April - MAY 2024

2024-05-07

The Town Council has approved, and Vulcan has signed, an agreement that vests existing property rights for the property but WITHOUT the right to apply for an asphalt plant. 

Per the agreement, Vulcan plans to withdraw the Type 3 CUP application. The agreement will be recorded with Pima County on May 28 once the required 30-day waiting period has expired. *

*Source: Town of Sahuarita website: https://sahuaritaaz.gov/799/Planning-Projects  

The CCS Website and Facebook group will remain available but will not be actively maintained.  CCS email address will no longer be monitored.  

2024-04-25

Broadcast news segments from KGUN 9 and KOLD 13 News, and Green Valley News article can be found HERE. 

2024-04-24

The Town Council Votes to accept the Development Agreement with Vulcan Lands at the April 24,2024 MeetingView Meeting Recording    View Meeting Minutes.

View the agreement HERE.

2024-04-22

A SPECIAL MEETING OF SAHUARITA TOWN COUNCIL WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY APRIL 24th  AT 6 pm -- Location is Town Council Chambers and is open to the public.   Read More.

The agenda is related to the withdrawal of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a hot mix asphalt plant (HMAP) on the property and relinquishing of the right to operate an HMAP in perpetuity.  View Meeting Agenda.

2024-04-18

Town status on public hearing: Planning and Zoning (P&Z) May 6 meeting has been cancelled. No revised date has been provided.

2024-04-12

Town status on public hearing: Delayed until May or later. Notice to the public is required by the Town Code for Public Hearings.  

Read about the Public Notice Requirements.


2024-04-11


Citizen letters to the Town and Town Attorney response regarding authority in CUP decision making. 


Read LettersLetter 1, Letter 2, Letter 3, Letter 4.

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2024-04-08

Meeting Record available HERE from the April 8th Regular Town Council Meeting.  This link begins at the 1st call to the public speaker. 

Mark your calendar for the May 6 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting (Agenda TBA)  and the May 13 Regular Town Council Meeting. Meeting commence at 6PM. 

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2024-04-02

Please Plan to Attend the Regular Town Council Meeting on April 8, 2024 at 6 PM.

More details HERE.

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Town of Sahuarita Public Hearings are now targeting May or later.  They are planning to have three meetings to cover the Vulcan CUP review.  More details on the process can be found HERE.

MARCH 2024

2024-03-28

Read the recent letter on the Revised Zoning Code from a concerned citizen to the Sahuarita Town staff.

Read HERE.

2024-03-25

View the Town Council Meeting Recording.  HERE.

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2024-03-21 

Vulcan released the Revised Air Modeling Study on 03-21-2024 to the public. Read Study: HERE.

The Town reports that this revised report has been sent to their consultants for review.

2024 Hot Topics History

March 2024


February 2024

2024-02-26

The Town of Sahuarita Vulcan FAQ webpage was updated. Also, the status page now indicates that the public hearing is being targeting for April or later.

FAQ- "Why is this taking so long?":

Town of Sahuarita FAQ Page: https://sahuaritaaz.gov/1111/Vulcan-FAQ

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Town of Sahuarita February Town Council Meeting.  View the meeting recording on the Town's YouTube channel:  HERE.

2024-02-15 


Added Green Valley News article from the Town's Air Modeling Study Session  GV News

Read recent letters about Odors and Property Values. Read More...

Read recent letters to editor of GV News Point Counter Point on Vulcan Value. Read More.


2024-02-12

Town of Sahuarita conducted a Town Council study session/review of the Vulcan Air Modeling Study.  View the meeting recording on the Town's YouTube channel:  HERE.

2024-02-08

February 8. 2024 Letter from FICO CEO was delivered to Town of Sahuarita.

"FICO has retained expert technical assistance to evaluate the air quality modeling and we will provide that completed report to the Town for your consideration."

 Read Entire Letter 

2024-02-04

Special Town Council Meeting on February 12, 2024, 6PM.  

Location: Sahuarita Council Chambers 375 West Sahuarita Center Way 

Meeting Purpose: The purpose of this study session is to educate the Town Council on the methodology used in creating and reviewing Air Dispersion Modeling Reports. The Council will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the consultants related to potential public health or environmental impacts and mitigation strategies 

View February 12. 2024 Agenda HERE. (note: the Agenda is multi-page, page down to see full agenda when viewing)

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Reminder: Regular Town Council meeting is February 26,2024 details HERE.

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January 2024

2024-01-22 


View Jan 22, 2024 Town Council Meeting Media Coverage (KGUN9, Green Valley News) and full recording of the meeting. 


Regular Town Council meeting is February 26,2024 details HERE.

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2024-01-17 

Green Valley News Article and Concerned Citizen Clarification on Pollutants

Dan Shearer's Green Valley News article on Vulcan's Air Modeling Study. Article entitled: Vulcan study sees no pollutants issue.  

Dr. Laura Sbarra's clarification on pollutants to Green Valley News article:  Vulcan's Air Modeling Study, "Air Dispersion Modeling Report", prepared by Trinity Consultants and released on January 9, 2024, was confined to an analysis of Criteria Pollutants, although there are many other pollutants that are released by Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) plants.  Read more.

List of Emissions from Hot Mix Asphalt Plants:  HERE.

Read Letter to Town on Vulcan Air Modeling Study: HERE.

Read another letter to editor from citizen on emissions. HERE.

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2024-01-14 

Citizen analyzes correspondence exchange between attorney Cameron C. Artigue who represents Farmers Investment Co. and attorney Jon M. Paladini who represents the Town of Sahuarita. 

Read More:  Letter HERE and Exchange Mapping HERE.

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2024-01-10 

Vulcan released Air Modeling Study on 01-10-2024 to the public. Read Study: HERE.

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2024-01-10 

KGUN|9 News | Sahuarita residents fighting potential asphalt plant less than a mile from developing neighborhoods. Article By: Mikenzie Hammel of KGUN 9.  

View Article and News Coverage: HERE.

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2024-01-10 

Sahuarita Town Attorney Responds to 12-07-2023 FICO Letter.  

Read Town's Attorney Letter | Read FICO Letter | Read CCS Letter to Mayor and Town Council.

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2024-01-09

CCS EDUCATIONAL FORUM was held at Quail Creek on January 9, 2024

View Presentation HERE. Fill in Attendee Evaluation HERE.

View List of Emissions from Hot Mix Asphalt:  HERE.

View Event Photos 

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2024-01-08 

LISTEN to Mayor Murphy's 2023 look back radio interview 

Asphalt Plant discussion at minute 1:48.


Read Mark Cochran's letter to Mayor expressing his concerns regarding the interview.

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2024-01-08 

Read Summary of Asphalt Plant Risks. This document lists fourteen (14) top risks to the Communities near the proposed Vulcan asphalt plant.

Read Emissions from Hot Mix Asphalt Plants. This document describes the particulates and gaseous pollutants emitted from this type of plant. 

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2023 Hot Topics History

December 2023

2023-12-31 

Read a Citizen's Letter to the Mayor and Town Council

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2023-12-12

The Sahuarita Town Council Meeting was conducted on December 11, 2023.  Learn about CUP review process and citizens opposition to the asphalt plant.  VIEW VIDEO. (Note: video sound is muted for a few minutes initially).  

The below 2023-12-07 entry contains the letter many speakers reference in the Call to the Public.

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2023-12-07 

New letter from Farmers Investment Company (FICO) / Green Valley Pecan Orchards to Town of Sahuarita. Read Letter

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2023-12-05 

Join the Concerned Citizens of Sahuarita (CCS) as we help bring you up to date on the Vulcan Materials Asphalt Plant CUP process and status at the Madera Clubhouse Ballroom. January 9, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Read More

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2023-12-05 

Learn about the Town of Sahuarita Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Approval Process.  Get a better understanding of the process flow and the decision makers and influencers in the process.  Read More

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2023-12-04

As reported by the Town of Sahuarita Planning Staff, it will be at least another three weeks before the air modeling study is submitted to staff. With this timing, hearings prior to mid-March will not be possible. Hearing dates will be announced when scheduled, and the town website will be updated when the study is submitted.

