2025.11.12 PRGDBC ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES APPROVED.PDF

Minutes of the Parks, Recreation, Golf and Double Butte Cemetery Advisory Board meeting held on 
November 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Hybrid Meeting- Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E Southern Ave, 
Tempe, AZ, and virtual through Microsoft Teams. 
 
 
City Staff Present: 
Alexander Jovanovic, Deputy Community Services Director – Parks (Staff Liaison) 
Craig Hayton, Community Services Director 
Shawn Wagner, Deputy Community Services Director – Recreation 
Julie Hietter, Community Services Administrative Manager 
Shelbie Meyer, Administrative Analyst – Parks 
 
Other Guests Present: 
None 
 
Upon the establishment of a quorum, meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Elizabeth Hatch.   
 
 
 
 
 
Agenda Item 1 – Public Appearances 
None 
 
Agenda Item 2 – Approval of Meeting Minutes 
October 8, 2025 
Motion by Lane Waddell to approve the October 8, 2025, meeting minutes, as amended. Seconded by 
Shereen Lerner. Motion passed by a 7-0 vote. 
Ayes: Elizabeth Hatch, Lane Waddell, Mary Farmer, Thomas Klabunde, Shereen Lerner, Regina Ponder, and 
Lisa Zyriek 
Absent: Susan Carlson, Sharon Doyle, and Cory Pechtl.  
Abstain: Gerardo Lopez 
Agenda Item 3 – Annual Report 
Alex Jovanovic presented the 2025 Annual Report draft for board approval, in the event there is not quorum in 
December. The proposed draft will be edited based on recommendations by board members. 
 
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Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
Minutes 
Parks, Recreation, Golf and Double Butte Cemetery 
Advisory Board 
November 12, 2025 
 
Members Present: 
Elizabeth Hatch – Chair 
Lane Waddell – Vice Chair  
Mary Farmer 
Thomas Klabunde 
Shereen Lerner 
Gerardo Lopez 
Regina Ponder 
Lisa Zyriek 
Members Absent: 
Susan Carlson 
Sharon Doyle  
Cory Pechtl

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o Shelbie will change items such as meeting attendance or events attended, correct? 
o If a member suggests any amendments, could we still vote on it in December? 
Motion by Lane Waddell to approve the 2025 Annual Report as amended, seconded by Shereen Lerner.  
Motion passed on an 8-0 vote. 
Ayes: Elizabeth Hatch, Lane Waddell, Mary Farmer, Thomas Klabunde, Shereen Lerner, Gerardo Lopez, 
Regina Ponder, and Lisa Zyriek. 
Absent: Susan Carlson, Sharon Doyle, and Cory Pechtl. 
 
Agenda Item 4 – 2026 Calendar & Officers 
Alex Jovanovic discussed with the board the 2026 calendar and meeting dates. 
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The 2026 Calendar was presented next to the 2026 Faith-based holiday calendar (based on the current 
meeting dates of second Wednesday of each month). 
• 
The meeting space on the second floor of the Library in the Cottonwood room is tentatively booked for 
both the second and third Wednesdays. 
 
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Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
o The usage of “no meetings or events, if possible” on the faith-based calendar. Is it more of a 
suggestion or a requirement? 
o A couple board members expressed conflict if the board went back to meeting on the third 
Wednesday due to other meetings they will be involved in or are interested in participating in. 
o Second Wednesday suggested; tentative about the religious holidays and summer break. 
Motion by Lane Waddell to approve advisory board’s meeting dates for 2026 to continue to be held on the 
second Wednesday of the month, seconded by Gerardo Lopez.  Motion passed on an 8-0 vote. 
Ayes: Elizabeth Hatch, Lane Waddell, Mary Farmer, Thomas Klabunde, Shereen Lerner, Gerardo Lopez, 
Regina Ponder, and Lisa Zyriek. 
Absent: Susan Carlson, Sharon Doyle, and Cory Pechtl. 
 
Alex Jovanovic discussed with the board the need to vote for a new Chair, as well address Vice Chair, for 
2026. 
• 
Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
o Lane expressed willingness to serve as Chair, if no one else was interested. 
o Is there a requirement to serve more than one year as Chair or Vice Chair? 
o A board member nominated Elizabeth as Chair, she respectfully declined. 
o A board member nominated Mary Farmer to be the Vice Chair, she accepted.  
Motion by Shereen Lerner to nominate Lane Waddell as Chair for 2026 and Mary Farmer as Vice Chair for 
2026, seconded by Gerardo Lopez.  Motion passed on an 8-0 vote. 
Ayes: Elizabeth Hatch, Lane Waddell, Mary Farmer, Thomas Klabunde, Shereen Lerner, Gerardo Lopez, 
Regina Ponder, and Lisa Zyriek. 
Absent: Susan Carlson, Sharon Doyle, and Cory Pechtl. 
 
Agenda Item 5 – Golf: Ken McDonald Projects Update 
Alex Jovanovic presented updates on the Ken McDonald projects. 
 
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Presentation Information 
o Overview: background, updates, process/next steps, key dates, and communication. 
o Project goals: deliver clubhouse and irrigation projects while aligning both with recharge well 
project. 
o Context: CourseCo partnership, clubhouse, irrigation, and recharge wells.

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o Background on Clubhouse: conceptual plan & estimate, CMAR estimate, COT/CourseCo 
discussions 
o Process/Next steps: update PRGDBC board & City Council, provide DFA direction, finalize 
amended agreement & seek Council approval, update PRGDBC board & stakeholders, and 
construction of irrigation (early summer 2026) and clubhouse (mid to late 2026). 
o Communication: website, golf course, email, and social media. 
o Clubhouse – renderings of original concept versus the renovation and expansion concept. 
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Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
o Will 18 green still be moved and shortened? The board does not want it to be shortened by a 
lot. 
o Is it possible to go to the architect and ask them to work within the original $8M? 
o Construction costs are more expensive during the two-year process so it likely will not change 
much. 
o How much did Grass Clippings spend to redo the buildings and restaurant? 
o Is it just a difference in contracts as to why CourseCo cannot pay for the construction? Could 
the contract be changed? Does it have to be this way? 
o A board member has wondered why both contracts were so different (CourseCo & Grass 
Clippings), why is that exactly? 
o Are they going to have community space included? 
o Grass Clipping’s proposal had community activation or events piece in the proposal, the same 
issue persists at Ken McDonald. 
o We had public comments a couple meetings ago for meeting space – is that still a 
consideration? 
o What side of the building is the outdoor space on the renovation concept? 
o Does that include HVAC with the renovation too? Where would the clubhouse be while under 
construction? 
o What would the timeline be in the construction for the City to completely fund the project? 
o What is the length of the contract with CourseCo? 
o How much is the buy out? 
Motion by Shereen Lerner to support the renovation/expansion concept, inclusive of outdoor and meeting 
space, in lieu of the previously proposed full reconstruction, due to identified fiscal constraints, seconded by 
Lisa Zyriak. Motion passed on a 7-0 vote.  
Ayes: Elizabeth Hatch, Lane Waddell, Mary Farmer, Thomas Klabunde, Shereen Lerner, Regina Ponder, and 
Lisa Zyriek. 
Absent: Susan Carlson, Sharon Doyle, and Cory Pechtl. 
Abstain: Gerardo Lopez 
 
Agenda Item 7 – Events & Parks Ordinance Update 
Craig Hayton presented updates to the Special Event and Parks Ordinance based on public survey/feedback 
and what the process/timeline will look like going forward. 
 
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Presentation Information 
o Meeting overview: goals, background, overview of the two codes, what we heard this summer, 
public survey overview, and process and timeline. 
o Why the need for the change? 
o We are here to talk about: Special Events (Section 5-2) and Parks & Recreation (Chapter 23) 
codes, community feedback, and how to stay involved.

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o Special Events in Tempe: event types, locations, annual portfolio 
o What is the Special Events code? 
o What is the Parks & Recreation code? 
o Building the new ordinance: July 2025 as a reference point and obtaining feedback to build a 
new ordinance. 
o July 2025 version updates: definitions, permit requirements, application process, and first 
amendment activities. 
o Existing permit options: park & ramada reservations and Special Events permits. 
o July 2025 proposed additions: limited park use permit, neighborhood park activation permit, 
group meet up notification. 
o What we heard this summer. 
o Where we are & where we’re headed 
o For the community, this effort is about 
o Key questions 
o Provide input & stay connected 
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Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
o What types of things did you do to change the process going forward? 
o Is it a legal reason why you cannot put back the same code? Couldn’t you just change a few 
words if there are no changes?  
o How is the reservation/threshold enforced now and how will it be enforced if approved? 
o Is there a tape of the virtual meeting?  
o Board members are glad the board is informed early and involved/engaged. 
Agenda Item 6 – Rio Salado Update 
Craig Hayton presented updates to Rio Salado Parks and seeking board member representation in the 
Technical Advisory Group (TAG). 
 
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Presentation Information 
o Overview: Rio Salado & Beach Park Master Plan, updates, action item: TAG representative, 
and ways to stay connected 
o Master Plan: purpose, guiding principles, activity zones, and implementation strategies. 
o Rio Salado Master Plan – activity zones 
o Arizona Cycle Boats – Public Private Partnership (P3) 
o P3: what is it, what are the outcomes, updates, and in-process/next steps. 
o 3 North Activity Zones: project scope & objectives, updates, and next steps. 
o Action Item: TAG – seeking 1 board member to participate, the responsibilities, time 
commitment, and TAG composition. 
o Tempe Council Subcommittee 
o Rio ReImagined 
o How to stay informed 
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Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
o Will there still be free access to ride/walk by or along the lake? 
▪ 
There have been complaints about access in the past, so it is good that it is factored into 
the plan.  
o Why aren’t there places/restaurants with views of the water? Will that be included? 
o Where is the parking for the boats from Arizona Cycle Boats?

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o Are there multiple proposals blended together, or do you envision individual plans along the 
lake? 
o Mary Farmer volunteered to be a part of TAG. 
o The area you are looking at is near Hayden Preserve, should the Desert Conservation 
Commission (DCC) be a part of TAG since they’re adjacent to the area, as another logical 
additional community member? 
Motion by Lane Waddell for Mary Farmer to be the PRGDBC member for the TAG, seconded by Shereen 
Lerner. Motion passed on a 6-0 vote. 
Ayes: Elizabeth Hatch, Lane Waddell, Mary Farmer, Thomas Klabunde, Shereen Lerner, Regina Ponder, and 
Lisa Zyriek. 
Absent: Susan Carlson, Sharon Doyle, and Cory Pechtl. Gerardo Lopez & Regina Ponder left before the vote. 
 
Agenda Item 8 – Storm Update 
Alex Jovanovic quickly presented storm updates with numbers of trees lost from the October 13th microburst. 
 
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Board members asked questions and made comments about: 
o How many trees lost at Ken McDonald? Kiwanis? 
o What process is Richard Adkins (Urban Forester) going through to replant as priority? 
▪ 
A board member advocated that golf courses be considered as priority similar to the 
parks replant process. 
 
Agenda Item 9 – Future Agenda Items 
Shereen Lerner requested that Urban Forest/Richard Adkins do a presentation regarding the tree planting 
plan, golf courses, and priority based on the storm update. Lisa Zyriek requested to have a vote to have a 
conversation to establish a relationship or process as new developments come into place to get more green 
space. Lisa Zyriek also requested that staff share the upcoming improvements/outcome of the Double Butte 
Cemetery to generate excitement based on the bond election/donation of money. She requested there be 
some type of action to vote on. 
 
Agenda Item 11 – Public Meeting Attendance, Notices & Announcements 
Shawn Wagner announced the last Iron Man race (after 31-year partnership), ASU Homecoming, Water 
Lantern Park, and the Native Holiday Market. Alex Jovanovic announced the Arts in the Park at Campbell Park 
on December 2nd.  
 
Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.  
Prepared by: Shelbie Meyer, Administrative Analyst, (480) 350-8353 
Reviewed by: Alex Jovanovic, Deputy Community Services Director- Parks, (480) 350-5811