Council Workshop

CITY OF BUCKEYE COUNCIL WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 MINUTES City Hall - 1st Floor / Executive Conference Room 530 East Monroe Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326 3:45 p.m. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call Mayor Orsborn called the meeting to order at 3:48 p.m. Members Present: Councilmember Youngker, Councilmember Berry, Councilmember Goodman, Councilmember HagEstad, Councilmember Beard, and Mayor Orsborn. Members Absent: Vice Mayor Heustis. Departments Present: City Manager Doug Sandstrom, Deputy City Manager Dave Roderique, Deputy City Manager Javier Setovich, Interim Deputy City Manager Cindy Camarata, City Attorney Scott McCoy, City Clerk Lucinda Aja, Director of Communications Affairs Annie DeChance, Fire Chief Jake Rhoades, Police Chief Robert Sanders, Public Works Director Amy Murray, Water Resources Director Terry Lowe, Project Management Office Director James Shano, Airport Director Scott Gray, and Development Services Director Brian Craig. 2. Workshop Items 2.A Presentation and discussion of the Draft Housing Action Plan. Staff Liaison: Andrea Marquez, Senior Planner Special Projects Ms. Marquez presented information regarding the draft Housing Action Plan. The City of Buckeye, in partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and Matrix Design Group, completed a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and is developing its first Housing Action Plan (HAP). Funded through a grant with MAG, this initiative evaluates current housing conditions, identifies unmet needs, and provides strategies to guide future housing development that aligns with community growth, workforce demands, and affordability goals. Council is asked to provide input, suggest modifications, and direct staff on implementation priorities and next steps. Laney Corey, Senior Planner with Matrix Design Group, provided additional details regarding the HAP. The plan, required by the state, aims to address housing needs. It includes a housing needs assessment, community engagement, and policy recommendations. The assessment looks at demographics, economic factors, and housing market demand, identifying gaps and opportunities for diverse housing types. Community feedback was gathered through surveys and meetings, highlighting the need for attainable housing for various demographics, including seniors and young professionals. The plan also explores funding mechanisms and partnerships to implement the policies effectively. The goal is to ensure housing availability and affordability while maintaining the community's aesthetic and quality of life. The key policy recommendations in the draft housing action plan include leveraging catalytic development areas like downtown and the landing area to introduce September 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes diverse housing types, providing development incentives such as density bonuses and expedited review processes, creating standardized plans for accessory dwelling units, exploring down payment assistance programs, and expanding human services to support housing needs. The plan emphasizes the importance of making housing attainable for various demographics, including seniors and young professionals, and ensuring that any new developments align with the community's aesthetic and quality of life. Councilmember Goodman asked about the significant findings in the data collected. The response highlighted that Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing communities, becoming younger, and there is a need for senior housing. The plan aims to address the gap between publicly funded and privately funded senior housing. Councilmember Goodman also inquired about incomplete housing and the lack of recommendations to address it. The response acknowledged the concern and mentioned exploring funding mechanisms to support development variations. Mayor Orsborn asked about the public's feedback from the survey responses. The response indicated a range of feedback, with some opposing multifamily housing and others supporting it. The majority of respondents wanted diverse housing types and emphasized the importance of traffic, safety, and design considerations. Mayor Orsborn questioned why the City should get involved in housing decisions. The response explained that housing is a critical part of economic development, supporting workforce needs and attracting employers. The City aims to understand housing challenges and explore funding mechanisms and partnerships to address them. Councilmember Youngker asked about the shortage of housing units. The response confirmed a shortage and mentioned that the housing needs assessment identified this issue. 2.B Presentation and discussion regarding the Airport Master Plan recommendations, revised Airport Layout Plan, and Long-Range Airport Development Plan. Staff Liaison: Scott Gray, Airport Director Mr. Gray presented information regarding the Airport Master Plan recommendations, revised Airport Layout Plan, and Long-Range Airport Development Plan. The Airport Master Plan is a required document by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that outlines a 20-year capital plan for the airport, focusing on both airside and landside development. It includes an airspace and instrument procedures analysis to ensure minimal impact on Luke Air Force Base's mission. The primary runway will remain, with an extension planned to the north, and a crosswind runway is proposed to accommodate all weather conditions. The plan also includes the development of aircraft parking, hangars, and an air traffic control tower. The revised Airport Layout Plan details the specific projects and timelines for the next 20 years, including land acquisition, runway extensions, and maintenance projects. It emphasizes the need for additional hangar space and parking for aircraft, as well as the separation of helicopter operations from fixed-wing aircraft. The Long-Range Airport Development Plan looks beyond the 20-year horizon, identifying potential for commercial service, air cargo, military use, and urban air mobility. It includes the addition of two 10,500-foot runways to support these activities and outlines the necessary infrastructure and facilities to accommodate future growth. The plan aims to ensure the airport's development aligns with the City's vision and economic goals, providing a roadmap for future expansion and investment. Mayor Orsborn asked about the timeline for the crosswind runway. The response explained that the crosswind runway is planned for the second five-year phase, with design and environmental processes starting earlier due to demand. The project will be phased over time, with funding from the FAA expected to come incrementally. Mayor Orsborn inquired about the economic impact study and whether it includes future uses or just the general plan. The response confirmed that the economic impact study will account for both existing capabilities and future uses, including commercial service, air cargo, and other potential developments. Mayor Orsborn emphasized the importance of having a visionary document to attract potential users and investors, highlighting that without such a plan, it would be challenging to show the airport's future potential. September 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes 3. Adjournment. There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Orsborn adjourned the meeting at 5:35 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 Council Workshop held on September 16, 2025. I further certify that a quorum was present. _____________________________________ Lucinda J. Aja, City Clerk September 16, 2025 Council Workshop Minutes