Others present:  City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.

Mayor Evans stated that she signed a Declaration of Emergency regarding the COVID-19 conditions Flagstaff is experiencing. She indicated that she met with Congressman O’Halleran to discuss what they are doing at the federal level and that he will be providing an update to Council later in the meeting. She also spoke with Senator McSally and Senator Sinema who are both actively working to make sure the cities and towns are adequately supported as they move forward with the issue.
 
Mr. Clifton stated that Leadership Team has convened to discuss the measures within the Declaration of Emergency and the respective divisions have provided input on how to accommodate and provide services within those measures. They include a variety of suspensions of programs and events in city facilities, and a couple of facility closures. At this time there is no reduction of services but rather a curtailment of programs and activities mostly at the libraries and in parks and recreation. An emergency allocation of sick hours has been implemented to allow for employees who are ill or have family that are ill to stay at home. Employees have been encouraged to work from home whenever possible. The situation is rapidly evolving, and the narrative is ever changing. Staff stays committed to keeping Council apprised of changes as they arise.
 
Congressman Tom O’Halleran addressed Council stating that H.R. 6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act has been introduced to address the issues surrounding COVID-19. He reviewed some of the key provisions of the bill, which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
 
Council and Congressman O’Halleran discussed various concerns such as the homeless populations, national parks, tourism, employment, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), child care in light of school closures.
 
Mayor Evans announced that there will not be live audiences at the Council Meetings but that the meetings remain accessible to the public through live streaming on the website. The public will be able to submit public comment to be read into the record.
 
Public Affairs Director Jessica Drum stated that the email to use is publiccomment@flagstaffaz.gov and it should include the commenters name, address, and comments.
 
A break was held from 4:01 p.m. through 5:03 p.m.
 
Ms. Drum read public comments from the following individuals:

• Ann Heitland
• Randy Hulcher
• Kristin Kauffman
• Kimberly Campbell
• Kara Delgado
• Kimberly Bashore
• Ronald Getto
• Karin Malis-Clark
• Chat Patel
• Jessica Hartsell
• JB Dewitt
• Matt Stribling

The following comments were received:

• The city should require or ask grocery stores to provide store hours that are limited to those over 60 years of age and those with suppressed immune systems (the high-risk group).
• Lobby for the closure of Grand Canyon National Park in concert with other measures to suppress community and avoidable direct spread of COVID-19 in Flagstaff.
• More drastic measures should be taken as individuals still aren’t taking this seriously, people are still congregating at bars/restaurants, other public areas.
• Closures are needed to stop the spread of the virus.
• Community health is more important than businesses at this time.
• Total shutdown would not be good for the overall economy of Flagstaff.
• A shut down will only cause more panic and leave grocery stores more susceptible to disease because of overcrowding and panic.
• As tourism is our main staple of economy and livelihood for most restaurants and businesses in town how are we going to recover funds to pay employees? How are those employees suppose to pay rent or other bills? Do you have emergency funds to disperse to the community to pay for mortgages, utilities, other bills?
• How are the city and state going to help those who are NOT allowed to go to work?
• The city should help promote a small business stimulus bill to provide fast, direct stimulus to small businesses limited to their actual loss of business income using insurance industry business income coverage standards and claims adjusting infrastructure.
• Will the Emergency Operation Center and team set up to respond locally, include coordination with Coconino County Public Health District and Northern Arizona Healthcare?
• There is big shortfall in revenue and the current situation will be very difficult to survive please look at reducing tax liabilities.
• What is the hospital doing to prepare for coronavirus cases? What is the capacity of our hospital in Flagstaff, and is there anything that can be done to expand their capacity?
• Will there be any changes to tomorrow's scheduled presidential primary vote?
• No business wants to close, but our local government needs to provide clear leadership.
• Six feet apart is impossible if people are working in person.

Fire Chief Mark Gaillard reported that staff are conducting short-term planning to address workforce shortages from 10-50% and maintain essential services. Those plans will be fluid to accommodate the changing landscape. He indicated that they are not anticipating any special services for a city Emergency Operation Center and continue working through the typical chain of command. The County has opened a call-center as has Flagstaff Medical Center.
 
Mr. Clifton stated that shut offs for water services have been suspended to ensure proper sanitation measures can be achieved. Mayor Evans noted that APS has issued the same type of turn off suspension for electricity.
 
Councilmember Odegaard asked if declaring an emergency would allow the city to get funding reimbursement from the state and federal government. Mr. Clifton stated that it positions the city to apply for any available funding or resources. He indicated that staff has established accounting procedures to document costs related to the response to the virus to ensure proper documentation. The city will seek all possible assistance.
 
Council suggested coordination with NAU and CCC as it relates to their student populations. They are transitioning to an online platform for the remainder of the semester.
 
Council expressed concern about citizens losing their jobs due to business closures and how that could affect their general living and housing situations. They also expressed a desire to continue pressuring state and federal agencies to provide support and relief.
 
Mayor Evans indicated that she will be working on an additional proclamation related to business operations within the city. The proclamation will be announced later in the evening.