The meeting began at 4:00pm.
 

Commissioner Stackhouse motioned to approve the September 16, 2024 minutes as written. Commissioner Kerr seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor of approval.
 

There was no public comment.
 

Commissioners Christensen and Frazier introduced themselves to the rest of the commission, and vice versa.

Sara Dechter, Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager, updated the Commission on the status and timeline of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045, which will enter into a 60-day public review period on October 20, 2024. The draft plan will be available for review from the website,  www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045. There will be a community meeting focused on Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, on November 14 at 5:30pm at the Aquaplex.

Sara reviewed what is in the draft plan that relates to parks and recreation, including information in the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Chapter with one goal and six policies, which are included in the memo and presentation attached to this agenda item that is posted online.

Sara encouraged commissioners to review the draft plan during the 60-day public review and help spread the word on this important opportunity for feedback. Comments are due by December 19, 2024.

The Commission may elect to establish a subcommittee to review and provide comments as a Commission, or Commissioners can do so individually.

There was discussion about how the Regional Plan Committee is dealing with the two potentially conflicting priorities of housing and a need for open space, as well as how the plan manages growth and  housing density. Sara explained how the Plan has been developed over the last two years, including Scenario planning that demonstrated if we add density in our already developed areas, we will be able to preserve sensitive and culturally significant areas.

Mr. Saboury has applied for a Beautification in Action grant through the Beautification and Public Arts Commission. His idea is to create a Public Art Wall (PAW) in a park that he would manage and maintain.

Jason gave an example of Santee Public Gallery that he has been involved in and supported in another community. His proposal is for Thorpe Park handball courts, which are not used frequently used for handball, though both activities can exist together. Jason provided a visual mock-up of what the space could look like, creating a space for art education for all ages, public art, and will inspire a new community to form around the space.

Commissioners asked if there have been problems in these other locations with inappropriate paintings. Jason answered that these spaces are important enough and rare enough to the artistic community that it becomes self-regulating. Artists also understand there is turnover of the art, constantly being painted over and over. Artists are happy to have a place to practice.

Questions about the location, including if other more accessible locations were considered, were discussed, and the importance is having a public art space even available that is legal and protected by the city. Using existing infrastructure instead of building new saves grant funds for managing the space and activates an underutilized space.

This type of project just needs support as an announcement online from the city and protection, and in writing support from the state – he would like to create a public art land conservation area.

Commissioners were generally in support of the project and concept and supported having staff write a letter of support for the grant application. There was discussion about different locations that are more affected by graffiti and concerns that the location may give the wrong impression, the tall walls may encourage ladders and other unsafe acts. Various tunnels in town were discussed as options, though enclosed spaces are more difficult to manage and not all artists can contribute.

Gino Leoni, Parks Manager, showed pictures and a video of the recent installation of the new play structure and swings at Ponderosa Trails Park, which were installed after public outreach to the neighborhood. The installed play structure was the one the neighborhood selected and added swings as requested. Gino also reviewed plans for an upcoming play structure installation at Continental Park, and replacement of the 2-5 year old playgrounds at both Mobile Haven and Smokerise Parks. Next fiscal year, the priority will be McMillan Mesa Park, and then get into larger replacements like Bushmaster Park (west side) and Foxglenn.

Tyrone Johnson, Recreation Manager, reviewed results from the recent Recreation Facility Survey that ended in September.

Key information that staff will continue to review and discuss include comments on facility programming, hours of operation, and amenities for the public.

Amy Hagin, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, updated the Commission on the status of the community outreach with the Boulder Point, University Heights, and Woodlands neighborhoods and associations. There will be a virtual public meeting this evening at 6:30pm, and an on-site event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:00pm to review survey results with the neighborhoods and receive feedback on what they would like to see in the neighborhood park.

The commission would like to see the survey results at the next meeting, specifically including comments from nearby businesses in the Staples/Your Pie area, and how a newly developed park might affect the commercial district. This area is not intended to be a formal access to the park.

Diane was in attendance (HOA Board president) and noted that neighbors are anxious to hear about what is being proposed. The Board is inclined to provide the access needed for the park, but expects to review with their board including legal descriptions and costs which will be paid by the City.

Councilmember Deborah Harris did not have anything to report.
 

1. Appreciation for the new dead lift pad at the Aquaplex.
2. Note the date of the next meeting.

• West side park update
• Jan/Feb meeting dates

Chair Parsons adjourned the meeting at 6:10pm.