Pierce expressed concerns about speeding and traffic safety issues in the Westpark area, specifically on Lower Buckeye and Warner Road. 3. Awards/Presentations/Proclamations 3.A Teen Civic Leadership Program Presentations (Read Better Be Better Partnership). Alex Peck, Director, Read Better Be Better, summarized of the launch of the Pathways to Civic Leadership program held in partnership with the Buckeye Library. Caprise Bachman and Madison Davis shared their personal experience of the program. May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 4. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS / NEW BUSINESS Approval of items on the Consent Agenda - All items with an (*) are considered to be routine matters and will be enacted by one motion and vote of the City Council. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve Items *4.A, *4.B, *4.C, *4.D, *4.E, *4.F, *4.G, *4.H, *4.I., *4.J, *4.K, *4.L, *4.M, *4.N, *4.O, *4.P., *4.Q, *4.R, and *4.S. Motion passed unanimously. *4.A Council to take action on the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No. 385893) for Fusion of Buckeye by Jupiter Rings, located at 105 North 7th Street in Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk Council approved the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No. 385893) for Fusion of Buckeye by Jupiter Rings, located at 105 North 7th Street in Buckeye. *4.B Council to take action on the request for a new Series 011 (Hotel / Motel) Liquor License (Application No. 386055) for Hampton Inn & Suites Buckeye Verrado, located at 21245 West Roosevelt Street in Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk Council approved the request for a new Series 011 (Hotel / Motel) Liquor License (Application No. 386055) for Hampton Inn & Suites Buckeye Verrado, located at 21245 West Roosevelt Street in Buckeye. *4.C Council to take action on the June 3, 2025 Regular and Special Council Meeting Minutes, March 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes, and April 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk Council approved the June 3, 2025 Regular and Special Council Meeting Minutes, March 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes, and April 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. *4.D Council to take action on Change Order No. 2 to the Cooperative Contract Purchase Addendum (CCPA No. 2025151) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Saguaro Summit LLC dba Christmas Light Decorators, an Arizona limited liability company, related to the lease, installation and removal of holiday lights and decorations throughout Buckeye; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Kelby Mieras, Deputy Director of Community Services Council approved Change Order No. 2 to the Cooperative Contract Purchase Addendum (CCPA No. 2025151) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Saguaro Summit LLC dba Christmas Light Decorators, an Arizona limited liability company, related to the lease, installation and removal of holiday lights and decorations throughout Buckeye; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.E Council to take action on Resolution No. 43-26 accepting a Petition for enlarging MID- 2019-005 to include Westpark Phase II Parcel 7N development and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council adopted Resolution No. 43-26 accepting a Petition for enlarging MID-2019-005 to include Westpark Phase II Parcel 7N development and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. *4.F Council to take action on Resolution No. 37-26 enlarging the Street Light Improvement District No. SLID-2019-002 within the corporate limits of the City of Buckeye; providing for the annual levy of taxes or assessments equally apportioned upon all of the non- public property owners in the District to purchase energy for the lighting of public streets and parks within and adjacent to streets in the proposed annexation to the District; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 37-26 enlarging the Street Light Improvement District No. SLID-2019- 002 within the corporate limits of the City of Buckeye; providing for the annual levy of taxes or assessments equally apportioned upon all of the non-public property owners in the District to purchase energy for the lighting of public streets and parks within and adjacent to streets in the proposed annexation to the District; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. *4.G Council to take action on Resolution No. 41-26 enlarging the City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2006-016; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 41-26 enlarging the City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2006-016; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. *4.H Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $6,223,965 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the deployment of technologies to improve safety, reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, reduce traffic congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions, and improve system performance and connectivity at the intersection of State Route (SR) 85 and Southern Avenue, with a federal grant request of $4,979,172, and a local match of $1,244,793 from the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council approved the ratification and submission of a $6,223,965 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the deployment of technologies to improve safety, reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, reduce traffic congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions, and improve system performance and connectivity at the intersection of State Route (SR) 85 and Southern Avenue, with a federal grant request of $4,979,172, and a local match of $1,244,793 from the City of Buckeye; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. *4.I Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $7,273,937 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes deployment of technologies to improve safety, reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, reduce traffic congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions, and improve system performance and connectivity at the intersection of State Route (SR) 85 and Broadway Road, with a federal grant request of $6,275,926, and a local match of $998,011 from the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent of said application. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council approved the ratification and submission of a $7,273,937 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the deployment of technologies to improve safety, reduce traffic- related fatalities and injuries, reduce traffic congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions, and improve system performance and connectivity at the intersection of State Route (SR) 85 and Broadway Road, with a federal grant request of $6,275,926, and a local match of $998,011 from the City of Buckeye; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent of said application. *4.J Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $6,576,127 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the deployment of technologies to improve safety, reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, reduce traffic congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions, and improve system performance and connectivity at the intersection of State Route (SR) 85 and Baseline Road, with a federal grant request of $5,673,858, and a local match of $902,269 from the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council approved the ratification and submission of a $6,576,127 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the deployment of technologies to improve safety, reduce traffic- related fatalities and injuries, reduce traffic congestion, reduce transportation-related emissions, and improve system performance and connectivity at the intersection of State Route (SR) 85 and Baseline Road, with a federal grant request of $5,673,858, and a local match of $902,269 from the City of Buckeye; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. *4.K Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $300,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego to conduct a feasibility study for the Continuing Authorities Project Section 206 (CAP 206) for the Gila River Aquatic Restoration and Habitat Protection Project, with a federal request of $300,000, with no local match from the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council approved the ratification and submission of a $300,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego to conduct a feasibility study for the Continuing Authorities Project Section 206 (CAP 206) for the Gila River Aquatic Restoration and Habitat Protection Project, with a federal request of $300,000, with no local match from the City of Buckeye; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. *4.L Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $222,225 grant application under the 2026 Invasive Plant Grant to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, with a request of $200,000 from the State and a local in-kind match of $22,225; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council approved the ratification and submission of a $222,225 grant application under the 2026 Invasive Plant Grant to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, with a request of $200,000 from the State and a local in-kind match of $22,225; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. *4.M Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $86,558.40 grant application under the 2026 Arizona Library Services and Technology Act Grant to the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, a division of the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State, with a grant request in the sum of $38,240, and an in-kind match from the City of Buckeye of $48,318.40; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent of said application. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council approved the ratification and submission of a $86,558.40 grant application under the 2026 Arizona Library Services and Technology Act Grant to the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, a division of the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State, with a grant request in the sum of $38,240, and an in-kind match from the City of Buckeye of $48,318.40; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent of said application. *4.N Council to take action on Resolution No. 42-26 approving the OVW FY2025 Local Law Enforcement Grants for Enforcement of Cybercrimes Program Award between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, to support efforts by states, Indian tribes, and units of local government to prevent, investigate and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Grant Award on behalf of the City and to create a new Forensic Analyst position. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council adopted Resolution No. 42-26 approving the OVW FY2025 Local Law Enforcement Grants for Enforcement of Cybercrimes Program Award between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, to support efforts by states, Indian tribes, and units of local government to prevent, investigate and May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes prosecute cybercrimes against individuals; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Grant Award on behalf of the City and to create a new Forensic Analyst position. *4.O Council to take action on Resolution No. 40-26 declaring as a public record that certain document on file with the City Clerk entitled the "Revised Policy 400 Professional and Personal Conduct;" adopting the same by reference; providing for repeal of conflicting resolutions and provisions; and providing for severability. Staff Liaison: Cindy Camarata, Human Resources Director Council adopted Resolution No. 40-26 declaring as a public record that certain document on file with the City Clerk entitled the "Revised Policy 400 Professional and Personal Conduct;" adopting the same by reference; providing for repeal of conflicting resolutions and provisions; and providing for severability. *4.P Council to take action on Ordinance No. 12-26 amending Chapter 20, Off-Site Construction Improvement Requirements for Property Development, by repealing Section 20-13, Scalloped Street Assessments, Section 20-13-1, Hearing Procedure; Determination of Necessity, Section 20-13-2, Assessments, Section 20-13-3, Right-of-Way, Section 20- 13-4, Collecting Unpaid Assessments at Time of Development, Section 20-13-3, Right-of- Way Costs, Section 20-13-4, Collection of Assessment at the Time of Development, Section 20-13-5, Appeals, and Section 20-13-6, Repayment Agreement; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances; and providing for severability. Staff Liaison: Riley Quinlan, Deputy Director of CIP Council adopted Ordinance No. 12-26 amending Chapter 20, Off-Site Construction Improvement Requirements for Property Development, by repealing Section 20-13, Scalloped Street Assessments, Section 20-13-1, Hearing Procedure; Determination of Necessity, Section 20-13-2, Assessments, Section 20-13-3, Right-of-Way, Section 20-13-4, Collecting Unpaid Assessments at Time of Development, Section 20-13-3, Right-of-Way Costs, Section 20-13-4, Collection of Assessment at the Time of Development, Section 20-13-5, Appeals, and Section 20-13-6, Repayment Agreement; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances; and providing for severability. *4.Q Council to take action on the Water Services Agreement between the City of Buckeye and CH CRE Ten85 Owner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and authorize the Mayor to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved the Water Services Agreement between the City of Buckeye and CH CRE Ten85 Owner LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and authorized the Mayor to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.R Council to take action on the City of Buckeye - APS Utility Easement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Arizona Public Service (APS), an Arizona corporation; and authorize the City Manager to execute said Easement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved the City of Buckeye - APS Utility Easement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Arizona Public Service (APS), an Arizona corporation; and authorized the City Manager to execute said Easement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes *4.S Council to take action on Change Order (CO) No. 1 to the Cooperative Contract Purchase Addendum (CCPA No. 2023106) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Precision Integrated Systems, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved Change Order (CO) No. 1 to the Cooperative Contract Purchase Addendum (CCPA No. 2023106) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Precision Integrated Systems, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. 5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business 5.A Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 13-26 amending the zoning map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 85 acres located at the southeast corner of Interstate 10 and State Route 85 from Single Family Residential (R1-43) to Business Park (BP). Staff Liaison: Sean Banda, Senior Planner Mr. Banda presented information regarding the Buckeye 83 rezone case, detailing the process to change approximately 85 acres at the southeast corner of Interstate 10 and State Route 85 from single- family residential to business park zoning. He explained that the area fits within the City’s general plan for business and commerce, and the rezone would allow for a variety of employment uses such as office, logistics, and light industrial. Mr. Banda emphasized that the concept plan shown was not final and that any development would require further site planning and compliance with enhanced buffer requirements, including setbacks of 150 to 400 feet to protect adjacent residential neighborhoods. He described extensive coordination with City departments and the applicant to ensure minimal adverse impact, including orienting buildings so loading docks face away from homes and providing additional screening and landscaping. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, and a new condition has been added to further clarify buffering and building orientation to minimize truck loading areas facing residential properties. Wendy Riddell, on behalf of the property owner, explained that the proposed business park use is less intense than heavy industrial, with smaller flex-type buildings and no cross docks permitted. She discussed the buffer area between the business park and residential neighborhoods, clarifying that buildings would be oriented to screen truck activity from homes and that additional screening, landscaping, and masonry walls would be used to mitigate noise and visual impacts. Ms. Riddell also noted that the site plan is conceptual, the project aligns with the City’s General Plan for business and commerce, and outreach was conducted with the Westpark Association and local businesses, resulting in support and some concerns about open space. She requested Council approval subject to the proposed stipulations, including the new condition for enhanced buffering and building orientation. Councilmember Heustis questioned the orientation of warehouse loading doors on the north side, noting they faced south toward West Park homes, and asked if a buffer wall, possibly 12 feet tall, could be considered to mitigate noise from truck activity. Ms. Riddell responded that the new stipulation would require reorienting buildings so the building itself screens residential areas from truck activity, and explained that while a six-foot wall is planned on the perimeter and an eight-foot masonry wall will screen truck courts, a twelve-foot wall might not be favored by residents and is taller than typical barriers. She also noted that the buildings themselves would help shield freeway noise, and any additional mitigation measures would be considered based on resident feedback. Mayor Orsborn asked for clarification on the buffer for the 392 and 262 feet areas, specifically whether the buildings would be spun so that trucks are on the north side and only storefronts or office sides face residential areas. Ms. Riddell confirmed that the stipulation would require May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes this orientation, ensuring that residential areas would face the office or storefront side of the buildings, not the truck loading areas. Councilmember Beard asked about the wall configuration for the project, specifically whether a wall would be built next to the existing six-foot perimeter wall. Ms. Riddell explained that while there is a six-foot wall on the perimeter, the interior truck courts will have an eight- foot masonry wall, resulting in three walls: the perimeter wall, the truck court wall, and the rear wall of the homes. Councilmember Youngker asked about the road through the project area, specifically whether it would be widened or narrowed compared to the original plan. Ms. Riddell responded that the discussion was deferred to the site planning stage, where transportation staff would review traffic counts and potentially support a smaller cross-section if justified, allowing buildings to be pulled further from residential areas. Councilmember Youngker also emphasized the need to ensure the transportation plan supports community flow, and Ms. Riddell agreed, stating adjustments would be based on accurate numbers and public interest. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:42 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding Ordinance No. 13-26. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:42 p.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Ordinance No. 13-26 amending the zoning map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 85 acres located at the southeast corner of Interstate 10 and State Route 85 from Single Family Residential (R1-43) to Business Park (BP), to include conditions (a) through (l) as amended. Motion passed unanimously. 5.B Council to take action to adopt the City of Buckeye Transportation Safety Plan (TSP). Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation Mr. Willett presented information regarding the City of Buckeye Transportation Safety Plan, explaining that it was funded by a federal grant and built upon existing City plans. He described the plan as a result of an eighteen-month effort involving City staff and consultants, focusing on data analysis, community input, and proven safety practices. The plan analyzed five years of crash data, identified high-risk corridors and intersections, and emphasized that crashes are preventable and predictable. It incorporated community feedback, agency coordination, and established a long-term vision to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries, with a measurable target of a five percent reduction over ten years. The plan prioritized projects based on severity and risk, aligned with federal requirements, and positioned Buckeye for future grant funding, while also recognizing ongoing City improvements and the need for practical, implementable actions. Yung Koprowski with Y2K Engineering provided additional information regarding the plan. Community engagement was extensive, with surveys and mapped comments confirming that intersections, speeding, distracted driving, and red-light running were top concerns. The plan established a long-term vision to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries, set a measurable target of a five percent reduction over ten years, and prioritized projects based on severity and risk. It also recognized ongoing city improvements and positioned Buckeye for future grant funding, ensuring that strategies are practical and implementable. Based on questions from Councilmember Youngker, Ms. Koprowski explained that the plan encompasses the entire Buckeye municipal planning area, including both City and Maricopa County roads, with developed and undeveloped areas distinguished in the plan. She also noted that ADOT facilities, except for I-10, were considered separately. Mr. Willett explained that there was significant coordination with ADOT and Maricopa County stakeholders, and that current road ownership is identified in the plan, which may change in the future. Based on questions from Vice Mayor Goodman regarding the City’s current Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Mr. Willett responded that several projects are already underway and will continue as planned. He noted that many recommendations from the safety plan are already being implemented through standard revisions and ongoing projects. CIP projects have already incorporated many of these safety recommendations. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt the City of Buckeye Transportation Safety Plan (TSP). Motion passed unanimously. May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 5.C Council to take action on Resolution No. 38-26 establishing new or increased municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and providing for severability; and take action on Resolution No. 44-26 establishing new or increased municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and providing for severability. Staff Liaison: Brian Craig, Development Services Director Mr. Craig presented updates on development services user fees, public works fees, and airport fees. He explained that some fees are increasing, such as grading permit fees, due to the scale and scope of projects in Buckeye, while others are decreasing because of improved efficiency and less staff time required. He clarified that none of the proposed fees exceed 100 percent cost recovery. Changes since the initial posting include lowering the per hour fee for plan reviews, reducing the minimum inspection fee for after-hours work, and adjusting certain permit fee structures for clarity and fairness. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Resolution No. 38-26 establishing new or increased municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and providing for severability. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Gomez presented information regarding the proposed community services fee schedule, explaining the cost recovery pyramid used to determine subsidy levels based on the community-wide or individual benefit of programs and services. She clarified that the study grouped programs for recommended cost recovery ranges and that direct costs were considered, not ancillary costs. Ms. Gomez emphasized that falling outside recommended ranges does not automatically mean fees will increase, as other adjustments like reducing costs or increasing minimum participants may be considered. She described options for waiving or reducing fees, including agreements with organizations and the director’s authority to waive fees, citing examples such as waiving camping fees for Boy Scout service projects. She also addressed Council’s desire to encourage downtown activity by proposing a pilot program at 6th Street Plaza, where all reservation fees would be waived to promote use, with open access maintained and special event permits still required when appropriate. She stated the program would be evaluated for potential expansion and confirmed that the Community Services Advisory Board had reviewed and recommended approval of the fee schedule. Councilmember Youngker commented that reserving park facilities, like Ramadas or 6th Street Plaza, is similar to calling ahead at a restaurant to ensure space for a large group. He emphasized the importance of having a process to guarantee room for activities and cautioned against making things entirely free, noting that a zero cost could lead to zero care and potential problems with cleanup or accountability. Councilmember Youngker stated he supports very reduced costs but advised careful use of the tool to avoid issues. Vice Mayor Goodman asked if the guaranteed reservation process and fee waiver were specific to 6th Street Plaza, and whether there would be a fee associated with reserving it. Ms. Gomez answered that the pilot program would waive all fees for reservations at 6th Street Plaza, so someone could reserve it with no fee. Vice Mayor Goodman also asked about the intent of the pilot program, whether it was to prove the concept at this location and potentially expand it, and what would guarantee no future charges for small events. Ms. Gomez responded that the intent was to launch, measure, and evaluate the program for possible expansion, noting that some facilities may not be suitable for this model. Vice Mayor Goodman further asked about the process, whether a waiver would be required if there was no fee, and what exactly would be measured. Ms. Gomez explained that with no fee, a waiver would not be needed, and the department would measure facility use, reservation hours, days, and attendance to assess the impact of waiving the fee. Mr. Sandstrom clarified that by procedure, the fee for 6th Street Plaza would be waived and explained that if problems arose due to the free use, the City could administratively adjust and handle the situation, and that the fee waiver would be noted in the fee book. If council adopted a zero fee, any change would require Council action, but if it was set as an administratively waived fee, adjustments could be made without returning to Council. Mayor Orsborn asked about the next opportunity to bring the fee back for review. Ms. Gomez responded that the pilot program was May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes suggested for a year. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Youngker to adopt Resolution No. 44-26 establishing new or increased municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and providing for severability. Motion passed unanimously. 5.D Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Resolution No. 32-26 approving and adopting the rate schedule for water and wastewater rates, rate components, fees, or service charges set forth in the document entitled "Schedule of Fees;" setting an effective date; and repealing conflicting resolutions or parts of resolutions. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Mr. Lowe presented information regarding the proposed water and wastewater rates after a year-long process involving a water rates committee, outreach, and public feedback. The recommended approach is a gradual four-year rate cycle, with incremental increases to keep up with inflation and service costs. The new structure aims to encourage conservation and fairness among customers, factoring in operational expenses, asset management, and the ongoing development of the City’s water portfolio. Outreach included bill inserts, emails, and community meetings, and most feedback was positive once residents understood the impact on their bills. The rate changes are designed to support both short-term and long-term demands, with asset reinvestment and portfolio diversification as key components. Mr. Askelson described the recommended water and wastewater rate structures, emphasizing fairness among customer classes, conservation through tiered rates, and simplification for easier administration. He explained that commercial users would see higher base fees and lower usage fees, and that tiered increases would be phased in over several years to lessen the impact. Residential customers would experience a four percent increase in the first year, with subsequent annual increases. Commercial wastewater rates were adjusted to better match usage, and landscape meter users would see varied impacts depending on their consumption. Comparisons with other cities showed Buckeye’s rates remain competitive, and the new rates would be implemented in stages, with ongoing annual reviews to ensure costs are covered. Councilmember HagEstad asked if the City had reached out to Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to determine how much of the landscape water fee increase would be passed on to individual residents, and whether HOAs provided a breakdown of the water cost in their fees. Mr. Askelson answered that they spoke with community managers, but HOAs did not provide a breakdown of how water costs are passed through to residents, citing other costs included in HOA fees. Councilmember Hagestad expressed appreciation for the work done to reduce predicted increases. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 7:48 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding Resolution No. 32-26. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Resolution No. 32-26 approving and adopting the rate schedule for water and wastewater rates, rate components, fees, or service charges set forth in the document entitled "Schedule of Fees;" setting an effective date; and repealing conflicting resolutions or parts of resolutions. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Comments from the Mayor and Council Vice Mayor Goodman thanked Public Safety staff for efforts related to the Hazen Fire. 7. City Manager's Report and Summary of Current Events Mr. Sandstrom presented a summary of current events. 8. Proposals for Future Agenda Items – None. May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 9. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Orsborn adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m. _________________________________ Eric W. Orsborn, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the Regular Council Meeting held on May 5, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present. _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk