City of Benson

The Commission held public hearings and discussions regarding a conditional use permit for an equine-assisted learning program and proposed zoning regulation changes for light metal fabrication. A request for rezoning and a General Development Plan amendment for the Arrowhead Commerce Park site was debated and ultimately denied due to lack of specificity regarding future land use, ownership transparency, and application completeness. The commission also reviewed the procedural requirements for commercial equine use on residential property and recommended the adoption of the zoning text amendment regarding light metal fabrication to the City Council.

The meeting agenda included three public hearings concerning a Rezoning Application from R-3 to B-2 for Parcel 123-12-016E, a second Rezoning Application from R-3 to B-2 for Parcels 123-12-013H, 123-12-005H, 123-12-005J, and a Proposed Conditional Use Permit for a Concrete Batch Plant. New business involved discussion and possible action on the Consent Agenda items (minutes from November 25, 2025, and February 10, 2026 meetings), possible amendment of the Planning and Zoning Commission Bylaws, and subsequent action regarding the rezoning and conditional use permit applications that were subject to public hearings. The Commission voted to deny the request to amend the General Development Plan and rezone property from I-1 to I-2 for an industrial park due to lack of an identified specific user and transparency concerns. The Commission also discussed the Conditional Use Permit for an Equine-Assisted Learning Program, questioning if it constituted a commercial entity.

Key discussions during the meeting centered significantly on the proposed rezoning of property from Residential (R-3) to Commercial (B-2) for the development of a bowling alley, which was ultimately approved with specified conditions addressing noise, lighting, and buffers. The Council also approved the Consent Agenda, which included the minutes of the December 15, 2025 Special Meeting, a resignation from the PSPRS Board, and the approval of OpenGov software. New business included the presentation of prizes for the Festival of Lights Parade and the City's Christmas Decorating Contest. The Council appointed Richard Hardman to the Planning and Zoning Commission, electing to fill only one of the two vacant seats at that time. A resolution to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Cochise County for election supplies was approved, as was a contract with Blueprintr, LLC for Information Technology services. A detailed presentation on the City Finances as of November 30, 2025, was provided, highlighting significant increases in capital project and grant fund expenditures. Updates were also provided on Strategic Plan Projects, including golf course management, leadership development, IT contracting, and the delayed opening of Lions Park Phase I improvements. Multiple citizens addressed the Council during the Call to the Public sessions regarding concerns about the ADI project, the need for a new Fire Station, and suggestions regarding the municipal golf course.

The Commission's agenda included multiple public hearings concerning an application for a Conditional Use Permit for an Equine-Assisted Learning Program at 642 N. Huachuca Street, and proposed changes to Zoning Regulations to define Light Metal Fabrication as a permitted use in the Light Industry District. New Business featured discussion and possible action on a Consent Agenda, an item tabled from a previous special meeting regarding a rezoning application (I-1 to I-2) and General Development Plan change, the Conditional Use Permit application for the Equine-Assisted Learning Program, and the Zoning Regulations text amendment. The commission also conducted the election of commission officers (Chairman and Vice Chairman) and approved minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting. An Executive Session was also scheduled.

New business included personnel updates indicating an open on-call driver position due to a status change. Four accidents or incidents since June 2025 were reported, including a vehicle taken out of service for repairs costing $2944, and a passenger trip that resulted in a request for $160 in medical expenses. Financial updates showed that both the Administration and Operational portions of the 5311 Grant were exhausted by August 2025, resulting in no reimbursement for September 2025 expenses. Updates were provided on the 2023 5339 Grant, estimating two new buses in Spring 2026, and the 2025 5339 Grant application for a replacement Dial-a-Ride van costing an estimated $148,000. Ridership reached over 1000 rides in October 2025. Upcoming holiday activities include delivering Thanksgiving meals on November 26, 2025, and participating in the City of Benson Light Parade on December 6, 2025. Member comments addressed concerns regarding the visual appearance of air filters and shared information about upcoming ADOT audits in Bisbee and Douglas.