Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-20:  A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council naming the Rio de Flag Bridge at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the "Jack Welch Memorial Bridge." 
 

1. Read Resolution No. 2025-20 by title only
2. City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2025-20 by title only (if approved above)
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-20

Desired Outcome:
Jack Welch contributed in a definitive way to the betterment of the Flagstaff community and its residents, and the community wishes to honor his memory by naming the Rio de Flag Bridge located at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the Jack Welch Memorial Bridge.

Open Spaces Commission Recommendation: 
On March 24, 2025, the Open Spaces Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council consider adopting the resolution naming the Rio de Flag Bridge at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the "Jack Welch Memorial Bridge." 

Executive Summary:

• The Flagstaff City Council established a policy for the naming of City of Flagstaff facilities in Resolution No. 2001-73, as amended by Resolution No. 2010-72.
• The proposal to name the Rio de Flag Bridge at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the Jack Welch Memorial Bridge will meet the requirements of the aforementioned resolutions on July 21, 2025, which is two years from the date of Mr. Welch's passing.
• The Open Spaces Commission recommends that the Rio de Flag Bridge be named the Jack Welch Memorial Bridge.

Naming the Rio de Flag Bridge at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the Jack Welch Memorial Bridge was presented as a potential project to the Open Spaces Commission, and the commission gave its unanimous support. The Commission shared the enthusiasm for recognizing Mr. Jack Welch, who was a devoted steward of Picture Canyon and a true champion for open spaces in Flagstaff. His contributions to preserving and enhancing this natural and cultural resource are immeasurable. As an original Picture Canyon Working Group member, Jack played a key role in reclaiming the area from its past as an illegal dump site and preventing development that could have threatened its ecological and historical integrity. He mobilized the community, encouraging countless residents to advocate for Picture Canyon’s preservation.

Jack’s dedication extended beyond advocacy. He actively engaged in education and outreach, co-founding the Picture Canyon Education Committee. His passion for history and stewardship was evident in his presentations during Open Space Steward trainings and in the numerous guided hikes he led, often collaborating with others to share Picture Canyon’s unique values. Jack could often be found tabling at Picture Canyon events, picking up trash, and ensuring educational brochures were stocked for visitors. Importantly, he also recognized the Indigenous history of the site and supported efforts to share these stories.

Project Name: Jack Welch Memorial Bridge
Cost: The city incurs no cost for sign construction. PROSE will partner with the citizen group to install the sign at the Picture Canyon Preserve.
Account Number Budgeted: n/a
Funding Source: private donations

There is no policy impact.

On October 01, 2024, the Flagstaff City Council was presented with a Future Agenda Item Request (F.A.I.R.): A Citizens' Petition titled "Jack Welch Memorial Bridge at Picture Canyon." There was requisite Council support to advance the item to a future agenda for discussion.
 

Option A: Adopt the resolution of the Flagstaff City Council naming the Rio de Flag Bridge at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the "Jack Welch Memorial Bridge." 
Option B: Choose not to adopt the resolution, thus not naming the Rio de Flag Bridge after Mr. Jack Welch.

Mr. Welch was a strong supporter of many PBB priorities and objectives, including Inclusive and Engaged Community, Livable Community, and Environmental Stewardship.

There is no connection to the Regional Plan.

There is no connection to the Carbon Neutrality Plan

There is no connection to the 10-year Housing Plan.