09.01.2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.pdf

CITY OF BUCKEYE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1, 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
Vice Mayor Goodman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; Larry Tracey of the Way Out West
Coalition 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, and Vice Mayor Goodman.
Members Absent: Mayor Orsborn.
Departments Present: City Manager Doug Sandstrom, Deputy City Manager Dave Roderique, Deputy
City Manager Jared Askelson, Deputy City Manager James Shano, Deputy City Manager Miranda
Gomez, City Attorney Tosca Henry, Interim City Clerk Summer Stewart, Water Resources Director
Terry Lowe, Public Works Deputy Director Justin Goodere, Chief Financial Officer Keith Fallstrom,
Police Chief Robert Sanders, Communications Director John O'Halloran, Community Services Director
Kelby Mieras, Development Services Director Brian Craig, Program Management Office Director Cathy
Clemmons, Information Technology Director Greg Platacz, Chief Government Affairs Officer John
Raeder, Chief Human Resources Officer Cindy Camarata, and Aviation Director Scott Gray.
2. Comments from the Public
John Testerman presented comments and concerns regarding Indian School Road improvements.
Kenneth Vallier presented comments and concerns regarding excessive and nuisance dog barking.
Michael Neuses presented comments and concerns regarding housing shortages.
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. A motion was made by
Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Youngker 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, *4.O, *4.P, *4.Q, *4.R, *4.S;
*4.T, *4.U, *4.V, *4.W, *4.X, *4.Y, *4.Z, *4.AA, and *4.AB; for the record, staff has requested that
Consent Agenda Item *4.AC be removed from the agenda with no action taken. Motion passed
unanimously.
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

*4.A Council to take action on the June 16, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes, June 16, 2026
Regular Council Meeting Minutes, June 16, 2026 Special Council Meeting and Council
Executive Session Minutes, July 7, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes, and July 7, 2026
Regular Council Meeting
Minutes.
Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
Council approved the June 16, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes, June 16, 2026 Regular Council
Meeting Minutes, June 16, 2026 Special Council Meeting and Council Executive Session Minutes, July
7, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes, and July 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.
*4.B Council to take action on the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License
(Application No. 400147) for Anthem Coffee Verrado, located at 1505 North Verrado Way,
Suite 104, in Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
Council approved the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No.
400147) for Anthem Coffee Verrado, located at 1505 North Verrado Way, Suite 104, in Buckeye.
*4.C Council to take action on the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License
(Application No. 399768) for Oregano's Pizza Bistro, located at 1060 North Verrado Way in
Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
Council approved the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No.
399768) for Oregano's Pizza Bistro, located at 1060 North Verrado Way in Buckeye.
*4.D Council to take action on the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License
(Application No. 403208) for Spitz Buckeye, located at 20640 West Roosevelt Street, Suite
106, in Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
Council approved the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No.
403208) for Spitz Buckeye, located at 20640 West Roosevelt Street, Suite 106, in Buckeye.
*4.E Council to take action on the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License
(Application No. 404219) for BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, located at 1565 North Verrado
Way, in Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
Council approved the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No.
404219) for BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, located at 1565 North Verrado Way, in Buckeye.
*4.F Council to take action on a re-plat titled Farallon Unit 2, located on the southwest corner
of Southern Avenue and Rooks Road.
Staff Liaison: Andrea Marquez, Senior Planner Special Projects
Council approved a re-plat titled Farallon Unit 2, located on the southwest corner of Southern Avenue
and Rooks Road.
*4.G Council to take action on Ordinance No. 21-26 approving the transfer of certain rights-of-
way and roadways, lying in Sections 22, 26 and 27, Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Gila
and Salt River Base and Meridian, Maricopa County, Arizona, with reputed street
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

names of West Lower Buckeye Road and South Turner Road alignment.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council adopted Ordinance No. 21-26 approving the transfer of certain rights-of-way and roadways,
lying in Sections 22, 26 and 27, Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Gila and Salt River Base and
Meridian, Maricopa County, Arizona, with reputed street names of West Lower Buckeye Road and
South Turner Road alignment.
