02.03.2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
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February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF BUCKEYE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 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.; Ronda Everett of Verrado Community Prayer led the invocation; Councilmember HagEstad led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Councilmember Youngker (arrived at 6:03 p.m. 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 Javier Setovich, Deputy City Manager Jared Askelson, City Attorney Tosca Henry, City Clerk Lucinda Aja, Police Chief Robert Sanders, Fire Chief Jake Rhoades, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Program Management Office Director James Shano, Chief Human Resources Officer Cindy Camarata, Community Services Director Miranda Gomez, Information Technology Director Greg Platacz, Interim Chief Financial Officer Rick Langley, Interim Communications Director John O’Halloran, Public Works Director Amy Murray, Economic Development Director Suzie Boyles, and Grant Program and Procurement Manager Rob Roach. 2. Awards/Presentations/Proclamations – None. 3. 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 declared a conflict of interest and recused himself from any discussion and voting on Item *4.I. 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, and *4.L., noting Mayor’s recusal on Item *4.I. For the record: due to technical difficulties, Councilmember Youngker, who appeared remotely via Microsoft Teams, was unable to hear the audio during the motion and vote on the Consent Agenda; therefore, he did not vote. Motion carried. *4.A Council to take action on Resolution No. 16-26 approving the dedication back to developer, or developer's successor-in-title, of real property described within the instrument entitled Special Warranty Deed for Right-Of-Way and Other Related February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Purposes, recorded at Instrument Number 2009-0309268, Maricopa County Recorder, situated generally in the East Half of Section 23, and the West Half of Section 24, Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 16-26 approving the dedication back to developer, or developer's successor-in-title, of real property described within the instrument entitled Special Warranty Deed for Right-Of-Way and Other Related Purposes, recorded at Instrument Number 2009-0309268, Maricopa County Recorder, situated generally in the East Half of Section 23, and the West Half of Section 24, Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian. *4.B Council to take action on Resolution No. 18-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013"; 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 the District; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 18-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013"; 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 the District; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. *4.C Council to take action on Resolution No. 19-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 18-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 19-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 18-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. *4.D Council to take action on Resolution No. 20-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008"; 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 the District; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 20-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008"; 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 the District; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes *4.E Council to take action on Resolution No. 21-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 20-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer Council adopted Resolution No. 21-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 20-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution. *4.F Council to take action on the sale of a City-owned parcel of excess land at public auction. Staff Liaison: Paul Baumgardt, Contract Right-of-Way Coordinator Council approved the sale of a City-owned parcel of excess land at public auction. *4.G Council to take action to preauthorize the City Manager to approve construction actions, contracts and contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050 - Jackrabbit Trail roadway improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in an amount not to exceed the remaining approved construction budget of $19,846,000, to allow phased implementation of the Project; approve the First Amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement (Contract No. 2023150B) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, Haydon Companies, LLC, an Arizona limited liability corporation, related to Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050, Jackrabbit Trail roadway improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in the amount of $18,144,957.70, which represents the first phase of construction; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreements and to take all actions necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Allyson Camillucci, Contract Project Manager Council preauthorized the City Manager to approve construction actions, contracts and contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050 - Jackrabbit Trail roadway improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in an amount not to exceed the remaining approved construction budget of $19,846,000, to allow phased implementation of the Project; approved the First Amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement (Contract No. 2023150B) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, Haydon Companies, LLC, an Arizona limited liability corporation, related to Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050, Jackrabbit Trail roadway improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in the amount of $18,144,957.70, which represents the first phase of construction; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreements and to take all actions necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.H Council to take action on Resolution No 17-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 23-0009334-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona Municipal Corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, for the construction, management, operation and maintenance of traffic interchange at the Interstate 10 (I-10) and Jackrabbit Trail intersection; 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, February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council adopted Resolution No 17-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 23-0009334-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona Municipal Corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, for the construction, management, operation and maintenance of traffic interchange at the Interstate 10 (I-10) and Jackrabbit Trail intersection; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.I Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 2 to Job Order Contract (JOC) No. 2025088 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Brycon Corporation, a New Mexico corporation, related to the construction services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109290 Gateway Enhancement Program - Miller/Watson; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Rodrigo Nemi, Project Manager Council approved Delivery Order No. 2 to Job Order Contract (JOC) No. 2025088 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Brycon Corporation, a New Mexico corporation, related to the construction services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109290 Gateway Enhancement Program - Miller/Watson; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.J Council to take action to preauthorize the City Manager to approve construction actions, contracts and potential contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 100630, Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway Improvements, in an amount not to exceed the approved construction budget of $6,100,000, to allow phased implementation of the project; approve the Construction Contract (Contract No. 32600110) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the amount of $4,585,900, for the construction improvements of Durango Street from Miller Road to Yuma Road; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract and to take all actions necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Rodrigo Nemi, Project Manager Council preauthorized the City Manager to approve construction actions, contracts and potential contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 100630, Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway Improvements, in an amount not to exceed the approved construction budget of $6,100,000, to allow phased implementation of the project; approved the Construction Contract (Contract No. 32600110) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the amount of $4,585,900, for the construction improvements of Durango Street from Miller Road to Yuma Road; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract and to take all actions necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.K Council to take action on the removal of Linda Miglio as a Resident Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board, the appointment of Grayling Jordan as a Resident Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board, and the Reappointment of the following Members of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board: Lori Stokes as a Resident Member, Craig Jennings as the Municipal Presiding Judge Member, Kevin Wein as the Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Member, and Joel England as the Maricopa County Bar Association Member, all with a term expiration date of December 2028. Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council approved the removal of Linda Miglio as a Resident Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board, the appointment of Grayling Jordan as a Resident Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board, and the Reappointment of the following Members of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board: Lori Stokes as a Resident Member, Craig Jennings as the Municipal Presiding Judge Member, Kevin Wein as the Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Member, and Joel England as the Maricopa County Bar Association Member, all with a term expiration date of December 2028. *4.L Council to take action on the December 16, 2025 Special Council Meeting and Council Executive Session Minutes, December 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes, December 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2026 Special Council Meeting and Executive Session Minutes, and January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk Council approved the December 16, 2025 Special Council Meeting and Council Executive Session Minutes, December 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes, December 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2026 Special Council Meeting and Executive Session Minutes, and January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. 5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business 5.A Council to hold a public hearing only to receive input on housing and community development challenges and needs in the City of Buckeye to help inform how the City will administer the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager Mr. Roach presented information regarding housing and community development challenges and needs. The City anticipates receiving approximately $500,000 in housing and community development funds from HUD in 2026. Prior to receiving those funds, the City must develop a Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which sets priorities for allocating those funds among housing and community development activities. He discussed the importance of involving nonprofits in community development projects, emphasizing the need for collaboration to serve the community effectively. Public outreach was reviewed. The goal is to have a comprehensive plan ready in May, with the steering committee considering the input from various stakeholders, including nonprofits, to ensure a coordinated effort in addressing community needs. Vice Mayor Goodman requested clarification regarding rewarded grant funding. Mr. Roach stated the committee will determine where and how any funds rewarded are spent based on the consolidated plan. Based on questions from Mayor Orsborn, Mr. Roach stated funds may be stacked for future projects. Senior Associate Frankie Lewington with Root Policy Research provided further clarification regarding the use and stacking of CDBG funds. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:20 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding housing and community development challenges and needs in the City of Buckeye. Kimberly Schwartzenberg presented statements regarding the project and the opportunities to serve needs in the community. There being no further comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:23 p.m. 5.B Presentation only, no action was taken. Council to receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Audit Results from Heinfeld, Meech & Co., PC (Heinfeld Meech), for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025, as required by Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-481. Staff Liaison: Rick Langley, Interim Chief Financial Officer Jill Shaw from HeinfeldMeech presented the annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit results for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025. She highlighted that the audit process is a nine- February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes month endeavor, starting in May and concluding in December. The audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, government auditing standards, and uniform guidance. Ms. Shaw expressed gratitude to the City's finance department for their cooperation and efficiency. The audit revealed no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and the City received an unmodified, clean opinion. Additionally, the City met all state and federal regulatory deadlines and is considered low risk, having no material weaknesses or questioned costs in the past two years. 