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

Anthony Garcia addressed Mayor and Council regarding the outgoing Council members and to let them know how much of an impact they had. He thanked the outgoing members for their work.

Mayor Evans read the proclamation. Sustainability Manager Nicole Antonopoulos spoke about the protection of the Monarch Butterfly and invited Assistant Parks and Recreation Manager Amy Hagin to speak about the mitigation efforts that the Parks Department implemented.

Housing and Grants Administrator Kristine Pavlik gave a presentation to Mayor and Council regarding the CDBG-CV Funding Recommendations. She presented two options for funding; Option A would reserve $176,551 of funds for allocation with the Spring 2021 CDBG grant cycle or Option B which would allocate all funds at this time.
 
Councilmember Whelan asked when the reserve money in Option A would come into play. Ms. Pavlik stated that the NOFA process typically starts in January with proposals due in mid-February with a final resolution in mid-April and the presentation to HUD in May with funds available after May 15. Councilmember Whelan stated that she feels that now is the time to allocate funds.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni and Councilmember Salas stated support for Councilmember Whelan’s comment since the money is needed now and that there will be an uphill battle this winter for the shelter.
 
Councilmember Odegaard asked if there are normal CDBG funds available at the beginning of the year. Ms. Pavlik stated that City staff are expecting the normal annual allocations and that there may be less restrictions and there will be program funds put in with the normal CDBG allocation.

Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni to read Resolution No. 2020-61 with Option B by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2020-61.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Project Manager Jeremy DeGeyter presented information on the Fourth Street Reconstruction project for consideration and approval of the contract. The information included maps, information on the updates, and the fiber optics that will be integrated into the project for future infrastructure growth.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni thanked staff for their work on the project and addressed how he feels about the added bicycle lanes. He also expressed gratitude to Councilmember Odegaard for his work.
 
Councilmember McCarthy and Mayor Evans also expressed their gratitude for his work on getting the bridge redone.

Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni to approve the construction contract with RTR Paving & Resurfacing, LLC in the amount of $1,699,908.00 and a contract duration of 250 calendar days, approve a contract allowance of $84,995.40, which is 5% of the lowest responsive bid, approve Change Order Authority to the City Manager in the amount of $169,990.80 which is 10% of the lowest responsive bid and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to read Resolution No. 2020-67.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2020-67.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg shared the proposed resolution with Mayor and Council.
 
Councilmember Odegaard expressed his gratitude for the resolution and for the work that was put into it.

Sustainability Manager Nicole Antonopoulos gave a presentation to Mayor and Council on the We Are All In Statement.
 
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he likes the statement of “We Are All In” and that Flagstaff is committed to that belief.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni commented how accomplishing carbon neutrality will need a team effort.
 
Mayor Evans commented that she is interested in moving the resolution forward. She addressed the conversation at the last meeting regarding affordable housing and climate change. She stated that the City can be all in on climate change and all in on affordable housing.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that the issues of housing and climate are important. He asked Ms. Antonopoulos to speak about the connection of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and affordable housing. Ms. Antonopoulos stated that climate change and affordable housing are in line with each other in the CAAP, especially when it comes to sustainable living.
 
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he agrees that the City can attack affordable housing and climate change at the same time.

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Resolution No. 2020-70 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

A RESOLUTION OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL SIGNING ONTO THE WE ARE STILL IN COALITION’S “ALL IN” CLIMATE STATEMENT
 

Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2020-70.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Solomon to give a brief summary for the public. Mr. Solomon stated that this litigation comes from the mistaken arrest of Mr. Nez for illegally selling drugs.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni expressed his apology to Mr. Nez.

Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Resolution No. 2020-68 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Resolution No. 2020-68.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

City Manager Greg Clifton, City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg, Deputy City Manager Shane Dille, and City Attorney Sterling Solomon gave a presentation to recognize the outgoing Mayor and City Councilmembers.
 
Councilmember Odegaard thanked Mr. Dille for the kind words.
 
Victor Daniels from the Arizona Department of Veteran Services shared a letter from the Arizona Department of Veteran Service to the Mayor. He also added his thanks to Mayor Evans for her support of the development of the Veterans Home in Flagstaff.
 
Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives Rose Toehe addressed Mayor and Council as a private citizen to thank them for the work that they have done especially for the Indigenous community.
 
Councilmember McCarthy thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers Odegaard and Whelan for their tone and how it has been effective and positive.
 
Councilmember Aslan expressed his gratitude to Mayor Evans and Councilmembers Odegaard and Whelan.

Vice Mayor Shimoni shared his thoughts about Councilmember Odegaard, Councilmember Whelan, and Mayor Evans.
 
Councilmember Salas expressed her admiration for Councilmember Odegaard, Councilmember Whelan, and Mayor Evans.
 
Councilmember Odegaard expressed his gratitude for the sentiments presented and spoke about the other councilmembers.

Councilmember Whelan expressed her gratitude for the chance to serve the community and for getting to know City staff.
 
Mayor Evans spoke about her experience on Council. She expressed her gratitude to City staff and to her daughter, Destiny. She also expressed her gratitude to the residents of Flagstaff.

The Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held December 8, 2020, adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

Vice Mayor Shimoni asked staff about the traffic volume for the Airport parcel, Item 9A, and potential neighborhood traffic with the connections. He also wanted to speak about housing on the parcel during the discussion next week.
 
Mayor Evans also spoke about the master developer plan for the Airport parcel and the relationship with the FAA. She stated that the property was purchased for economic development and was funded with grants for that purchase. She stated that discussing housing in that location is problematic due to lack of transit and noise.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni asked if we should be considering how to integrate housing on the property. Mayor Evans stated that this is a poor candidate for housing, due to walk/bike availability and noise. The property is also gifted by FAA and was intended for improvements to the airport. She states there are other properties to consider for housing, and she urges Council to be mindful and consider the message being sent by considering housing in an area where there is no bike lanes, not walkable, and where there is excessive noise from the planes.
 
Mayor Evans provided background on the property purchase and discussed the upcoming swearing-in process for new council members.
 
Councilmember Aslan asked how the swearing in will work virtually.
 
City Manager Greg Clifton and City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg explained that the ceremony will take place in the Council Chambers with strict attendance limits, allowing only ten or fewer people at a time. The swearing-in will be conducted in increments, streamed, and recorded at 1:00 p.m.
Mayor Evans inquired about the current Council's role at the 3:00 p.m. meeting, where she will hand over the meeting to Mayor-elect Deasy. Ms. Saltzburg confirmed this, and City Attorney Solomon clarified that new members will be sworn in individually. Vice Mayor Shimoni asked if the current Council must attend and about plans for a Council photograph. City Manager Clifton noted that attendance is not required due to limits, and the photo will be taken in person before the holidays, adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. The protocol for appointing the Vice Mayor position will be addressed immediately after the new roll call.
 
Mayor Evans reflected on the significance of the swearing-in ceremony for Councilmembers and encouraged the new Council to hold a proper ceremony when it is safe to do so.

Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance Executive Director Terry Madeszka and the consultants for the Downtown Visioning Plan presented a draft vision and action plan executive summary to Mayor and Council.
 
Progressive Urban Management Associates Representatives Brad Segal, JJ Folsom, and Jim Charlier addressed Mayor and Council and explained the draft plan summary.
 
Slides included:

• A Call to Action
• Key Policy Recommendations

Councilmember Aslan asked for the definitions of gentle density. Mr. Segal offered that gentle density is using the entitlements that are already in zoning and being careful with “massing” of the buildings so that it matches the downtown area.

