Michael Beck

The meeting agenda covered several key discussion points and actions. Key items included the approval of the April 5, 2022, meeting minutes. Information items focused on the review of the timeline and implementation approach for the Trail Maintenance Public Outreach Program concerning unpaved trails outside the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and a discussion and analysis of the first full year of data collected from the network of Eco-Counters installed in April 2021. A significant discussion and action item involved the review and approval of criteria for prioritizing future Capital Improvement Program (CIP) investments in Neighborhood Bikeway Corridors. Subcommittee members also had the opportunity to identify topics for future meetings.

Key discussions and potential recommendations focused on several items. The Commission reviewed and discussed the 2024 Longwoods International Travel USA and Return to Sample Reports. An update was provided regarding the Canal Convergence Event. The Commission recommended funding of up to $150,000 from bed tax expenditure to Lore Southwest Media and Arts to support the Scottsdale Dia De Los Muertos and Art Installation Experience and Event. Furthermore, a recommendation was made to City Council for bed tax expenditure up to $75,000 to support a one-year event funding agreement with Barrett-Jackson Auction Company for the 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction Event. Finally, the Commission discussed and recommended funding for various Event Venue Fee Funding Program applications totaling $108,000, Community Event Funding Program applications totaling $89,500, and a Matching Event Funding Program application totaling $30,000, resulting in total recommended funding of $200,500. Staff reports included updates on bed-tax collection, hotel classification, the Tourism Development Fund Budget, and program updates.

The meeting agenda included a public comment period for non-agendized items. Key discussion topics were scheduled for future meetings, including field tour options, Preserve future cost projections update, coordination of summer heat messaging, studies related to cooler paving options, and the transportation update on the Rio Verde trail crossing analysis. An update was also expected from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and the Arizona Game and Fish Department regarding the Deer and Javelina Survey. Staff reports covered the status of Council Strategic Objectives, vegetation management for invasive plants in the Browns Mountain region, and summer heat messaging.

The meeting included a public comment period for non-agendized items, limited to three minutes per speaker. Key discussion topics included an update from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Director on recent activities and issues. The Commission also received an update regarding the 'Protect The Preserve Process,' covering items like the Trailhead Working Group and daily preserve activities and operations. Staff reports covered planned APS maintenance work for Spring and Fall 2023, and the Cultural Plan update. The agenda concluded with discussions on upcoming meeting dates, locations, and agenda items for future sessions, including a field tour option and updates on various ongoing processes such as ERP, Land, Restoration, and the Cultural Plan.

The meeting included an update from the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy regarding seasonal activities, construction, invasive plant efforts (specifically stinknet), and community outreach, which led to a suggestion for a focused discussion on invasive species mitigation later in the summer. The Arizona Game and Fish Department presented findings from the annual large mammal survey, noting population estimates for mule deer and javelina, and discussing the potential impact of urban development on animal movement. The Scottsdale Fire Department provided an update on wildland fire fuel mitigation plans, emergency management processes for the wildland urban interface (WUI), community risk reduction, and the priority to fund a second technical rescue team. Staff reports covered updates on the Ecological Resource Plan data collection, scheduling for ecological evaluations for the Rock Climbing Management Plan, delays in the APS Transmission Line Maintenance project, and the temporary closure of the Sunrise Trailhead overflow area.