Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-36:  A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council, approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Coconino County for a Recreational Trail (near the San Francisco Peaks).
 

1. Read Resolution No. 2025-36 by title only
2. City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2025-36 by title only (if approved above)
3. Adopt Resolution No.2025-36

The proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Coconino County is intended to facilitate cooperation in formalizing the existing social trail north of Elks Lodge.  The social trail has been heavily used for over 25 years by the community. The social trail is about 2 miles in length. 

Under the proposed IGA, the City would acquire at least a 20' wide easement for a linear public park/trail ("the trail") The City and County will own the trail in joint ownership. The County will maintain the trail as a single track (2-4' wide dirt trail).  The trail functions as a:

• Linear public park/trail for recreation, including hiking, bicycling, and running.
• Access way connecting city neighborhoods to the U.S. Forest Service trails in the Mt. Elden-Dry Lakes area. 
• Transportation option for persons who do not have cars or do not wish to drive.
• Commuting option for persons living in the area who work in Flagstaff city limits.
• Neighborhood amenity for persons who live in this area.  

The trail generally follows the City's Switzer Canyon transmission waterline project route through a County residential area, and will utilize a conservation easement across the Museum of Northern Arizona property. 

The trail will follow:

• Existing private roads (Chickadee, Hootso).
• Maintenance access roads (constructed with the waterline)
• Single-track trails (realigned/reconstructed where necessary.

As Flagstaff area continues to grow, there is no guarantee that social trails such as this one will continue to exist, as private property owners may at any time seek to restrict public access across their property. The only way to guarantee continued public access is to obtain property rights for a linear public park/trail.

Funding for acquisition of easements for the trail is included in the 2004 FUTS and neighborhood open space bond. Funding for construction of the trail is available as part of the "Singletrack/Forest Access" project in the City's capital budget.

Land acquisition FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26:  403-09-421-3247-5-4431 $2,460,572 
Construction FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26:  048-10-120-3484-6-4433 $75,000 

None.

The City and County have had ongoing discussions with affected property owners and the homeowners associations in this area. The trail will cross approximately 28 parcels. A letter was sent to property owners in 2024 outlining the desire to formalize the existing social trail and outlining benefits to formalizing the trail. Property owners will be paid just compensation for property rights acquired for the trail. (Please refer to April 2025 presentation, attached).

There have been ongoing planning efforts to develop this trail, and it is identified in the Active Transportation Master Plan/FUTS master plan. The trail ties into the Schultz Y trail head acquisition and US Forest Service Mt. Elden-Dry Lakes recreation planning.

The Council approved Ordinance No. 2022-26 authorizing acquisition for neighborhood open space and trails, including this route. 

The City and County held a Joint Meeting on April 14, 2025, and at that time received information about the effort to formalize the existing social trail.  The matter was discussed at this public meeting.

1.   Approve IGA.
2.  Do not approve IGA and direct staff to take other action. 

Safe & Healthy Community: Promote physical and mental well-being through providing recreational opportunities, parks, open space, and active transportation options
Inclusive and Engaged Community: Promote environmental justice and access to environmental benefits
Sustainable and Innovative Infrastructure: Provide, manage, and maintain effective infrastructure for multimodal and active transportation.  Facilitate, develop, and encourage carbon-neutral energy opportunities
Livable Community: Provide amenities and activities that support a healthy lifestyle
Environmental Stewardship: Strengthen Flagstaff’s resilience to climate change impacts on built, natural, economic, health, and social systems

Policy XV Recreation:  Maintain Flagstaff's quality of life through outdoor recreation

The proposed trail/linear public park is part of the Active Transportation Master Plan adopted by Council and integrated into the Regional Plan.

The Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan:  Decreased independence on cars

N/A

The IGA helps support the goals of the Active Transportation Master Plan.