Regular Council Meeting — Buckeye, AZ
Date: 2026-04-22

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BUCKEYE CITY OF BUCKEYE
 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
 ARIZONA


 APRIL 21, 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 Rick Wiles of the First Southern
Baptist Church 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, Vice Mayor Goodman, and
Mayor Orsborn.

Members Absent: None.

Departments Present: City Manager Doug Sandstrom, Deputy City Manager Dave Roderique,
Deputy City Manager Javier Setovich, Deputy City Manager Jared Askelson, City Attorney Tosca
Henry, City Clerk Lucinda Aja, Assistant Fire Chief Rayne Gray, Water Resources Director Terry
Lowe, Program Management Office Director James Shano, Community Services Director Miranda
Gomez, Chief Financial Officer Keith Fallstrom, Economic Development Director Suzanne Boyles,
Communications Director John O’Halloran, Chief Human Resources Officer Cindy Camarata, Public
Works Director Amy Murray, Deputy Police Chief Charles Bezio, Development Services Director
Brian Craig, Aviation Director Scott Gray, and Information Technology Deputy Director Alan
Eubanks.

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. Mayor Orsborn
noted for the record that Councilmember HagEstad has filed a Conflict of Interest with the
City Clerk’s Office related to Item *4.A and has recused himself from any discussion and
voting; Mayor Orsborn pulled Item *4.A from the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by
Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve Items *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, and *4.P. Motion passed
unanimously.

*4.A Council to take action on the Agreement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
 municipal corporation, and the Church at Sun Valley, Inc., an Arizona non-profit
April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
 corporation, involving a long-term ground lease for approximately 2.5 acres, to locate
 a separate and free-standing library and community center at the Church's property;
 approve the appropriation of $2,700,000 for the lease payment, and $844,000 for the
 City's share of shared on-site infrastructure costs; approve the Assignment of Water
 and Sewer Capacity Rights between Pulte Home Company, LLC, a Michigan limited
 liability company, and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation;
 authorize and direct the City Manager to execute and deliver said assignment of
 capacity agreement and said long-term ground lease together with executable
 exhibits pertaining to (i) joint use of the parties' facilities, (ii) reimbursement by the
 City to the Church at Sun Valley for City's share of costs pertaining to on-site
 infrastructure constructed by the Church; (iii) mutual easements and shared
 maintenance of common areas; and (iv) City's right of first refusal to purchase the 2.5
 acres; and, further, authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and
 City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry
 out the purpose and intent, of this action.
 Staff Liaison: Miranda Gomez, Community Services Director

Mayor Orsborn noted for the record that Councilmember HagEstad has filed a Conflict of Interest
with the City Clerk’s Office related to Item *4.A and has recused himself from any discussion and
voting; Mayor Orsborn pulled Item *4.A from the Consent Agenda. After action was taken on the
balance of the Consent Agenda, a motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by
Vice Mayor Goodman to approve the Agreement between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
municipal corporation, and the Church at Sun Valley, Inc., an Arizona non-profit corporation,
involving a long-term ground lease for approximately 2.5 acres, to locate a separate and free-
standing library and community center at the Church's property; approve the appropriation of
$2,700,000 for the lease payment, and $844,000 for the City's share of shared on-site infrastructure
costs; approve the Assignment of Water and Sewer Capacity Rights between Pulte Home
Company, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal
corporation; authorize and direct the City Manager to execute and deliver said assignment of
capacity agreement and said long-term ground lease together with executable exhibits pertaining to
(i) joint use of the parties' facilities, (ii) reimbursement by the City to the Church at Sun Valley for
City's share of costs pertaining to on-site infrastructure constructed by the Church; (iii) mutual
easements and shared maintenance of common areas; and (iv) City's right of first refusal to
purchase the 2.5 acres; and, further, authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney,
and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the
purpose and intent, of this action. Motion passed unanimously.

*4.B Council to take action on the cancellation of the Regular City Council Meetings
 scheduled for July 21, 2026, August 4, 2026 and August 18, 2026.
 Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk

Council approved the cancellation of the Regular City Council Meetings scheduled for July 21,
2026, August 4, 2026 and August 18, 2026.

*4.C Council to take action on the request for a new Series 010 (Beer and Wine Store)
 Liquor License (Application No. 385514) for Target #2944, located at 1355 North
 Verrado Way in Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk

Council approved the request for a new Series 010 (Beer and Wine Store) Liquor License
(Application No. 385514) for Target #2944, located at 1355 North Verrado Way in Buckeye.



April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
*4.D Council to take action on Change Order No. 3 to Task Order No. 26 of the On-Call
 Consulting for Engineering and Architectural Services Contract (No. 2022003.22)
 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Kimley-Horn and
 Associates, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, related to the Engineering Design
 Standards Update for 2025; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver
 said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer

Council approved Change Order No. 3 to Task Order No. 26 of the On-Call Consulting for
Engineering and Architectural Services Contract (No. 2022003.22) between the City of Buckeye, an
Arizona municipal corporation, and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., a North Carolina corporation,
related to the Engineering Design Standards Update for 2025; and authorize the City Manager to
execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.E Council to take action to approve the National Opioid Settlement involving the
 "Remnant Defendants" under the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804);
 authorize the Mayor to approve the execution of the Settlement Participation form on
 behalf of the City; and authorize the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City
 Clerk to take the steps necessary to carry out the terms of said Opioid Settlement on
 behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager

Council approved the National Opioid Settlement involving the "Remnant Defendants" under the
National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804); authorize the Mayor to approve the execution of
the Settlement Participation form on behalf of the City; and authorized the Mayor, City Manager,
City Attorney, and City Clerk to take the steps necessary to carry out the terms of said Opioid
Settlement on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.F Council to take action to ratify and approve the National Opioid Settlement on behalf
 of the City involving the Mallinckrodt, McKinsey, and Endo Public Defendants under
 the National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804); authorize the City to
 participate in the Opioid Settlement with said Defendants; 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 the Opioid Settlement with said Defendants.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager

Council ratified and approved the National Opioid Settlement on behalf of the City involving the
Mallinckrodt, McKinsey, and Endo Public Defendants under the National Prescription Opiate
Litigation (MDL 2804); authorized the City to participate in the Opioid Settlement with said
Defendants; 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 the Opioid Settlement with said
Defendants.

*4.G Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $6,000,000 grant
 application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending
 Appropriations Request through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben
 Gallego for the construction of a ring levee around the Buckeye Central Water
 Reclamation Facility, with a federal request in the amount of $4,500,000, and a local
 match of $1,500,000; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney,
 and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and
 carry out the purpose and intent, of said application.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager


April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Council ratified and approved the submission of a $6,000,000 grant application through the Fiscal
Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Appropriations Request through the offices of
Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a ring levee around the Buckeye
Central Water Reclamation Facility, with a federal request in the amount of $4,500,000, and a local
match of $1,500,000; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City
Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose
and intent, of said application.

*4.H Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $1,500,000 grant
 application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending
 Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the
 purchase of a new Hazardous Materials Truck, with federal funding in the amount of
 $1,125,000, and a $375,000 local match; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City
 Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the
 execution and delivery, and to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and
 intent, of said application.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager

Council ratified and approved the submission of a $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal
Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark
Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the purchase of a new Hazardous Materials Truck, with federal funding
in the amount of $1,125,000, and a $375,000 local match; and authorized and directed the Mayor,
City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause the execution and
delivery, and to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent, of said application.

*4.I Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $1,500,000 grant
 application through the Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending
 Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the
 construction of a temporary airport tower at the Buckeye Municipal Airport, with
 federal funds of $1,350,000, and a local match of $150,000; and authorize and direct
 the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to
 cause the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said
 application.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager

Council ratified and approved the submission of a $1,500,000 grant application through the Fiscal
Year 2027 Congressional Directed Spending Opportunities through the offices of Senators Mark
Kelly and Ruben Gallego for the construction of a temporary airport tower at the Buckeye Municipal
Airport, with federal funds of $1,350,000, and a local match of $150,000; and authorized and
directed the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to take all steps necessary to cause
the execution and delivery, and carry out the purpose and intent, of said application.

*4.J Council to take action to approve, accept, and carry out the terms and conditions of
 the PM-10 Certified Street Sweeper Projects for Fiscal Year 2026 Congestion
 Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Funding Grant through the Maricopa Association
 of Governments (MAG) in the amount of $438,111, with a $35,199 match from the City
 of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and
 City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents connected with
 the Grant, and to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of said
 Grant.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager



April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Council approved the acceptance and carrying out of the terms and conditions of the PM-10
Certified Street Sweeper Projects for Fiscal Year 2026 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
(CMAQ) Funding Grant through the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) in the amount of
$438,111, with a $35,199 match from the City of Buckeye; and authorized and directed the Mayor,
City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable
documents connected with the Grant, and to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and
intent of said Grant.

*4.K Council to take action on Resolution No. 35-26 approving the Second Amendment to
 Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 18-0007032-I) between the City of
 Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of
 Transportation, relating to improvement to I-10 between State Route 85 and Verrado
 Way; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Amendment to said
 Agreement.
 Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation

Council adopted Resolution No. 35-26 approving the Second Amendment to Intergovernmental
Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 18-0007032-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal
corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation, relating to improvement to I-10
between State Route 85 and Verrado Way; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said
Amendment to said Agreement.

*4.L Council to take action to approve the reprogramming of $4,000,000 from Fiscal Year
 (FY) 2028 to FY 2027 for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150,
 Intersection Improvements – Verrado Way, Yuma Rd to Van Buren St, to advance
 construction; and authorize the City Manager to execute construction expenditures in
 an amount not to exceed $14,282,581.10, inclusive of the previously authorized
 project budget of approximately $10,282,581.10 and the additional $4,000,000
 reprogrammed herein; and to authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City
 Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents,
 and to take all steps necessary, to carry out the purpose and intent of said CIP budget
 reprogramming and construction expenditures.
 Staff Liaison: Allyson Camillucci, Contract Project Manager

Council approved the reprogramming of $4,000,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 to FY 2027 for
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150, Intersection Improvements – Verrado
Way, Yuma Rd to Van Buren St, to advance construction; and authorized the City Manager to
execute construction expenditures in an amount not to exceed $14,282,581.10, inclusive of the
previously authorized project budget of approximately $10,282,581.10 and the additional
$4,000,000 reprogrammed herein; and authorized and directed the Mayor, City Manager, City
Attorney, and City Clerk to execute any and all necessary or desirable documents, and to take all
steps necessary, to carry out the purpose and intent of said CIP budget reprogramming and
construction expenditures.

*4.M Council to take action on Change Order No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement
 (Contract No. 32500002) between the City of Buckeye, and Arizona municipal
 corporation, and LJA Engineering, Inc., a Texas Corporation, related to Construction
 Project Management services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No.
 100630 Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway Improvements; and authorize the City
 Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Rodrigo Nemi, Project Manager



April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Council approved Change Order No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement (Contract No.
32500002) between the City of Buckeye, and Arizona municipal corporation, and LJA Engineering,
Inc., a Texas Corporation, related to Construction Project Management services for Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 100630 Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway
Improvements; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on
behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.N Council to take action on Resolution No. 36-26 approving the Intergovernmental
 Agreement (ADOT CAR No. 26-0011590-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
 municipal corporation, and the State of Arizona acting by and through its Department
 of Transportation, relating to improvements along State Route 85 and Broadway
 Road, State Route 85 and Baseline Road, and State Route 85 and Southern Avenue;
 and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Agreement.
 Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation

Council adopted Resolution No. 36-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR
No. 26-0011590-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the State of
Arizona acting by and through its Department of Transportation, relating to improvements along
State Route 85 and Broadway Road, State Route 85 and Baseline Road, and State Route 85 and
Southern Avenue; and authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver said Agreement.

*4.O Council to take action on the Water Development Impact Fee Credit Agreement for
 Ventana Ranch Phase I Well No. 1 Improvements between the City of Buckeye, an
 Arizona municipal corporation, and Lennar Arizona, LLC, an Arizona limited liability
 company; and authorize the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the
 City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director

Council approved the Water Development Impact Fee Credit Agreement for Ventana Ranch Phase
I Well No. 1 Improvements between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and
Lennar Arizona, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company; and authorized the City Manager to
execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.P Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 1 to the Job Order Contract (JOC No.
 2025107) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and MGC
 Contractors, Inc., an Arizona corporation; and authorize the City Manager to execute
 said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director

Council approved Delivery Order No. 1 to the Job Order Contract (JOC No. 2025107) between the
City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and MGC Contractors, Inc., an Arizona
corporation; and authorized the City Manager to execute said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of
Buckeye.

5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business

5.A Council to take action to adopt the Airport Master Plan; and authorize staff to take all
 actions necessary to submit the Airport Master Plan to the Federal Aviation
 Administration for review and approval.
 Staff Liaison: Scott Gray, Aviation Director

Mr. Gray presented an overview of the Airport Master Plan, describing it as a twenty-year Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) required capital development document that guides airport growth

April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
and eligibility for federal funding. He explained that the plan is based on approved activity levels
and is not visionary, but rather grounded in calculated forecasts. The process included public
outreach, workshops, and feedback from property owners and developers, particularly concerning
the proposed crosswind runway, which raised concerns about impacts on adjacent developments
and roadways. Due to limited FAA support and stakeholder concerns, the crosswind runway was
removed from the master plan, and the existing runway will be extended and widened. The plan
phases development based on activity triggers rather than specific years, with funding estimated at
$136 million, mostly from federal grants, and some City and State contributions. Mr. Gray
emphasized that the funding strategy is not yet reflected in the City’s Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) and will require coordination with the Finance Department. He also noted that the long-range
vision and area-specific plans will be developed separately, with further stakeholder engagement
and Council consideration planned. Vice Mayor Goodman asked about the FAA's concerns with the
crosswind runway and whether those concerns differed from those of landowners. Mr. Gray
explained that the FAA questioned the need for the crosswind runway based on current activity
forecasts and recommended widening the existing runway instead, but noted that the crosswind
runway could be reconsidered in future long-range planning. He also clarified that landowners and
developers were concerned about the crosswind runway’s impact on their development plans and
road alignments. Mayor Orsborn questioned whether the FAA had previously supported the
crosswind runway based on wind studies and emphasized the need for a long-range vision beyond
the current master plan. Mr. Gray responded that the FAA had always questioned the need for the
crosswind runway and that public support and property owner concerns influenced the decision to
remove it from the master plan. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by
Vice Mayor Goodman to adopt the Airport Master Plan; and authorize staff to take all actions
necessary to submit the Airport Master Plan to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and
approval. Motion passed unanimously.

5.B Council to hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 11-26 approving an
 Amendment to the Sundance Community Master Plan as described in Case No.
 PLZZ-25-0012; and amending the Zoning Map of the City of Buckeye for
 approximately 8.3 acres located west of the southwest corner of Yuma Road and
 Dean Road from Commercial Center (CC) to Commercial Center (CC) with Sundance
 Community Master Plan Overlay.
 Staff Liaison: Mandy Woods, Principal Planner

Ms. Woods presented the amendment to the Sundance Community Master Plan (CMP), explaining
that the request is to add 8.3 acres as a commercial land use designation for a proposed multifamily
residential development. Vicinity maps were displayed. The site is currently vacant and adjacent to
residential and civic uses. The amendment would expand the Sundance overlay to create parcel
34C, allowing for 188 multifamily units, which is permitted under the current zoning but would
enable more compatible setbacks with neighboring single-family homes. The amendment increases
the total planned units in the CMP from 6,798 to 6,954, with an exception allowing 21 additional
units restricted to parcel 34C. A modified building height step-down provision was included to
account for a 90-foot-wide Homeowner Association (HOA) tract adjacent to the site. Public
participation included a neighborhood meeting and proper notice, with no public opposition. The
companion site plan is under review, and traffic, water, sewer, and school impacts have been
addressed. Staff recommends approval; the amendment aligns with the General Plan and
Development Code and will result in high-quality development. Mayor Orsborn opened a public
hearing at 6:45 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding Ordinance No. 11-26. There being no public
comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Council Member Berry asked
whether the walking track south of the wash, used by the community, would still be available to the
public after the amendment. Ms. Woods confirmed the request does not affect the walking path
within the HOA tract. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor
Goodman to adopt Ordinance No. 11-26 approving an Amendment to the Sundance Community

April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Master Plan as described in Case No. PLZZ-25-0012; and amending the Zoning Map of the City of
Buckeye for approximately 8.3 acres located west of the southwest corner of Yuma Road and Dean
Road from Commercial Center (CC) to Commercial Center (CC) with Sundance Community Master
Plan Overlay. Motion passed unanimously.

5.C Council to take action on Resolution No. 39-26 approving Intergovernmental
 Agreement (IGA) No. 26-0011579-I between the State of Arizona, acting through its
 Department of Transportation and the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal
 corporation; establishing a funding mechanism to provide reimbursement to the City
 for certain staffing costs incurred in connection with its participation in the
 construction of the Jackrabbit Trail Traffic Interchange and associated work on the
 Interstate 10 (I-10) widening project; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and
 deliver said Agreement and any related documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation

Mr. Willett presented information regarding the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Arizona
Department of Transportation (ADOT), highlighting that it establishes a funding mechanism for the
City to be reimbursed for staffing costs related to the construction of the Jackrabbit Trail traffic
interchange (TI) and the I-10 widening project. ADOT has selected a construction manager at risk
process, combining the interchange and widening into one project for efficiency. The City will have
a proactive role in meetings, reviewing guaranteed maximum price phases, and providing input to
ensure quality, timing, and minimal resident impact. The IGA allows Buckeye to be reimbursed up
to $350,000 per year for two years. The Jackrabbit TI is funded by Prop 439, while I-10 widening
depends on legislative funding and will be phased as funds become available. The City aims to
maximize lane miles and improvements for the traveling public, prioritizing pavement and ramp
enhancements over amenities like sound walls and lighting. Vice Mayor Goodman asked if ADOT
had already approved the IGA and whether it was now up to the City to approve it. Mr. Willett
answered that the City approves it first, then ADOT, and explained the review and approval process
between the City and ADOT. Mayor Orsborn asked if phasing the project was the most efficient way
to do construction. Mr. Willett responded that, given the funding situation, phasing is beneficial
because it allows progress without waiting and avoids redoing ramps later. Mayor Orsborn
requested specifics on what would be done in phase one, emphasizing the need to maximize lane
miles and improve ramps at Watson and Miller Roads. Mr. Willett confirmed the City's intent to push
for as much relief for commuters as possible, and that the IGA allows Buckeye to have a voice in
these decisions. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor
Goodman to adopt Resolution No. 39-26 approving Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) No. 26-
0011579-I between the State of Arizona, acting through its Department of Transportation and the
City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation; establishing a funding mechanism to provide
reimbursement to the City for certain staffing costs incurred in connection with its participation in the
construction of the Jackrabbit Trail Traffic Interchange and associated work on the Interstate 10 (I-
10) widening project; and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement and
any related documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye. Motion passed unanimously.

5.D Council to take action on Resolution No. 38-26 establishing new or increased
 municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and
 providing for severability.
 Staff Liaison: Brian Craig, Development Services Director

Mr. Craig presented an update to municipal fees, focusing on development and user fees rather
than impact fees. He emphasized the City's goal of achieving full cost recovery for staff time and
resources used in processing permits and services, noting that these fees had not been updated in
over five years. The new fee structure incorporates the Building Valuation Data Table, which will be
updated annually to ensure consistency and accuracy, aligning Buckeye with other Valley cities.

April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Some fees are being reduced due to improved departmental efficiency, while others are increased
to reflect the greater complexity and staff time required for larger projects. Business licensing fees
were consolidated and simplified, introducing a rolling renewal process and specialty categories for
more complex applications. Additional nominal fee changes were proposed for Airport and Public
Works services, including new fees for waste drop-off and key replacement, as well as a four
percent annual escalator for solid waste fees. Ms. Gomez explained that Community Services Fees
are structured to reflect the level of cost recovery appropriate for each type of service, ranging from
zero to full recovery depending on whether the service benefits the community as a whole or is
more individualized, such as shelter rentals or private swim lessons. Based on questions from
Mayor Orsborn, Ms. Gomez clarified that the proposed fee schedule allows flexibility, enabling the
department to adjust fees based on the actual staff time required to facilitate an activity. For
example, renting a facility like 6th Street Plaza for a small event would be charged according to the
true cost, which could be less than the current fixed fee, and open access to facilities remains free
unless reserved. Ms. Gomez also noted that agreements with community groups can help facilitate
events and reduce fees, and that the fee schedule provides discretion to accommodate light
facilitation or special circumstances, ensuring that fees do not discourage community use or
activation of public spaces. Mayor Orsborn expressed concerns that the proposed community
services fees could discourage community groups and nonprofits from using these facilities for
small events; stated that even reduced fees might lead people to hold their gatherings elsewhere,
undermining efforts to activate and program public spaces. The Mayor also highlighted the risk of
unintended consequences, such as groups being deterred from organizing community-oriented
activities due to the cost, and suggested the need for further discussion to ensure the fee structure
supports community engagement rather than discouraging it. Ms. Henry explained that council
could modify proposed fees downward within the noticed range or direct staff to do so, without
restarting the notice process; clarified that Council could continue the item to a date certain; stated
that increasing fees above the noticed range would require restarting the notice process, but
reducing fees or further discussion could proceed without that requirement. Mr. Sandstrom stated
that the fee schedule provide discretion to the Community Services Director to handle one-off
situations where fees may be excessive; mentioned there are fee waiver abilities and other forms of
funding assistance available for rare cases; and noted that discretion allows flexibility, but having a
black-and-white fee structure can lead to dissatisfaction, while discretion can result in ongoing
discussions about exceptions. Vice Mayor Goodman stated that the fee structure provides latitude
to address exceptions, and suggested that if exceptions become common, the policy can be
modified accordingly; expressed confidence that staff have put significant thought into the fee
schedule, resulting in a potentially better product than before; cautioned against creating policy
around exceptions and advocated for trying the new fee structure, emphasizing reliance on the
flexibility built into the policy. Councilmember Heustis asked if someone would be charged or asked
to leave for having a family gathering at a Ramada in Sundance Park without a reservation. Ms.
Gomez answered that facilities are open and available as long as they are not reserved; if a
Ramada is open, it is first come, first served with no charge, but reserving it requires payment;
stated the charge for a Ramada is $10 for a four-hour block of time. A motion was made by
Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Beard to continue to the May 5, 2026
Regular Council Meeting the public hearing and action on Resolution No. 38-26 establishing new or
increased municipal fees; establishing an effective date; repealing conflicting resolutions; and
providing for severability. A roll call vote reflected Councilmember Berry, Councilmember HagEstad,
Councilmember Beard, Councilmember Heustis, and Mayor Orsborn voted aye; Councilmember
Youngker and Vice Mayor Goodman voted nay; motion carried.

6. Comments from the Mayor and Council – None.

7. City Manager's Report and Summary of Current Events

Mr. Sandstrom presented a summary of current events.

April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
8. Proposals for Future Agenda Items – None.

9. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Orsborn adjourned the meeting at 7:32 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 April 21, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present.

_____________________________________
Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk




April 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes