September 21, 2026

MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HYBRID MEETING
MONDAY FLAGSTAFF AQUAPLEX
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 AND MICROSOFT TEAMS
1702 N. FOURTH STREET
4:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
Chair Christensen 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 Jill Christensen, present Commissioner Michelle McAllister, present until
Vice Chair Camille Diab, present until 5:27 PM 5:11 PM
Commissioner Neil Frazier, present Commissioner VACANT
Commissioner Lisa Lamberson, present Commissioner VACANT
Councilmember Rep: Anthony Garcia, present at
4:30 PM
Staff present: Rebecca Sayers (PROSE Director), Amy Hagin (PROSE Assistant Director), Tyrone
Johnson (Recreation Manager), Sarah Holditch (Events & Marketing Coordinator), Lori Reynolds
(Administrative Specialist)
3. Land Acknowledgement
The Flagstaff Parks and Recreation 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 Christensen.
4. Approval of Minutes - July 20, 2026
Commissioner Frazier moved to approve the July 20, 2026 minutes as attached. Commissioner
Lamberson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Open Call to the Public
No comments were received
6. Discussion Items
A. Prop 404 and 405 Information
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson opened the presentation providing historical background
information on Propositions 404 and 405. The City began evaluating public safety needs in January
2025 and established a citizen committee to review identified needs across Fire, Police,
Emergency Management, and other public safety services. Approximately $273 million in needs
across 15 years were identified. Anderson also provided an overview of existing City funding
available to support these needs.

Fire Chief Mark Gaillard discussed increasing wildfire risk and the Fire Department's dual role in
emergency medical response and wildland fire protection. Proposition 405 would support a wildland
fire station and training facility and additional equipment, while funding associated with the
measures would also support prevention efforts such as hazardous-fuel reduction. Gaillard also
noted a 109.4% increase in new mid-rise development, which requires additional response
personnel and equipment, including another ladder truck.
Flagstaff Airport Director Brian Gall discussed Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services,
which operate 24 hours a day, year-round. The airport served more than 160,000 passengers in
2025, with approximately 40% residents and 60% visitors. Funding would increase minimum ARFF
staffing from two to three personnel and improve emergency response capacity.
Police Chief Sean Connolly discussed Police Department staffing and operational needs, including
the regional 911 dispatch center. Proposed funding would support additional dispatch personnel,
evidence and public records management, body-camera footage processing, and police aides for
non-emergency calls. Connolly noted that community events can strain staffing by drawing officers
away from regular service needs. Funding could also provide specialized training and technology
for criminal investigations. Several of these needs were identified through recommendations from a
consultant study.
Emergency Manager Daniel Kelly explained that he currently operates as a one-person Emergency
Management program, coordinating planning and training for incidents such as active-shooter
events, airport emergencies, power shutoffs, and large downtown gatherings. Emergency
Management also works to ensure continuity of City operations and coordinates emergency
declarations that can activate County, State, and Federal resources.
Shannon concluded by explaining the different purposes of the two funding propositions.
Proposition 404 would establish a 0.5% sales tax anticipated to generate approximately $18.2
million annually for 15 years, providing ongoing funding for public safety services. Proposition 405
would provide one-time bond funding for public safety equipment and infrastructure. Potential
community benefits discussed included additional firefighter and emergency response capacity,
continued airport operations, improved 911 communications, reduced detective caseloads, and
investments intended to improve community wildfire resilience and support homeowner insurance
availability and affordability.
Chair Christensen asked how the measures could improve access to homeowner insurance. Chief
Gaillard explained that fire protection and mitigation measures can affect property protection
classifications. He also noted increasing concerns about insurance costs and cancellations,
particularly as the community grows. Chair Christensen also asked whether the measures would
assist homes affected by flooding related to wildfire burn scars; Gaillard stated they would not.
Vice Chair Diab asked how the two measures work together, specifically whether Proposition 404
would fund ongoing operations while Proposition 405 funds facilities and equipment. Anderson
confirmed that Proposition 404 provides ongoing operational funding, while Proposition 405
provides one-time funding for infrastructure and equipment.
Commissioner McAllister asked about alternatives if one or both measures do not pass. Anderson
stated that the City could continue pursuing grants but would remain limited in its ability to address
the identified needs.
Commissioner Frazier questioned how the 15-year funding projections account for inflation.
Shannon explained that projections are based on historical figures and that changing costs would
need to be addressed by the City over time.
B. Ponderosa Park Outreach Sessions and Data
Item 6.B was moved out of order and heard as item 6.C.
Amy Hagin provided an update on Ponderosa Park public outreach events held July 18, 2026 and

July 30, 2026. The events invited neighborhood residents to provide input on the park's future
following the Museum Fire flooding impacts in 2021. PROSE, Planning and Development Services,
and a park amenity contractor participated, with three stations displaying examples of potential park
features.
Amy noted that more than 3,000 door hangers were distributed throughout the surrounding
neighborhoods in early July to promote the outreach. She emphasized that the intent was to hear
directly from park users rather than have City staff determine the park's design. The park also
gained approximately one additional acre through land acquisition associated with stormwater
improvements.
Community feedback included strong interest in new playground equipment and a walking path, as
well as retaining green gathering space for neighborhood activities such as movies in the park.
Feedback was mixed regarding a dog park, with a smaller dog run discussed as an alternative.
Residents also expressed interest in a splash pad. Chair Christensen noted that a splash pad could
create a need for additional parking. While there was public interest in a permanent restroom, Amy
said that permanent restrooms are not typically provided at neighborhood parks, so the portable
restrooms would remain.
This conversation was cut short as the Parks and Recreation Commission no longer held quorum.
C. Heritage Square Restroom Design Update
This discussion item was not covered as the Parks and Recreation Commission no longer held
quorum.
D. Introduction of New Commissioner
Item 6.D was moved out of order and heard as Item 6.B.
The Commission welcomed new member Michelle McAllister. She is a professor at NAU who has
lived in Flagstaff for seven years. Michelle shared that she enjoys the outdoors and regularly uses
local parks and trails and attends City events.
Commissioners introduced themselves and welcomed McAllister to the Commission. Assistant
PROSE Director Amy Hagin noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission has two remaining
vacancies.
7. Reports and Updates
A. Council Representative Report, Council Representative Anthony Garcia
B. PROSE Monthly Newsletter (August 2026)
8. Informational items to and from Commissioners and Staff
9. Agenda Items for next meeting
Master Plan Presentation
Heritage Square Restroom Design Update
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM when quorum was no longer met.