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November 2023

2023-11-28 ON MONDAY

Reminder to attend the Sahuarita Town Council Meeting on December 11, 2023, 6 PM.

   Read More about how to prepare.    View Meeting  Agenda. 


Please remember –

• Wear a red shirt

• Keep your comments concise and respectful

• Support those speaking

• Fill in Speaker Form in advance and bring with you

Location: Sahuarita Council Chambers: 375 West Sahuarita Center Way Sahuarita, AZ 85629 

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2023-11-15 

The final diagnostic meeting minutes and recommendations from the Union Pacific Railroad. 

Read More

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2023-11-15 

On November 13, 2023, Dr. Sbarra submitted a presentation to the Town Council on the importance of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Read More

On October 23, 2023, Mark Cochran spoke at the Town Council meeting on the need for an EIA and also on emissions control technology. Read More

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2023-11-15 NEW

(*** Canceled ***) Town Council Tours the Vulcan Val Vista Sand & Gravel and Hot Mix Asphalt Plant in Mesa, Arizona. Read More

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2023-11-14 NEW

CALL TO ACTION: 

Please Plan to Attend the Sahuarita Town Council Meeting on DECEMBER 11 6:00 PM.      

   Read More about how to prepare.  


Please remember –

• Wear a red shirt

• Keep your comments concise and respectful

• Support those speaking

• Fill in Speaker Form in advance and bring with you

Location: Sahuarita Council Chambers:    375 West Sahuarita Center Way Sahuarita, AZ 85629 

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2023-11-06 NEW

A diagnostic was held by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) on September 27, 2023 to determine the engineering requirements for the Vulcan crossing of the UPRR. Read More

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October 2023

2023-10-24

Citizens Raise concerns at the Town Council Meeting October 23, 2023 

Laura Sbarra, M.D. - reviewed Health Effects of Vulcan's Emissions on Medically Vulnerable Groups in Sahuarita.  View Presentation.


Mark Zimmerman - discussed concerns with the Vulcan Property Values Report based upon when data was captured.  Read Property Values Presentation.


And several more speakers raised additional issues such as the need for an environmental impact report and more.  


Richard Curotto - discusses Why an Environmental Impact Report should be requested by the Town.


Carl W. Larsen, Jr. presented a flyer -  Just Say NO to the Vulcan Asphalt CUP.

Meeting Recording can be viewed HERE.

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2023-10-20 

The Town of Sahuarita staff publish FAQs & Draft Conditions on their website. Read them here.

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2023-10-20 

Dr. L. Sbarra Letter to Parents: Critical Issues You Need to Know about Vulcan's Hot Mix Asphalt Plant. Read Letter.

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2023-10-13

L. Heusinkveld letter requests Town of Sahuarita to inform Citizens, Businesses, and Hospitals, now of the potential harmful effects to their livelihoods and health with respect to the pending Vulcan Conditional Use permit. Read Letter.

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2023-10-10 


Town of Sahuarita - STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 - 2028 adopted in May 2023 by Mayor and Town Council. The Strategic Plan focus areas and goals are discussed in the materials below:


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2023-10-06 

Check out the new State & Corporate Stance page!  It consolidates letters written by Robson, FICO, and the Arizona State Land Department into a single location.

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September 2023

2023-09-25 

Additional Citizens' questions were presented at the September 25th Town Council Meeting requesting Council facilitate obtaining answers. To view questions click/tap:

Questions from Duane Elser 

Questions from Concerned Citizens of Sahuarita

Sep 25 Town Council Meeting Recording: View Recording

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2023-09-24 

Published in Green Valley News letter to editor September 24, 2023 'Sahuarita's General Plan and Vulcan: Who's in Charge?'. To view the entire article click/tap HERE.  

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2023-09-19 

Town of Sahuarita Public Hearing on Vulcan CUP schedule revised.  Now anticipated between January and March of 2024.    View Notice

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2023-09-18 

Dr. Sbarra provides additional comments regarding Ninyo & Moore Reports. Read comments

Letter to Town of Sahuarita from FICO regarding missing and incomplete information from Vulcan as of July 17,2023  Read Letter

Letter to Town of Sahuarita from Robson Ranch Quail Creek, LLC (RRQC) regarding the updated Vulcan CUP application dated July 25,2023  Read Letter 

Town of Sahuarita posts Vulcan Study Analyzing Diminishing Property Values from a proposed Hot Mix Asphalt Plant. Read Report  

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2023-09-14 

Consultants Ninyo & Moore were engaged by the Town of Sahuarita to review the Vulcan asphalt plant CUP submittals and public comments received by the town. Their initial reports can be found below along with a rebuttal to remarks attributed to Dr. Laura Sbarra in the second submittal. 

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2023-09-09

A letter and a document both from Lynn Heusinkveld to the Mayor, Town Council and Staff on Potential Pollution from Proposed Hot Mix Asphalt Plant with a Supplement on PAH, a Supplement on Volatile Hazardous Air Pollutants, and Metal Hazardous Air Pollutants.

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August 2023

2023-08-31 

September 19 Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing is Canceled: view notice HERE.

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2023-08-28

Aug 28 Town Council Meeting Recordings & News coverage: View it HERE.

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2023-08-09 

Presentation to Green Valley/Sahuarita Association of Realtors: view presentation HERE.

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2023-08-07

Two powerful letters that speak to the significance of the process.  It elevates the discussion much higher into the legal/political realm and is a great foundation for positioning citizens to have "equal footing" with Vulcan and the CUP application.

You can read the letters:  LTR3 (most recent 8-03) and LTR2 07-07

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July 2023 

2023-07-21

The Aug 15 Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing is Canceled. You can read it HERE.

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2023-07-10

Sahuarita Business Leader Speaks Up! Read the powerful letter from FICO to the Town of Sahuarita. You can read it HERE.

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2023-07-09

A letter addressing the Sahuarita Town Code Chapter 8.30 titled NOISE has been submitted to the Town Council and Staff. You can read it HERE.

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2023-07-07


Still another Non-Conformance letter submitted to the Town Council and Staff. The "new realities of living in Sahuarita" demand that Vulcan's CUP application be denied due to the incompatibility of the Vulcan parcel use as a hot mix asphalt plant. You can read it HERE.

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2023-07-06

More information on Real Estate disclosures, duties to clients, buyers advisory and the Residential Real Estate Purchase Contract. You can read it HERE.

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2023-07-05

And yet another significant Non-Conformance letter has been submitted to the Town Council and Staff. You can read it HERE.

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2023-07-05

A letter and a document both from Laura Sbarra M.D. to the Town Council on Air Pollution and Particulate Matter and Information About Emissions from Hot Mix Asphalt Plants.

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2023-07-03 


Another significant Non-Conformance letter has been submitted to the Town Council and Staff. You can read it HERE.

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June 2023

2023-06-27 

Published in Green Valley News June 27, 2023 Article 'Crowd Lets Council Know They Don’t Want Asphalt Plant'. To view the entire article click/tap HERE.  

Article by Lisa Larkin June 27, 2023 Proposed Asphalt Plant Brings Emotional Distress. To View full article click/tap HERE.

Sahuarita Town Council Meeting June 26, 2023 Meeting Minutes and Video. To view click/tap Minutes or Video.

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2023-06-14 Published in Green Valley News June 14 Article by Bette Immel’s on Vulcan. To view the entire article click/tap HERE.

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May 2023

2023-05-25  RailRoad Update

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2023-05-25  Robson Update

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2023-05-25 CCS will submit white papers/CUP condition recommendations to the Town Staff. Conditions submitted to-date can be found HERE.