Regular Council Meeting — Buckeye, AZ
Date: 2026-02-04

CITY OF BUCKEYE
 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
 FEBRUARY 3, 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.; Ronda Everett of Verrado Community Prayer
led the invocation; Councilmember HagEstad led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members Present: Councilmember Youngker (arrived at 6:03 p.m. via Microsoft Teams),
Councilmember Berry, Councilmember HagEstad, Councilmember Beard, 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, City Attorney Tosca Henry, City Clerk Lucinda Aja, Police Chief Robert
Sanders, Fire Chief Jake Rhoades, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Program Management
Office Director James Shano, Chief Human Resources Officer Cindy Camarata, Community Services
Director Miranda Gomez, Information Technology Director Greg Platacz, Interim Chief Financial
Officer Rick Langley, Interim Communications Director John O’Halloran, Public Works Director Amy
Murray, Economic Development Director Suzie Boyles, and Grant Program and Procurement Manager
Rob Roach.

2. Awards/Presentations/Proclamations – None.

3. 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
declared a conflict of interest and recused himself from any discussion and voting on Item *4.I.
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, and *4.L., noting
Mayor’s recusal on Item *4.I. For the record: due to technical difficulties, Councilmember
Youngker, who appeared remotely via Microsoft Teams, was unable to hear the audio during
the motion and vote on the Consent Agenda; therefore, he did not vote. Motion carried.

*4.A Council to take action on Resolution No. 16-26 approving the dedication back to
 developer, or developer's successor-in-title, of real property described within the
 instrument entitled Special Warranty Deed for Right-Of-Way and Other Related
February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
 Purposes, recorded at Instrument Number 2009-0309268, Maricopa County Recorder,
 situated generally in the East Half of Section 23, and the West Half of Section 24,
 Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian.
 Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer

Council adopted Resolution No. 16-26 approving the dedication back to developer, or developer's
successor-in-title, of real property described within the instrument entitled Special Warranty Deed for
Right-Of-Way and Other Related Purposes, recorded at Instrument Number 2009-0309268, Maricopa
County Recorder, situated generally in the East Half of Section 23, and the West Half of Section 24,
Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian.

*4.B Council to take action on Resolution No. 18-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a
 Street Lighting Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting
 Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting
 Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013"; 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. 18-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting
Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District; designating
such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013";
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.C Council to take action on Resolution No. 19-26 ordering the work as described in
 Resolution No. 18-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District
 No. SLID-2025-013; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
 Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer

Council adopted Resolution No. 19-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 18-26 and
forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-013; and ordering the
recording and filing of this Resolution.

*4.D Council to take action on Resolution No. 20-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a
 Street Lighting Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting
 Improvement District; designating such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting
 Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008"; 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. 20-26 accepting a Petition for Formation of a Street Lighting
Improvement District; declaring its intention to form a Street Lighting Improvement District; designating
such District as the "City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008";
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.


February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
*4.E Council to take action on Resolution No. 21-26 ordering the work as described in
 Resolution No. 20-26 and forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District
 No. SLID-2025-008; and ordering the recording and filing of this Resolution.
 Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer

Council adopted Resolution No. 21-26 ordering the work as described in Resolution No. 20-26 and
forming City of Buckeye Street Lighting Improvement District No. SLID-2025-008; and ordering the
recording and filing of this Resolution.

*4.F Council to take action on the sale of a City-owned parcel of excess land at public
 auction.
 Staff Liaison: Paul Baumgardt, Contract Right-of-Way Coordinator

Council approved the sale of a City-owned parcel of excess land at public auction.

*4.G Council to take action to preauthorize the City Manager to approve construction actions,
 contracts and contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No.
 109050 - Jackrabbit Trail roadway improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road,
 in an amount not to exceed the remaining approved construction budget of $19,846,000,
 to allow phased implementation of the Project; approve the First Amendment to the
 Construction Manager at Risk Agreement (Contract No. 2023150B) between the City of
 Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, Haydon Companies, LLC, an Arizona limited
 liability corporation, related to Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for
 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050, Jackrabbit Trail roadway
 improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in the amount of $18,144,957.70,
 which represents the first phase of construction; and authorize the City Manager to
 execute and deliver said Agreements and to take all actions necessary to carry out the
 purpose and intent of this authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Allyson Camillucci, Contract Project Manager

Council preauthorized the City Manager to approve construction actions, contracts and contract
amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050 - Jackrabbit Trail roadway
improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in an amount not to exceed the remaining
approved construction budget of $19,846,000, to allow phased implementation of the Project;
approved the First Amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement (Contract No.
2023150B) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, Haydon Companies,
LLC, an Arizona limited liability corporation, related to Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050, Jackrabbit Trail roadway
improvements from McDowell Road to Thomas Road, in the amount of $18,144,957.70, which
represents the first phase of construction; and authorized the City Manager to execute and deliver
said Agreements and to take all actions necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this
authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.H Council to take action on Resolution No 17-26 approving the Intergovernmental
 Agreement (ADOT CAR No.: IGA 23-0009334-I) between the City of Buckeye, an
 Arizona Municipal Corporation, and the State of Arizona Department of
 Transportation, for the construction, management, operation and maintenance of
 traffic interchange at the Interstate 10 (I-10) and Jackrabbit Trail intersection; and
 authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the
 City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: John Willett, Deputy Director of Transportation,


February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Council adopted Resolution No 17-26 approving the Intergovernmental Agreement (ADOT CAR No.:
IGA 23-0009334-I) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona Municipal Corporation, and the State of
Arizona Department of Transportation, for the construction, management, operation and maintenance
of traffic interchange at the Interstate 10 (I-10) and Jackrabbit Trail intersection; and authorizing the
City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.I Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 2 to Job Order Contract (JOC) No. 2025088
 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Brycon
 Corporation, a New Mexico corporation, related to the construction services for Capital
 Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109290 Gateway Enhancement Program -
 Miller/Watson; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Delivery
 Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Rodrigo Nemi, Project Manager

Council approved Delivery Order No. 2 to Job Order Contract (JOC) No. 2025088 between the City of
Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Brycon Corporation, a New Mexico corporation,
related to the construction services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109290
Gateway Enhancement Program - Miller/Watson; and authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.J Council to take action to preauthorize the City Manager to approve construction actions,
 contracts and potential contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
 Project No. 100630, Durango St-Miller to Yuma Roadway Improvements, in an amount
 not to exceed the approved construction budget of $6,100,000, to allow phased
 implementation of the project; approve the Construction Contract (Contract No.
 32600110) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Sunland
 Asphalt & Construction, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the amount of
 $4,585,900, for the construction improvements of Durango Street from Miller Road to
 Yuma Road; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract and to
 take all actions necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this authorization on
 behalf of the City of Buckeye.
 Staff Liaison: Rodrigo Nemi, Project Manager

Council preauthorized the City Manager to approve construction actions, contracts and potential
contract amendments for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 100630, Durango St-Miller
to Yuma Roadway Improvements, in an amount not to exceed the approved construction budget of
$6,100,000, to allow phased implementation of the project; approved the Construction Contract
(Contract No. 32600110) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Sunland
Asphalt & Construction, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in the amount of $4,585,900, for the
construction improvements of Durango Street from Miller Road to Yuma Road; and authorized the City
Manager to execute and deliver said Contract and to take all actions necessary to carry out the
purpose and intent of this authorization on behalf of the City of Buckeye.

*4.K Council to take action on the removal of Linda Miglio as a Resident Member of the
 Judicial Selection Advisory Board, the appointment of Grayling Jordan as a Resident
 Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board, and the Reappointment of the
 following Members of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board: Lori Stokes as a
 Resident Member, Craig Jennings as the Municipal Presiding Judge Member, Kevin
 Wein as the Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Member, and Joel England as the
 Maricopa County Bar Association Member, all with a term expiration date of
 December 2028.
 Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk

February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Council approved the removal of Linda Miglio as a Resident Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory
Board, the appointment of Grayling Jordan as a Resident Member of the Judicial Selection Advisory
Board, and the Reappointment of the following Members of the Judicial Selection Advisory Board: Lori
Stokes as a Resident Member, Craig Jennings as the Municipal Presiding Judge Member, Kevin Wein
as the Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Member, and Joel England as the Maricopa County Bar
Association Member, all with a term expiration date of December 2028.

*4.L Council to take action on the December 16, 2025 Special Council Meeting and Council
 Executive Session Minutes, December 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes, December
 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2026 Special Council Meeting and
 Executive Session Minutes, and January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.
 Staff Liaison: Summer Stewart, Deputy City Clerk

Council approved the December 16, 2025 Special Council Meeting and Council Executive Session
Minutes, December 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes, December 16, 2025 Regular Council
Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2026 Special Council Meeting and Executive Session Minutes, and
January 6, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes.

5. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business

5.A Council to hold a public hearing only to receive input on housing and community
 development challenges and needs in the City of Buckeye to help inform how the City
 will administer the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is
 funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under
 Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
 Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager

Mr. Roach presented information regarding housing and community development challenges and
needs. The City anticipates receiving approximately $500,000 in housing and community development
funds from HUD in 2026. Prior to receiving those funds, the City must develop a Five-Year
Consolidated Plan, which sets priorities for allocating those funds among housing and community
development activities. He discussed the importance of involving nonprofits in community development
projects, emphasizing the need for collaboration to serve the community effectively. Public outreach
was reviewed. The goal is to have a comprehensive plan ready in May, with the steering committee
considering the input from various stakeholders, including nonprofits, to ensure a coordinated effort in
addressing community needs. Vice Mayor Goodman requested clarification regarding rewarded grant
funding. Mr. Roach stated the committee will determine where and how any funds rewarded are spent
based on the consolidated plan. Based on questions from Mayor Orsborn, Mr. Roach stated funds
may be stacked for future projects. Senior Associate Frankie Lewington with Root Policy Research
provided further clarification regarding the use and stacking of CDBG funds. Mayor Orsborn opened a
public hearing at 6:20 p.m. to hear citizen input regarding housing and community development
challenges and needs in the City of Buckeye. Kimberly Schwartzenberg presented statements
regarding the project and the opportunities to serve needs in the community. There being no further
comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at 6:23 p.m.

5.B Presentation only, no action was taken. Council to receive the Annual Comprehensive
 Financial Report (ACFR) and Audit Results from Heinfeld, Meech & Co., PC (Heinfeld
 Meech), for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025, as required by Arizona Revised Statutes §
 9-481.
 Staff Liaison: Rick Langley, Interim Chief Financial Officer

Jill Shaw from HeinfeldMeech presented the annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit
results for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025. She highlighted that the audit process is a nine-
February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
month endeavor, starting in May and concluding in December. The audit was conducted in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, government auditing standards, and uniform
guidance. Ms. Shaw expressed gratitude to the City's finance department for their cooperation and
efficiency. The audit revealed no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, and the City
received an unmodified, clean opinion. Additionally, the City met all state and federal regulatory
deadlines and is considered low risk, having no material weaknesses or questioned costs in the past
two years.

5.C Council to take action on funding three Economic Development Catalyst Program
 applicants for the combined amount of $87,150, plus certain City fees eligible for
 reimbursement.
 Staff Liaison: Suzanne Boyles, Economic Development Director

Ms. Boyles presented information about the Economic Development Catalyst Program, which has
been in place for over twelve years and aims to promote exterior rehabilitation of commercial projects
by offering grants up to $50,000. The program has resulted in significant private investment, with the
City contributing $1.1 million and receiving over $3 million in private investment. Recent changes to
the program include accepting applications year-round, updating the procurement policy, and clarifying
eligibility criteria. Ms. Boyles introduced three new applicants requesting funding: Buck's Car Wash, All
Faith Community Services, and Liquor Corral. Buck's Car Wash plans to clean and paint exterior trims,
curbing, and fencing, with a total project cost of about $4,200. All Faith Community Services intends to
install new windows, doors, siding, and security lighting, with a total project cost of $75,000. Liquor
Corral aims to replace signs, metal cladding, beams, and a drive-through window, with a total project
cost of $53,000. The review committee recommends moving these projects forward for Council
consideration. Councilmember Heustis asked if the City promotes the Catalyst Program to the entire
City and inquired about the composition of the review committee. Ms. Boyles confirmed the City
promotes the program citywide through press releases, social media, and collaboration with the
Chamber and Main Street; stated the review committee consists of City staff, members of the
Chamber, and members of Main Street. Councilmember HagEstad asked for clarification on how the
City's contribution to the Catalyst Program results in a higher private investment, given that the
examples presented showed the City contributing more than the private entities. Ms. Boyes explained
that the overall history of the program shows that certain projects have contributed more than the
City's contribution, resulting in a larger private investment over time.
A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to approve
funding three Economic Development Catalyst Program applicants for the combined amount of
$87,150, plus certain City fees eligible for reimbursement. Motion passed unanimously.

5.D Council to take action adopting by motion a Notice of Intention to Adopt New or Increased
 Water and Wastewater Rates, Rate Components, Fees or Service Charges and setting a
 public hearing date of April 7, 2026.
 Staff Liaison: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director

Mr. Lowe presented information about the Notice of Intention to adopt new or increased water and
wastewater rates, rate components, fees, or service charges. He explained that the process began six
to eight months ago with the establishment of a Water and Wastewater Rates Committee (WRC)
composed of residents from every district. The committee took a deep dive into the utility business to
understand the costs and drivers behind the rates. The recommendations include a four-year rate
plan, an updated rate structure, and a gradualist approach to avoid significant impacts on ratepayers.
The proposed changes aim to ensure the utilities have an operating surplus, meet reserve
requirements, and maintain a debt service ratio over 1.2 times their available revenue. The next steps
involve issuing a notice of intent, followed by a 60-day public comment period, and then seeking
Council approval for the new rates, which would go live in May. Mr. Askelson provided detailed
information regarding the proposed changes to water and wastewater rates. He explained that the
February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
recommendations include ensuring the utilities have an operating surplus, meeting reserve
requirements, and maintaining a debt service ratio over 1.2 times their available revenue. He
mentioned that the proposed changes involve a four-year rate plan with an updated rate structure and
a gradualism approach to avoid significant impacts on ratepayers. He also highlighted that the
commercial high-end users would see a decrease in their usage rates to balance out the increase in
base rates. Additionally, Mr. Askelson discussed the impact of the new rates on different customer
classes and provided comparisons with other communities in the valley. Councilmember HagEstad
asked about the impact of the new water and wastewater rates on residents, particularly those in
Homeowner Associations (HOAs), and how much they would be paying. Mr. Askelson explained that
the impact on low water users with a 2-inch meter and 20,000 gallons per month usage would see a
decrease of about 31 percent, while high water users with a 2-inch meter and 500,000 gallons per
month usage would see an increase of about 6.8 percent. Non-potable water users would see an
increase of 25.5 percent, but the dollar amount scale is considerably less than potable water. Based
on questions from Councilmember HagEstad, Mr. Lowe explained that the current requested Council
action is to approve the notice of the intention to adopt new or increased water and wastewater rates,
rate components, fees, or service charges. This notice sets a maximum threshold for potential rate
increases. However, it does not mean that the rates are being adopted at this time. The actual
adoption of the rates will occur after the 60-day public comment period, during which adjustments can
be made based on public feedback. Mayor Orsborn asked about the rationale behind choosing a four-
year rate plan instead of a five-year plan. Mr. Lowe explained that the decision was based on financial
milestones, including operating surplus, reserves, and debt coverage ratio. Since both water and
wastewater are scheduled to issue some debt in year three, year four sees a significant drop in these
financial metrics. Therefore, a four-year plan allows for a pause to reassess the situation before
proceeding further. Mayor also inquired about the public outreach efforts and feedback from HOA
partners. Mr. Lowe mentioned that several HOAs were invited to meetings, and those who attended
appreciated the approach taken. The City plans to continue public outreach through bill inserts, social
media, and participation in community events to ensure residents are informed about the rate
changes. A motion was made by Councilmember Heustis and seconded by Vice Mayor Goodman to
adopt a Notice of Intention to Adopt New or Increased Water and Wastewater Rates, Rate
Components, Fees or Service Charges and setting a public hearing date of April 7, 2026. Motion
passed unanimously.

6. Comments from the Mayor and Council

Councilmember Heustis: thanked Communications staff for promotional efforts related to recent
successful events in the City.

Mayor Orsborn: thanked staff for roadway improvements along McDowell Road; presented statements
and expressed appreciation to staff for recent successful Buckeye Days Events in the City; expressed
excitement about the upcoming Buckeye Air Fair event at the Buckeye Municipal Airport.

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 7:23 p.m.

_________________________________
Eric W. Orsborn, Mayor

February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
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 February 3, 2026. I further certify that a quorum was present.

_____________________________________
Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk




February 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes