Residents urge remembrance for 'Glendale 16', propose adopt-a-street, praise HR board service

Glendale — During public comment at the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, three residents urged council action on separate community matters: a remembrance for 16 men who died in a workplace tragedy, an adopt‑a‑street nomination, and praise for the city’s human resources team.

Rory Goree, who identified himself from the Ocotillo District, asked the council to formally remember the “Glendale 16,” men who died in a workplace incident. He thanked Councilmember Bart Turner, Councilmember Francisco Contreras and City Manager Kevin Phelps for work that followed his outreach and said remembrance is important “so I think we do remember them.” Goree also raised workplace safety as a continuing concern.

James Dibler, identifying his residence as Phoenix, asked the city to open the process to adopt a street name to honor a volunteer who served six years at the Glendale Public Library; he said he would begin the application process for the segment between 59th Avenue and Peoria Avenue.

Davita Solcher, who said she lives in the Saguaro District and recently completed eight years on the personnel board, used her time to publicly thank HR staff for their support: Jim Brown (HR Director), Naomi Jackson (HR Administrator) and LaJoon Boone (HR business partner). Solcher said HR often resolved issues before they reached the board and encouraged citizens to apply for service on boards and commissions.

All three speakers addressed the council during the citizens comment period; none of the public comments produced immediate formal action during the Jan. 28 meeting.