*4.H Council to take action on Resolution No. 79-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a
Street Lighting Improvement District (SLID); declaring its intention to form a Street
Lighting Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street
Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2026-001"; 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. 79-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting
Improvement District (SLID); declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District;
designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2026-
001"; 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.I Council to take action on Resolution No. 80-26 ordering the work as described in
Resolution No. 79-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District
No. SLID-2026-001; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council adopted Resolution No. 80-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 79-26 and
forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2026-001; and ordering the
recording and filing of this Resolution.
*4.J Council to take action on Resolution No. 81-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a
Street Lighting Improvement District (SLID); declaring its intention to form a Street
Lighting Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street
Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-002"; 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. 81-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting
Improvement District (SLID); 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-
002"; 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.K Council to take action on Resolution No. 82-26 ordering the work as described in
Resolution No. 81-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District
No. SLID-2025-002; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Council adopted Resolution No. 82-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 81-26 and
forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-002; and ordering the
recording and filing of this Resolution.
*4.L Council to take action on Resolution No. 84-26 accepting a Petition for enlarging MID-
2006-016 to include the Festival Ranch Parcel 84 Development; and ordering the
recording and filing of this Resolution.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council adopted Resolution No. 84-26 accepting a Petition for enlarging MID-2006-016 to include the
Festival Ranch Parcel 84 Development; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
*4.M Council to take action on Resolution No. 88-26 enlarging the Street Lighting Improvement
District No. SLID-2025-008 to include the APS Sidney Substation project; and ordering the
recording and filing of this Resolution.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council adopted Resolution No. 88-26 enlarging the Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-
2025-008 to include the APS Sidney Substation project; and ordering the recording and filing of this
Resolution.
*4.N Council to take action on Resolution No. 89-26 enlarging the Street Lighting Improvement
District No. SLID-2021-002; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council adopted Resolution No. 89-26 enlarging the Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-
2021-002; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
*4.O Council to take action to approve the Wired Telecommunications License and Right-of-
Way Use Agreement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation and
Fiber Assetco LLC d/b/a Zayo, a Delaware limited liability company; and authorizing the
City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council approved the Wired Telecommunications License and Right-of-Way Use Agreement between
the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation and Fiber Assetco LLC d/b/a Zayo, a Delaware
limited liability company; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on
behalf of the City.
*4.P Council to take action to approve the budget transfers outlined on the attached exhibit
titled "FY2026 and FY2027 Budget Transfers dated September 1, 2026", and authorize and
direct the City Manager to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of
said budget transfers.
Staff Liaison: Keith Fallstrom, Chief Financial Officer
Council approved the budget transfers outlined on the attached exhibit titled "FY2026 and FY2027
Budget Transfers dated September 1, 2026", and authorized and directed the City Manager to take all
steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of said budget transfers.
*4.Q Council to take action to preauthorize the City Manager or designee to award, execute,
and deliver contracts and contract changes to those contracts identified on the attached
exhibit titled "FY 2027 Administrative Award for Contracts - September 1, 2026" as may
be required for anticipated expenditures under those contracts.
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Staff Liaison: Kevin Custer, Deputy Finance Director
Council preauthorized the City Manager or designee to award, execute, and deliver contracts and
contract changes to those contracts identified on the attached exhibit titled "FY 2027 Administrative
Award for Contracts - September 1, 2026" as may be required for anticipated expenditures under those
contracts.
*4.R Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $5,304,330 grant
application under the “Fiscal Year 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Grant Program” opportunity to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, with a grant request in the amount of $3,271,003.50 and a required match of
$2,033,326.50 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $5,304,330 grant application under the “Fiscal Year
2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program” opportunity to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, with a grant request in the amount of $3,271,003.50 and a
required match of $2,033,326.50 from the City of Buckeye; 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
said grant application.
*4.S Council to ratify and approve the submission of a $662,200 grant application under the
“FY25 Assistance to Firefighters Grant” opportunity to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, with a grant request in the amount of $602,000 and a required
match of $60,200 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $662,200 grant application under the “FY25
Assistance to Firefighters Grant” opportunity to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with a
grant request in the amount of $602,000 and a required match of $60,200 from the City of Buckeye;
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 said grant application.
