13.C.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 12/05/2017
- Co-Submitter:
- Josh Copley
- From:
- Caleb Blaschke, Assistant to the City Manager
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2017-39: A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council opposing the proposed fee increase for Grand Canyon National Park.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read Resolution No. 2017-39 by title only
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2017-39 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2017-39
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2017-39 by title only (if approved above)
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2017-39
Executive Summary:
On November 14, 2017 Councilmember Odegaard requested that staff expedite a conversation regarding the National Park Service’s proposed rate increase for entrance into the Grand Canyon National Park. Subsequently, staff received additional comments from other Councilmembers, tourism groups, and members of the public in opposition to the proposed rate increase.
With only a small window of time to provide comments to the National Park Service (originally November 23, 2017), staff created an agenda item for the November 21, 2017 meeting for Council to discuss the proposed rate increase and provide staff with further direction. Staff also provided draft comments to Council in opposition to the proposed rate increase.
After the agenda item was posted, the National Park Service extended the comment period for an additional 30 days to December 22, 2017. As a result, Council directed staff to obtain further feedback from other organizations affected by the proposed rate increase. Council also directed staff to draft a resolution, prepare two separate comments in opposition to the rate increases for commercial tours and private entry into the Grand Canyon and prepare a standard letter to send to legislators and appropriate organizations.
On November 28, 2017 staff presented the City of Flagstaff Tourism Commission with the information including the proposed resolution, proposed comments to be submitted to the National Park Service, and a standard letter to be sent to appropriate legislators and organizations. The Tourism Commission approved of the information. At the City Council meeting that same evening, staff provided the Council an update and the Council provided feedback which was incorporated.
Once approved by City Council, the comments will be submitted to the National Park Service. In addition, the letter will be sent to the appropriate legislators and organizations with the Resolution attached.
With only a small window of time to provide comments to the National Park Service (originally November 23, 2017), staff created an agenda item for the November 21, 2017 meeting for Council to discuss the proposed rate increase and provide staff with further direction. Staff also provided draft comments to Council in opposition to the proposed rate increase.
After the agenda item was posted, the National Park Service extended the comment period for an additional 30 days to December 22, 2017. As a result, Council directed staff to obtain further feedback from other organizations affected by the proposed rate increase. Council also directed staff to draft a resolution, prepare two separate comments in opposition to the rate increases for commercial tours and private entry into the Grand Canyon and prepare a standard letter to send to legislators and appropriate organizations.
On November 28, 2017 staff presented the City of Flagstaff Tourism Commission with the information including the proposed resolution, proposed comments to be submitted to the National Park Service, and a standard letter to be sent to appropriate legislators and organizations. The Tourism Commission approved of the information. At the City Council meeting that same evening, staff provided the Council an update and the Council provided feedback which was incorporated.
Once approved by City Council, the comments will be submitted to the National Park Service. In addition, the letter will be sent to the appropriate legislators and organizations with the Resolution attached.
Financial Impact:
None.
Policy Impact:
Resolution added to Intergovernmental Priorities.
Connection to Council Goal, Regional Plan and/or Team Flagstaff Strategic Plan:
Council Goals:
Economic Development.
Social Justice.
Economic Development.
Social Justice.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
None.