01.06.2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdf
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January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes CITY OF BUCKEYE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6, 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 Matt Rose of Orbit Church; Vice Mayor Goodman led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Berry, Councilmember Beard, Councilmember HagEstad (via Microsoft Teams), 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, Interim City Attorney Tosca Henry, Deputy City Clerk Summer Stewart, Police Chief Robert Sanders, Fire Chief Jake Rhoades, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Program Management Office Director James Shano, Community Services Director Miranda Gomez, Development Services Director Brian Craig, Information Technology Director Greg Platacz, Interim Chief Financial Officer Rick Langley, Interim Communications Director John O’Halloran, Deputy Public Works Director Justin Goodere, Economic Development Director Suzanne Boyles, and Chief Government Affairs Officer John Raeder. 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. Vice Mayor Goodman requested that discussion be held regarding Item *4.G. After discussion was held regarding Item 4*G, 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, and *4.O. Motion passed unanimously. *4.A Council to take action on Resolution No. 02-26 approving the Tohono O’odham Nation Grant-in-Aid Agreement between the Tohono O'odham Nation and the City of Buckeye, for services that benefit the general public. Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Administrator January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Council adopted Resolution No. 02-26 approving the Tohono O’odham Nation Grant-in-Aid Agreement between the Tohono O'odham Nation and the City of Buckeye, for services that benefit the general public. *4.B Council to take action on Resolution No. 06-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Buckeye and Maricopa County to identify the responsibilities of the respective governmental agencies for Watson Road from Van Buren Street to Skyline Park. Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation | Program Management Office Council adopted Resolution No. 06-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Buckeye and Maricopa County to identify the responsibilities of the respective governmental agencies for Watson Road from Van Buren Street to Skyline Park. *4.C Council to take action on Change Order # 2 to the Cooperative Contract Purchase Addendum (CCPA No. 32600073) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Arizona West Builders and Communications, Inc., an Arizona corporation, relating to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No.100970 Communication Tower - Festival WRF; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: James Zwerg, Project Manager, Council approved Change Order # 2 to the Cooperative Contract Purchase Addendum (CCPA No. 32600073) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Arizona West Builders and Communications, Inc., an Arizona corporation, relating to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No.100970 Communication Tower - Festival WRF; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.D Council to take action on Resolution No. 03-26 approving Amendment No. 1 to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the State of Arizona, by and through its Department of Transportation and the City of Buckeye, to remove the scope of work related to the Warner Street Bridge. Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation | Program Management Office Council adopted Resolution No. 03-26 approving Amendment No. 1 to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the State of Arizona, by and through its Department of Transportation and the City of Buckeye, to remove the scope of work related to the Warner Street Bridge. *4.E Council to take action on Resolution No. 07-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (FCD2024A004) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona Municipal Corporation, and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, a political subdivision of the State of Arizona, for the construction, management, operation and maintenance of the Downtown City of Buckeye Regional Basin and Storm Drain Project; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: James Braveboy Jr., Project Manager Council adopted Resolution No. 07-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (FCD2024A004) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona Municipal Corporation, and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, a political subdivision of the State of Arizona, for the construction, management, January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes operation and maintenance of the Downtown City of Buckeye Regional Basin and Storm Drain Project; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.F Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 13 to the Job Order Contract (No. 2025081) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and M.R. Tanner Development and Construction, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, for Concrete Installation at Fire Station 702; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director Council approved Delivery Order No. 13 to the Job Order Contract (No. 2025081) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and M.R. Tanner Development and Construction, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, for Concrete Installation at Fire Station 702; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.G Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 12 to the Job Order Contract (No. 2025081), between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and M.R. Tanner Development and Construction, an Arizona Limited Liability Company, to construct speed calming devices along Acacia Way, from Thayer Street to Park Meadows Drive; and authorize the City Manager to execute said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director Vice Mayor Goodman stated he pulled this for discussion to address the ongoing efforts to slow down traffic on Acacia Way. Mr. Willett provided an overview of the measures taken to address speeding on Acacia Way. He mentioned that the City has conducted four traffic studies since October 2022, installed stop signs and speed limit signs, and implemented striping to narrow the road visually. The City’s transportation group conducted an evaluation and identified concerns regarding speeding traffic. Based on their findings, they recommend the installation of speed-calling chicanes along the roadway to effectively mitigate these speeding issues. The implementation of these chicanes aims to enhance safety for all road users and improve the overall traffic flow within the area. Vice Mayor Goodman emphasized the importance of these efforts in making Acacia Way a safer thoroughfare and highlighted the need for continued public engagement and enforcement to ensure drivers adhere to speed limits. Council approved Delivery Order No. 12 to the Job Order Contract (No. 2025081), between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and M.R. Tanner Development and Construction, an Arizona Limited Liability Company, to construct speed calming devices along Acacia Way, from Thayer Street to Park Meadows Drive; and authorize the City Manager to execute said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.H Council to take action on the Contract for Materials and Services (No. 32600127) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Republic Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved the Contract for Materials and Services (No. 32600127) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Republic Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes *4.I Council to take action on the Contract for Materials and Services (No. 32600128) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and VLS Environmental Solutions LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved the Contract for Materials and Services (No. 32600128) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and VLS Environmental Solutions LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.J Council to take action on the Contract for Materials and Services (No. 32600129) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and VLS Environmental Solutions LLC., a Delaware limited liability company, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal ; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council approved the Contract for Materials and Services (No. 32600129) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and VLS Environmental Solutions LLC., a Delaware limited liability company, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal ; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.K Council to take action on the Contract for Material and Services (No. 32600130) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Patriot Environmental Services, Inc., a California corporation, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal ; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Council approved the Contract for Material and Services (No. 32600130) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Patriot Environmental Services, Inc., a California corporation, related to non-hazardous liquid waste and biosolids disposal ; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.L Council to take action on Resolution No. 08-26 approving the Development Agreement with Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company related to the acquisition of resources and provision of water services within the Festival Ranch Development; authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver the Agreement; and, authorizing the taking of all other actions necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Resolution. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council adopted Resolution No. 08-26 approving the Development Agreement with Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company related to the acquisition of resources and provision of water services within the Festival Ranch Development; authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver the Agreement; and, authorizing the taking of all other actions necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Resolution. *4.M Council to take action on Resolution No. 09-26 approving Amendment No. 1 to the Wagner Wash Underground Storage Facility - Permitting and Operation Development January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes Agreement dated February 20, 2024 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, and Del Webb Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Council adopted Resolution No. 09-26 approving Amendment No. 1 to the Wagner Wash Underground Storage Facility - Permitting and Operation Development Agreement dated February 20, 2024 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, and Del Webb Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye. *4.N Council to take action on the December 2, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes and December 2, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk Council approved the December 2, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes and December 2, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes. *4.O Council to take action on the removal of Randal Kidd as a Regular Member of the Community Services Advisory Board (CSAB) and the removal of Douglas McDonald as an Alternate Member (District 3) of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk Council approved the removal of Randal Kidd as a Regular Member of the Community Services Advisory Board (CSAB) and the removal of Douglas McDonald as an Alternate Member (District 3) of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business 5.A Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 01-26 amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 4.37 acres generally located west of the northwest corner of South Miller Road and West Durango Road from General Commerce (GC) to Community Commercial (C-2). Staff Liaison: Patricia Cooley, Planner II Ms. Cooley presented information on Rezone Ordinance No. 01-26, which involves amending the City’s Zoning Map for approximately 4.37 acres at the northwest corner of South Miller Road and West Durango Road from General Commerce (GC) to Community Commercial (C2); vicinity maps were displayed. The proposed rezone is intended to accommodate the development of an Extended Stay Hotel. She provided context on the property's current vacant status, its surrounding areas, and the consistency of the proposed zoning with the Buckeye General Plan. The applicant has completed all public participation requirements, including a neighborhood meeting with no public opposition, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the rezone. Councilmember Goodman asked if anyone attended the public meeting and if there were any questions from attendees. Ms. Cooley responded that no residents attended the neighborhood meeting and that staff had not received any written or verbal feedback from the public regarding the rezone request. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:14 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding Rezone Ordinance No. 01-26. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:14 p.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Goodman and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Ordinance No. 01-26 amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 4.37 acres generally located west of the northwest corner of South Miller Road and West Durango Road from General Commerce (GC) to Community Commercial (C-2). Motion passed unanimously. January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 5.B Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 02-26 amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 0.19 acres of generally located north of the northeast corner of 4th Street and Jackson Avenue from Commercial Center (CC) to Downtown Commercial (DC). Staff Liaison: Joseph Mueller, Senior Planner Mr. Mueller presented information on Rezone Ordinance No. 02-26, which involves amending the City’s Zoning Map for approximately 0.19 acres located north of the northeast corner of 4th Street and Jackson Avenue from Commercial Center (CC) to Downtown Commercial (DC). The rezone aims to accommodate a proposed 6,000 square foot commercial building with four individual suites for general retail or restaurant uses. He explained that the Downtown Commercial zoning allows for increased lot coverage and reduced setbacks, which align with the downtown area's traditional streetscape. The property is currently vacant and situated between existing buildings with zero-foot setbacks. The proposed Rezone is consistent with the downtown core land use designation and the downtown specific area plan. The applicant completed all public participation requirements, including a neighborhood meeting with no public opposition. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of the rezone. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:22 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding Rezone Ordinance No. 02-26. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:22 p.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt Ordinance No. 02-26 amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 0.19 acres of generally located north of the northeast corner of 4th Street and Jackson Avenue from Commercial Center (CC) to Downtown Commercial (DC). Motion passed unanimously. 5.C Council to take action on the 2026 Buckeye Legislative Priorities. Staff Liaison: John Raeder, Chief Government Affairs Officer Mr. Raeder presented the 2026 Buckeye Legislative Priorities, emphasizing the City's commitment to transparent, fiscally responsible governance and preserving local decision-making authority. He highlighted key priorities, including supporting local revenue sources, innovative water management policies, economic development tools, and community-driven housing solutions. The priorities also focus on supporting resources for first responders, protecting state funding for infrastructure projects like the I-10 widening project, and ensuring compatible land uses around Luke Air Force Base. At the federal level, the City aims to pursue funding for infrastructure, collaborate on water infrastructure initiatives, and partner with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airport improvements. Mr. Raeder also mentioned emerging themes for the upcoming legislative session, such as Colorado River water allocation, data center tax incentives, housing and short-term rentals, tax conformity, and the budget deficit. Councilmember Heustis asked about the Governor's stance on the Colorado River issue and whether the Upper Basin states are trying to limit the water available to the Lower Basin states. Mr. Raeder responded that there is a general agreement across the state to ensure that any agreement on the Colorado River water allocation is equitable to Arizona. He mentioned that the Upper Basin states, particularly Colorado, feel they have already taken sufficient cuts and should not bear more reductions, while the Lower Basin states advocate for broader cuts across all states. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve the 2026 Buckeye Legislative Priorities. Motion passed unanimously. 5.D Council to take action on the City of Buckeye 2025 Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP) update. Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Mr. Lowe presented the 2025 Integrated Water Master Plan update, emphasizing its role as a guidance document for growth and development in the City. The plan adopts a "one water" approach, considering source water, infrastructure, reclaimed water, and wastewater. The update was necessary January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes due to significant changes since the last plan in 2017, including legislative changes and increased growth. The plan includes recommendations for different service areas, such as the Tartesso water service area, which will have a centralized water campus to efficiently manage water resources. It also offers flexible options for areas like central Buckeye, where growth is uncertain, allowing for either a lift station or a reclamation facility based on development needs. Additionally, the plan highlights the importance of effluent recharge infrastructure, working with developers to capture and beneficially use water that would otherwise be lost. Mayor Orsborn emphasized the value of flexibility in the plan, allowing for incremental development and avoiding rigid infrastructure requirements that could hinder growth. Mayor Orsborn also acknowledged the collaborative efforts with developers, particularly highlighting the agreement with Pulte for the recharge facility and water contributions along Sun Valley Parkway. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve the City of Buckeye 2025 Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP) update. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Comments from the Mayor and Council Councilmember Youngker: welcomed Tosca Henry in her role as Interim City Attorney. 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 6:58 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 January 6, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present. _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk