Special Council Meeting
Special MeetingBuckeye, AZ · August 27, 2025
Minutes
CITY OF BUCKEYE
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 26, 2025
MINUTES
City Council Chambers
530 E. Monroe Ave.
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 / Roll Call
Mayor Orsborn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Berry, Councilmember Goodman,
Councilmember HagEstad (via Microsoft Teams), Councilmember Beard, Vice
Mayor Heustis, and Mayor Orsborn. Members
Absent: None.
Departments Present: Interim City Manager Dave Roderique, Deputy City Manager Javier Setovich,
Deputy City Manager Doug Sandstrom, City Attorney Scott McCoy, City Clerk
Lucinda Aja, Chief Financial Officer William Kauppi, Chief Human Resources
Office Cindy Camarata, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Police Chief
Robert Sanders, Deputy Director of Communications John O’Halloran,
Information Technology Director Greg Platacz, Development Services Director
Brian Craig, Economic Development Director Suzie Boyles, Project
Management Office Director James Shano, Aviation Director Scott Gray, Fire
Chief Jake Rhoades, and Deputy Public Works Director Justine Goodere.
2. 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
Vice Mayor Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Goodman to approve Items *2.A, *2.B,
*2.C, *2.D, *2.F, *2.G, *2.H, *2.I, *2.K, *2.L, *2.M, *2.N, *2.O, *2.P, *2.Q, *2.R, and *2.S. Motion
passed unanimously.
*2.A Council to take action on the National Opioids Settlement known as the Purdue Direct
Settlement; to ratify the execution of the Settlement Participation Form on behalf of the
City; and authorizing the City to participate in the Opioid Settlement.
Staff Liaison: Scott McCoy, City Attorney
Council approved the National Opioids Settlement known as the Purdue Direct Settlement; to ratify the
execution of the Settlement Participation Form on behalf of the City; and authorizing the City to
participate in the Opioid Settlement.
*2.B Council to take action on a Minor Subdivision titled "Circle K MC 85 and Buckeye Road,"
located at the northeast corner of MC 85 and Monroe Avenue.
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
Staff Liaison: Andrea Marquez, Senior Planner Special Projects
Council approved a Minor Subdivision titled "Circle K MC 85 and Buckeye Road," located at the
northeast corner of MC 85 and Monroe Avenue.
*2.C Council to take action on Resolution No. 49-25 approving the abandonment of that
certain easement described within the instrument entitled Access Easement Agreement,
recorded at Instrument Number 2009-0286730, Maricopa County Recorder (MCR),
situated generally in the north one half of Lot 17, Valencia Heights, as recorded in Book
21, Page 31, MCR.
Staff Liaison: Ron Moll, City Engineer
Council adopted Resolution No. 49-25 approving the abandonment of that certain easement described
within the instrument entitled Access Easement Agreement, recorded at Instrument Number 2009-
0286730, Maricopa County Recorder (MCR), situated generally in the north one half of Lot 17,
Valencia Heights, as recorded in Book 21, Page 31, MCR.
*2.D Council to take action on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of
Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the Buckeye Main Street Coalition, Inc.,
an Arizona non-profit corporation, relating to economic development services for an 18-
month term beginning August 27, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2026; and authorize
the City Manager to execute and deliver said MOU on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Suzanne Boyles, Economic Development Director
Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
municipal corporation, and the Buckeye Main Street Coalition, Inc., an Arizona non-profit corporation,
relating to economic development services for an 18-month term beginning August 27, 2025 and
ending on December 31, 2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said MOU on
behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.E Council to take action on the approval, acceptance, and execution of a grant award in
the amount of $48,500 from the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, Fiscal Year 2026
Shooting Range Development Grant Program, which supports the enhancements and
re-opening of the two archery ranges at the Joe Foss Shooting Complex, with a City-
required match of $48,500; authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver the Grant
Award Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor,
City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out the purpose and intent of the
Grant Award.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council approved the acceptance and execution of a grant award in the amount of $48,500 from the
Arizona Department of Game and Fish, Fiscal Year 2026 Shooting Range Development Grant
Program, which supports the enhancements and re-opening of the two archery ranges at the Joe Foss
Shooting Complex, with a City-required match of $48,500; authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver the Grant Award Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the
Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out the purpose and intent of the Grant
Award.
*2.F Council to take action on the approval, acceptance, and execution of a Contract for
Services Award (No. 2026-11-BKY) between the City of Buckeye and Area Agency on
Aging, Region One, Incorporated, for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, related to the congregate
and home-delivered meal programs, transportation and multi-purpose operation for the
City of Buckeye Senior Program; authorize the City Manager to sign the Contract and
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
related documents, including any amendments; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City
Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out the purpose and intent of the
Contract.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council approved the acceptance and execution of a Contract for Services Award (No. 2026-11-BKY)
between the City of Buckeye and Area Agency on Aging, Region One, Incorporated, for Fiscal Year
2025-2026, related to the congregate and home-delivered meal programs, transportation and multi-
purpose operation for the City of Buckeye Senior Program; authorize the City Manager to sign the
Contract and related documents, including any amendments; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City
Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out the purpose and intent of the Contract.
*2.G Council to take action on the approval, acceptance, and execution of a Grant Award in
the amount of $8,000 from the State of Arizona Institute of Museum and Library Services
under the 2025 Library Services and Technology Act Grant, which will support the
Buckeye Public Library's Virtual Reality Learning and Exploration Program, with an in-
kind match from the City of Buckeye in the amount of $19,133.75; authorize the City
Manager to execute grant agreement documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye; and
authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out
the purpose and intent of the Grant Award.
Staff Liaison: Rob Roach, Grant Program Manager
Council approved the acceptance and execution of a Grant Award in the amount of $8,000 from the
State of Arizona Institute of Museum and Library Services under the 2025 Library Services and
Technology Act Grant, which will support the Buckeye Public Library's Virtual Reality Learning and
Exploration Program, with an in-kind match from the City of Buckeye in the amount of $19,133.75;
authorize the City Manager to execute grant agreement documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye;
and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out the
purpose and intent of the Grant Award.
*2.H Council to take action on Change Order No. 2, renewing the On-Call Professional
Services Agreement (Contract No. 2025149), between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
municipal corporation, and Layer8, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, through
September 17, 2026, and modifying the not-to-exceed amount, for network management
services, field operations support, Cisco advanced support, and project
management/program management; and authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City.
Staff Liaison: Greg Platacz, Information Technology Director
Council approved Change Order No. 2, renewing the On-Call Professional Services Agreement
(Contract No. 2025149), between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Layer8,
LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, through September 17, 2026, and modifying the not-to-
exceed amount, for network management services, field operations support, Cisco advanced support,
and project management/program management; and authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City.
*2.I Council to take action to preauthorize the City Manager to execute contract amendments
to the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement up to the combined cost of a not to
exceed amount of $10,200,000 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal
corporation, and Achen-Gardner Construction, L.L.C., an Arizona limited liability
company, related to Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150, Intersection Improvements – Verrado
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Way, Yuma Road to Van Buren Street; and authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver said Agreements on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Allyson Camillucci, Contract Project Manager
Council approved preauthorizing the City Manager to execute contract amendments to the
Construction Manager at Risk Agreement up to the combined cost of a not to exceed amount of
$10,200,000 between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Achen-Gardner
Construction, L.L.C., an Arizona limited liability company, related to Construction Manager at Risk
(CMAR) services for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 101150, Intersection
Improvements – Verrado Way, Yuma Road to Van Buren Street; and authorize the City Manager to
execute and deliver said Agreements on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.J Council to take action on Delivery Order No. 1 to the Job Order Contract (JOC No.
2025090) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Haydon
Companies, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, related to Miller Road – Interim
Improvements; approving the creation of CIP No. 20250382 and its inclusion in the City’s
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program; and authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Craig Sharp, Transportation Engineer
Council approved Delivery Order No. 1 to the Job Order Contract (JOC No. 2025090) between the City
of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Haydon Companies, LLC, an Arizona limited
liability company, related to Miller Road – Interim Improvements; approving the creation of CIP No.
20250382 and its inclusion in the City’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program; and authorize the
City Manager to execute and deliver said Delivery Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.K Council to take action on Task Order No. 1 to the On-Call Consulting Contract (No.
2025304) for Engineering and Technical Services between the City of Buckeye, an
Arizona municipal corporation, and AECOM Technical Services, Inc., a California
corporation, for professional consulting services for the I-10 Verrado Way Traffic
Interchange Design Concept Report; and authorize the City Manager to execute and
deliver said Task Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: John Willett, Acting PMO Deputy Director of Transportation
Council approved Task Order No. 1 to the On-Call Consulting Contract (No. 2025304) for Engineering
and Technical Services between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and AECOM
Technical Services, Inc., a California corporation, for professional consulting services for the I-10
Verrado Way Traffic Interchange Design Concept Report; and authorize the City Manager to execute
and deliver said Task Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.L Council to take action on Task Order No. 1 to the On-Call Consulting Contract (No.
2025307) for Engineering and Architectural Services between the City of Buckeye, an
Arizona municipal corporation, and Michael Baker International, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation, for professional consulting services for the Dean Road / Interstate 10
Traffic Interchange Design Concept Report; and authorize the City Manager to execute
and deliver said Task Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: John Willett, Acting PMO Deputy Director of Transportation
Council approved Task Order No. 1 to the On-Call Consulting Contract (No. 2025307) for Engineering
and Architectural Services between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and
Michael Baker International, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, for professional consulting services for
the Dean Road / Interstate 10 Traffic Interchange Design Concept Report; and authorize the City
Manager to execute and deliver said Task Order on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
*2.M Council to take action to approve eight partially executed Contracts between the City of
Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and seven landowners to facilitate
upcoming construction for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050 –
Jackrabbit Trail, McDowell Road to Thomas Road; authorize the City Manager to execute
and deliver the Contracts and related documents on behalf of the City of Buckeye; and
authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to carry out
the purpose and intent of the Contracts.
Staff Liaison: Allyson Camillucci, Contract Project Manager
Council approved eight partially executed Contracts between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
municipal corporation, and seven landowners to facilitate upcoming construction for Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 109050 – Jackrabbit Trail, McDowell Road to Thomas Road;
authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver the Contracts and related documents on behalf of
the City of Buckeye; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to
carry out the purpose and intent of the Contracts.
*2.N Council to take action on the Construction Contract (No. 32500057) for Metal Building
Design and Construction between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal
corporation, and Neve, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company, for Sun Valley Parkway
– Metal Building Design and Construction; and authorize the City Manager to execute
and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
Council approved the Construction Contract (No. 32500057) for Metal Building Design and
Construction between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Neve, LLC, an
Arizona limited liability company, for Sun Valley Parkway – Metal Building Design and Construction;
and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.O Council to take action on Change Order No. 2 to the Addendum to OpenGov Master
Services Agreement (Contract No. 2025232) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
municipal corporation, and OpenGov Inc., a Delaware corporation, related to asset
management and work order software licensing for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and authorize
the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on behalf of the City of
Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
Council approved Change Order No. 2 to the Addendum to OpenGov Master Services Agreement
(Contract No. 2025232) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and OpenGov
Inc., a Delaware corporation, related to asset management and work order software licensing for
Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Change Order on
behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.P Council to take action on the Construction Contract (No. 32500078) for Lower Buckeye
Road Reconstruction between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation,
and MR Tanner LLC, a state of Arizona Limited Liability Company, to make public
roadway repairs, reconstructing existing roadway pavement sections within Lower
Buckeye Road, Watson Road to 247th Avenue; and authorize the City Manager to
execute said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
Council approved the Construction Contract (No. 32500078) for Lower Buckeye Road Reconstruction
