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Residents urge caution on parks and recreation consultant work; council schedules public workshop
Summary
Public commenters raised objections to a parks and recreation master plan procurement and consultant scope and cost; city manager announced a resident workshop for Jan. 23 to gather input on the master plan.
During the call to the public, multiple residents raised concerns about the city’s parks and recreation master plan process, consultant costs and contractor selection. Speakers urged that local developers and contractors be considered and questioned elements of the consultant scope described in the packet.
James McPheeers praised the anti‑human trafficking proclamation, urged vice mayor stability and said he opposed abrupt changes in that office. Mark Balan urged that the vice mayor selection be based on experience and transparency and welcomed a public parks meeting. Steve Gilliam reviewed the parks master plan packet, questioned a $194,870 line-item for paperwork and studies and criticized the use of out‑of‑area comparable cities in the consultant report, saying El Mirage is unique in size and demographics.
City Manager Sharon (last name not specified) announced a resident workshop on the parks and recreation master plan for Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. at the senior center and encouraged residents to participate. Council did not take action on procurement at the meeting; staff signaled they will engage residents at the scheduled workshop and continue public outreach.
