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Minutes for City Council Joint Work Session

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CITY COUNCIL JOINT CITY/CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE WORK SESSION
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN
 4:00 P.M.
 
MINUTES
 
1.
Call to Order

Mayor Evans called the Joint City/Chamber Work Session held October 5, 2020, to order at 4:01 p.m.
 
2.
Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement

The City Council and attendees recited the pledge of allegiance and Mayor Evans 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 (virtually)
VICE MAYOR SHIMONI (virtually)
COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN (virtually)
COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY (virtually)
COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD (virtually)
COUNCILMEMBER SALAS (virtually)
COUNCILMEMBER WHELAN (virtually)		 ABSENT:
JULIE PASTRICK, CHAMBER PRESIDENT (virtually)
MARK LOVE, CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR (virtually)
TYLER MARK, CHAMBER MEMBER (virtually)
MARK HARRIS, CHAMBER MEMBER (virtually)
Others present:  City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
 
4.
Public Participation:

None
 
5.
Opening Comments from Julie Pastrick, President/CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
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Ms. Pastrick provided introductory remarks that highlighted the Chamber’s efforts to support businesses in Flagstaff during the pandemic. She discussed the challenges being faced by businesses due to COVID, rising minimum wage, and other increased costs.
 
6.
Insight into What's Happening in the Business Community
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Ms. Pastrick introduced Mark Love, the Chamber Board Chairperson and owner of Massage Envy, who discussed the following points:
 
  • 30% decline in service hours due to staffing.
  • Compression is an issue
  • There have been increased expenses to mitigate COVID.
  • Very concerned about the $4 per hour wage increase.
  • Urged the City to be cautious with increasing fees.
Ms. Pastrick introduced Mark Harris, Chamber Member and owner of Terry Marxxen Chevrolet, who discussed the following points:
  • To accommodate the rising minimum wage they are raising prices which puts them at a disadvantage in the state.
  • Many people are taking their buying power elsewhere to take advantage of lower costs.
  • Flagstaff has one of the higher tax rates in the state.
There was brief discussion regarding the sales tax rebate program for purchasing energy-efficient vehicles in Flagstaff. The rebate covers a portion or all of the sales tax.
 
Ms. Pastrick introduced Tyler Mark, Chamber Member and Vice President of WesPac Construction, who discussed the following points:
  • Construction has been a bright spot for the economy and the revenues are carrying the load for the revenue of the city.
  • The economy and market is volatile right now and they are seeing market spikes in certain areas.
  • Speed to market is key and the faster they can get through the development cycle the better.
  • The development sector wants to better partner with the city to help streamline processes and approval requirements.
  • There is a significant amount of time and money needed to get a concept plan approved; this is a big challenge for developers.
  • There are so many fees associated with development and adding any additional fees will make it almost impossible to build.
There was brief discussion concerning development fees, supply chain issues, and ongoing work to address some of the concerns expressed.
 
A break was held from 5:47 p.m. through 5:55 p.m. at which time Mayor Evans excused herself from the meeting and Vice Mayor Shimoni took over as Chair.
 
7.
Partnering together to assist businesses rebound faster
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Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen along with Community Investment Director David McIntire, Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Sayers, and Marketing and Media Relations Manager Lori Papas provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
AIRPORT
ARTS & SCIENCES
BEAUTIFICATION
EXPANDED USE OF RIGHT OF WAY (EUROW)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PARKING
LIBRARY
TOURISM
FLAGSTAFF LOCAL
 
Councilmember Salas offered comments related to the importance of workforce development and building a local workforce through partnerships with the High Schools and Community College.
 
8.
Informational Items To/From Chairman, Supervisors and County Manager, Mayor, Council and City Manager
City Council and the Chamber representatives expressed their collective gratitude for meeting jointly to discuss matters that impact the community. They also expressed a continued desire to partner in supporting businesses and helping them thrive and grow.
 
9.
Public Participation

None
 
10.
Adjournment

The Joint City/Chamber Work Session held October 5, 2020, adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
 
                  
___________________________________
MAYOR
  ATTEST:

 		  
  _________________________________
CITY CLERK