Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-53:  A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council, authorizing a development agreement between Lowell Observatory and the City of Flagstaff related to the development of approximately 615 acres of land located west of Lowell Observatory, commonly referred to as Section 17.

Lowell Observatory, a non-profit research and educational institution located in Flagstaff, owns a 640-acre parcel of land formally identified as "section 17, Township 21 north of range 7 east of the Gila and Salt River base and meridian in Coconino County, Arizona", hereby referred to as Section 17. Section 17 was deeded to Lowell Observatory in 1910 by the United States Congress with certain federal encumbrances related to the permitted use of the land. While Section 17 is owned by the Observatory, if the land is not used for observatory purposes, the land would revert to the federal government. Lowell Observatory is requesting a letter of support from the Flagstaff City Council for this bill. A draft of the bill, as well as a draft letter of support, are included as attachments in the agenda packet.

During the October 26, 2021 Council meeting, the Flagstaff City Council discussed the proposed bill and Lowell's intention to expand the use of Section 17 beyond "observatory purposes," with any such expansion guided by a public planning process and development of a binding planning document that will require City Council approval. The City Council directed staff to come back at a future meeting with options Council can consider to provide additional "guardrails" for Lowell's plans for Section 17. The proposed development agreement, which commits Lowell to developing a Council-approved specific plan for Section 17 if the bill passes, is an option for Council's consideration. 

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