9.20.2022 Work Session Minutes DRAFT

D R A F T
WORK SESSION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EL MIRAGE
EL MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
10000 N. EL MIRAGE ROAD
5:00 PM -TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
Minutes
 
           
   
1.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey; Councilmember Anita Norton;
Councilmember David Shapera; Councilmember Donna Winston 
Absent: Councilmember Roy Delgado (Excused) 
2.
CALL TO ORDER - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:00 PM.
 
3.
WORK SESSION PRESENTATION
 
1.
Review of Gentry Park Concept Master Plan presented by Harrington Planning + Design.
City Engineer Jorge Gastelum introduced Jason Harrington, Architect with Harrington Planning
+ Design.  Mr. Harrington detailed the plans for three different conceptual ideas for Gentry
Park.  Mayor Hermosillo stated the presentation was very exciting.  Vice Mayor Dorcey stated
the second concept was her favorite and she asked Public Works Director Nick Russo how often
the baseball field was being used.  Mr. Russo stated there are no longer any league games held
on the field and the only time it might be used is for a pick-up game.  Councilmember Norton
stated she is looking at the plans with cost and maintenance in mind and that all the options have
good features, but the third option seemed to be the lowest in cost.  Councilmember Norton
also stated she is concerned about possible dangers associated with an open pond. 
Councilmember Shapera stated he would like an amalgamation of all three ideas, and he does
not like anything that includes water features.  Councilmember Shapera also stated the playing
fields have not been used in years and residents do have the option of utilizing the playing
fields at the different schools in the city. Councilmember Winston stated she agrees with
Councilmember Shapera regarding the water features not being included and prefers ideas
that promote water conservation.  Councilmember Winston also stated she is concerned about
vandalism occurring at the park.  Mayor Hermosillo stated she appreciates the all-inclusive
ideas for teenagers and adults.  Vice Mayor Dorcey stated she would like to see more green
areas that could support community events and walking paths.  Councilmember Shapera
asked how many people play bocce ball and Mr. Harrington answered the courts can be made to
support multiple types of sports. Councilmember Shapera stated there should be a pavilion to
support community events.  Mayor Hermosillo stated the current community garden area can
be utilized for other uses as needed.  Mr. Harrington stated they had not included garden
alterations in their plans but can make changes as desired by council.  Councilmember Norton
stated fewer trees may be less expensive and Mr. Harrington answered they can continue to
adapt the plans to what council chooses.  Mr. Harrington asked if they should continue to
include the dog park idea and three council members stated yes and two stated no.  Mr.
Harrington asked if there was a particular theme that everyone preferred and Mayor
Hermosillo stated the Fun-tastic theme would be best.  Mr. Gastelum stated a summary of the

ideas discussed would be presented to council at a later date.
 
4.
ADJOURNMENT - MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:00 PM.
 
 
_______________________
Alexis Hermosillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Sharon Antes
I hereby certify the aforementioned minutes are a true and accurate record of the El Mirage City Council Work
Session held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, and a quorum was present. 
  
2 
Work Session  - Council Minutes
September 20, 2022