05.19.2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
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May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF BUCKEYE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 19, 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 Rick Wiles of First Southern Baptist Church led the invocation; Councilmember Heustis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Berry, Councilmember Heustis, Vice Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Orsborn. Members Absent: Councilmember HagEstad and Councilmember Beard. Departments Present: City Manager Doug Sandstrom, Deputy City Manager Dave Roderique, Deputy City Manager Jared Askelson, City Attorney Tosca Henry, Deputy City Clerk Summer Stewart, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Development Services Director Brian Craig, Economic Development Director Suzanne Boyles, Fire Chief Jake Rhoades, Human Resources Director Cindy Camarata, Chief Financial Officer Keith Fallstrom, Police Chief Robert Sanders, Communications Director John O'Halloran, Community Services Director Miranda Gomez, IT Deputy Director Alan Eubanks, and Aviation Director Scott Gray. 2. Comments from the Public – None. 3. Awards/Presentations/Proclamations 3.A The Buckeye Youth Council provided a summary of their trip to Washington D.C. for the National League of Cities Conference. 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., and *4.J. Motion passed unanimously. *4.A Council to take action on the request for a new Series 09 (Liquor Store) and Sampling Privilege Liquor License (Application No. 394538) for Safeway #370, located at 1535 North Verrado Way in Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council approved the request for a new Series 09 (Liquor Store) and Sampling Privilege Liquor License (Application No. 394538) for Safeway #370, located at 1535 North Verrado Way in Buckeye. *4.B Council to take action on the request for a new Series 010 (Beer and Wine Store) Liquor License (Application No. 380712) for Carioca Shell #14, located at 25530 West Southern Avenue in Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk Council approved the request for a new Series 010 (Beer and Wine Store) Liquor License (Application No. 380712) for Carioca Shell #14, located at 25530 West Southern Avenue in Buckeye. *4.C Council to take action on the April 21, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes and April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk, Council approved the April 21, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes and April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. *4.D Council to take action on Resolution No. 27-26 approving the Tentative Budgets of the Street Lighting Improvement Districts for the fiscal year 2027 beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, setting a hearing date for the budgets and establishing the annual assessment. Staff Liaison: Larry Price, Special Districts Manager, Council adopted Resolution No. 27-26 approving the Tentative Budgets of the Street Lighting Improvement Districts for the fiscal year 2027 beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, setting a hearing date for the budgets and establishing the annual assessment. *4.E Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $670,000 grant application under the “Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” grant opportunity to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs through the United States Department of Homeland Security, with a federal grant request of $502,500, with an in-kind match from the City of Buckeye of $167,500; 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 ratified and approved the submission of a $670,000 grant application under the “Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” grant opportunity to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs through the United States Department of Homeland Security, with a federal grant request of $502,500, with an in-kind match from the City of Buckeye of $167,500; 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.F Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $15,500,000 grant application under the “Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” grant opportunity to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs through the United States Department of Homeland Security for the design and construction of a flood prevention earthwork ring levee around the Central Wastewater Reclamation Facility, with a federal grant request of $11,625,000, and a local match of May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes $3,875,000 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 ratified and approved the submission of a $15,500,000 grant application under the “Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” grant opportunity to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs through the United States Department of Homeland Security for the design and construction of a flood prevention earthwork ring levee around the Central Wastewater Reclamation Facility, with a federal grant request of $11,625,000, and a local match of $3,875,000 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.G Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $27,206,982 grant application under the “Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” grant opportunity to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs through the United States Department of Homeland Security for Buckeye downtown flood mitigation, with a federal grant request of $20,405,236, and a local match of $6,801,746 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 ratified and approved the submission of a $27,206,982 grant application under the “Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities” grant opportunity to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs through the United States Department of Homeland Security for Buckeye downtown flood mitigation, with a federal grant request of $20,405,236, and a local match of $6,801,746 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.H Council to take action on Resolution No. 45-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Buckeye, City of Avondale, City of Goodyear, and Maricopa County to continue operating the West Valley Sex Trafficking Task Force. Staff Liaison: Robert Sanders, Police Chief Council adopted Resolution No. 45-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Buckeye, City of Avondale, City of Goodyear, and Maricopa County to continue operating the West Valley Sex Trafficking Task Force. *4.I Council to take action on Resolution No. 48-26 approving the Telecommunications Facilities Ground Lease Agreement and Memorandum of Option to Lease, between the City of Buckeye, as Lessor, and VB BTS III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as prospective Lessee, for a Ground Lease at Sundance Crossings Center, and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Ground Lease and Memorandum of Option to Lease on behalf of the City of Buckeye; and further, to authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver the Memorandum of Lease for recording on behalf of the City of Buckeye, upon Lessee's timely exercise of its option under the Memorandum of Option to Lease. Staff Liaison: Paul Baumgardt, Contract Real Estate Coordinator May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council adopted Resolution No. 48-26 approving the Telecommunications Facilities Ground Lease Agreement and Memorandum of Option to Lease, between the City of Buckeye, as Lessor, and VB BTS III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as prospective Lessee, for a Ground Lease at Sundance Crossings Center, and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Ground Lease and Memorandum of Option to Lease on behalf of the City of Buckeye; and further, to authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver the Memorandum of Lease for recording on behalf of the City of Buckeye, upon Lessee's timely exercise of its option under the Memorandum of Option to Lease. *4.J Council to take action on Resolution No. 49-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT IGA CAR No.: 26-0011603-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, for the widening of Miller Road from Broadway Road to Lower Buckeye Road; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation Council adopted Resolution No. 49-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT IGA CAR No.: 26-0011603-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, for the widening of Miller Road from Broadway Road to Lower Buckeye Road; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. 5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business 5.A Council to take action on Resolution No. 51-26 approving and adopting a Tentative Budget for fiscal year 2027. Staff Liaison: Keith Fallstrom, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Fallstrom presented information regarding Resolution No. 51-26; he explained that the tentative budget for the City of Buckeye is set at $765.4 million, which includes carryover amounts from previous fiscal years. He clarified that this budget sets the maximum expenditure limit and cannot be increased, only decreased. The main differences from last year’s budget are a decrease in new capital improvement projects and the inclusion of carryover funds, which are primarily for ongoing capital projects, development agreement reimbursements, and other equipment or projects not completed in the current fiscal year. He also noted changes such as moving funds for the North Library, adjustments for grants, and increased transparency by creating a new fund for Prop 207 marijuana revenue. Mr. Fallstrom highlighted that the tentative budget is about $50 million less than last year’s, and the carryover amount is consistent with previous years. He outlined the next steps, including a public hearing and final budget adoption, and answered questions about population estimates and their impact on revenue. Mayor Orsborn asked about the difference between last year's and this year's budget, specifically if it was related to water purchases. Mr. Fallstrom answered that the main difference was a decrease in new capital improvement projects, not water purchases. Mayor Orsborn asked if the expected increase in revenues from the census update was reflected in the budget. Mr. Fallstrom responded that it was not currently reflected, as they were still researching the timing and amount of additional revenue, which could impact expenditures for fourteen positions. Vice Mayor Goodman asked about the new population estimate and how much additional revenue it would bring. Mr. Fallstrom estimated about $2 million in additional revenue. Based on questions from Mayor Orsborn regarding population estimates, Mr. Roderique explained that the current estimate is probably in the lower 130,000s, but the official number is from two years ago. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Resolution No. 51-26 approving and adopting a Tentative Budget for fiscal year 2027. Motion passed unanimously. May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 5.B Council to take action on Ordinance No. 15-26 declaring as public records those documents on file with the City Clerk entitled "E-Bike 12-2-10" and "E-Bike Retailer 12-2- 11;" adopting the same by reference; amending the Buckeye City Code Chapter 12, Traffic Code, Article 12-2, Traffic Regulations, to add Section 12-2-10 Electric Bicycles, Electric Standup Scooters, Micromobility Devices, and Electric Motorcycles/Motor- Driven Cycles and Section 12-2-11 Retailer Education; Electric Bicycles, Electric Standup Scooters, Micro-mobility Devices, and Electric Motorcycles/Motor-Driven Cycles; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances and provisions; providing for severability; and setting forth penalties for violations. Staff Liaison: Robert Sanders, Police Chief Chief Sanders presented information regarding the proposed electric bike ordinance, emphasizing its focus on safety and awareness rather than over-regulation. The ordinance aims to reduce reckless behavior and injuries, especially among those under sixteen, through education and positive reinforcement, including partnerships with retailers and parents. Enforcement is intended to be fair and effective, prioritizing warnings and voluntary compliance over citations. The ordinance regulates e- bikes, e-scooters, and micro-mobility devices exceeding ten miles per hour, with specific rules for different classes of e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Helmets are required for riders under eighteen, and penalties are progressive, starting with fines and potentially leading to impoundment and misdemeanors for repeated violations. The implementation plan includes education, community outreach, a warning period, and targeted enforcement, with the goal of improving operator behavior and reducing injuries. Mayor Orsborn stated for the record that Barton Boma submitted a speaker request form but was not present and Sheri Castillo submitted a letter regarding the proposed E-Bike regulations. Kory Raftery expressed support for the City's proactive approach to e-bike regulation, highlighted the benefits e-bikes bring to the community, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and safety. He offered to partner with the City on education and outreach efforts to ensure safe and enjoyable use of e-bikes for everyone. Patrick Gillooly, co-owner of Thrive Swim and Ride Shop, stated concerns about not being included in ordinance discussions, emphasized the importance of education over regulation, and argued that broad restrictions on e-bikes could negatively impact children's mobility and outdoor activity. Councilmember Youngker asked about helmet regulations and the rationale for the age eighteen requirement. Chief Sanders explained that Buckeye does not regulate regular bicycles, and the e-bike helmet rule is based on statistics and medical recommendations. Councilmember Youngker voiced concerns about over-regulating kids and limiting their outdoor activities. Vice Mayor Goodman emphasized that the goal of the electric bike ordinance is not to restrict childhood or discourage outdoor activities, but to ensure safe and responsible riding for all ages. He shared personal experiences related to bike safety and highlighted the importance of protecting riders. Vice Mayor Goodman apologized for mistakenly stating that the local bike shop owners had provided input on the ordinance and clarified the need for stakeholder engagement. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Goodman and seconded by Councilmember Youngker to table to a date uncertain action on Ordinance No. 15-26 declaring as public records those documents on file with the City Clerk entitled "E-Bike 12-2-10" and "E-Bike Retailer 12-2-11;" adopting the same by reference; amending the Buckeye City Code Chapter 12, Traffic Code, Article 12-2, Traffic Regulations, to add Section 12-2-10 Electric Bicycles, Electric Standup Scooters, Micromobility Devices, and Electric Motorcycles/Motor-Driven Cycles and Section 12-2-11 Retailer Education; Electric Bicycles, Electric Standup Scooters, Micro-mobility Devices, and Electric Motorcycles/Motor- Driven Cycles; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances and provisions; providing for severability; and setting forth penalties for violations. Vice Mayor Goodman, Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Berry, and Mayor Orsborn voted aye; Councilmember Heustis voted nay. Motion carried. 5.C Council to take action on the creation of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 260055 – Downtown String Lights for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026); and authorize a budget transfer from CIP Project No. 107920 – Downtown Enhancement Program and General May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Fund Contingency to fund the installation of string lighting within the Monroe Avenue corridor. Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director Ms. Murray explained the downtown string lights project, detailing its purpose to enhance Monroe Avenue’s atmosphere and visibility, the need for new infrastructure due to power and pole limitations, estimated cost of $600,000 (mostly for poles), and the plan to coordinate with local stakeholders. She clarified the timeline, design process, and potential for pole reuse, and addressed concerns about overlapping future construction and project scope. Councilmember Heustis questioned spending $600,000 on nighttime lighting for an area with only three restaurants open after 2:00 p.m., suggesting it may be premature given limited business activity. He proposed starting with a $50,000 design phase instead of committing to the full project, and raised concerns about potential conflicts with upcoming sewer construction on the same street. Councilmember Youngker emphasized that downtown activity is growing and that more restaurants are open in the evenings. He argued that the City must demonstrate visible investment in the area, especially since the development community regularly asks what the City is doing to make downtown more attractive. He tied the string‑light project to broader economic development goals and past Council direction, noting that if the City cannot move forward with a simple lighting improvement, it undermines larger revitalization efforts. In response to his questions, Ms. Murray explained that most of the project cost comes from the poles, that they might be designed to serve as future streetlight poles, but this would only be known during design, and that using power from the traffic signal avoids underground work. She added that APS poles cannot be used because they are not strong enough for string‑light tension and are needed for holiday lighting. Councilmember Youngker reiterated that the City needs to take action to support downtown businesses and maintain recent momentum. Councilmember Berry stated that for downtown to thrive, the City must be willing to try something new, even if it seems expensive. He emphasized that improving walkability and adding lighting would change the atmosphere, attract more people to shop downtown, and encourage new businesses to open. Councilmember Berry noted that residents often return to Buckeye and comment that downtown looks unchanged, and argued that enhanced lighting could bring new energy and life to the area. Vice Mayor Goodman asked if installing string lights now would interfere with other planned Monroe Avenue projects or increase future costs. Ms. Murray responded that the timing would avoid conflicts, and the design would aim to reuse materials and coordinate with other infrastructure improvements. Mr. Craig stated the design intends for the string lights to be reused in the final Main Street or Monroe configuration, with poles possibly relocated to avoid paving work. The timing aims to catalyze downtown activity and support evening events, minimizing disruption from upcoming storm sewer projects. Councilmember Youngker asked about the timeline for underground storm sewer work. Mr. Quinlan answered that construction is planned for fiscal years 2028 and 2029, starting downstream, with Monroe phases beginning in summer 2028, and it could be a few years before any installed lights need to be moved. Mayor Orsborn agreed that enhanced lighting would create an appealing aesthetic for downtown, but expressed concern about approving the full project cost given the significant underground construction coming to Monroe Avenue, including storm drain and utility upgrades. He cautioned that installing lights now could lead to conflicts or the need for removal during those projects. Instead, he suggested a phased approach— funding design work first to better understand options, refine the project scope, and determine whether lights should be limited to certain areas before committing to the full build‑out. Mr. Sandstrom explained that CIP projects usually start with a full estimate, beginning with design; for this project, $50,000 is allocated for design and engineering, and breaking the project into design and later phases would not delay progress, allowing Council to review before approving further expenditures. Councilmember Youngker questioned the $600,000 project cost, noting $50,000 is for design and asking where the rest of the expense comes from. He Highlighted that the bulk of the cost is in the poles, estimated at $19,000 each, and expressed skepticism about the high price; and suggested finding more competitive pricing and questioned the justification for such expensive poles. Ms. Murray confirmed the majority of the expense is for the poles, with installation and foundation included, and stated more details would be available after design. A motion was made by May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Youngker and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve the creation of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 260055 – Downtown String Lights for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026); and authorize a budget transfer from CIP Project No. 107920 – Downtown Enhancement Program and General Fund Contingency, in the not to exceed amount of $80,000 to fund the design portion only of the CIP Project. Motion passed unanimously. 5.D Council to take action on Resolution No. 50-26 approving Recreation or Public Purposes Lease AZAZ105906946 between the City of Buckeye and the United States of America Bureau of Land Management for 640 acres East of Skyline Regional Park. Staff Liaison: Robert Wisener, Community Services Deputy Director Mr. Wisener presented information regarding Resolution No. 50-26; the City was offered a 25-year lease for two parcels totaling 640 acres adjacent to Skyline Regional Park, with no annual or upfront cost. The lease expands the park from 8,675 to 9,315 acres and aligns with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Planned amenities include two new trailheads, parking, restrooms, an ADA accessible trail, and a bike skills course, with connections to existing and future trails. The project is scheduled for design in fiscal year 2030 and construction in fiscal year 2031 for the south parcel; the north parcel depends on future development and access. The lease preserves open space and improves access, with strong community support. Vice Mayor Goodman asked if the bike skills course could be accelerated and moved forward, possibly next year. Mr. Sandstrom responded that it can be considered for inclusion in the CIP for next year. Councilmember Heustis asked if the park extension would allow easy connection to Verrado trails. Mr. Wisener confirmed the extension will connect Skyline Regional Park trails with existing Verrado trails, especially for the northern parcel, and preserve connections for the southern parcel. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Resolution No. 50-26 approving Recreation or Public Purposes Lease AZAZ105906946 between the City of Buckeye and the United States of America Bureau of Land Management for 640 acres East of Skyline Regional Park. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Comments from the Mayor and Council Councilmember Heustis: noted approval to apply for funding to build an earth wall around the sewer plant, emphasizing its importance; expressed gratitude for efforts to secure protection for the plant, highlighting the unpredictability of severe floods and the critical need for such infrastructure. Councilmember Youngker: thanked Council for maintaining respectful discussions and reaching decisions for the community's benefit, noting appreciation for their decorum 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. 9. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Orsborn adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. _________________________________ Eric W. Orsborn, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ May 19, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 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 19, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present. _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk