03.24.2026.PZC.MinutesDRAFT.pdf

CITY OF BUCKEYE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2026
City Council Chambers
530 East Monroe Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85326
**Recording of this meeting is available via YouTube**
1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ROLL CALL
Chairperson Ted Burton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Chair Ted Burton, Commissioner Rebecca Puppe, Commissioner Gina Ragsdale,
Commissioner Deanna Kupcik, Vice Chair Anthony DiMascio, Commissioner
Donald Bassler, Commissioner Sebastian Trupiano participated virtually, Alternate
Charles Hester, Alternate Les Manuel
Members absent: none
Staff present: Planning Manager Ken Galica, Principal Planner Mandy Woods, Senior Planner
Joseph Mueller, City Attorney Tosca Henry, Management Assistant Keri Hernandez
2. MINUTES
2A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 10, 2026 PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSSION REGULAR MEETING.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kupcik and seconded by Commissioner Bassler to approve
minutes as presented. Approval 7-0. Motion carried.
3. REGULAR AGENDA
3A. SUNDANCE COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT – YUMA ROAD AND DEAN ROAD –
PLZZ-25-0012
Principal Planner Mandy Woods presented and was available to answer questions from the Commission.
Applicant representative Jeff Blilie presented and was available to answer questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner Trupiano inquired if the developer would be completing any half road improvements to
Dean Road. Mr. Blilie informed the Commission that the half street improvements would be completed
only to the roads adjacent to the property. Mr. Trupiano asked if there would be a direct connection to
the library plaza, with Mr. Blilie indicating that pedestrian access could be likely in the future with
development.
Commissioner Bassler spoke of his concern with adequate school facilities with the increase of residential
development and inquired of who is monitoring the demand for schools. Mr. Galica indicated that the
school districts within Buckeye boundaries, indeed work with consultants on all aspects regarding the
demand for schools based on growth; the city provides data to the State and school districts so that they
can work together to determine the needs of the developing areas.
Commissioner Ragsdale informed the Commission that the School Board does indeed work with
consultants to determine adequate facilities for growth.
Commissioner Puppe inquired about the property located east of the presented project. Ms. Woods
informed the Commission that Sundance Crossings is located adjacent to the project.
A public hearing opened at 6:21 p.m.
With there being no comments from the public, the public hearing closed at 6:21 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kupcik and seconded by Commissioner Puppe to recommend
approval to the Mayor and City Council subject to conditions ‘a – p’. Approval 7-0. Motion carried.

3B. GFT READY MIX CONCRETE – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – PLZU-25-0006
Senior Planner Joseph Mueller presented and was available to answer questions from the Commission.
Applicant representative Jeff Blilie presented and was available to answer questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner Kupcik asked about noise or lighting limitations for this project. Mr. Blilie informed the
Commission that he is not aware of any operational limits, as this will be a round-the-clock aggregate
operation, and the applicant has worked with staff to address the lighting and mitigate the impacts. Ms.
Kupcik inquired about the landscaping on the property. Mr. Blilie informed the Commission that the west
side of the project will be landscaped first and as the aggregate work progresses further, the east side
landscaping of the property will be developed.
Commissioner Puppe asked for clarification of the landscaping location. Mr. Blilie explained that the
mining project will begin with landscape on the west side of the property, as the east irrigation will need
to remain in place while the farming operation is still going. Ms. Puppe spoke about her concerns with
the proximity of this mining operation to the equestrian property to the east, and if there will be any type
of noise buffer. Mr. Blilie informed the Commission that he is not aware of what noise buffers would be
possible.
Chair Burton spoke of his concerns with the impact on the neighboring properties and asked what will
become of the property once the mining is complete. Mr. Blilie informed the Commission that if the sites
are not filled with dirt, the holes will fill with water, and the city has looked at this as a planned future
amenity along the river. Mr. Burton asked what precautions would be taken for dust control. Mr. Blilie
indicated that the developer would comply with all county regulations for dust control.
GFT owner John Casey presented and was available to answer questions from the Commission.
Mr. Burton asked if extractions and noise could be halted during the night. Mr. Casey informed the
Commission that the moving of materials, and not mining, occurs throughout the night; the plant will have
a single tractor with a required but modern, minimal decibel backup safety noise, while loading the trucks
with material.
Commissioner Puppe asked if additional conditions could be added prior to project approval. Mr. Mueller
informed the Commission that this site has more regulations than that of an unincorporated site and the
property is fully compliant with the development code for regulation and oversight.
Mr. Galica informed the Commission that staff will be updating the development code with this type of
use and applicable conditions.
City Attorney Tosca Henry informed the Commission the conditions presented by staff, are site specific
to reduce or minimize any potential impacts to the neighboring properties.
Mr. Galica indicated that the site will be monitored by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
for dust control. Mr. Galica proposed a draft condition “u’ to read “Extraction operation shall not occur
between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Low impact backup alarm shall be used during these
hours”, with Mr. Casey agreeing.
A public hearing opened at 7:13 p.m.
Equestrian Center manager Don Nargang spoke of his concerns and certain oppositions to the project
presented.
With there being no further comments from the public, the public hearing closed at 7:15 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puppe and seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale to continue to
the April 14, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission regular meeting. Approval 7-0
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
5. PLANNING MANAGER REPORT AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
Mr. Galica informed the Commission that there will be an April 14, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission
regular meeting.
Jarek Dunn has been promoted to the Planner II position.
Bailey Pechinski has been promoted to the Planner I position.
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6. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
Commissioner Puppe wished for a happy Easter season.
Commissioner Bassler praised the mural installation on Van Buren and Verrado Way.
Commissioner Trupiano commended staff on the success of the Buckeye Air Fair.
7. ADJOURNMENT
With there being no further business, Chair Burton adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
________________________________
Ted Burton, Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
Keri Hernandez, Management Assistant
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting held on the 24th day of March 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present.
_____________________________________
Keri Hernandez, Management Assistant
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