between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and MR Tanner LLC, a state of
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
Arizona Limited Liability Company, to make public roadway repairs, reconstructing existing roadway
pavement sections within Lower Buckeye Road, Watson Road to 247th Avenue; and authorize the City
Manager to execute said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.Q Council to take action on the Construction Contract (No. 32500079) for Edison Avenue,
Eason Avenue, and Roosevelt Avenue, between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona
municipal corporation, and Red Point Contracting, a state of Arizona Limited Liability
Company, to make public roadway repairs, reconstructing existing roadway pavement
sections within Edison Avenue / Eason Avenue / Roosevelt Avenue, between 4th Street
to Miller Road (1st Street); and authorize the City Manager to execute said Contract on
behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
Council approved the Construction Contract (No. 32500079) for Edison Avenue, Eason Avenue, and
Roosevelt Avenue, between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and Red Point
Contracting, a state of Arizona Limited Liability Company, to make public roadway repairs,
reconstructing existing roadway pavement sections within Edison Avenue / Eason Avenue / Roosevelt
Avenue, between 4th Street to Miller Road (1st Street); and authorize the City Manager to execute
said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.R Council to take action on the Job Order Contract (JOC No. 2025081) and ratify the
purchase order previously issued for an asphalt “mill and overlay” on southbound
Verrado Way, from Thomas Road to McDowell Road; this Contract will be between the
City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and M.R. Tanner LLC, an Arizona
Limited Liability Company, to make public roadway repairs, removing existing roadway
pavement surface course section within Verrado Way, Thomas Road to McDowell Road;
and authorize the City Manager to execute said Contract on behalf of the City of
Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Amy Murray, Public Works Director
Council approved Job Order Contract (JOC No. 2025081) and ratified the purchase order previously
issued for an asphalt “mill and overlay” on southbound Verrado Way, from Thomas Road to McDowell
Road; this Contract will be between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and M.R.
Tanner LLC, an Arizona Limited Liability Company, to make public roadway repairs, removing existing
roadway pavement surface course section within Verrado Way, Thomas Road to McDowell Road; and
authorize the City Manager to execute said Contract on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
*2.S Council to take action on the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License
(Application No. 351278) for First Watch #1118, located at 840 North Verrado Way, #101,
in Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: Lucinda Aja, City Clerk
Council approved the request for a new Series 012 (Restaurant) Liquor License (Application No.
351278) for First Watch #1118, located at 840 North Verrado Way, #101, in Buckeye.
3. Public Hearings / Non-Consent - New Business
3.A Council to hold a public hearing only related to the annexation of one parcel of land,
totaling approximately 2.52 acres, located at the northwest corner of East Baseline Road
and East MC-85.
Staff Liaison: Adam Copeland, Deputy Director of Planning
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
Mr. Copeland presented information regarding the proposed annexation; vicinity maps were displayed.
The property owner Win Oil Co., Inc., is requesting annexation of one parcel of land, totaling
approximately 2.52 acres, at the northwest corner of East Baseline Road and East MC-
85. Annexation occurs when the City assumes jurisdiction over unincorporated land adjacent to its
boundaries and expands the existing City limits. Annexation of the property will allow all development
applications to process through the City. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:03 p.m. to hear
citizen input regarding the proposed annexation. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn
closed the public hearing at 6:04 p.m.
3.B Council to hold a public hearing only related to the annexation of 43 parcels of land
totaling approximately 1,918.85 acres, generally bounded by Broadway Road to the
north, Jackrabbit Trail to the east, MC 85 to the south, and Dean Road to the west.
Staff Liaison: Ken Galica, Planning Manager
Mr. Galica presented information regarding the proposed annexation; vicinity maps were displayed.
Alan Beaudoin, Norris Design, on behalf of property owner Grand View Buckeye LLC, is requesting an
annexation of 43 parcels of land totaling approximately 1,918.85 acres, generally bounded by
Broadway Road to the north, Jackrabbit Trail to the east, MC 85 to the south, and Dean Road to the
west. Annexation occurs when the City assumes jurisdiction over unincorporated land adjacent to its
boundaries and expands the existing City limits. The annexation would allow future development on
the property to process applications through the City to be held to the City’s higher design standard
relative to Maricopa County. The annexation would also allow the City to capture tax revenues from
future development on the site. Mayor Orsborn opened a public hearing at 6:07 p.m. regarding the
proposed annexation. There being no public comment, Mayor Orsborn closed the public hearing at
6:07 p.m.
3.C Council to take action to approve a three-lane permanent street cross-section for
Monroe Avenue through downtown Buckeye and to approve an interim three-lane
striping plan to be installed during the summer of 2026.
Staff Liaison: Brian Craig, Development Services Director
Mr. Craig presented information regarding the three-lane permanent street cross-section for Monroe
Avenue through downtown Buckeye and the interim three-lane striping plan. The project is part of the
Downtown Specific Area Plan (DSAP), which involved extensive community engagement, including
stakeholder meetings, public workshops, and surveys. The goal is to create a more pedestrian-friendly
environment, reduce through traffic, and enhance the downtown area for shopping and dining. The
current two-lane configuration was a pilot project to test the impact on traffic and safety. The proposed
three-lane configuration includes two travel lanes, and a center turn lane, which would improve safety
and turning movements for vehicles. The center turn lane would reduce traffic backups caused by
vehicles waiting to turn left, improving traffic flow and safety. Wider parking areas and safety buffers
enhance safety for parked cars and pedestrians. The configuration would support the vision of a more
vibrant and attractive downtown, encouraging more businesses and pedestrian activity. If approved by
Council, the interim three-lane striping plan is expected to be implemented during the summer of 2026,
with a focus on minimizing disruption to businesses and events. The long-term goal is to reconstruct
Monroe Avenue with the new configuration, including necessary utility and infrastructure upgrades.
Jose Silva presented statements and safety concerns regarding the intersection of Monroe Avenue
and 9th Street, particularly for children crossing the street. Candi Youngker, on behalf of the Main
Street Coalition, presented statements regarding the proposed three-lane configuration and the
importance of flexibility for improvements including landscaping, public art, and streetscapes, making
Old Town Buckeye a true destination. The proposed layout supports economic growth and positions
Old Town as the heart of Buckeye. Councilmember Berry expressed concerns about the Monroe
Avenue project, emphasizing that residents in District 2 feel left out and unheard. They believe that
changes to the road were made without proper consultation, leading to dissatisfaction among long-
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
time residents. Many people in the community did not see any issues with the four-lane setup and feel
that the proposed changes do not address their needs. The City has not provided sufficient amenities
to make the area truly walkable and that the focus should be on economic development before altering
the road configuration. Councilmember Berry mentioned that local emergency services find the current
congestion problematic and that the community prefers the existing four-lane road. Council was urged
to consider the voices of the residents and return the four-lane setup until there is a clear plan for
economic development and improved walkability. The importance of listening to the community and
not imposing changes that do not align with their preferences was stressed. Based on questions from
Councilmember Youngker, Mr. Craig provided further information regarding efforts made to ensure a
wide diversity of opinions for the Monroe Avenue project. An extra-large stakeholder group was
intentionally formed, using various tools including postcards, social media blasts, signs, and flyers to
recruit participants. This group, which included leaders from religious institutions, elected officials,
planning members, business representatives, developers, and both prospective and existing business
owners, met frequently throughout the process. Two community meetings were held, each attracting
over 200 attendees, and monthly updates were sent to 4,000 subscribers. Additionally, 865 community
responses were collected to understand what was important to the community and what improvements
they desired. Specific meetings about the Monroe project were held, and survey results were shared,
revealing that the topic of lane configuration was polarizing, with three lanes being the most favored
option. Social media outreach was ramped up, resulting in 11,000 engagements and a reach of
77,000, indicating significant interest in the project. AI-generated content. Be sure to check for
accuracy. Mr. Craig clarified that the interim plan would closely approximate the final design, with the
understanding that the final reconstruction would be customized based on local conditions and
feedback from the pilot project. Mr. Craig emphasized that the interim design would serve as a guide
and that the final design would be informed by best practices and community feedback, ensuring it
meets the needs of the local conditions. Councilmember Goodman emphasized the importance of
strategic planning and forward-thinking in City development. Based on questions from Mayor Orsborn,
Mr. Craig clarified how specific bridges throughout the City were funded and constructed; and
acknowledged that the current two-lane configuration can cause backups when turning left into
businesses. The proposed three-lane design with a center turn lane would alleviate this issue by
allowing vehicles to wait in the center lane without blocking traffic. The interim design would include a
wider parking area and a safety buffer to ensure that parked cars do not open their doors directly into
traffic. This would improve safety and comfort for drivers and pedestrians. State Route 30 will be a
significant asset for east-west transportation, providing an alternative route for traffic and reducing
congestion in the downtown area. Vice Mayor Heustis presented statements in support of the
proposed three-lane configuration and the importance of focusing on safety and potential positive
impacts on local businesses. A motion was made by Councilmember Berry and seconded by
Councilmember Beard to direct staff to reconfigure Monroe Avenue to make two lanes going
westbound and two lanes going eastbound, and direct staff to move on the four-lane total configuration
within the next nine months. A roll call vote reflected Councilmember Beard and Councilmember Berry
voted aye; Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Goodman, Councilmember HagEstad, Vice
Mayor Heustis and Mayor Orsborn voted nay. Motion failed. A motion was made by Vice Mayor
Heustis and seconded by Councilmember Goodman to approve a three-lane permanent street cross-
section for Monroe Avenue through downtown Buckeye and to approve an interim three-lane striping
plan to be installed during the summer of 2026. A roll call vote reflected Councilmember Beard and
Councilmember Berry voted nay; Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Goodman,
Councilmember HagEstad, Vice Mayor Heustis and Mayor Orsborn voted aye. Motion carried.
3.D Council to take action on entering into an Employment Agreement for the position of
City Manager between Douglas Sandstrom and the City of Buckeye; and authorize the
Mayor to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City of Buckeye.
Staff Liaison: City Attorney, K. Scott McCoy
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes
Mr. McCoy presented information regarding the proposed Employment Agreement. A nationwide
search was conducted to find the best candidate for the City Manager position. This involved vetting
dozens of applications and conducting interviews. The best candidate was found to be Doug
Sandstrom, who was already part of the organization. Mr. McCoy praised Mr. Sandstrom's vast
experience in municipal government and his effective leadership and acknowledged the efforts of
Dave Roderique who served as the Interim City Manager, ensuring smooth operations and progress
during the transition period. The employment agreement with Mr. Sandstrom was negotiated within the
parameters established by the Council, and Mr. McCoy expressed confidence in Mr. Sandstrom's
ability to lead the organization into the future. Mayor Orsborn emphasized the importance of
conducting a thorough process, including a nationwide search, to ensure the best candidate was
selected. This process confirmed that Doug Sandstrom was the best fit for the role. Appointing Mr.
Sandstrom will ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the City's progress. There is significant
growth ahead for the City and Mayor Orsborn expressed confidence in Mr. Sandstrom's ability to lead
the City through this period. Mayor Orsborn also acknowledged Mr. Roderique’s contributions as the
Interim City Manager and praising his efforts in maintaining stability and achieving significant victories
during the transition period. Councilmember Youngker echoed Mayor’s statements and thanked Mr.
Roderique. A motion was made by Mayor Orsborn and seconded by Councilmember Youngker enter
into an Employment Agreement for the position of City Manager between Douglas Sandstrom and the
City of Buckeye; and authorize the Mayor to execute and deliver said Agreement on behalf of the City
of Buckeye. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Sandstrom expressed his honor and gratitude for being
selected by the Mayor and Council for the City Manager position and conveyed his excitement about
the City’s accomplishments and future potential.
4. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Orsborn adjourned the meeting at 7:11 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 Special Council Meeting
held on August 26, 2025. I further certify that a quorum was present.
_____________________________________
Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk
August 26, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes