Jacque Behrens

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting addressed an amended request for the Celebration Plaza Planned Area Development (PAD), located at the northwest corner of West Celebrate Life Way and North Fitchfield Road, which encompasses 66.66 acres. Key discussion points revolved around proposed amendments from the applicant, Mark Ready, which included changing the drive-through restriction from one to a maximum of three (with one required to be an endcap), and a reduction in medical office parking requirements from one space per 150 square feet to one space per 200 square feet, citing examples from other jurisdictions. Staff presented three options for recommendation to the City Council: Option One (staff recommendation) is to approve the ordinance with stipulation 21 (retaining the one drive-through limit), Option Two is to approve the ordinance without stipulation 21 (allowing parking reduction and three drive-throughs), and Option Three is to deny the application. Concerns were raised regarding setting a precedent with the parking reduction and the implications of increasing drive-throughs, which was a concern for the City Council during the previous application withdrawal in March 2025. The commission also addressed procedural items, including member roll call, excusing Commissioner Booth, and approving the consent agenda items, which included minutes approval and the 2026 planning and zoning commission calendar. A farewell was noted for Vice Chair Maria Samito, who is relocating.

The meeting commenced with administrative announcements, including welcoming a new commissioner, Justin McClendon, and noting the absence of Commissioner Wang, followed by a successful vote to excuse their absence. The commission proceeded to approve the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes. Key agenda items involved the election of a new chair and vice chair; Chairman Climber was renominated and accepted the position, and Commissioner Hegodus was elected as the new vice chair. A staff presentation provided an overview of the Development Services Department structure, which encompasses planning, permitting, building safety, civil engineering, and code compliance. The presentation detailed the city's guiding documents, including the Arizona State Constitution, city charter, city codes, and the zoning ordinance, all subordinate to the city's General Plan, which outlines the ten-year vision for growth and was ratified by voters in May 2024. The development review process was explained, detailing how projects move from initial concept through staff review, neighborhood meetings, formal submission, and final decision by the City Council, with public notification methods detailed. Finally, updates were given regarding upcoming bylaw updates for the Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the expected arrival of another new commissioner.

The City Council Worksession convened to review the Goodyear AZTAP (Arizona Technical Assistance Panel) report. City management introduced guests affiliated with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Arizona District Council, who presented findings and recommendations stemming from an all-day panel meeting held on April 2, 2014. The discussion covered seven key areas including identity and vision, corridor connectivity (specifically Litchfield Road, Bullard, and Estrella Parkway), transportation, land use, tenant strategies, educational providers, and design guidelines for the approximately 3,700-acre study area intended to be Goodyear's premier employment area. The report structure, which includes an executive summary, background, strategies, and an implementation program, was detailed.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to newly appointed members. Key agenda items included the approval of appointments and reappointments to the Arts and Culture Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussion and approval of an ordinance amending the city code regarding the powers of unarmed police assistance and traffic investigators, focusing on utilizing these roles for non-injury accident documentation and parking enforcement to free up sworn officers. Additionally, the council addressed a public hearing regarding the annexation of properties near West Yuma Road and South Pville Road, requesting guidance from staff on three related projects.

The meeting commenced with organizational procedures, including the pledge of allegiance and invocation. A communication item involved a 2026 spring training preview for Goodyear Ballpark, detailing the Desert Invitational event featuring Kansas State vs. Iowa and Penn State vs. Air Force Academy. Schedule details for the 30-game spring training season were provided, noting the inclusion of a World Baseball Classic game featuring Cuba. Updates on ballpark renovations, including a new left field landing area and enhanced suites with new seating and larger TVs, were presented. New food options, like the Desert Heat burger and a ballpark bowl, were also highlighted, along with scheduled giveaways (schedule magnet/frame, pint glass, ace stress ball) and recurring events like Kids Run the Bases and Senior Stroll. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the resolution calling for the 2026 primary election, scheduled for August 4, 2026, in coordination with Maricopa County, discussing potential legislative changes to the primary date. The consent agenda included approval of a hotel/motel liquor license, an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement for landfill disposal services, adopting resolutions regarding home consortium participation and an easement, and authorizing a grant application for metering kits for the Fire Department. During council comments, one member provided a detailed account emphasizing the importance of rapid emergency response, praising Goodyear first responders for saving a resident's life, contrasting it with a negative experience elsewhere. Another council member requested policy information regarding interim positions. The meeting concluded with a vote to enter an executive session to discuss the appointment of an interim city manager.