Blue Ribbon Commission
Regular MeetingHenderson, NV · April 15, 2026
Minutes
CITY OF HENDERSON
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
MINUTES
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anirudh Polagani called the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational
Excellence and Youth Opportunity to order at 4:03 p.m., in the
Anthem Conference Room, 240 South Water Street, Henderson, Nevada
89015.
II. CONFIRMATION OF POSTING AND ROLL CALL
Director of Education Initiatives, Tara Phebus, 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: Chair Anirudh Polagani
Shay Bravo-Bezard
Jason Couchman
Lindsay Couzens
Max Doubin
Jackson Holldorf
Bradley Keating (Arrived 4:04)
Katia Speer
Olivia Vause
Kaden Wright (Arrived 4:15)
ABSENT: Vice Chair Cason Noll (excused)
Madeline Howell
Elias Ramos
STAFF: Jacqueline Curry, Education Initiatives Specialist
Michael Oh, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Tara Phebus, Division Head Education Initiatives
Alexandra Zondiros, Administrative Assistant
GUESTS: Julie Chapman, Elections/City Clerk Services Administrator
Deidre Hanach, Administrative Assistant
Crystal Reyes, Executive Administrative Assistant
Steven Whitley, Training/Volunteer Programs Coordinator
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments presented.
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IV. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA (For Possible Action)
(Motion)
Commissioner Olivia Vause introduced a motion to accept the agenda, as
presented.
(Vote)
The vote favoring passage was unanimous. Chair Anirudh Polagani declared
the motion carried.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1 MINUTES
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
(Motion)
Commissioner Shay Bravo-Bezard introduced a motion to approve the Blue
Ribbon Commission on Educational Excellence and Youth Opportunity meeting
minutes of February 11, 2026.
(Vote)
The vote favoring passage was unanimous. Chair Anirudh Polagani declared
the motion carried.
2 PRESENTATION
VOTER REGISTRATION
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Julie Chapman, Election/City Clerk Services Administrator, gave a presentation
on Voter Registration.
A brief discussion ensued regarding guidance on mail-in ballots and election
worker participation.
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Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Minutes
3 DISCUSSION
2025-26 ANNUAL REPORT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Tara Phebus, Education Initiatives Division Head, gave a presentation on the
Annual Report draft, components, and timeline.
A brief discussion ensued regarding potential changes to the report and the
purpose of the report.
(Motion)
Commissioner Max Doubin introduced a motion to approve the annual report
draft.
(Vote)
The vote favoring passage was unanimous. Chair Anirudh Polagani declared
the motion carried.
4 PRESENTATION
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATING COMMISSIONERS
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Tara Phebus, Director of Education Initiatives, provided an overview of the
recognition of graduating Blue Ribbon Commissioners and a date for the
celebration.
5 PRESENTATION
PROJECT UPDATES
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Tara Phebus, Director of Education Initiatives, provided an update on the
Micromobility Awareness Campaign, City Nature Challenge, Expanding
Awareness of the Blue Ribbon Commission project, and the Internship Fair
project.
A brief discussion ensued regarding Commissioner participation in the
Internship Fair Project and Expanding Awareness of the Blue Ribbon
Commission Project.
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6 PRESENTATION
COMMISSIONER UPDATES
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Commissioners shared updates from their communities outside of the Blue
Ribbon Commission.
A brief discussion ensured regarding:
Individual Commissioner participation in other education groups
UNLV offering new Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Grant awarded for Ride Smart. Stay Safe. campaign
VI. CHAIR\MEMBER COMMENTS
Commissioner Bradley Keating provided a self-introduction and expressed
enthusiasm to participate on the Commission.
VII. SET NEXT MEETING
The next meeting was set for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Steven Whitley, Training/Volunteer Programs Coordinator, shared with
Commissioners the Volunteer Fair event at Lee’s Family Forum on Saturday,
April 25, 2026, and details therein.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be discussed, the meeting was adjourned at
4:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ Max Fenster
Max Fenster
Education Initiatives Analyst
Agenda
CITY OF HENDERSON
BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION
AGENDA
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Anthem Conference Room
4:00 PM 240 S. Water Street
Meeting Inquiries: (702) 267-2047 Henderson, Nevada 89015
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 Chair 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 Chair.
The Chair 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, April 15, 2026 - 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 Chair. The
Chair 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
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Possible Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Excellence and Youth Opportunity
meeting minutes of February 11, 2026.
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Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Agenda
2 PRESENTATION
VOTER REGISTRATION
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Information and Discussion Only.
Staff from the City Clerk's Office will present information on the process for
registering to vote, and the City's efforts to enhance civic engagement through
voter outreach.
3 PRESENTATION
2025-26 ANNUAL REPORT
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Possible Action.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve
Staff will present the 2025-26 Annual Report Draft to the Commission for review
and approval.
4 PRESENTATION
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATING COMMISSIONERS
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Information and Discussion Only.
Staff will provide an overview of the upcoming recognition of graduating
members of the Blue Ribbon Commission by Mayor and Council.
5 PROJECT PROPOSAL UPDATE
CITY MANGER'S OFFICE
For Information and Discussion Only.
Commissioners will share progress made on the approved project proposals.
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6 COMMISSIONER UPDATES
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
For Information and Discussion Only.
Commissioners will share opportunities, aligned areas of focus, or other
updates from their participation in local, regional, and State youth leadership
experiences.
VI. CHAIR\MEMBER COMMENTS
The Chair and Members may speak on any subject under this section of the
agenda. Chair 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 Chair. The Chair 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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