August 24, 2026

MINUTES
OPEN SPACES COMMISSION HYBRID MEETING
MONDAY FLAGSTAFF AQUAPLEX
AUGUST 24, 2026 AND MICROSOFT TEAMS
1702 N FOURTH STREET
4:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 4:01 PM.
2. Roll Call
NOTE: One or more Commissioners may be in attendance through other technological means.
Chair Jacqueline Thomas, present Commissioner Molly Joyce, absent
Co-Chair Bruce Fox, present Commissioner Lina Wallen, present
Commissioner Mary Norton (P&Z Liaison), present Commissioner Nat White, present
Commissioner William Kluwin, absent Councilmember Rep: David Spence, present
Staff present: Rebecca Sayers (PROSE Director), Robert Wallace (Open Space Manager) Sylvia
Struss (Open Space Coordinator), Ashlee Fliney (Open Space Educator), Lori Reynolds
(Administrative Specialist), Sarah Holditch (Events & Marketing Coordinator)
3. Land Acknowledgment
The Flagstaff Open Space Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this
area's Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants,
border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and
their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will
forever know this place as home.
Read by Chair Thomas.
4. Approval of Minutes, July 27, 2026
Commissioner Wallen moved to approve the July 27, 2026 minutes as attached. Commissioner
Fox seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Open Call to the Public
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject that is not
scheduled before the Commission on this day. The Arizona Open Meeting Law prohibits the
Commission from discussing or taking action on an item which is not listed on the prepared agenda.
Commission members may, however, respond to criticism made by those addressing the
Commission, ask staff to review a matter, or ask that a matter be placed on a future agenda. To
address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for
Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
Read by Chair Thomas. No comments were received.
6. Business Items
A. Public Safety Propositions 404 & 405 Update
Flagstaff Fire Department Chief Mark Gillard provided an informational presentation on
Propositions 404 and 405, two public safety funding measures. Chief Gillard distributed

informational materials and directed commissioners to a QR code and the Connect Flagstaff
website for additional details.
Chief Gillard explained that City Council established a committee (Public Safety Citizen's
Committee) to evaluate public safety service needs and identify funding options that the
community may be willing to support. The process resulted in two proposed measures:
Proposition 404 would increase the City sales tax by 0.5%, from 2.486% to 2.986%. The measure
is anticipated to generate an average of approximately $18.2 million annually for 15 years to
support public safety operating expenses.
Proposition 405 is a General Obligation Bond intended for eligible public safety infrastructure and
equipment. Chief Gillard explained that bond proceeds cannot be used for ongoing personnel
expenses or routine replacement needs, such as replacing existing fire trucks or facilities. Potential
uses include fire station expansion, upgraded 911 technology and a Wildland Fire Management
Facility.
Chief Gillard discussed several public safety needs that could be supported through Proposition
404, including firefighter cancer screenings related to occupational carcinogen exposure,
enhanced emergency medical services, increased airport fire staffing, and additional emergency
management capacity.
Commissioner Norton asked how the proposed sales tax increase would affect the overall sales
tax rate. It was determined that the combined City, County, and State rate would be approximately
9.836%.
Commissioner Norton also asked whether the City had considered increasing development impact
fees as an alternative funding source. Chief Gillard explained that development impact fees are
subject to greater restrictions regarding how the revenue may be used and therefore do not
provide the same flexibility as sales tax revenue.
Commissioner Norton further asked about future fire station planning in the JW Powell corridor,
particularly in relation to development in the area and the proposed hospital. Discussion included
the anticipated Station 7 and whether another fire facility in the area could affect that need. Chief
Gillard explained that the City would still have responsibility for completing Station 7 because the
service need for that area has already been identified.
Chair Thomas inquired whether funding would support activities involving federal agencies. Chief
Gillard stated that the measures are intended for local public safety services and would not fund
federal projects. He offered to connect her with Police Department staff for additional information.
Commissioner White asked about funding responsibilities associated with City-owned open
spaces. Chief Gillard explained that expenditures proposed under Proposition 404 are currently
supported through the City's General Fund.
Discussion also addressed wildfire prevention and community resilience. Chief Gillard noted that
previous wildfire efforts leveraged approximately $10 million in local bond funding into more than
$40 million with state and federal resources. As that effort concludes, the City is increasingly
focused on wildfire risks within developed areas and urban open spaces. Chief Gillard referenced
the Palisades Fire as an example of fire transitioning from vegetation to structures and
emphasized hazardous-fuel reduction, home hardening, code provisions, and wildfire-conscious
neighborhood design. Proposition 404 could provide resources for these efforts.
Commissioner Norton discussed her experience as a resident leader of a Firewise USA
community and suggested that developers establishing new homeowners associations could be
encouraged to establish their own Firewise-certified communities before transferring responsibility
to residents. This could provide new homeowners with an existing structure for wildfire
preparedness and expectations for continued community participation. Chief Gillard supported the
concept of HOA participation in community wildfire protection and noted that Firewise has been
one of the models promoted locally. He stated that staff are preparing to discuss additional tools

with City Council.
Chief Gillard concluded by encouraging Commissioners to review the informational materials and
additional resources available online. He offered to provide contact information for himself and the
Police Chief, Emergency Manager, and other applicable contacts at the City for those
Commissioners seeking further information about the measures.
B. ​Observatory Mesa Field Trip Planning
Open Space Manager Robert Wallace reviewed plans for the Observatory Mesa field trip on
October 26 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Commissioners will meet at the Thorpe Park dog park parking
area and travel together in the PROSE recreational van to Matson Tank on Section 7 of
Observatory Mesa.
The field trip is expected to include:
A brief overview of the Observatory Mesa trail plan, including project phases and funding for
planned trails.
A short walk to view a portion of a newly flagged trail alignment in Section 7.
Observation and discussion of existing road conditions along the route.
Discussion of potential partnership opportunities and possible retention or drainage
improvements involving the City's Stormwater program.
Discussion of unauthorized vehicle use, keeping vehicles on designated roads, and
opportunities for coordination with the Coconino National Forest.
Robert reported that City Stormwater staff and at least one Coconino National Forest
representative may participate.
Chair Thomas asked how the public would access the remote meeting location. Robert stated that
the publicly posted agenda will include GPS coordinates and driving directions, and attendees may
drive on roads open to public travel or potentially hike or bike to the meeting location. The meeting
will be in person only, and minutes will be taken. Commissioners were asked to notify staff in
advance if they cannot attend due to transportation and planning needs.
C. Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division (PROSE) Master Plan Update
Open Space Manager Robert Wallace provided an update on the PROSE Master Plan. Consultant
Kimley-Horn is expected to attend the Commission's September 24, 2026 meeting (4 PM at the
Flagstaff Aquaplex: 1702 N. 4th St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004) for a progress update and focus-group-
style discussion. Robert shared that Commissioner feedback on the project website was forwarded
to the consultant, and some recommended changes have been implemented. Kimley-Horn has
also begun stakeholder outreach with schools, recreation groups, and other community
organizations.
Commissioners discussed participation in the online survey and opportunities to increase
responses, including promotion at upcoming community events. Robert noted that Kimley-Horn
has participated in events such as National Night Out and plans to attend Science in the Park, with
outreach focused primarily on reaching Flagstaff residents.
Commissioner White encouraged the consultant to review historical planning and open space
documents to better understand the community's long-term values. Robert explained that Kimley-
Horn is already required to review adopted City plans to ensure the Master Plan aligns with
existing policies and establishes PROSE priorities for the next 10–15 years. He emphasized that
the project is a PROSE-wide Master Plan, rather than a stand-alone Open Space management
plan, and encouraged Commissioner White to discuss additional historical resources directly with
Kimley-Horn.
Events and Marketing Coordinator Sarah Holditch reported that project posters, flyers, and social
media outreach are being prepared. Commissioners were encouraged to assist with distributing
and sharing materials to promote community participation

7. Reports and Updates
A. Council Representative Report, Council Representative David Spence
Council Representative Spence reported that City Council will resume its regular meeting schedule
tomorrow following a six-week recess. He stated that, with Council meetings resuming, he will also
continue sharing relevant Open Space Commission updates and discussion items with City
Council when appropriate. No additional Council updates were provided due to the recent recess
period.
B. Planning and Zoning Commission Representative Report, Representative Mary Norton
Commissioner Norton reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) unanimously
recommended proposed Planned Community zoning changes move forward to City Council.
Commissioner Norton highlighted the proposed 20% common or preservation space requirement
as a potential improvement over current master-planned communities, while noting continued
concerns about the amount of flexibility provided.
She also reported on a rezoning involving an approximately three-acre parcel near Picture
Canyon. The site plan identifies commercial/industrial development, while acknowledging the need
for additional Picture Canyon parking and access. If the rezoning moves forward, the City may
eventually need to purchase a portion of the property to establish public access or parking.
Robert reported that the City's Real Estate Division has been communicating with the property
owners regarding the City's interest in a trail connection and additional parking. Shared parking
associated with the planned fire training facility may also be an option.
C. Open Space Management Report, Robert Wallace and Sylvia Struss
Sylvia Struss provided several updates on upcoming Open Space programs, events, and volunteer
opportunities.
Arbor Day: Planned celebration on August 25th, planting trees and constructing protective
enclosures for them at Picture Canyon, followed by an Arbor Day proclamation at the City
Council meeting that afternoon.
Upcoming full moon hike: Scheduled for Thursday, August 27 at 6:15 p.m. from Thorpe Park
along the Mars Hill Trail.
Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience mushroom walks were fully booked with waiting lists.
Weed Pull Wednesdays: The final one of 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2nd
from 7:00–10:00 a.m. at Picture Canyon, although the location could change to McMillan
Mesa.
Robert noted that a portion of the FUTS trail from the Mars Hill/Thorpe Park area toward Section 7
will temporarily close the following month to accommodate logging and forest-thinning activities.
PROSE Director Rebecca Sayers announced that Robert Wallace has been promoted to Open
Space Manager for the City of Flagstaff. The position was established through the current year's
budget process and completes the PROSE Division's leadership reorganization. She also
announced that Ashley Fliney's Open Space Education Specialist position has transitioned from a
contracted, grant-funded position to a permanent, full-time City position.
D. PROSE Monthly Newsletter (July 2026)
8. Informational Items To and From Commissioners and Staff
Robert provided a follow-up to concerns raised by commissioners at a previous meeting regarding
electric motorcycles, golf carts, and other motorized vehicles being used on the FUTS trail system.

Robert reported that he forwarded the Commission's concerns to the City's Engineering Division.
Engineering staff are considering opportunities for a public education and marketing campaign
regarding appropriate and permitted trail use on the FUTS system.
9. Potential Future Agenda Items
The Commission discussed dedicating its September meeting to the PROSE Master Plan, with
Kimley-Horn attending for a focus-group-style discussion. The meeting was originally scheduled
for September 28, but Chair Thomas indicated she would be unavailable. The Commission
identified Thursday, September 24 as a potential alternative date.
Post Open Spaces Commission meeting: PROSE staff confirmed that the date change would work
and has posted the new time for the public. Although the meeting is intended as a focused
discussion between Kimley-Horn and the Commission, it remains a public meeting and members
of the public are welcome to attend and participate.
10. Adjournment
Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 5:31 PM.