Town of Gila Bend

The commission reviewed a comprehensive draft update to the town's zoning ordinance, including revisions to land use, definitions, and development standards. Discussions centered on manufactured housing regulations, general regulations such as screening and parking, and clarifications regarding the citizen review process. Additionally, the attorney explained state statutes concerning rezoning, supermajority voting requirements for town council, and the advisory role of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Potential future additions regarding electric vehicle charging, sign regulations, and non-conforming uses were also addressed.

The commission reviewed and discussed a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 26-001) for a proposed Maverik development involving a retail and convenience store with fuel facilities at 1400 E. Pima Street. Key discussion points included the project site details, zoning requirements, and three specific conditions related to water main extension, permanent power for driveway lighting, and vehicular access maintenance. The permit was approved with these specified conditions.

The Commission conducted a swearing-in ceremony for a new commissioner. The primary business item concerning the request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Maverik retail and fuel facility development was introduced, but due to member recusals resulting in a lack of quorum, the discussion and action on this item were continued to a later date.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the potential approval of the December 18, 2025, meeting minutes. Under business, the swearing-in of the newly appointed Commissioner Jesus Rubalcava was tabled. The Commission discussed and subsequently recommended approval to the Town Council for Text Amendments (TA-26-001 and TA-26-002). These amendments address changes required by House Bill 2447 to the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, primarily streamlining requirements by removing certain public hearing mandates for site plans and land divisions, shifting some final approval authority, and modifying plat signing procedures to involve the Town Engineer and zoning administrator instead of the Mayor.

The document contains minutes from two separate meetings: a Regular Meeting on November 12, 2025, and a Special Meeting on November 25, 2025. Key discussions from the regular meeting included the approval of claims, a motion to approve a Special Event Liquor License for the Staff Christmas Party, approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Maricopa County Library District, and acceptance of a Grant-in-Aid Agreement from the Tohono O'odham Nation for LIFEPAK monitors. The council also discussed departmental updates, including personnel matters and ongoing issues like jackhammering noise, and determined future agenda items, such as renaming the Shrimp Festival. The executive session covered discussions concerning the Aluminum Dynamics Lawsuit, a Financial Vulnerability Report, and the Town Manager review. Key actions during the special meeting included the approval of Resolution 25-03 for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) waterline replacement project application, which included a discussion on the Town's matching contribution, and approval of a vehicle lease for the Area Agency on Aging. The special meeting also included an executive session regarding the Aluminum Dynamics Lawsuit and Financial Operations Security.