04.21.2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
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April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF BUCKEYE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 21, 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 the First Southern Baptist Church led the invocation; Councilmember Youngker led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Councilmember Youngker; Councilmember Berry, Councilmember HagEstad (via Microsoft Teams), 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, City Clerk Lucinda Aja, Assistant Fire Chief Rayne Gray, 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, Deputy Police Chief Charles Bezio, Development Services Director Brian Craig, Aviation Director Scott Gray, and Information Technology Deputy Director Alan Eubanks. 2. Comments from the Public – None. 3. Awards/Presentations/Proclamations – None. 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. Mayor Orsborn noted for the record that Councilmember HagEstad has filed a Conflict of Interest with the City Clerk’s Office related to Item *4.A and has recused himself from any discussion and voting; Mayor Orsborn pulled Item *4.A from the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve Items *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, and *4.P. Motion passed unanimously. *4.A Council to take action on the Agreement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the Church at Sun Valley, Inc., an Arizona non-profit April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes corporation, involving a long-term ground lease for approximately 2.5 acres, to locate a separate and free-standing library and community center at the Church's property; approve the appropriation of $2,700,000 for the lease payment, and $844,000 for the City's share of shared on-site infrastructure costs; approve the Assignment of Water and Sewer Capacity Rights between Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation; authorize and direct the City Manager to execute and deliver said assignment of capacity agreement and said long-term ground lease together with executable exhibits pertaining to (i) joint use of the parties' facilities, (ii) reimbursement by the City to the Church at Sun Valley for City's share of costs pertaining to on-site infrastructure constructed by the Church; (iii) mutual easements and shared maintenance of common areas; and (iv) City's right of first refusal to purchase the 2.5 acres; and, further, 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 this action. Staff Liaison: Miranda Gomez, Community Services Director Mayor Orsborn noted for the record that Councilmember HagEstad has filed a Conflict of Interest with the City Clerk’s Office related to Item *4.A and has recused himself from any discussion and voting; Mayor Orsborn pulled Item *4.A from the Consent Agenda. After action was taken on the balance of the Consent Agenda, a motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve the Agreement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the Church at Sun Valley, Inc., an Arizona non-profit corporation, involving a long-term ground lease for approximately 2.5 acres, to locate a separate and free- standing library and community center at the Church's property; approve the appropriation of $2,700,000 for the lease payment, and $844,000 for the City's share of shared on-site infrastructure costs; approve the Assignment of Water and Sewer Capacity Rights between Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation; authorize and direct the City Manager to execute and deliver said assignment of capacity agreement and said long-term ground lease together with executable exhibits pertaining to (i) joint use of the parties' facilities, (ii) reimbursement by the City to the Church at Sun Valley for City's share of costs pertaining to on-site infrastructure constructed by the Church; (iii) mutual easements and shared maintenance of common areas; and (iv) City's right of first refusal to purchase the 2.5 acres; and, further, 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 this action. Motion passed unanimously. *4.B Council to take action on the cancellation of the Regular City Council Meetings scheduled for July 21, 2026, August 4, 2026 and August 18, 2026. Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk Council approved the cancellation of the Regular City Council Meetings scheduled for July 21, 2026, August 4, 2026 and August 18, 2026. *4.C Council to take action on the request for a new Series 010 (Beer and Wine Store) Liquor License (Application No. 385514) for Target #2944, located at 1355 North Verrado Way 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. 385514) for Target #2944, located at 1355 North Verrado Way in Buckeye. April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes *4.D Council to take action on Change Order No. 3 to Task Order No. 26 of the On-Call Consulting for Engineering and Architectural Services Contract (No. 2022003.22) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, related to the Engineering Design Standards Update for 2025; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council approved Change Order No. 3 to Task Order No. 26 of the On-Call Consulting for Engineering and Architectural Services Contract (No. 2022003.22) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, related to the Engineering Design Standards Update for 2025; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.E Council to take action to approve the National Opioid Settlement involving the "Remnant Defendants" under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804); authorize the Mayor to approve the execution of the Settlement Participation form on behalf of the City; and authorize the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take the steps necessary to carry out the terms of said Opioid Settlement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council approved the National Opioid Settlement involving the "Remnant Defendants" under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804); authorize the Mayor to approve the execution of the Settlement Participation form on behalf of the City; and authorized the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take the steps necessary to carry out the terms of said Opioid Settlement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.F Council to take action to ratify and approve the National Opioid Settlement on behalf of the City involving the Mallinckrodt, McKinsey, and Endo Public Defendants under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804); authorize the City to participate in the Opioid Settlement with said Defendants; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of the Opioid Settlement with said Defendants. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Council ratified and approved the National Opioid Settlement on behalf of the City involving the Mallinckrodt, McKinsey, and Endo Public Defendants under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804); authorized the City to participate in the Opioid Settlement with said Defendants; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of the Opioid Settlement with said Defendants. *4.G Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $6,000,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Appropriations Request through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a ring levee around the Buckeye Central Water Reclamation Facility, with a federal request in the amount of $4,500,000, and a local match of $1,500,000; 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 April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council ratified and approved the submission of a $6,000,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Appropriations Request through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a ring levee around the Buckeye Central Water Reclamation Facility, with a federal request in the amount of $4,500,000, and a local match of $1,500,000; 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 to ratify and approve the submission of a $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the purchase of a new Hazardous Materials Truck, with federal funding in the amount of $1,125,000, and a $375,000 local match; 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 to take all steps necessary to 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 $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the purchase of a new Hazardous Materials Truck, with federal funding in the amount of $1,125,000, and a $375,000 local match; 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 to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent, of said application. *4.I Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a temporary airport tower at the Buckeye Municipal Airport, with federal funds of $1,350,000, and a local match of $150,000; 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 $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a temporary airport tower at the Buckeye Municipal Airport, with federal funds of $1,350,000, and a local match of $150,000; 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 approve, accept, and carry out the terms and conditions of the PM-10 Certified Street Sweeper Projects for Fiscal Year 2026 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Funding Grant through the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) in the amount of $438,111, with a $35,199 match from the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents connected with the Grant, and to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of said Grant. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council approved the acceptance and carrying out of the terms and conditions of the PM-10 Certified Street Sweeper Projects for Fiscal Year 2026 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Funding Grant through the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) in the amount of $438,111, with a $35,199 match from the City of Buckeye; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents connected with the Grant, and to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of said Grant. *4.K Council to take action on Resolution No. 35-26 approving the Second Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 18-0007032-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, relating to improvement to I-10 between State Route 85 and Verrado Way; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Amendment to said Agreement. Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation Council adopted Resolution No. 35-26 approving the Second Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 18-0007032-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, relating to improvement to I-10 between State Route 85 and Verrado Way; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Amendment to said Agreement. *4.L Council to take action to approve the reprogramming of $4,000,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 to FY 2027 for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150, Intersection Improvements – Verrado Way, Yuma Rd to Van Buren St, to advance construction; and authorize the City Manager to execute construction expenditures in an amount not to exceed $14,282,581.10, inclusive of the previously authorized project budget of approximately $10,282,581.10 and the additional $4,000,000 reprogrammed herein; and to authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents, and to take all steps necessary, to carry out the purpose and intent of said CIP budget reprogramming and construction expenditures. Staff Liaison: Allyson Camillucci, Contract Project Manager Council approved the reprogramming of $4,000,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 to FY 2027 for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150, Intersection Improvements – Verrado Way, Yuma Rd to Van Buren St, to advance construction; and authorized the City Manager to execute construction expenditures in an amount not to exceed $14,282,581.10, inclusive of the previously authorized project budget of approximately $10,282,581.10 and the additional $4,000,000 reprogrammed herein; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents, and to take all steps necessary, to carry out the purpose and intent of said CIP budget reprogramming and construction expenditures. *4.M Council to take action on Change Order No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 32500002) between the City of Buckeye, and Arizona municipal corporation, and LJA Engineering, Inc., a Texas Corporation, related to Construction Project Management services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 100630 Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway Improvements; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Rodrigo Nemi, Project Manager April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council approved Change Order No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement (Contract No. 32500002) between the City of Buckeye, and Arizona municipal corporation, and LJA Engineering, Inc., a Texas Corporation, related to Construction Project Management services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 100630 Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway Improvements; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.N Council to take action on Resolution No. 36-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No. 26-0011590-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona acting by and through its Department of Transportation, relating to improvements along State Route 85 and Broadway Road, State Route 85 and Baseline Road, and State Route 85 and Southern Avenue; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Agreement. Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation Council adopted Resolution No. 36-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No. 26-0011590-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona acting by and through its Department of Transportation, relating to improvements along State Route 85 and Broadway Road, State Route 85 and Baseline Road, and State Route 85 and Southern Avenue; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Agreement. *4.O Council to take action on the Water Development Impact Fee Credit Agreement for Ventana Ranch Phase I Well No. 1 Improvements between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Lennar Arizona, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company; and authorize the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved the Water Development Impact Fee Credit Agreement for Ventana Ranch Phase I Well No. 1 Improvements between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Lennar Arizona, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company; and authorized the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.P Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 1 to the Job Order Contract (JOC No. 2025107) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and MGC Contractors, Inc., an Arizona corporation; and authorize the City Manager to execute said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved Delivery Order No. 1 to the Job Order Contract (JOC No. 2025107) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and MGC Contractors, Inc., an Arizona corporation; and authorized the City Manager to execute said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. 5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business 5.A Council to take action to adopt the Airport Master Plan; and authorize staff to take all actions necessary to submit the Airport Master Plan to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and approval. Staff Liaison: Scott Gray, Aviation Director Mr. Gray presented an overview of the Airport Master Plan, describing it as a twenty-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required capital development document that guides airport growth April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes and eligibility for federal funding. He explained that the plan is based on approved activity levels and is not visionary, but rather grounded in calculated forecasts. The process included public outreach, workshops, and feedback from property owners and developers, particularly concerning the proposed crosswind runway, which raised concerns about impacts on adjacent developments and roadways. Due to limited FAA support and stakeholder concerns, the crosswind runway was removed from the master plan, and the existing runway will be extended and widened. The plan phases development based on activity triggers rather than specific years, with funding estimated at $136 million, mostly from federal grants, and some City and State contributions. Mr. Gray emphasized that the funding strategy is not yet reflected in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and will require coordination with the Finance Department. He also noted that the long-range vision and area-specific plans will be developed separately, with further stakeholder engagement and Council consideration planned. Vice Mayor Goodman asked about the FAA's concerns with the crosswind runway and whether those concerns differed from those of landowners. Mr. Gray explained that the FAA questioned the need for the crosswind runway based on current activity forecasts and recommended widening the existing runway instead, but noted that the crosswind runway could be reconsidered in future long-range planning. He also clarified that landowners and developers were concerned about the crosswind runway’s impact on their development plans and road alignments. Mayor Orsborn questioned whether the FAA had previously supported the crosswind runway based on wind studies and emphasized the need for a long-range vision beyond the current master plan. Mr. Gray responded that the FAA had always questioned the need for the crosswind runway and that public support and property owner concerns influenced the decision to remove it from the master plan. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt the Airport Master Plan; and authorize staff to take all actions necessary to submit the Airport Master Plan to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and approval. Motion passed unanimously. 5.B Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 11-26 approving an Amendment to the Sundance Community Master Plan as described in Case No. PLZZ-25-0012; and amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 8.3 acres located west of the southwest corner of Yuma Road and Dean Road from Commercial Center (CC) to Commercial Center (CC) with Sundance Community Master Plan Overlay. Staff Liaison: Mandy Woods, Principal Planner Ms. Woods presented the amendment to the Sundance Community Master Plan (CMP), explaining that the request is to add 8.3 acres as a commercial land use designation for a proposed multifamily residential development. Vicinity maps were displayed. The site is currently vacant and adjacent to residential and civic uses. The amendment would expand the Sundance overlay to create parcel 34C, allowing for 188 multifamily units, which is permitted under the current zoning but would enable more compatible setbacks with neighboring single-family homes. The amendment increases the total planned units in the CMP from 6,798 to 6,954, with an exception allowing 21 additional units restricted to parcel 34C. A modified building height step-down provision was included to account for a 90-foot-wide Homeowner Association (HOA) tract adjacent to the site. Public participation included a neighborhood meeting and proper notice, with no public opposition. The companion site plan is under review, and traffic, water, sewer, and school impacts have been addressed. Staff recommends approval; the amendment aligns with the General Plan and Development Code and will result in high-quality development. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding Ordinance No. 11-26. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Council Member Berry asked whether the walking track south of the wash, used by the community, would still be available to the public after the amendment. Ms. Woods confirmed the request does not affect the walking path within the HOA tract. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Ordinance No. 11-26 approving an Amendment to the Sundance Community April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Master Plan as described in Case No. PLZZ-25-0012; and amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 8.3 acres located west of the southwest corner of Yuma Road and Dean Road from Commercial Center (CC) to Commercial Center (CC) with Sundance Community Master Plan Overlay. Motion passed unanimously. 5.C Council to take action on Resolution No. 39-26 approving Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) No. 26-0011579-I between the State of Arizona, acting through its Department of Transportation and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation; establishing a funding mechanism to provide reimbursement to the City for certain staffing costs incurred in connection with its participation in the construction of the Jackrabbit Trail Traffic Interchange and associated work on the Interstate 10 (I-10) widening project; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement and any related documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation Mr. Willett presented information regarding the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), highlighting that it establishes a funding mechanism for the City to be reimbursed for staffing costs related to the construction of the Jackrabbit Trail traffic interchange (TI) and the I-10 widening project. ADOT has selected a construction manager at risk process, combining the interchange and widening into one project for efficiency. The City will have a proactive role in meetings, reviewing guaranteed maximum price phases, and providing input to ensure quality, timing, and minimal resident impact. The IGA allows Buckeye to be reimbursed up to $350,000 per year for two years. The Jackrabbit TI is funded by Prop 439, while I-10 widening depends on legislative funding and will be phased as funds become available. The City aims to maximize lane miles and improvements for the traveling public, prioritizing pavement and ramp enhancements over amenities like sound walls and lighting. Vice Mayor Goodman asked if ADOT had already approved the IGA and whether it was now up to the City to approve it. Mr. Willett answered that the City approves it first, then ADOT, and explained the review and approval process between the City and ADOT. Mayor Orsborn asked if phasing the project was the most efficient way to do construction. Mr. Willett responded that, given the funding situation, phasing is beneficial because it allows progress without waiting and avoids redoing ramps later. Mayor Orsborn requested specifics on what would be done in phase one, emphasizing the need to maximize lane miles and improve ramps at Watson and Miller Roads. Mr. Willett confirmed the City's intent to push for as much relief for commuters as possible, and that the IGA allows Buckeye to have a voice in these decisions. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Resolution No. 39-26 approving Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) No. 26- 0011579-I between the State of Arizona, acting through its Department of Transportation and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation; establishing a funding mechanism to provide reimbursement to the City for certain staffing costs incurred in connection with its participation in the construction of the Jackrabbit Trail Traffic Interchange and associated work on the Interstate 10 (I- 10) widening project; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement and any related documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Motion passed unanimously. 5.D 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. Staff Liaison: Brian Craig, Development Services Director Mr. Craig presented an update to municipal fees, focusing on development and user fees rather than impact fees. He emphasized the City's goal of achieving full cost recovery for staff time and resources used in processing permits and services, noting that these fees had not been updated in over five years. The new fee structure incorporates the Building Valuation Data Table, which will be updated annually to ensure consistency and accuracy, aligning Buckeye with other Valley cities. April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Some fees are being reduced due to improved departmental efficiency, while others are increased to reflect the greater complexity and staff time required for larger projects. Business licensing fees were consolidated and simplified, introducing a rolling renewal process and specialty categories for more complex applications. Additional nominal fee changes were proposed for Airport and Public Works services, including new fees for waste drop-off and key replacement, as well as a four percent annual escalator for solid waste fees. Ms. Gomez explained that Community Services Fees are structured to reflect the level of cost recovery appropriate for each type of service, ranging from zero to full recovery depending on whether the service benefits the community as a whole or is more individualized, such as shelter rentals or private swim lessons. Based on questions from Mayor Orsborn, Ms. Gomez clarified that the proposed fee schedule allows flexibility, enabling the department to adjust fees based on the actual staff time required to facilitate an activity. For example, renting a facility like 6th Street Plaza for a small event would be charged according to the true cost, which could be less than the current fixed fee, and open access to facilities remains free unless reserved. Ms. Gomez also noted that agreements with community groups can help facilitate events and reduce fees, and that the fee schedule provides discretion to accommodate light facilitation or special circumstances, ensuring that fees do not discourage community use or activation of public spaces. Mayor Orsborn expressed concerns that the proposed community services fees could discourage community groups and nonprofits from using these facilities for small events; stated that even reduced fees might lead people to hold their gatherings elsewhere, undermining efforts to activate and program public spaces. The Mayor also highlighted the risk of unintended consequences, such as groups being deterred from organizing community-oriented activities due to the cost, and suggested the need for further discussion to ensure the fee structure supports community engagement rather than discouraging it. Ms. Henry explained that council could modify proposed fees downward within the noticed range or direct staff to do so, without restarting the notice process; clarified that Council could continue the item to a date certain; stated that increasing fees above the noticed range would require restarting the notice process, but reducing fees or further discussion could proceed without that requirement. Mr. Sandstrom stated that the fee schedule provide discretion to the Community Services Director to handle one-off situations where fees may be excessive; mentioned there are fee waiver abilities and other forms of funding assistance available for rare cases; and noted that discretion allows flexibility, but having a black-and-white fee structure can lead to dissatisfaction, while discretion can result in ongoing discussions about exceptions. Vice Mayor Goodman stated that the fee structure provides latitude to address exceptions, and suggested that if exceptions become common, the policy can be modified accordingly; expressed confidence that staff have put significant thought into the fee schedule, resulting in a potentially better product than before; cautioned against creating policy around exceptions and advocated for trying the new fee structure, emphasizing reliance on the flexibility built into the policy. Councilmember Heustis asked if someone would be charged or asked to leave for having a family gathering at a Ramada in Sundance Park without a reservation. Ms. Gomez answered that facilities are open and available as long as they are not reserved; if a Ramada is open, it is first come, first served with no charge, but reserving it requires payment; stated the charge for a Ramada is $10 for a four-hour block of time. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Beard to continue to the May 5, 2026 Regular Council Meeting the public hearing and action on Resolution No. 38-26 establishing new or increased municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and providing for severability. A roll call vote reflected Councilmember Berry, Councilmember HagEstad, Councilmember Beard, Councilmember Heustis, and Mayor Orsborn voted aye; Councilmember Youngker and Vice Mayor Goodman voted nay; motion carried. 6. Comments from the Mayor and Council – None. 7. City Manager's Report and Summary of Current Events Mr. Sandstrom presented a summary of current events. April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 8. Proposals for Future Agenda Items – None. 9. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Orsborn adjourned the meeting at 7:32 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 April 21, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present. _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk