Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2016-26:  A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council calling a Special Election to be held on November 8, 2016, in conjunction with the City's General Election, to submit potential questions to the registered voters of Flagstaff regarding continuation of the transit tax, a possible bond issue for the Courthouse Facility, as well as potential questions proposed by initiative adding a new Title 15, Minimum Wage Law, and preserving City-owned real p?roperty (a 253-acre portion of McMillan Mesa near Buffalo Park, and a 47-acre area south of Buffalo and McPherson Parks) as Open Space (Buffalo Park).

The proposed resolution would call a Special Election to be held in conjunction with the City's General Election on November 8, 2016. Two possible questions may be proposed by the City Council--one to continue the transit tax, and the other to approve a bond issue for a Courthouse facility. Additionally, two initiatives are currently outstanding, one regarding the designation of City-owned real property (a 253-acre portion of McMillan Mesa near Buffalo Park, and a 47-acre area south of Buffalo and McPherson Parks) Buffalo Park as open space, and the other to create a minimum wage for Flagstaff. The determination as to whether these initiatives will meet the requirements for placement on the ballot will not occur until a time during the City Council summer break. Adoption of this resolution would call the Special Election and outline the procedures to be followed, should any or all of these issues move forward to the ballot.
 

As this Special Election would be held in conjunction with the already-scheduled General Election, the costs associated with the ballot and services provided by the County would not change; however, additional expenses would be incurred for production and distribution of the related Informational Pamphlet. These costs are dependent on the amount of information provided and number of arguments received for inclusion in the Informational Pamphlet.

3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
6) Provide a well-managed transportation system
7) Continue to implement the Flagstaff Regional Plan and focus efforts on specific plans
10) Support and assist the most vulnerable
 

On June 14, 2016, City Council directed staff to prepare ballot language for the continuation of the transit tax. On April 12, 2016, Council provided direction to staff to proceed with continued County coordination to further refine the concept design of a possible co-located courts facility. On June 14, 2016, City Council reviewed options for the municipal court facilities bond project and directed staff to prepare ballot language for a $12 million bond project to be funded through secondary property tax.

Additionally, both of these items will be discussed at the June 28, 2016, Work Session.

1) Adopt the resolution calling a Special Election
2) Amend the resolution calling a Special Election
3) Not call a Special Election (although if either initiative is successful, it is required)

In addition to calling a special election, this resolution also includes general information on the informational pamphlet invitation for arguments and any related costs. Oftentimes, a cost is associated with a member of the public to file an argument either for or against a proposed question. In the past, we have done both; however, recently we have not been charging, especially when a bond issue is involved.

With the various types of questions which may potentially be placed on the ballot, it is staff's recommendation to not charge a fee for filing an argument; however, this is something Council may want to consider. Should Council elect to charge a fee, such wording should be included in the resolution for the public's information.

Inform
Consult
Involve
Collaborate
Empower