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

A written comment was submitted by Ed Talkington requesting enforcement of street closures downtown to provide public space that allowed guests to social distance.

Councilmember McCarthy expressed concern about Item 8A and that it seemed hypocritical to pay for billboards in Phoenix when Flagstaff does not allow billboards. He also mentioned Item 8C and noted that he sent questions to staff that were answered, he requested that the information be included in the final agenda packet.
 
Councilmember Whelan asked questions regarding Items 6A, 6C, 6E, 7A, 8C, and 8D. Staff indicated that they would provide follow up information in the final agenda packet.

Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives Rose Toehe provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

• Greetings
• Land Acknowledgement
• Introduction
• Background Summary
• Work Plan
• Five Year Plan
• Indigenous Community Cultural Center
• Year One and Two
• Year Three – Five
• Indigenous Commission
• Economic Inclusion and Impact
• Visibility
• Education
• Year Three – Five
• Public Safety
• Wellness, Housing, and Transportation
• Tribal Nation Meetings and COVID-19

Councilmember Odegaard inquired about the involvement of indigenous artists in public art projects. Ms. Toehe confirmed that indigenous artists had been contacted through the Beautification and Public Art Commission and specific funding was available for the artists.
 
Councilmember McCarthy asked if the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) reached out to all tribes that the city engages with. Ms. Toehe explained that the ICF was making efforts to reach out to tribal members of all tribes around Flagstaff, while the city was also engaging with all tribal governments to invite their participation.
 
A written comment was submitted by John Viktora that included questions about the Indigenous Initiatives program.
 
Councilmember Whelan emphasized the complexity of the task at hand and sought clarification on the differences between the ICF and the future Indigenous Commission. She stressed the need to prioritize several items within the budget and to address what needed to be done in the coming years.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni thanked Ms. Toehe for her work and requested information on how the office collaborated with other local agencies working with Indigenous populations. He highlighted the importance of the commission, especially within the context of the Indigenous Cultural Community Center. He asked Ms. Toehe to address the unmet needs of the unsheltered Indigenous population. Ms. Toehe discussed the challenges faced, including issues with testing and accessing hotels for unsheltered individuals.
 
Mayor Evans thanked Ms. Toehe for her updates and reiterated the importance of setting up the Indigenous Commission to implement the work plan of the coordinator and the strategic plan. She noted that the commission should represent input from all local indigenous tribes. She also mentioned that the ICF was a 501(c)(3) organization, which allowed them to apply for and receive grants independently.
 
Following discussion, Council expressed support for the prompt establishment of the Indigenous Commission and that the commission should set priorities for the city.
 
A break as held from 4:21 p.m. through 4:31 p.m.

Parks Manager Amy Hagin addressed Council and stated that the discussion was the result of a FAIR request that was previously supported by Council. She explained that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan defined pocket parks as a park that was smaller than two acres. Flagstaff had ten pocket parks with a variety of amenities. The Master Plan also recommended that no additional parks smaller than two acres be developed due to the amount of resources required to maintain the small space.
 
Councilmember Whelan inquired about the timing of the master plan, which was completed and adopted in 2013. She asked if the plan was still relevant and effective for the community. Ms. Hagin confirmed that the plan was still valid but could benefit from periodic updates.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni asked about the size and maintenance of the Jim Cullen Park. Ms. Hagin explained that the park was under two acres. She explained that maintenance costs included mowing, tree and shrub upkeep, and irrigation, with mowing and irrigation being the largest expenses. Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that pocket parks had a lot of value and benefit for Flagstaff.
 
Mayor Evans emphasized the importance of ensuring every neighborhood had access to parks. She acknowledged the cost but suggested that parks could vary in design and amenities depending on the neighborhood.
 
Councilmember McCarthy indicated his support for the general policy of not adding many small parks but agreed that exceptions might be warranted based on merits versus costs. He suggested that Council could approve pocket parks on a case-by-case basis.
 
Councilmember Salas called for a review of the master plan and exploration of pocket or neighborhood parks that considered maintenance costs. She suggested exploring public and private partnerships to help fund park projects.
 
Councilmember Aslan stated that he agreed with the importance of considering parks but emphasized the need to consider aesthetics, xeriscaping, and water conservation in the planning process.
 
Councilmember Odegaard stated that even a small park or bench could foster a sense of community. He acknowledged concerns about funding but supported a review of the master plan.
 
Council agreed that staff should revisit the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and consider the inclusion of pocket parks as a possibility, while being mindful of maintenance costs and exploring potential funding partnerships. The proposed plan revisions would come back to Council for future discussion.

Mr. Clifton stated that the community would like to know more details regarding upcoming summer and fall events such as the Fourth of July celebration.
 
Councilmember Aslan expressed concern about infection and death rates. He emphasized the importance of avoiding large public gatherings to prioritize public safety, to ensure children could stay in school during the fall semester. He expressed that the focus should be on local data and decisions based on that metric.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni agreed with Councilmember Aslan and he stressed the need for stringent control and education if public events like the Farmer’s Market were reopened. He suggested a phased approach for team sports and public events to ensure compliance with social distancing and masking guidelines.
 
Mayor Evans stated that the city was only able to regulate activities on city property and within city facilities. She shared that the Farmer’s Market operated under modified conditions, with only pick-up and delivery options. The market had the flexibility to move locations as needed. Mayor Evans clarified that the City Council was not prohibiting the market from opening; only the market could not be open on city property.
 
Councilmember Salas suggested waiting until June 15, 2020 to decide on the Fourth of July Parade. If infection rates were consistent or increasing, she supported canceling the event. Mayor Evans clarified that they would not be deciding on “canceling the event”, but rather on whether to issue the permit to close streets for the parade.
 
Written comments were submitted by the Flagstaff Community Market Team and Greg Pratt in support of reopening the Flagstaff Community Market.
 
A written comment was submitted by Joe Galli in support of the Fourth of July parade and highlighted the improvements and safety guidelines that had been established for the event.

Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to recess into Executive Session for legal advice.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Council recessed into Executive Session at 5:14 p.m. and reconvened back into open session at 5:52 p.m.
 
Council agreed that the city should not approve or sponsor large events, including the Fourth of July parade, to ensure public safety and adhere to health guidelines.

Mr. Clifton stated that the letter of support was not a request for appropriation or anything of monetary value from the city, it was a request for the city to support the appropriation of funds to repair and repave Snowbowl Road.
 
Councilmember Odegaard indicated his support to issue a letter.
 
Written comments in support of the letter and repairs to Snowbowl Road were submitted by the following:

• Joe Shannon
• J.R. Murray
• Paul Brinkmann
• Joe Galli

Councilmember Whelan expressed concern about setting a precedent to weigh in on the management of Forest Service roads and roads outside of city limits. Vice Mayor Shimoni noted similar concerns. Mayor Evans stated that the Council had supported and advocated for Highway 180 as well as the Grand Canyon.
 
Councilmember Salas voiced her support for the letter and stated that Snowbowl Road was the access point for many recreational activities.
 
Council provided direction for staff to send the letter of support.

A written comment was submitted from Robin and Pragna Prema requesting Council support of HB2912 which provided liability protection for businesses during COVID-19.

Management Services Director Rick Tadder, Management Analysts Jack Fitchett and Sarah Langley, Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen, Community Investment Director Dave McIntire, Library Director Jared Toleman, CVB Director Trace Ward, Deputy Police Chief Dan Musselman, and Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

• City of Flagstaff Revenue Updates and Recession Plan
• Discussion Framework
• Recession Plan
• Revenue Updates
• Fiscal year 2019-20 estimates
• Projecting revenues for Fiscal Year 2020-21
• Projecting Revenues for FY 2020-21
• Table of Revenue Estimates for FY 2020-21
• Other Funds
• Local Recovery Efforts
• Path Forward
• Potential Measures – Significant Stage
• Action on Resolution

Councilmember Aslan asked if the city was collaborating with NAU to secure funding. Mr. Fitchett noted that collaboration opportunities were being explored and that the city continued lobbying efforts at the state and federal levels for funding.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni suggested integrating social distancing images into the Discover Flagstaff website and using police signs for social distancing and masking. Mr. Clifton confirmed that variable message boards were being used and that Discover Flagstaff had focused their messaging on leisure tourism and promoting outdoor activities and safety.
 
Councilmember Whelan asked about increasing fund balances. Mr. Tadder stated that fund balances had not been increased yet but could be considered post-recession. A 20% fund balance was deemed adequate.

Mr. Clifton stated that recommendation for deferment of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was difficult. The plan was to follow up on the COLA every three months to re-evaluate whether it was feasible to implement at that time.
 
Councilmember Salas expressed her gratitude to staff and the City Manager for the Recession Plan and the commitment to weather through the downturn.

Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Resolution No. 2020-33 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to adopt Resolution No. 2020-33.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember Aslan requested a FAIR item to discuss the possibility of adding lobbying for land and water conservation fund to the legislative priorities.
 
Councilmember Odegaard reported that the Housing Commission would be meeting later in the week. He requested information regarding HB2912. Mayor Evans also requested an Executive Session to discuss the bill.
 
Councilmember Salas requested a FAIR item to explore the possibility of adjusting the timeline of the minimum wage initiative.