• Plan Overview
• Review and Build Upon Prior Plans
• Conduct Community Outreach
• Expanded Use of Public Right of Way
• Online Survey Summary
• Market Assessment
• Market Opportunities
• Vision and Action Plan
• Action Plan: Economic Vitality Goals
• Goal A: Emergence from COVID-19 as an example
• Action Plan: Downtown Experience Goals
• Catalytic Projects: Redevelopment & Parking
• Catalytic Projects Placemaking
• Action Plan: Mobility Goals
• Downtown Connections Center
• Action Plan: Major Parking Recommendations
• Implementation & Funding Strategies
• Next Steps – Back to Council in February

Tyler Denham addressed Mayor and Council stating the problems with density. To address these problems, the City Council must consider increasing downtown density, even if it requires politically contentious decisions. He also stated the plan has a conflict between goals like maintaining Flagstaff's historic character, improving walkability, beautifying downtown, and enhancing parking experiences. He states this was demonstrated last summer when a lane of East Aspen Avenue was closed off for outdoor dining, which resulted in a more pleasant pedestrian experience. Despite concerns about parking loss, the outcome can be positive for everyone.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni thanked everyone for their efforts. He also addressed the parking issues and the alleys in the community.
 
Community Development Director Dan Folke added that staff has not been provided the plan yet since it is a draft and that this meeting is staff’s first time seeing the plan.
 
Councilmember Aslan likes the idea of more density in housing downtown and less street parking. He wants to be sure that the parking garages that are considered are multipurpose, keeping in mind that our relationship with cars may change in the future. Mr. Folsom stated that any parking garages have future designs in mind to ensure they can be repurposed in the future.
 
Councilmember Odegaard asked about housing in the downtown area to keep it vibrant. He also asked about redevelopment of the courthouse. Mr. Segal stated there is room to accommodate several uses in this area. He reiterated the intended mix used with housing and dispersing the parking resources.
 
Councilmember Whelan stated she wanted the team to remember accessibility while planning and constructing this. She also noted the need for additional bathrooms downtown. She is looking forward to the future alleyways.
 
Mayor Evans did express concern for moving the cars out of downtown because they will be pushed to park into the neighborhoods. She reminds the team to protect the neighborhoods while planning.
 
Mayor Evans thanked the Downtown Business Alliance and their hard work for the projects.

Representatives from the La Plaza Vieja and Southside neighborhoods presented to Council. Neighborhood Liaison Valeria Chase introduced Jesse Dominguez, President of La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Association and Southside Community Association Executive Director Deborah Harris.
 
Mr. Dominguez thanked staff and Council for their support and spoke about some of the issues in the neighborhood with traffic and parking. He addressed the potential property maintenance ordinance. He invited the incoming Councilmembers to read the neighborhood plan and he also addressed the successes of the plan.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni expressed his gratitude for the update and that he hopes these conversations will continue.
 
Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Dominguez what his wish list is. He said that it is basically cleaning up the areas that need it and perhaps restriping the crosswalk. Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Dominguez if it is time to engage in a community discussion with Council to review the plan and evaluate where it is in implementation and prioritizing the top priorities. He replied that it would not hurt but that the pandemic has put a hold on the neighborhood meetings. He added that they would like to look at that after the pandemic.
 
Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter reminded Council that the neighborhood plans are supposed to be reviewed every five years.
 
Ms. Deborah Harris gave a presentation to Mayor and Council.
 
Slides included:

• Neighborhood Updates
• Accomplishments
• Challenges & Opportunities

Mayor Evans thanked Ms. Harris for her presentation and the Southside Community Association. She asked Ms. Harris to talk about the Lived Black Experience presentation on W.C. Riles that will be held the following day. Ms. Harris explained the live-streamed event.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni thanked Ms. Harris for her work and passion for the community and the Southside neighborhood.
 
Councilmember Odegaard thanked Mr. Dominguez and Ms. Harris.
 
Councilmember Salas thanked Ms. Harris and Mr. Dominguez for their presentations. She also thanked Ms. Harris for her leadership in the community.
 
Mayor Evans stated that the Sunnyside Association will present in May.
 
A break was held from 8:02 p.m. through 8:12 p.m.

Project Managers Trevor Henry, Christine Cameron, and Bret Peterson gave an update on the Rio de Flag Flood Control project. They provided a video and their presentation included the following slides:

• Project Update
• Project Design
• BNSF & USACE
• Public Involvement
• City Contact Information

Councilmember Odegaard expressed his gratitude for making this project a reality for the community.
 
Ms. Deborah Harris addressed Mayor and Council requesting Council to let this project go through.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that he is excited about the project and stated that we are very close.
 
Mayor Evans thanked staff and Council for their work and dedication to this project. She added that this is a social justice and economic issue for the Southside.

Beautification, Arts and Sciences Manager Eliza Kretzmann and Beautification Arts and Sciences Project Administrator Jana Weldon led the presentation.
 
Slides included:

• Agenda
• Overview
  • Courthouse Artwork Project
  • Selection Panel Review
  • Direction to Finalists
  • Community Input
• Proposal
  • Inspiration
  • Materials
  • Words from the Artist
  • Responses

Anthony Garcia praised the staff's engagement efforts and encouraged the Council to ask questions and suggest improvements.
 
Councilmember McCarthy appreciated the innovative concept of using cut metal in the artwork but criticized the chosen poem, finding it obscure and suggesting either its removal or replacement. He inquired about the selection process for the poem.
 
Ms. Weldon explained that the poem was the artist's inspiration, noting that it had strong public support, though some suggested a more accessible version.
 
Councilmember Odegaard expressed trust in the artist's choice of the poem and proposed enhancing the artwork with solar lighting for nighttime enjoyment. Councilmember Whelan also supported the artist's choice and suggested offering translations of the poem for a broader audience.
 
Councilmember Aslan opposed separating the poem from the artwork, believing the final decision should remain with the artist. He also supported the idea of solar lighting.
 
Vice Mayor Shimoni recommended better integration of animals into the artwork, the inclusion of braille, and revisiting the poem for accessibility. He supported the solar lighting suggestion.
 
Mayor Evans felt the artwork reflected Flagstaff well and suggested diversifying the poem into different languages, referencing the peace pole on Heritage Square for inspiration.
 
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen proposed creating a rack card with details about the artwork, to be made available at the Courthouse.

None.

Vice Mayor Shimoni stated the CJCC group subcommittee met that day and had a great discussion. He recognized the dispatch team and their great work with the diversion group to TERROS from the Police Department. He reminded the community to stay safe with COVID rising. He stated the public meet and greet for Police Chief finalists was later that week.
 
Councilmember Aslan stated he was replacing the Mayor on the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council as the Chair. He would like to request a FAIR to have a discussion to formulate a resolution in support of efforts to lobby the incoming Administration to reinstate Bears Ears National Monument to its original dimensions, as proposed by the Bear Ears Inter-tribal Coalition. He gave the background on the monument and the reasons on why he believes that Flagstaff should be involved in the lobbying for the restoration of the monument.
 
Councilmember McCarthy spoke about the recent Metroplan meeting and acknowledged outgoing Councilmembers and the Mayor.
 
Councilmember Odegaard provided and update on PSPRS in Yuma. He stated the Yuma County Board of Supervisors issues low-interest bonds to pay off PSPRS and he gave credit to Flagstaff decision.
 
Councilmember Whelan spoke about the minimum wage change. She stated NACOG gave Flagstaff. $268k for revolving loan fund and that money has not been spent but hopes it can be directed toward small businesses. She thanked everyone.
 
Councilmember Salas expressed her gratitude to Team Flagstaff for their dedication. She reminded the community to schedule their flu shot.
 
Mayor Evans spoke about moving forward and thanked everyone. She stated it has been an honor to work with Council and with staff.

 The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held December 8, 2020, adjourned at 9:28 p.m.