Blue Ribbon Commission
Regular MeetingHenderson, NV · November 29, 2023
Minutes
CITY OF HENDERSON
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
MINUTES
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 240 S. Water Street
4:00 PM Henderson, Nevada 89015
Meeting Inquiries: (702) 267-2047
I. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Chair Tara Phebus, Education Initiatives Officer, called the meeting of
the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Excellence and Youth Opportunity
to order at 4:05 p.m., in the Mayor and Council Boardroom,
240 South Water Street, Henderson, Nevada 89015.
II. CONFIRMATION OF POSTING AND ROLL CALL
Maxwell Fenster, Education Initiatives Analyst, confirmed the meeting of the
Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Excellence and Youth Opportunity had
been noticed in compliance with the Nevada Open Meeting Law.
PRESENT: Luke Adamo
Jennifer Atlas
Duane Graham
Emily Heitzman
Renee Kenwood
Aidan Loorz
Rachael Martin
Cassidy Sandifer
Trevor Tumminia
ABSENT: Anissa Little
Cash Sanchez
Katherine Wang
STAFF: Tara Phebus, Education Initiatives Officer
Maxwell Fenster, Education Initiatives Analyst
Jackie Curry, Education Initiatives Specialist
Michael Oh, Assistant City Attorney III
Michelle Reese, Deputy City Clerk
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III. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments presented.
IV. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA (For Possible Action)
(Motion)
Commissioner Emily Heitzman introduced a motion to accept the agenda, as
presented.
The roll call vote favoring passage was: Those voting aye: Luke Adamo,
Jennifer Atlas, Duane Graham, Emily Heitzman, Renee Kenwood, Aidan Loorz,
Rachael Martin, Cassidy Sandifer, and Trevor Tumminia. Those voting nay:
None. Those absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez, and Katherine Wang. Those
abstaining: None. Acting Chair Tara Phebus declared the motion carried.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1 MINUTES
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Excellence and Youth Opportunity
meeting minutes of September 27, 2023.
(Motion)
Commissioner Rachael Martin introduced a motion to adopt the Blue Ribbon
Commission Meeting minutes of September 27, 2023, as presented.
The roll call vote favoring passage was: Those voting aye: Luke Adamo,
Jennifer Atlas, Duane Graham, Emily Heitzman, Renee Kenwood, Aidan Loorz,
Rachael Martin, Cassidy Sandifer, and Trevor Tumminia. Those voting nay:
None. Those absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez, and Katherine Wang. Those
abstaining: None. Acting Chair Tara Phebus declared the motion carried.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – Minutes
2 ELECTION OF OFFICER
CHAIR
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Per BRC bylaws, an election for the Chair shall be held annually. Only student
members are eligible to serve as Chair. Members will put forth nominations and
vote to elect the Chair by a simple majority vote. They shall hold office for one
year or until their successor is elected.
Acting Chair Tara Phebus, Education Initiative Officer, asked if there were any
nominations.
Commissioners Rachael Martin, Emily Heitzman, and Cassidy Sandifer self-
nominated.
Commissioner Rachael Martin gave a brief presentation and answered
questions from fellow commissioners regarding her experience.
Commissioner Cassidy Sandifer gave a brief presentation and answered
questions from fellow Commissioners regarding her experience.
(Jennifer Atlas left at 4:19p.m and returned at 4:24p.m.)
Commissioner Emily Heitzman gave a brief presentation and answered
questions from fellow Commissioners regarding her experience.
Acting Chair Tara Phebus, Education Initiatives Officer, opened the voting for
each nominee by name.
Commissioner Luke Adamo introduced a motion to elect Commissioner Emily
Heitzman. Those voting Aye: Emily Heitzman, Aidan Loorz, Trevor Tumminia,
And Luke Adamo. Those voting Nay: Duane Graham, Renee Kenwood,
Rachael Martin, Cassidy Sandifer. Those Absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez,
and Katherine Wang. Those abstaining: Jennifer Atlas. Acting Chair Tara
Phebus declared the motion failed.
Commissioner Cassidy Sandifer introduced a motion to elect Commissioner
Cassidy Sandifer. Those Voting Aye: Cassidy Sandifer. Those Voting Nay: Luke
Adamo, Duane Graham, Emily Heitzman, Aidan Loorz, Rachael Martin, And
Trevor Tumminia. Those Absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez, and Katherine
Wang. Those abstaining: Jennifer Atlas. Acting Chair Tara Phebus declared the
motion failed.
Commissioner Rachael Martin introduced a motion to elect Commissioner
Rachael Martin. Those voting yay: Duane Graham, Renee Kenwood, Rachael
Martin. Those voting nay: Luke Adamo, Aidan Loorz, Emily Heitzman, Cassidy
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – Minutes
Sandifer, Trevor Tumminia. Those absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez, and
Katherine Wang. Those abstaining: Jennifer Atlas. Acting Chair Tara Phebus
declared the motion failed.
Michael Oh, Assistant City Attorney III, had a brief discussion for a new voting
process.
There was informal vote to move forward. Commissioner Rachael Martin
recorded three votes, Commissioner Cassidy Sandifer recorded one vote,
Commissioner Emily Heitzman recorded four votes.
The top two candidates moved forward to a final vote.
Commissioner Emily Heitzman introduced a motion to elect Emily Heitzman.
Those voting aye: Luke Adamo, Emily Heitz, Aidan Loorz, Cassidy Sandifer,
Trevor Tumminia. Those voting nay: Duane Graham, Renee Kenwood, Rachael
Martin. Those absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez, And Katherine Wang.
Those abstaining: Jennifer Atlas. Acting Chair Tara Phebus declared the motion
carried to elect Emily Heitzman as Chair.
Chair Emily Heitzman presided over the remainder of the meeting.
3 ELECTION OF OFFICER
VICE CHAIR
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Per BRC bylaws, an election for the Vice Chair shall be held annually. Only
student members are eligible to serve as Vice Chair. Members will put forth
nominations and vote to elect the Vice Chair by a simple majority vote. They
shall hold office for one year or until their successor is elected.
Chair Emily Heitzman asked if there were any nominations.
Commissioners Rachael Martin and Cassidy Sandifer self-nominated.
Commissioner Luke Adamo introduced a motion to elect Commissioner Cassidy
Sandifer. Those voting aye: Luke Adamo, Aidan Loorz and Cassidy Sandifer.
Those voting nay: Jennifer Atlas, Duane Graham, Emily Heitzman, Renee
Kenwood, and Trevor Tumminia.
Motion fails.
Commissioner Rachael Martin moves to elect Commissioner Rachael Martin.
Those voting aye: Jennifer Atlas, Renee Kenwood, Trevor Tumminia, Duane
Graham, and Rachael Martin. Those voting nay: Luke Adamo, Aidan Loorz, and
Cassidy Sandifer. Chair Emily Heitzman declares the motion carries.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – Minutes
4 PRESENTATION
REVIEW RECENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Staff will review recent volunteer opportunities for the Commission and
recognize participating Commissioners.
Maxwell Fenster, Education Initiative Analyst, presented a review of the
Commission’s participation in the City’s Trunk or Treat event held at the Black
Mountain Recreation Center (BMRC) on October 26, 2023.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the 2023 Trunk or Treat event and thoughts
for next year’s event.
Mr. Fenster gave a brief overview of another event taking place at Valley View
Recreation Center (VVRC) on November 30, 2023, for Blue Star Mother’s.
A brief discussion ensued among Commissioners regarding the 2023 stocking
stuffing event.
Responding to a question by Commissioner Rachael Martin regarding meeting
schedules for calendar year 2024, Mr. Fenster responded beginning in January,
meetings will be approximately six weeks apart.
5 PROPOSED BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION WORK PLAN
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Staff will present a proposed work plan based on priorities identified during the
September 27, 2023, workshop for consideration of the Blue Ribbon
Commission.
Mr. Fenster presented a summary of this item.
A discussion ensued among the Commissioners and staff regarding creating a
work plan and potential goals.
(Trevor Tumminia left at 5:17p.m. and returned at 5:20p.m.)
Mr. Fenster summarized the goals for the proposed work plan.
(Motion)
Commissioner Luke Adamo introduced a motion to adopt the proposed blue
ribbon commission work plan.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – Minutes
The roll call vote favoring passage was: Those voting aye: Luke Adamo,
Jennifer Atlas, Duane Graham, Emily Heitzman, Renee Kenwood, Aidan Loorz,
Rachael Martin, Cassidy Sandifer, and Trevor Tumminia. Those voting nay:
None. Those absent: Anissa Little, Cash Sanchez, and Katherine Wang. Those
abstaining: None. Chair Emily Heitzman declared the motion carried.
VI. CHAIRMAN\MEMBER COMMENTS
Commissioner Jennifer Atlas requested a schedule be created for the next
agenda to stay on track.
Commissioner Jennifer Atlas apologized for missing the presentations and
commended those that presented.
VII. SET NEXT MEETING
The next meeting was set for Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments presented.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be discussed, Chair Emily Heinzman
adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Harmony Cole
Harmony Cole
City Clerk Services Specialist
Agenda
CITY OF HENDERSON
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
AGENDA
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 240 S. Water Street
4:00 PM Henderson, Nevada 89015
Meeting Inquiries: (702) 267-2047
For those requiring special assistance or accommodation to attend or participate in this
meeting, arrangements for a sign language interpreter or services necessary for effective
communication for qualified persons with disabilities should be made as soon as possible,
but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event. Please contact Max Fenster at (702)
267-2047 or TTY: 7-1-1 at least 72 hours in advance to request a sign language interpreter.
You may also submit your request by using Contact Henderson.
The Chairman reserves the right to hear agenda items out of order, combine two or more
agenda items for consideration, remove an item from the agenda, or delay discussion
relating to an item on the agenda at any time.
Public comment will be taken at the designated Public Comment periods. Individuals will be
limited to three (3) minutes and spokespersons for a group will be limited to ten (10) minutes
at the discretion of the Chairman.
The Chairman reserves the right to curtail abusive, offensive, inflammatory or repetitive
comments that disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. See
NRS 241.030(4)(a). Examples of disruptive conduct include, without limitation, yelling,
stamping of feet, whistles, applause, heckling, name calling, use of profanity, personal
attacks, physical intimidation, threatening use of physical force, assault, battery, or any other
acts intended to impede the meeting or infringe on the rights of the board and/or committee
members, City staff, or meeting participants.
Backup materials for agenda items can be found in the Office of the City Clerk or on the
City's website at: http://www.cityofhenderson.com. To request backup materials, please
contact Max Fenster at (702) 267-2047.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - Agenda
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. CONFIRMATION OF POSTING AND ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters on
the agenda. Individuals will be limited to three (3) minutes and spokespersons
for a group will be limited to ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chairman.
The Chairman reserves the right to curtail abusive, offensive, inflammatory or
repetitive comments that disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the orderly
conduct of the meeting. In addition, any person willfully disrupting the meeting
may be removed from the room by the presiding officer. See NRS
241.030(4)(a). Examples of disruptive conduct include, without limitation,
yelling, stamping of feet, whistles, applause, heckling, name calling, use of
profanity, personal attacks, physical intimidation, threatening use of physical
force, assault, battery, or any other acts intended to impede the meeting or
infringe on the rights of the board and/or committee members, City staff, or
meeting participants.
IV. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA (For Possible Action)
V. NEW BUSINESS
1 MINUTES
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Possible Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt
Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Excellence and Youth Opportunity
meeting minutes of September 27, 2023.
Blue Ribbon Commission Meeting Page 3 of 4
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - Agenda
2 ELECTION OF OFFICER
CHAIR
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Possible Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Elect
Per BRC bylaws, an election for the Chair shall be held annually. Only student
members are eligible to serve as Chair. Members will put forth nominations and
vote to elect the Chair by a simple majority vote. They shall hold office for one
year or until their successor is elected.
3 ELECTION OF OFFICER
VICE CHAIR
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Possible Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Elect
Per BRC bylaws, an election for the Vice Chair shall be held annually. Only
student members are eligible to serve as Vice Chair. Members will put forth
nominations and vote to elect the Vice Chair by a simple majority vote. They
shall hold office for one year or until their successor is elected.
4 PRESENTATION
REVIEW RECENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Information and Discussion Only.
Staff will review recent volunteer opportunities for the Commission and
recognize participating commissioners.
5 PROPOSED BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION WORK PLAN
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Possible Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt
Staff will present a proposed work plan based on priorities identified during the
September 27, 2023 workshop for consideration of the Blue Ribbon
Commission.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - Agenda
VI. CHAIRMAN\MEMBER COMMENTS
The Chairman and Members may speak on any subject under this section of the
agenda. Chairman and Members may comment on matters including, without
limitation, future agenda items, upcoming meeting dates, and meeting
procedures. Comments made cannot be acted upon or discussed at this
meeting, but may be placed on a future agenda for consideration.
VII. SET NEXT MEETING
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Items discussed under this Public Comment period cannot be acted upon at this
meeting, but may be referred to a future agenda for consideration. Individuals
will be limited to three (3) minutes and spokespersons for a group will be limited
to ten (10) minutes, at the discretion of the Chairman. The Chairman reserves
the right to curtail abusive, offensive, inflammatory or repetitive comments that
disrupt, disturb or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. In
addition, any person willfully disrupting the meeting may be removed from the
room by the presiding officer. See NRS 241.030(4)(a). Examples of disruptive
conduct include, without limitation, yelling, stamping of feet, whistles, applause,
heckling, name calling, use of profanity, personal attacks, physical intimidation,
threatening use of physical force, assault, battery, or any other acts intended to
impede the meeting or infringe on the rights of the board and/or committee
members, City staff, or meeting participants.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Posted not later than 9:00 a.m. of the third working day before the meeting, at the following locations:
City Hall, 240 South Water Street
www.cityofhenderson.com
https://notice.nv.gov
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