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Minutes for City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
 

MINUTES
 
1.
Call to Order

Mayor Evans called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held September 8, 2020, to order at 3:01 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 attendees recited the pledge of allegiance and Councilmember Odegaard 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 through other technological means.
PRESENT:

MAYOR EVANS
VICE MAYOR SHIMONI
COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN
COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY
COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD
COUNCILMEMBER SALAS
COUNCILMEMBER WHELAN
ABSENT:








Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; Deputy City Attorney Kevin Fincel.
 
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.
None. 
 
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the September 15, 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.
 
6.
Downtown Flowers and Planters Update
Beautification, Arts and Science Manager Eliza Kretzmann presented to Council on the pilot flower project in Downtown Flagstaff. This was a pilot project based off high demand. The City worked with contractor Fox Glove. Maintenance is the highest cost of the project.
 
Slides Included:
  • Background
  • Overview
  • Elements Included
  • Hanging Baskets
  • Heritage Square Planters
  • Expanded Use of Right-of-Way
  • Overview: Locations
  • Lessons Learned: Technical
  • Lessons Learned: Cost
  • Cost Comes with Benefits
  • Lessons Learned: Public Feedback
  • Considerations for the Future
  • Questions and Discussion
Vice Mayor Shimoni made a few suggestions for moving forward with the project including partnering with local businesses, non-profits, or individuals for an “adopt-a-flower-bed” program to help with cost and to help expand the project. He also asked if there is room for collaboration with the master gardeners group or similar groups. Ms. Kretzmann stated that staff is thinking of other models, including cost-sharing models.
 
7.
Discussion and Consideration: Citizen Petition requesting that City Council seriously consider the effect of noise pollution on the quality of life in Flagstaff; address the unnecessary noise created when drivers intentionally modify a vehicle for the sole purpose of increasing their noise footprint.
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the petition:
  • Michael Collier
  • Charlie Silver
  • Tom Brownold
Written comments in support of the petition were submitted by the following individuals:
  • Robert Breunig
  • Jeffrey Hall
  • Larry MacPhee
  • Sharon Gibb
  • Rick Moore
  • Ellen Ryan
  • Jen Blue
  • Wayne Ranney
  • Darcy and Michael Falk
  • Rose Houk
  • Diane Hope
Comments included:
  • There is an ever increasing level of noise in the neighborhood due to vehicles with modified mufflers
  • Sounds from vehicles can be heard inside the house.
  • Speeding is a concern and the behavior must be stopped.
  • This is not normal traffic noise, it is noise caused by modified vehicles.
  • The problem is particularly bad in the Thorpe/Mars Hill area.
  • The summertime is very difficult and we are unable to enjoy having our windows open.
  • The noise is a detriment to the peaceful enjoyment of our residence.
  • There should be a hefty fine for this type of behavior.
  • This is a quality of life issue.
Councilmembers McCarthy, Aslan, Salas, Whelan, and Odegaard expressed support. Vice Mayor Shimoni advised the City Manager to consult with other cities and Police Chiefs about enforcement strategies, noting its challenges. The Council showed unanimous support for addressing this issue to improve residents' quality of life.
 
8.
Discussion and Consideration: Citizen Petition requesting that City Council "formally declare 2020 the year of the mother in Flagstaff."
Petitioner Kristin Kauffman addressed the Council in support of the petition.
 
Councilmember McCarthy suggested changing the year to 2021 and highlighted previous parental leave actions. Councilmember Odegaard supported a proclamation or recognition but was unsure about the process. Mayor Evans raised a legal question about changing the year and emphasized the importance of the conversation. Councilmember Salas supported the petition and suggested lobbying the state legislature for broader workplace support for mothers. Councilmember Whelan recommended broadening the definition of "mother." Both Councilmember Aslan and Vice Mayor Shimoni expressed their support. The Council showed overall support with considerations for amendments and broader advocacy.
 
9.
Update on Arizona State Land Department Auction of 405.36 acres located south of I-40 and east of John Wesley Powell Boulevard within Section 26
Community Development Director Dan Folke presented to the Mayor and Council about an auction and the property involved.
 
Mayor Evans asked why the University of Arizona is the sole beneficiary, to which Folke indicated he would follow up.
 
Councilmember Whelan raised concerns about the sale of 405 acres for luxury housing, fearing it would cater to a non-diverse population and not benefit Arizona education.
 
Councilmember Aslan emphasized protecting the Arizona Trail while considering development and advocating for increased density in the area.
 
Councilmember Odegaard confirmed past land trust purchases by Flagstaff, citing Picture Canyon and Observatory Mesa.
 
Councilmember Salas expressed concern about the potential development's impact on the JW Powell Specific Plan.
 
10.
Flagstaff Police Presentation to City Council
City Manager Greg Clifton introduced the topic and provided background on the request, originating from a FAIR by Councilmember McCarthy. This presentation was the first of three.
 
Interim Police Chief Dan Musselman, Legal Counsel Marianne Sullivan, Deputy Chief Walt Miller, and Professional Standards Sergeant Ryan Turley presented on "How We Police," covering:
 
Slides Included:
  • Discussions
  • Tonight’s Discussion
  • Racial Profiling
  • Bias-Based Policing Policy
  • How do we know we are not profiling
  • Checks and Balances
  • 2019 Arrest Data
  • 2019 Arrests of City Residents
  • 2019 Arrests by Race
  • Homicide Data 2015-2019
Vice Mayor Shimoni commented about data on crimes related to train tracks/stations and efforts to address needs of the Native American population. Councilmember Whelan inquired about the potential impact of removing social service calls from police duties. Councilmember Odegaard emphasized the need for response to every service call and the liability involved. Councilmember Salas mentioned the upcoming executive session to discuss legal questions.
  • De-Escalation Training
  • De-Escalation and Inclusion
  • De-Escalation Continued
Councilmember Whelan asked if trainers come from within the community. Chief Musselman confirmed, noting the use of NAU professors and local activists, with officers requiring 16 hours of additional training. Councilmember Regina Salas inquired about community policing and neighborhood watch, which Chief Musselman confirmed as a cornerstone of the force. Ms. Sullivan continued the presentation with details from the Citizen’s Police Academy.
  • Response to Resistance Policy 300
  • Levels of Resistance
  • Levels of Force
  • Type of Resistance and Type of Force Officers can use
  • Carotid Control Hold
  • Response to Resistance – Graham V. Connor
Councilmember Aslan requested definitions for control techniques, which Ms. Sullivan provided. Councilmember Whelan inquired about the point of arrest and direction for officers. Councilmember McCarthy asked about the carotid hold, with Ms. Sullivan confirming policy transitions once a person is under control. Mayor Evans and Vice Mayor Shimoni suggested adding definitions to the presentation and making the Citizen's Academy accessible virtually.
 
Councilmember Whelan asked about the origins of policies, which Ms. Sullivan explained vary by department comfort levels, with guidance from Lexipol. Councilmember Aslan emphasized the importance of transparency and the use of body cameras.
  • Response to Resistance – Duty to Intercede
  • Response to Resistance – Use of Force Report Form
  • Response to Resistance – Review of Use of Force Forms
  • Policy 302
  • Use of Force Review Board
  • FPD Use of Force
Councilmember Aslan discussed data collection and distribution challenges, with Musselman explaining limitations and new records management systems. Deputy Chief Miller then presented on community complaints and hiring requirements.
  • Community Complaints
  • 2019 Community Complaints
  • Racial Complaints by Year
Councilmember Whelan asked about racial bias in hiring, with Sergeant Turley explaining that the process includes multiple bias checks. Vice Mayor Shimoni inquired about follow-up testing and officer wellness, with Chief Musselman detailing wellness initiatives and mental health support. Mayor Evans stressed the importance of mental health support for officers.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni asked about efforts to build police force diversity, with Chief Musselman outlining various outreach efforts. Mayor Evans suggested additional community integration and support. Councilmember Regina Salas acknowledged the distinct nature of policing as a calling.
 
Audrey Kruse addressed Council with a variety of questions that included the following:
  • Are trainings making measurable impacts to officers?
  • There should be more Indigenous-focused cultural competency trainings.
  • How much of the Department’s budget is spent on de-escalation trainings, practice, and mentorship?
  • How are officers held accountable in considering personal characteristics like race, gender-identity, or mental disability when interacting with the public?
  • How is need assessed for additional training and selection of topics?
  • Are performance metrics based on positive community engagement?
  • Are all arrestees told that they have the ability to file a complaint?
  • Share the proposals for reforming policies and budget.
Wendy White submitted written comments seeking additional data regarding police cite and release practices.
 
Chief Musselman addressed questions about the Citizen Liaison Committee, complaint filing, performance metrics, training budgets, and arrest rates of Native American people. Mayor Evans asked if the department issues warrants, which they do not.
 
Bryan Gest, Director of Terros, discussed their services and funding for 911 dispatching and crisis response. Vice Mayor Shimoni commented about Mesa's mental health initiatives and funding sources.
 
Council thanked the presenters and emphasized the importance of the discussions.
 
11.
Public Participation
None.
 
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Whelan stated that NACOG Economic Recovery is having a summit coming up in September.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated he attended the Arizona League of Cities conference the previous week.
 
Mayor Evans expressed thanks to Management Analysts Jack Fitchett and Sarah Langley who presented on Matricular card as accepted for ID. She stated that the item passed and will be a priority for League.
 
13.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held September 8, 2020, adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
   
 

_____________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
 
 

_____________________________________
CITY CLERK