2-3-26 DESERT CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.PDF
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Minutes of the Desert Conservation Commission meeting held on February 3, 2026, 3:30 p.m., Hybrid Meeting- Tempe Public Library, 2nd Floor Cottonwood Board Room, 3500 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ. and virtually through Microsoft Teams Members Present: Members Absent: Elba Quintero – Chair Ricardo Juan Leonard Jane Neuheisel – Vice-Chair Laura Stewart Donald Burt Kimberly Gaffney-Loza Dushawn John-Armenta Thomas Klabunde City Staff Present: Alex Jovanovic, Staff Liaison- Deputy Community Services Director – Parks Gabriel Sabori, Park Maintenance Supervisor Upon the establishment of a quorum, meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chair Elba Quintero Agenda Item 1 – Public Appearances None Agenda Item 2 – New Commission Members Alex Jovanovic introduced new commission member, Thomas Klabunde. Thomas shared his background with the commission. Commission members introduced themselves. Agenda Item 3 – Approval of Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 Motion by Kimberly Gaffney-Loza to approve the meeting minutes of December 2, 2025, as submitted; seconded by Jane Neuheisel. Motion passed on a 5-0 vote. Ayes: Chair- Elba Quintero, Vice Chair Jane Neuheisel and commission members, Donald Burt, Kimberly Gaffney-Loza and Laura Stewart. Abstain: Thomas Klabunde Absent: Dushawn John-Armenta and Ricardo Juan Leonard. Agenda Item 4 – Rio Salado: Technical Advisory Group Alex Jovanovic provided a brief overview of the Rio Salado Technical Advisory Group and solicited participation from one commission member. Minutes Desert Conservation Commission February 3, 2026 Motion by Jane Neuheisel to nominate Kimberly Gaffney-Loza to serve as the Desert Conservation Commission representative on the Rio Salado Technical Advisory Group; seconded by Laura Stewart. Motion passed on a 6-0 vote. Ayes: Chair- Elba Quintero, Vice-Chair Jane Neuheisel and commission members, Donald Burt, Kimberly Gaffney-Loza, Thomas Klabunde and Laura Stewart. Absent: Dushawn John-Armenta and Ricardo Juan Leonard. Agenda Item 5 – Preserve Management Plan Recommendations Loma del Rio Preservation & Improvements Alex Jovanovic presented a brief background on items identified in the preserve management plan, planned improvements and next steps. Commission discussion included: o Deterioration o Stabilization o Educational signage improvements o Temporary signage o Scheduling a field trip to the site Hayden Buttte Preservation & Improvements Alex Jovanovic presented a brief background on items identified in the preserve management plan, priorities, planned improvements, projects underway and next steps. Commission discussion included: o Bikes, e-bikes, motorbike use of the trails o Step heights, railings, and safety concerns o Graffiti, petroglyphs, rules & penalties for vandalism o Hayden Flour Mill trailhead, design, and included amenities Agenda Item 6 – Commission Objectives/Priorities Commission discussed past priorities. Members will send input to staff on the four existing priorities and other items: Partnerships Increase awareness Participate in planning & design Identify appropriate uses Agenda Item 7 – Future Agenda Items Loma del Rio John McCain Library Agenda Item 8 – Upcoming Park Public Meeting Notices & Announcements Upcoming Arts in the Parks series Meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m. Prepared by: Bobbi Lloyd, Administrative Analyst, (480) 350-8352 Reviewed by: Alex Jovanovic, Deputy Community Services Director – Parks, (480) 350-5811