09.22.2026.PZC.MinutesDRAFT.pdf

CITY OF BUCKEYE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 22, 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
Vice Chair Anthony DiMascio called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Commissioner Rebecca Puppe, Commissioner Gina Ragsdale, Commissioner
Deanna Kupcik, Vice Chair Anthony DiMascio, Commissioner Donald Bassler,
Commissioner Sebastian Trupiano, Alternate Charles Hester seated for At Large
District, Alternate Les Manuel
Members absent: Chairperson Ted Burton
Staff present: Planning Manager Ken Galica, Planner II Patricia Cooley, City Attorney Tosca Henry,
Assistant City Attorney Sharon Flack, Management Assistant Keri Hernandez,
Administrative Assistant II Angelica Mollinedo, City Traffic Engineer Anissa Gerard
2. MINUTES
2A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bassler and seconded by Commissioner Kupcik to approve
minutes as presented. Approval 7-0. Motion carried.
3. REGULAR AGENDA
3A. BUCKAZ0281 – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – PLZU-26-0001
Planner II Patricia Cooley presented and was available to answer questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Puppe asked for specifics on the wall that was highlighted in the presentation. Ms. Cooley
informed the Commission that the wall is designed to be eight-foot two-inches (8’2”) tall to screen the
telecommunication equipment, and AT&T will be responsible for maintenance of the site and structure.
Ms. Puppe inquired about who the carriers will be on the tower. Applicant representative Michael
McLaughlin informed the Commission that this tower will be specifically dedicated to first responders with
FirstNet and AT&T as providers.
Commissioner Kupcik asked for clarification on the existing towers exhibit. Applicant representative Steve
Kennedy informed the Commission that the towers shown on the exhibit depict cell towers with different
owners and multiple different types of sites.
Commissioner Trupiano questioned the tower style and design options. Ms. Cooley informed the
Commission that the existing trees in the neighboring communities were taken into consideration when
selecting the design of this tower. Mr. Trupiano asked what the notification requirements are for a
conditional use permit. Ms. Cooley indicated that the notification was sent to property owners located
within three hundred (300) feet of the project parcel boundary.
Vice Chairperson DiMascio inquired about the distance from other structures. Ms. Cooley informed the
Commission that the setback is determined by the development code in effect at the time of the project
design and Preliminary Application Conference (PAC) submittal. Planning Manager Ken Galica informed

the Commission that the reason for maintaining setbacks is to reduce visual impacts on the adjacent
residents. Mr. Trupiano asked what would deter people from climbing the tower. Applicant representative
Linda Price informed the Commission that the lowest branch stubs are at least fifteen (15) feet from the
ground and the branches are designed to prevent climbing.
A public hearing opened at 6:20 p.m.
With there being no comments, the public hearing closed at 6:20 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kupcik and seconded by Commissioner Bassler to approve as
presented subject to conditions ‘a-e’. Approval 7-0. Motion carried.
3B. ELIANTO – MAJOR COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT (PLZZ-26-0003)
Planning Manager Ken Galica presented and was available to answer questions from the public.
Landowner representative Bill Lally presented and was available to answer questions from the public.
Commissioner Puppe indicated her concern over the data center water requirements. Mr. Galica informed
the Commission that data centers are just one of nearly two-hundred permitted uses in this project and
requires a second level of review if proposed.
Commissioner Ragsdale commended the project design and voiced her concern over data centers.
Commissioner Bassler spoke of his concern over the school system within this project. Mr. Lally informed
the Commission that the developers are committed to working with the school system to ensure that
school sites are set aside in a phased approach.
Commissioner Trupiano inquired about the land previously designated for schools. Mr. Galica informed
the Commission that this plan would leave the school designation open with the land use budget and
there is a commitment with the developer to provide the schools with what land is needed. Mr. Trupiano
inquired about the Sun Valley Parkway improvements. Mr. Galica indicated that the language included
in the CMP allows for some phasing of the off-site infrastructure, with the goal of completing as much as
possible at once.
A public hearing opened at 6:50 p.m.
Resident Emily Myth spoke of her concerns with schools in this presented project.
Mr. Lally informed Commission that the developer will work with the school district to ensure there are
adequate facilities.
With there being no further comments, the public hearing closed at 6:56 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puppe and seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale to recommend
approval to Mayor and City Council as presented. Approval 7-0. Motion Carried.
3C. THE CASCADE – PLANNED AREA DEVELOPMENT (PAD) – PLZZ-25-0014
Planning Manager Ken Galica presented and was available to answer questions from the public.
A public hearing opened at 6:56 p.m.
With there being no comments, the public hearing closed at 6:56 p.m.
Amended motion was made by Commissioner Bassler and seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale to
recommend approval to Mayor and City Council subject to conditions ‘a – aa’ as presented. Approval 7-
0. Motion Carried.
4. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Emily Myth spoke of her concerns with the public notification system for current and upcoming projects.
5. PLANNING MANAGER REPORT AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
Mr. Galica announced that a community meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. for Wednesday, September 23,
2026 to bring information on the Airport Specific Area Plan to the public. The meeting will take place in
the Multi-Purpose room at The Landing.
Page 2 of 3

6. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
Commissioner Trupiano mentioned that the annual Halloween Carnival is planned for October 24, 2026
and encouraged everyone to attend.
Commissioner Kupcik announced some upcoming events in the downtown area:
• Buckeye Rocks Annual Awards Banquet on October 2nd at the Buckeye Equestrian Center
• Sangria and Shopping on October 3rd at the Rodeo Arena
• Third Annual Taste of Buckeye Golf Tournament on October 10th
7. ADJOURNMENT
With there being no further business, Vice Chair DiMascio adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
________________________________
Anthony DiMascio, Vice 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 22nd day of September 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present.
_____________________________________
Keri Hernandez, Management Assistant
Page 3 of 3