CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN
6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Evans called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held March 31, 2020, to order 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Evans called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held March 31, 2020, to order 6:00 p.m.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the City Council and to the general public that, at this work session, the City Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for legal advice and discussion with the City’s attorneys for legal advice on any item listed on the following agenda, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3).
2.
Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance and Vice Mayor Shimoni read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance and Vice Mayor Shimoni read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Flagstaff is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all.
3.
ROLL CALL
| NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| PRESENT: MAYOR EVANS VICE MAYOR SHIMONI (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER SALAS (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER WHELAN (virtually) |
ABSENT: |
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.
4.
Public Participation
Public Participation enables the public to address the council about items that are not on the prepared agenda. Public Participation appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end of the work session. You may speak at one or the other, but not both. Anyone wishing to comment at the meeting is asked to fill out a speaker card and submit it to the recording clerk. When the item comes up on the agenda, your name will be called. You may address the Council up to three times throughout the meeting, including comments made during Public Participation. Please limit your remarks to three minutes per item to allow everyone to have an opportunity to speak. At the discretion of the Chair, ten or more persons present at the meeting and wishing to speak may appoint a representative who may have no more than fifteen minutes to speak.
Public Participation enables the public to address the council about items that are not on the prepared agenda. Public Participation appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end of the work session. You may speak at one or the other, but not both. Anyone wishing to comment at the meeting is asked to fill out a speaker card and submit it to the recording clerk. When the item comes up on the agenda, your name will be called. You may address the Council up to three times throughout the meeting, including comments made during Public Participation. Please limit your remarks to three minutes per item to allow everyone to have an opportunity to speak. At the discretion of the Chair, ten or more persons present at the meeting and wishing to speak may appoint a representative who may have no more than fifteen minutes to speak.
Staff read public comments from the following individuals:
Kathy Fraser who thanked the Mayor and Council for efforts made to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
Chloe Pozar who expressed a desire for some sort of recognition for high school seniors who will not be able to participate in graduation ceremonies due to school shutdowns.
Kathy Fraser who thanked the Mayor and Council for efforts made to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
Chloe Pozar who expressed a desire for some sort of recognition for high school seniors who will not be able to participate in graduation ceremonies due to school shutdowns.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the April 7, 2020 City Council Meeting
Citizens wishing to speak on agenda items not specifically called out by the City Council may submit a speaker card for their items of interest to the recording clerk.
None
Citizens wishing to speak on agenda items not specifically called out by the City Council may submit a speaker card for their items of interest to the recording clerk.
None
6.
Annual work program review for Comprehensive Planning and Development Codes (Zoning, Subdivision, and Related Codes).
Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGRAM AND ZONING CODE UPDATE
WORK SESSION OBJECTIVES
ORDER OF PRESENTATION
2019-2020 WORK ALLOCATION
2020-2021 WORK ALLOCATION
2020-2021 PRIMARY PROJECTS
SOUTHSIDE PLAN NEXT STEPS
Councilmember Whelan indicated that so much time is spent on projects and she would like to see if there are ways to alleviate some of that time so that attention can be given to other projects.
Zoning Code Administrator Dan Symer continued the presentation.
2020 ZONING CODE WORK PROGRAM
NORMAL WORK ASSIGNMENTS
ZONING CODE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PLANNING AND ZONING PROJECTS TIMELINE
ZONING CODE WORK PROGRAM
HIGH OCCUPANCY HOUSING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC) DISTRICT
OUTDOOR LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
LA PLAZA VIEJA SPECIFIC PLAN
TRANSECT RECALIBRATION AND RELATED STANDARDS
ZONING CODE PROGRAM KEY POINTS
Councilmember Whelan stated that she continues to hear that public participation with the projects is being postponed and she is concerned that it will become the new norm. She would like for staff to consider developing strategies to support consistent and meaningful public participation and outreach.
2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGRAM AND ZONING CODE UPDATE
WORK SESSION OBJECTIVES
ORDER OF PRESENTATION
2019-2020 WORK ALLOCATION
2020-2021 WORK ALLOCATION
2020-2021 PRIMARY PROJECTS
SOUTHSIDE PLAN NEXT STEPS
Councilmember Whelan indicated that so much time is spent on projects and she would like to see if there are ways to alleviate some of that time so that attention can be given to other projects.
Zoning Code Administrator Dan Symer continued the presentation.
2020 ZONING CODE WORK PROGRAM
NORMAL WORK ASSIGNMENTS
ZONING CODE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PLANNING AND ZONING PROJECTS TIMELINE
ZONING CODE WORK PROGRAM
HIGH OCCUPANCY HOUSING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC) DISTRICT
OUTDOOR LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS
LA PLAZA VIEJA SPECIFIC PLAN
TRANSECT RECALIBRATION AND RELATED STANDARDS
ZONING CODE PROGRAM KEY POINTS
Councilmember Whelan stated that she continues to hear that public participation with the projects is being postponed and she is concerned that it will become the new norm. She would like for staff to consider developing strategies to support consistent and meaningful public participation and outreach.
7.
Discussion of Potential Ballot Measures
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson stated that the item is a continuation of the conversation Council had on March 3, 2020. Staff attempted to articulate what was heard from Council’s discussion in terms of what was supported. Staff is looking for final direction from Council regarding recommendations and public outreach.
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that he is generally not supportive of other measures until the unfunded pension liability is addressed. He is supportive of bonding for unfunded liability, FWPP, and Housing.
Councilmember Odegaard agreed stating that the pension liability should be the top priority before any other ballot measures. He is supportive of a housing question but he indicated that he does not want to ask any bonding questions in the fall due to current events and uncertainty with the economy.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he is interested in addressing the pension liability but that he is not comfortable with a bond to do so. He feels that a housing bond would be a big tool to help the community in the future.
Mayor Evans stated that she is not interested in any ballot measures at this time. She understands that many citizens would like to see some of these things come to fruition but the focus needs to be on putting the economy back together.
Councilmember Aslan indicated that the pension liability will not go away and it will likely get bigger; it needs to be the top priority especially as the economy becomes more uncertain.
Councilmember Salas stated that families and businesses are in survival mode and now is not the time to talk about ballot measures when facing a large decline in sales tax and property tax revenue. She is hopeful that other options may be available to address the pension liability without a ballot measure.
Mr. Clifton noted that information is forthcoming regarding the pension liability. The topic is slated for the upcoming budget retreat. He also stated that a Recession Plan is in the works and will be presented to Council in the very near future.
Councilmember Whelan stated that Mountain Line will not be bringing forward any initiatives in 2020 and they are asking the Council to consider the same.
Staff read submitted comments from the following individuals:
Council gave direction for staff to not bring forward any bonding questions for the 2020 election cycle.
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that he is generally not supportive of other measures until the unfunded pension liability is addressed. He is supportive of bonding for unfunded liability, FWPP, and Housing.
Councilmember Odegaard agreed stating that the pension liability should be the top priority before any other ballot measures. He is supportive of a housing question but he indicated that he does not want to ask any bonding questions in the fall due to current events and uncertainty with the economy.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he is interested in addressing the pension liability but that he is not comfortable with a bond to do so. He feels that a housing bond would be a big tool to help the community in the future.
Mayor Evans stated that she is not interested in any ballot measures at this time. She understands that many citizens would like to see some of these things come to fruition but the focus needs to be on putting the economy back together.
Councilmember Aslan indicated that the pension liability will not go away and it will likely get bigger; it needs to be the top priority especially as the economy becomes more uncertain.
Councilmember Salas stated that families and businesses are in survival mode and now is not the time to talk about ballot measures when facing a large decline in sales tax and property tax revenue. She is hopeful that other options may be available to address the pension liability without a ballot measure.
Mr. Clifton noted that information is forthcoming regarding the pension liability. The topic is slated for the upcoming budget retreat. He also stated that a Recession Plan is in the works and will be presented to Council in the very near future.
Councilmember Whelan stated that Mountain Line will not be bringing forward any initiatives in 2020 and they are asking the Council to consider the same.
Staff read submitted comments from the following individuals:
- Rakesh Dullbson
- Devonna McLaughlin
- Sandy Flores
- Kai Beattie
- Jennifer Kottra
- Support investment in housing.
- Housing is healthcare and it is time to invest in decent and affordable housing.
- Housing is needed throughout the entire city.
- Flagstaff has been experiencing a housing crisis for a long time.
- COVID has made it more apparent that housing is desperately needed.
- Move forward with a housing bond.
- Consider moving the Parks and Recreation initiative forward.
- Parks and recreation are great for public health and engagement.
Council gave direction for staff to not bring forward any bonding questions for the 2020 election cycle.
8.
Discussion: COVID-19 and Ongoing City Operations
Mr. Clifton reported that things are rapidly evolving. Many staff members are working remotely and front line operations are ongoing. A detailed narrative of division operations will be included with the Manager’s Report for the April 7, 2020 meeting.
Council expressed a need for the leadership at the state level to advocate for more precautionary measures by the public. There was also concern expressed about mixed messaging coming from various agencies involved. Direct messaging is needed regarding best practices, testing opportunities, and quarantine protocols. Further concern and frustration was conveyed about the state preempting local governments from taking measures to protect their city.
Public Affairs Director Jessica Drum reported that a dedicated webpage has been created for COVID specific information. The page contains information from community partners, stakeholders, and other partners. The goal is to compile resources for the community to access including non-profits, small businesses, and students. She also indicated that her team is pushing out a lot of information on social media about operational closures, small business loan opportunities, testing information, and the like.
Mr. Clifton stated that things change rapidly and that he will continue to provide regular updates to Council.
Council expressed a need for the leadership at the state level to advocate for more precautionary measures by the public. There was also concern expressed about mixed messaging coming from various agencies involved. Direct messaging is needed regarding best practices, testing opportunities, and quarantine protocols. Further concern and frustration was conveyed about the state preempting local governments from taking measures to protect their city.
Public Affairs Director Jessica Drum reported that a dedicated webpage has been created for COVID specific information. The page contains information from community partners, stakeholders, and other partners. The goal is to compile resources for the community to access including non-profits, small businesses, and students. She also indicated that her team is pushing out a lot of information on social media about operational closures, small business loan opportunities, testing information, and the like.
Mr. Clifton stated that things change rapidly and that he will continue to provide regular updates to Council.
9.
Public Participation
None
None
10.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Odegaard thanked staff for all their work in creating a way for Council to continue to meet in a virtual environment. He encouraged the public to remain strong and utilize the resources they have available.
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that the new meeting platform worked fairly well and thanked staff for their work to make it happen.
Councilmember Salas stated that things are difficult but the community will get through it together.
Councilmember Whelan thanked staff for their hard work and stepping up during such a challenging time. She thanked the Mayor for her leadership and advocacy against the pre-emptions coming from the Governor.
Mr. Clifton offered appreciation to all the staff who have been working behind the scenes to get the meetings converted to a virtual platform. He offered thanks to the IT team for all their efforts in assisting staff with transitioning to a remote work environment. He reported that leadership and extended leadership are meeting two times a week to share information about operations.
Mayor Evans reported that the official Census Day is tomorrow and she is concerned that the numbers will be different than perhaps what they could have been. She asked that the legislative team start conversations about another plan. She expressed gratitude to Council and staff for providing support and expertise over the last few weeks. The decisions she has had to make have been some of the hardest she has ever experienced during her time on Council. She knows that the community is still rock solid and that together we will all get through this difficult time.
Councilmember Salas stated that things are difficult but the community will get through it together.
Councilmember Whelan thanked staff for their hard work and stepping up during such a challenging time. She thanked the Mayor for her leadership and advocacy against the pre-emptions coming from the Governor.
Mr. Clifton offered appreciation to all the staff who have been working behind the scenes to get the meetings converted to a virtual platform. He offered thanks to the IT team for all their efforts in assisting staff with transitioning to a remote work environment. He reported that leadership and extended leadership are meeting two times a week to share information about operations.
Mayor Evans reported that the official Census Day is tomorrow and she is concerned that the numbers will be different than perhaps what they could have been. She asked that the legislative team start conversations about another plan. She expressed gratitude to Council and staff for providing support and expertise over the last few weeks. The decisions she has had to make have been some of the hardest she has ever experienced during her time on Council. She knows that the community is still rock solid and that together we will all get through this difficult time.
11.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held March 31, 2020, adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held March 31, 2020, adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
___________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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| _________________________________ CITY CLERK |