5.C Council to take action on funding three Economic Development Catalyst Program applicants for the combined amount of $87,150, plus certain City fees eligible for reimbursement. Staff Liaison: Suzanne Boyles, Economic Development Director Ms. Boyles presented information about the Economic Development Catalyst Program, which has been in place for over twelve years and aims to promote exterior rehabilitation of commercial projects by offering grants up to $50,000. The program has resulted in significant private investment, with the City contributing $1.1 million and receiving over $3 million in private investment. Recent changes to the program include accepting applications year-round, updating the procurement policy, and clarifying eligibility criteria. Ms. Boyles introduced three new applicants requesting funding: Buck's Car Wash, All Faith Community Services, and Liquor Corral. Buck's Car Wash plans to clean and paint exterior trims, curbing, and fencing, with a total project cost of about $4,200. All Faith Community Services intends to install new windows, doors, siding, and security lighting, with a total project cost of $75,000. Liquor Corral aims to replace signs, metal cladding, beams, and a drive-through window, with a total project cost of $53,000. The review committee recommends moving these projects forward for Council consideration. Councilmember Heustis asked if the City promotes the Catalyst Program to the entire City and inquired about the composition of the review committee. Ms. Boyles confirmed the City promotes the program citywide through press releases, social media, and collaboration with the Chamber and Main Street; stated the review committee consists of City staff, members of the Chamber, and members of Main Street. Councilmember HagEstad asked for clarification on how the City's contribution to the Catalyst Program results in a higher private investment, given that the examples presented showed the City contributing more than the private entities. Ms. Boyes explained that the overall history of the program shows that certain projects have contributed more than the City's contribution, resulting in a larger private investment over time. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve funding three Economic Development Catalyst Program applicants for the combined amount of $87,150, plus certain City fees eligible for reimbursement. Motion passed unanimously. 5.D Council to take action adopting by motion a Notice of Intention to Adopt New or Increased Water and Wastewater Rates, Rate Components, Fees or Service Charges and setting a public hearing date of April 7, 2026. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Mr. Lowe presented information about the Notice of Intention to adopt new or increased water and wastewater rates, rate components, fees, or service charges. He explained that the process began six to eight months ago with the establishment of a Water and Wastewater Rates Committee (WRC) composed of residents from every district. The committee took a deep dive into the utility business to understand the costs and drivers behind the rates. The recommendations include a four-year rate plan, an updated rate structure, and a gradualist approach to avoid significant impacts on ratepayers. The proposed changes aim to ensure the utilities have an operating surplus, meet reserve requirements, and maintain a debt service ratio over 1.2 times their available revenue. The next steps involve issuing a notice of intent, followed by a 60-day public comment period, and then seeking Council approval for the new rates, which would go live in May. Mr. Askelson provided detailed information regarding the proposed changes to water and wastewater rates. He explained that the February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes recommendations include ensuring the utilities have an operating surplus, meeting reserve requirements, and maintaining a debt service ratio over 1.2 times their available revenue. He mentioned that the proposed changes involve a four-year rate plan with an updated rate structure and a gradualism approach to avoid significant impacts on ratepayers. He also highlighted that the commercial high-end users would see a decrease in their usage rates to balance out the increase in base rates. Additionally, Mr. Askelson discussed the impact of the new rates on different customer classes and provided comparisons with other communities in the valley. Councilmember HagEstad asked about the impact of the new water and wastewater rates on residents, particularly those in Homeowner Associations (HOAs), and how much they would be paying. Mr. Askelson explained that the impact on low water users with a 2-inch meter and 20,000 gallons per month usage would see a decrease of about 31 percent, while high water users with a 2-inch meter and 500,000 gallons per month usage would see an increase of about 6.8 percent. Non-potable water users would see an increase of 25.5 percent, but the dollar amount scale is considerably less than potable water. Based on questions from Councilmember HagEstad, Mr. Lowe explained that the current requested Council action is to approve the notice of the intention to adopt new or increased water and wastewater rates, rate components, fees, or service charges. This notice sets a maximum threshold for potential rate increases. However, it does not mean that the rates are being adopted at this time. The actual adoption of the rates will occur after the 60-day public comment period, during which adjustments can be made based on public feedback. Mayor Orsborn asked about the rationale behind choosing a four- year rate plan instead of a five-year plan. Mr. Lowe explained that the decision was based on financial milestones, including operating surplus, reserves, and debt coverage ratio. Since both water and wastewater are scheduled to issue some debt in year three, year four sees a significant drop in these financial metrics. Therefore, a four-year plan allows for a pause to reassess the situation before proceeding further. Mayor also inquired about the public outreach efforts and feedback from HOA partners. Mr. Lowe mentioned that several HOAs were invited to meetings, and those who attended appreciated the approach taken. The City plans to continue public outreach through bill inserts, social media, and participation in community events to ensure residents are informed about the rate changes. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt a Notice of Intention to Adopt New or Increased Water and Wastewater Rates, Rate Components, Fees or Service Charges and setting a public hearing date of April 7, 2026. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Comments from the Mayor and Council Councilmember Heustis: thanked Communications staff for promotional efforts related to recent successful events in the City. Mayor Orsborn: thanked staff for roadway improvements along McDowell Road; presented statements and expressed appreciation to staff for recent successful Buckeye Days Events in the City; expressed excitement about the upcoming Buckeye Air Fair event at the Buckeye Municipal Airport. 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 7:23 p.m. _________________________________ Eric W. Orsborn, Mayor February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 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 February 3, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present. _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk