Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  2014 Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival
Consideration and Approval of Amplification Exception: 2014 Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival

• Approve the street closure at San Francisco Street between Birch Avenue and Dale Avenue on February 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm through February 9, 2014 at 11:59 pm;  and
• Approve the street closure at San Francisco Street between Aspen Avenue and Birch Avenue on February 7, 2014 at 6:00 pm through February 9, 2014 at 6:00 am
• Approve the amplification exception (to allow start box commentary, play-by-play commentary) on Sunday, February 9, 2014 between the hours of 8:00 am-12:00 noon.

By approving the Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival street closure and amplification exception, the City is providing a safe location and promoting economic activity during the traditionally low performing month of February.  Subsidiary Decision Points: No subsidiary decision points.

The Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Snowboard and Ski Festival budget was approved in the FY14 budget and is projected to meet a 100% cost recovery.  Street closures change traffic patterns for local businesses and may have the potential to affect sales.  Based off of feedback from the 2012 and 2013 event, many businesses reported a significant increase in sales over the 2011 pre-event year.  Review of sales tax data for the downtown area showed a comparable increase in sales in February 2012 versus February 2011 and February 2013 versus February 2011, which staff believes could be attributable to the Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Snowboard and Ski Festival.

Livability through good neighborhoods, affordable housing, and varied recreational activities.

City Council approved the street closure for the 2012 and 2013 Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Snowboard and Ski Festival.  Additionally, City Council approved the amplification exception for the 2013 Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Snowboard and Ski Festival.

1) Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets and not hold the event
2) Deny the request to approve the amplification exception with play-by-play announcements as part of the special event permit packet

The event features snowboarding and skiing on an urban course in the heart of historic downtown.  Snow is packed onto San Francisco Street between Birch and Dales Avenues, allowing skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to complete "tricks" while maneuvering various urban obstacles.  The event will run from from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm on Saturday and 8:00 am - 3:00 pm on Sunday.

In addition to the activities on the course, vendors will set up on the street and on the County Courthouse lawn.  Types of items sold at the event include food, beer, ski and snowboard related items, and sponsors' wares.  The festival component of the event is managed by R Entertainment and has been moved to San Francisco Street between Aspen Avenue and Birch Avenue, contingent on City Council approval.  The festival will focus on family-friendly activities and musical entertainment.

In August of 2012, the Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Snowboard and Ski Festival received the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association's award for "Most Outstanding Community and Neighborhood Event for a population of 25,000-100,000".

Street closures are permitted by Council action under the Special Events rules and regulations.  Of note, Cherry Avenue is a two-way street and its closure is allowable under the special event permit guidelines, without requiring the permission of the City Council. 

In 2012, this event drew roughly 10,000 spectators to the downtown area, increasing sales tax revenue.  In 2013, despite a blizzard, the event drew comparable numbers.  Numerous businesses in the downtown area noted an increase in sales during the weekend of the Dew Downtown Festival.  The Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Snowboard and Ski Festival has become one of the centerpieces of the WinterFest activities.  This event will be advertised throughout Arizona and the Southwestern states. 

This special event is managed by the City of Flagstaff for the threefold purpose of (1) providing an economic stimulus for the community during the traditionally low performing month of February; (2) continue to brand Flagstaff as a four season tourism destination; and (3) provide a family-friendly winter event for all ages.

INFORM, CONSULT, and INVOLVE: On June 24, 2013, the City of Flagstaff mailed postcards to residents and businesses in the north downtown area in order to notify them of the public meeting on July 1, 2013 and of the City Council meeting on July 16, 2013. Additionally, door hangers with this information were passed out to north downtown businesses and residents on June 24, 2013. The date and times of the public meeting and City Council meeting were posted in the July issue of the Downtown Newsletter, distributed on June 24, 2013. The Downtown Newsletter is posted on the City of Flagstaff website: www.flagstaff.az.gov/downtown as well as in the Heritage Square downtown kiosk, Main library facility downtown, City Hall and the Aquaplex.

A public meeting was held on July 1, 2013 and drew between 20-25 people.  Comment cards were filled out by attendees (see attachment).

1. Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets

• Pro: No impact to the traffic flow of the north downtown area.
• Con: Economic benefit may not be seen by Flagstaff businesses during a traditionally slow sales period.

      2.   Deny the request to approve the amplification exception to the special event permit packet

• Pro: No impact to surrounding businesses and residents
• Con: The ability to provide play-by-play commentary for the contestants and to call participants to the starting box for the competition portion of the event would be compromised.