*4.T Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $29,000 grant application
under the “Fiscal Year 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program”
opportunity to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with a grant request in the
amount of $27,619 and a required match of $1,381 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $29,000 grant application under the “Fiscal Year
2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program” opportunity to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, with a grant request in the amount of $27,619 and a required match of $1,381
from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
*4.U Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $31,612 grant
application under the “FY27 Grants for Arts Projects” grant opportunity to the National
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Endowment for the Arts, with a grant request in the amount of $15,806 and a required
match of $15,806 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $31,612 grant application under the “FY27 Grants for
Arts Projects” grant opportunity to the National Endowment for the Arts, with a grant request in the
amount of $15,806 and a required match of $15,806 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
*4.V Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $779,832 grant
application under the “High-Priority – Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant Program” to
the United States Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, with a grant request in the amount of $779,832, and no required match
from the City of Buckeye; 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
said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $779,832 grant application under the “High-Priority –
Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant Program” to the United States Department of Transportation –
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, with a grant request in the amount of $779,832, and no
required match from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant
application.
*4.W Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $9,687,300 grant
application under the “Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 Advanced Transportation Technology
and Innovation Competitive Grant Program” to the United States Department of
Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, with a grant request in the amount of
$7,749,840 and a required match of $1,937,460 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $9,687,300 grant application under the “Fiscal Years
2025 and 2026 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation Competitive Grant Program” to
the United States Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, with a grant request
in the amount of $7,749,840 and a required match of $1,937,460 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
*4.X Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $662,461.59 grant
application under the “FY 2026 COPS School Violence Prevention Program” to the
United States Department of Justice – Community Oriented Policing Services Office, with
a grant request in the amount of $496,846.19, and a required match of $165,615.40 from
the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant
application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Council ratified and approved the submission of a $662,461.59 grant application under the “FY 2026
COPS School Violence Prevention Program” to the United States Department of Justice – Community
Oriented Policing Services Office, with a grant request in the amount of $496,846.19, and a required
match of $165,615.40 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said
grant application.
*4.Y Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of an $11,067,100 grant
application under the “Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 Advanced Transportation Technology
and Innovation Competitive Grant Program” to the United States Department of
Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, with a grant request in the amount of
$8,853,680 and a required match of $2,213,420 from the City of Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council ratified and approved the submission of an $11,067,100 grant application under the “Fiscal
Years 2025 and 2026 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation Competitive Grant
Program” to the United States Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration, with a
grant request in the amount of $8,853,680 and a required match of $2,213,420 from the City of
Buckeye; 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 said grant application.
*4.Z Council to take action on Resolution No. 86-26 approving the acceptance of a $750,000
grant award from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security through the "Fiscal Year
2025 Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative" for the purchase of a new Hazardous
Materials truck to replace the existing truck; to approve the procurement authority of
$1,500,000 to purchase said replacement truck; 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 said resolution and this action.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council adopted Resolution No. 86-26 approving the acceptance of a $750,000 grant award from the
Arizona Department of Homeland Security through the "Fiscal Year 2025 Phoenix Urban Area Security
Initiative" for the purchase of a new Hazardous Materials truck to replace the existing truck; to approve
the procurement authority of $1,500,000 to purchase said replacement truck; 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 said resolution and this action.
*4.AA Council to take action on Resolution No. 78-26 approving the Intergovernmental
Agreement between the City of Buckeye, City of Avondale, City of El Mirage, City of
Glendale, City of Goodyear, City of Peoria, City of Surprise, City of Tolleson, and Town of
Wickenburg, relating to the establishment of and the City of Buckeye Police
Department's participation in the West Valley Mobile Field Force Response Team.
Staff Liaison: Robert Sanders, Police Chief
Council adopted Resolution No. 78-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of
Buckeye, City of Avondale, City of El Mirage, City of Glendale, City of Goodyear, City of Peoria, City of
Surprise, City of Tolleson, and Town of Wickenburg, relating to the establishment of and the City of
Buckeye Police Department's participation in the West Valley Mobile Field Force Response Team.
*4.AB Council to take action on Resolution No. 87-26, exempting certain City vehicles from
vehicle marking requirements pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 38-538 et
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

seq., for a period from September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
Council adopted Resolution No. 87-26, exempting certain City vehicles from vehicle marking
requirements pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 38-538 et seq., for a period from
September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
*4.AC At the request of staff, no action was taken on this item. Council to take action to
approve the reallocation of Public Works General Obligation Bond Funds in the amount
of approximately $573,865 from the Eason, Edison, and Roosevelt Road reconstruction
projects to the Ripple Road and Apache Road reconstruction projects; 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 said reallocation.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business
5.A Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 20-26, amending the
Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 1.52 acres generally located at the
northwest corner of South Watson Road and West Roeser Road from General Commerce
(GC) to Neighborhood Commercial (C-1).
Staff Liaison: Patricia Cooley, Planner II
Ms. Marquez presented the Buckeye Mini Market Rezone, Case No. PLZZ-24-0003, explaining that
applicant Ken Keller and property owner Kamlesh Patel are requesting to rezone approximately 1.52
acres at the northwest corner of Watson Road and Roeser Road from General Commerce (GC) to
Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) to facilitate a neighborhood-scale retail center. The site is designated
Neighborhood under the General Plan and is located in a largely residential area. The existing GC
zoning is being phased out by the City and is not consistent with the General Plan, while the proposed
C-1 zoning is compatible with surrounding residential uses. A vicinity map and conceptual site plan
were displayed, showing a proposed small retail center with a market and other retail spaces. A formal
site plan application has not been submitted, and required infrastructure improvements will be
determined during the site plan process and are the responsibility of the developer. Public participation
included a neighborhood meeting held September 3, 2025, legal notice, and site posting, with no public
comments received. Staff recommended approval, finding the request consistent with the General Plan
and Development Code and appropriate for the surrounding neighborhood, with no outstanding issues
identified by reviewing departments. Staff recommended adoption of Ordinance No. 20-26, subject to
Conditions A through G in the staff report. Vice Mayor Goodman opened a public hearing at 6:23 p.m.
to hear citizen input regarding Ordinance No. 20-26. There being no public comment, Vice Mayor
Goodman closed the public hearing at 6:23 p.m. Councilmember Heustis asked why the parcel
immediately north of the subject property was not included in the rezone request. Ms. Marquez
explained the parcel is owned by the City and contains a City well site; therefore, no zoning change
was necessary at this time. Councilmember Youngker requested further information regarding the
zoning change and benefits of the proposed C-1 zoning. Ms. Marquez explained that, while some uses
overlap between GC and C-1, the districts have different development standards and C-1 provides for
more compatible neighborhood-scale uses and improved design standards. Councilmember Youngker
stated that the change would transition the property from an outdated zoning designation and allow
development consistent with the City's updated Development Code. A motion was made by
Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Youngker to adopt Ordinance No. 20-26
amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for approximately 1.52 acres generally located at the
northwest corner of South Watson Road and West Roeser Road from General Commerce (GC) to
Neighborhood Commercial (C-1). Motion passed unanimously.
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

5.B Council to take action to approve an increase of $7,920,000 in expenditure authority for
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150, Intersection Improvements –
Verrado Way, Yuma Road to Van Buren Street, modifying the total Project expenditure
from $16,000,000 to an amount not to exceed $23,920,000; to authorize the use of General
Obligation (GO) Bond proceeds using the budget authority included in the FY2027
budget to cover additional costs; and authorize the City Manager on behalf of the City to
execute the associated contract amendments, change orders, acquisition of necessary
property interests, and other reasonable and necessary Project expenditures, in an
amount not to exceed $23,920,000.
Staff Liaison: Riley Quinlan, Contract Deputy Director of CIP
Debbie Grulke presented statements and concerns regarding reimbursement and funding for utility
infrastructure requested by adjacent developers. Thomas Dwyer presented statements and concerns
regarding the increase in project expenditures. Laura Weaver presented statements and concerns
regarding utility infrastructure requested by adjacent developers. Gloria Wickingstad presented
statements and concerns regarding additional property interests.
Mr. Quinlan presented the Verrado Way and Yuma Road project and requested an expenditure
adjustment to account for the progression from the 60 percent cost model to final design, changes in
development timing, additional improvements incorporated into the project, and land acquisition costs.
The project includes improvements to the Verrado Way and Yuma Road intersection, roadway
improvements along Yuma Road, traffic signals, and drainage improvements associated with raising
the intersection to address flooding and safety concerns. The project schedule was shortened by
approximately 10 to 11 months through revised phasing and additional construction crews, resulting in
more than $1 million in associated construction cost savings. The goal is to open one lane in each
direction at the intersection by the end of October, with the southern half-street improvements along
Yuma Road anticipated in early 2027. As the project progressed from 60 to 100 percent design,
additional drainage improvements, roadway elevation changes, and the southern half-street
improvements were incorporated to eliminate a pinch point and complete permanent improvements. A
significant portion of these improvements is expected to be reimbursed by adjacent developers upon
development, with some reimbursement already collected. The expenditure adjustment also includes
additional contingency for acquisition of State Land. An independent appraisal valued the property at
approximately $330,000, while the Arizona State Land appraisal valued it at approximately $1 million.
The City will continue the administrative process to resolve the land value while maintaining the
necessary property rights to proceed with the project. Overall, more than 50 percent of the requested
expenditure adjustment is expected to be covered through developer reimbursements. Mr. Quinlan
requested increasing the project budget by $7.92 million, from $16 million to approximately $24 million,
and authorization to continue negotiations with Arizona State Land regarding the property value. Based
on questions from Councilmember Heustis and Vice Mayor Goodman regarding the reimbursement
process, Mr. Quinlan explained that developers would reimburse the City for infrastructure costs they
would otherwise be required to pay. Councilmember Beard asked if developers would reimburse the full
cost of required half-street improvements, and Mr. Quinlan confirmed they would reimburse the City for
the permanent improvements associated with their half street. Councilmember Youngker asked about
the reimbursement process and development agreement; Mr. Quinlan and Ms. Henry explained the
City is using a development agreement to facilitate cost recovery from the SIHI development, and the
agreement is anticipated to be completed within several months. Councilmember Youngker asked
about the project schedule, and Mr. Quinlan confirmed that two-way traffic is anticipated by the end of
October, the ultimate intersection by the end of the year, and additional Yuma Road improvements
potentially into early 2027. Councilmember Youngker also asked about the difference between the City
and State property appraisals, and Mr. Quinlan explained that a third-party appraisal is being pursued
to assist in resolving the difference, and the additional authorization would provide flexibility if needed.
Councilmember Youngker noted the importance of identifying developers by name in future agenda
materials to provide greater clarity and transparency to the public. A motion was made by
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Youngker to approve an increase of
$7,920,000 in expenditure authority for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150,
Intersection Improvements – Verrado Way, Yuma Road to Van Buren Street, modifying the total Project
expenditure from $16,000,000 to an amount not to exceed $23,920,000; to authorize the use of
General Obligation (GO) Bond proceeds using the budget authority included in the FY2027 budget to
cover additional costs; and authorize the City Manager on behalf of the City to execute the associated
contract amendments, change orders, acquisition of necessary property interests, and other reasonable
and necessary Project expenditures, in an amount not to exceed $23,920,000. Motion passed
unanimously.
6. Comments from the Mayor and Council
Councilmember Berry thanked Dave Roderique for his service to the City and congratulated him on his
upcoming retirement.
Vice Mayor Goodman echoed the congratulations and thanked the public speakers for participating in
the discussion and sharing their questions and concerns regarding Agenda Item 5B.
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, Vice Mayor Goodman adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
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Eric W. Orsborn, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the Regular Council Meeting
held on September 1, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present.
_____________________________________
Summer Stewart, Interim City Clerk
September 1, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes