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

Water Services Program Manager Tamara Lawless addressed Council and invited them to participate in the upcoming annual Water Awareness Month and National Mayor’s Challenge activities.

None.

Mayor Deasy read the Bipolar Awareness Day proclamation.

Mayor Deasy read the W.F. Killip Elementary School Recognition.

Community Development Director Dan Folke introduced Mountain Line CEO and General Manager Heather Dalmolin and Mountain Line Deputy General Manager Kate Morley who provided a presentation that covered the following:
 
MOUNTAIN LINE DOWNTOWN CONNECTION CENTER (DCC)
OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION
DCC HISTORY
MOUNTAIN LINE FACILITY GOALS/NEEDS
CITY
SOUTHSIDE PLAN
INPUT
ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS
SITE OPPORTUNITIES
SITE CONSTRAINTS/CHALLENGES
CONCEPT
NAIPTA DOWNTOWN CONNECTION CENTER DRAFT CONCEPT
NEXT STEPS
PROJECT DELIVERY
DISCUSSION
 
Mr. Clifton stated that there are parking issues that are significant in scope and have an impact to the City because the Phoenix parking lot currently provides all the off street parking for the Southside. Mountain Line and Park Flag have been in discussions for months regarding the matter and designs have been modified along the way however, they have not resulted in parking being reinstated with a one to one arrangement. There is an overall loss of 96 parking spaces which is about a two thirds reduction. There are also tourism concerns with the tour bus parking.
 
Mr. Clifton stressed that the City supports the Downtown Connection Center and the infrastructure associated with it but there is not a proposal to replace the parking and there will be pressure to find a solution. He indicated that a possible solution would be to delay the implementation of the civic space to keep parking intact temporarily and when additional parking can be provided the civic space could then come in.
 
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen shared her concerns about losing parking and the impact it can have on tourist visitation. She indicated that the Downtown Connection Center is very important, but consideration needs to be had for the impact on the downtown businesses and the work Park Flag has done to provide parking management.
 
Michelle James with Friends of Flagstaff’s Future addressed Council in support of the Downtown Connection Center plan and the need to move forward to further encourage alternative modes of transportation.
 
Terry Madeksza addressed Council in support of the Downtown Connection Center but urged Council to hold off on the civic space component until alternative parking can be identified to replace the lost spaces.
 
A written comment cards in support of including the civic space in the plans was submitted by Tracye Moore.
 
Councilmember Shimoni asked how many downtown employees take advantage of the free eco-passes from Mountain Line. Community Investment Director Dave McIntire stated that there are some that have utilized the program, but it is less than 50 per year.
 
Councilmember Salas asked how many spaces are needed to provide adequate parking. Ms. Madeksza stated that a parking study was done in 2009 that indicated there was a shortage of 600 spaces in downtown. She is not sure that is the most accurate number given the time since the study and the efforts made to get people out of their cars.
 
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that the loss of 96 spaces is significant and needs to be seriously considered. He expressed support for holding off on the civic space until more parking can be created. Mountain Line has expended significant funds on the project and if this does not move forward, they risk losing the $22 million grant. Council has supported this project from the beginning, and he will continue to support it going forward.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett stated that she is also fully supportive of the Downtown Connection Center location and size. She asked if there is any opportunity for adding parking at the Lone Tree Overpass and allowing tour busses to park at city hall on the weekends. She expressed a desire to provide the southside with meaningful civic space and there may be more suitable locations than this one. Mr. Clifton mentioned that city hall does not lend itself well to tour bus parking due to the solar panels and weekend events. With regards to the additional parking at the Lone Tree Overpass, there may be opportunity for consideration of parking or civic space but not in the near term as the project is still a few years out.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett expressed support for Mountain Line to keep moving forward with their plan. She would support returning the civic space back to parking so long as there is a commitment to finding more meaningful space in the area.
 
Councilmember Salas stated that she is supportive of the Downtown Connection Center staying downtown however, she finds the concept plan difficult to support at this point as there is still a lot of misunderstanding and division within the community by pitting civic space against parking needs. She explained that the prior Council’s direction was to fully integrate the Connection Center into the Downtown Master Plan and maximizing the space with a housing component. She expressed concern that the business community was left out of the development of the plan. She is committed to continuing to work together to find shared purpose and workable solutions.
 
Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter offered that the Southside Community Plan has a Phase 2 that includes a number of parks. Mayor Deasy asked if civic space was planned in the proposed Connection Center location to which Ms. Dechter answered yes.
 
Sustainability Manager Nicole Antonopoulos offered the following suggestions: 

1. Civic space at the Connection Center can be a gateway for visitors but understanding the need for parking, the 25 parking spaces that would fit into the proposed civic space area can remain and then be converted in five years or as soon as a parking garage is secured.
2. Given the current and projected transition to electric vehicles, the parking spaces at the Connection Center should incorporate five to ten fast-charging electric vehicle stations. Electric car driver will be looking for charging locations while traveling that offer amenities, such as shopping and or food.
3. Create permanent tour bus parking because the City should continue to encourage and support tourism in this manner.
4. Ensure that the Southside Community Plan is honored.

Councilmember Sweet stated that she is excited about the project in the proposed location. She is concerned about taking more parking away from downtown. She indicated that the needs and concerns of the business community need to be heard and considered as the project moves forward. She also stated that there may be a more suitable location for civic space in Southside. Until there is something to compensate for the loss of parking the area should remain as parking with a promise to bring the civic space in the future.
 
Councilmember Aslan expressed support for the Downtown Connection Center and the location being proposed. He also acknowledged that the loss of 100 parking spaces in the area would be detrimental. Surface parking is easily converted to civic space at the appropriate time and keeping the area above the confluence open for parking is a viable solution. With the Lone Tree project and the Downtown Connection Center, there is an opportunity to create some great cornerstones for the downtown area and he hopes that there is continued coordination and good visioning process in terms of the design elements.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that he is supportive of the concept plan and the parking in the area of the confluence with a commitment to turn it into civic space once more parking is available.
 
Councilmember Shimoni offered that the Connection Center is a good project for the community. He expressed disappointment about the scaled back plans, but the compromise is good. He would like to see greater efforts towards getting both locals and visitors to leave their cars at home.
 
A break was held from 4:42 p.m. through 4:55 p.m.

Business Retention and Expansion Manager John Saltonstall provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY UPDATE
THE RUN-DOWN
CHOOSEFLAGSTAFF.COM
 
Mr. McIntire continued the presentation
 
NEW BUSINESS ATTRACTION MANAGER
 
Business Attraction Manager Jack Fitchett introduced himself and continued the presentation.
 
JOB CREATION PROGRAM
 
Ghonhee Lee with Katalyst Space Technologies continued the presentation.
 
KATALYST SPACE TECHNOLOGIES
THE KATALYST VISION
KATALYST ROADMAP
CURRENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 
Eli Chamberlain with Cozy Home continued the presentation.
 
COZY HOME
BACKGROUND
SERVICES
PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL
BRE GRANT PROPOSAL
 
Alex Kaufman with Bee Well continued the presentation.
 
BEE WELL HAND SANITIZER
BEE WELL 2020
AWARD USE AND BUSINESS EXPANSION
 
Council expressed gratitude to the presenters and the work they are doing in the community.

Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
COVID-19 UPDATE
AGENDA
DR. ENGELTHALER UPDATE
 
Dr. David Engelthaler stated that the data has been looking good and the surge during the winter has subsided but the pandemic itself is not over. He reported that with vaccinations and recovered COVID patients, it is estimated that there is about a 60% immunity in Arizona. He noted that there are variants of concern and variants of interest that they continue to monitor and gather information on. The two variants coming out of California are concerning and they are about 30% of cases seen weekly. They move quickly and have an ability to avoid antibodies. The good news is that the immunity received from vaccine and infection will cover any of the viruses that are moving around now. There is continued observation as the virus naturally mutates.
 
Dr. Engelthaler stated that the end of the pandemic is nearing but that does not mean the end of the virus. Another month is needed to make sure that the numbers continue to remain low and that everyone who wants the vaccine can get it. The virus will likely be treated much like the flu with regular vaccinations and updated vaccines to deal with variants. The community needs to step away from mask or vaccine shaming people; most people will get the vaccine and a majority of people will be protected. People will make their own choices and that is okay.
 
Mr. Clifton thanked Dr. Engelthaler for his report and his willingness to meet with the Council throughout the pandemic.
 
Councilmember Salas asked Dr. Engelthaler about the long haulers who have prolonged symptoms post recovery. Dr. Engelthaler explained that it is a brand new virus not adapted to humans and our bodies did not know how to respond or recover from this. There is a lot to learn and it is something that is being heavily studied.
 
Councilmember Shimoni asked Dr. Engelthaler’s perspective on sports and larger outdoor tournaments. Dr. Engelthaler stated that they have learned that there has been very little risk of transmission outdoors. He expressed support for outdoor sports stating that from a mental health and physical health perspective it is important and is a safe way to reintroduce and get back into the real world. The biggest risks come from large numbers of people in an enclosed space; spreading people out is best.
 
Councilmember Shimoni asked about outdoor festivals or concerts and the Fourth of July parade. Dr. Engelthaler stated that as reintroduction happens there should be consideration to reducing numbers until there is a better understanding of the impact within those conditions. With regard to the parade, he cannot envision a setting where people could not get a vaccine and he believes that by that time period we should be comfortable having an event like that so long as the virus levels stay low.
 
Councilmember Shimoni asked about gatherings at an indoor facility like city hall or the library. Dr. Engelthaler stated that meeting in person is feasible but at a lower occupancy. Starting at 25% or 50% to see how it goes.
 
Councilmember Aslan stated that the concern is that there is not information available yet about how much a vaccinated person can transmit the disease. He asked if there is any idea when better data will be available about wearing masks after vaccination. He also asked about information about providing vaccines to children. Dr. Engelthaler offered that the science and data tells us that when you get vaccinated you have essentially zero likelihood of dying from COVID and 5% have very mild symptoms. The question is more about asymptomatic carriers and we just do not know yet if a vaccinated carrier would have enough to transmit the virus. The consideration is that it is a very low risk. Hundreds of millions have been vaccinated and we continue to learn more every day.
 
Dr. Engelthaler explained that there are pediatric trials going on now that would allow kids age five and over to get vaccinated. They do not typically test under five and there is almost no risk under five.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett asked if people should be wearing masks outside if they are at a softball game or walking around downtown. Dr. Engelthaler stated that it should be their decision and what makes them comfortable at this time. He does not recommend it as a specific need but do recommend it if it supports you and your comfort.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about meeting in a smaller meeting room and if people should still be wearing masks. Dr. Engelthaler explained that if you do not know if the others are vaccinated masks should still be worn until that information is known or more general immunity is achieved within the community. From a business owner perspective, they should try to enforce as much protection for themselves and customers as they can and make their decisions for their staff and business.
 
Councilmember Salas stated that event planners are trying to determine if they can realistically plan events for the summer. She asked for Dr. Engelthaler’s thoughts on vaccination passports. Dr. Engelthaler stated that making a determination for summer events right now is a challenge and it is a question that may be bettered answered in a month to see where the numbers trend. His recommendation though would be to start planning. People who are doing events are assuming some amount of risk and they need to make attendees aware that they may be exposed and encourage people to get vaccinated. In terms of a vaccine passport, he likes the ability to show proof but does not like the idea of the government mandating it.
 
Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Sayers continued the presentation.
 
RE-ENTRY PLAN DISCUSSION
RE-ENTRY PLAN: FIELD PERMITS
RE-ENTRY PLAN: JAY LIVELY
 
Ms. Anderson concluded the presentation.
 
RE-ENTRY PLAN: EVENT PERMITS
RE-ENTRY PLAN: OPTIONS
 
The following individuals addressed Council in support of permitting outdoor events in the summer:

• Art Babbott
• Matt Ziegler

The following comments were received:

• There is very little risk with outdoor events.
• Separate metrics should be used for indoor and outdoor events.
• Coconino County is doing excellent with vaccinations.
• Having an extra month to plan is crucial for the success of an event.
• Significantly reduced capacity will increase ticket costs and make the events less viable.
• Anyone who wants a vaccine can get one now.
• Consider a capacity calculator to phase in events, start low and increase over time.
• Farmers markets are a critical part of the food supply chain and need to be permitted.

A written comment card in support of retaining current COVID-19 policies was submitted by Ryan Kiefer.
 
Mayor Deasy asked for more information about what a capacity calculator might look like for Wheeler Park or other city property. Ms. Sayers stated that some very quick calculations for Wheeler Park is about 400 people, City Hall parking lot is about 300 people, Heritage Square is 75 people, and the ball field at Thorpe Park would be about 518 people. She indicated that those numbers could vary based on the type of set up and whether staff would be counted in those numbers.
 
After further discussion, a majority of Council gave direction to permit up to 100 people per field, 50 people at Jay Lively, special events based on capacity calculator, and temporary use permits on private property.
 
Ms. Sayers stated that staff needs to do more research on the capacity calculator and more information will be forthcoming at the next discussion.
 
A break was held from 6:57 p.m. through 7:12 p.m.

Management Analyst Sarah Langley provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATION
PROJECT AUTHORIZATION REQUEST
BACKGROUND
PROJECT REQUEST – LONE TREE CORRIDOR - $46.9M
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS
NEXT STEPS
ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
 
Councilmember McCarthy stated that MetroPlan unanimously approved to move forward with a request on the Lone Tree Corridor.
 
Council was supportive of moving forward with staff’s recommendation.

Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
CITY COUNCIL – DIVISION INTRODUCTION – PUBLIC WORKS
OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC WORKS
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
 
Public Works Project Manager Adam Miele continued the presentation:
 
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS
CURRENT PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT – STREETS
CURRENT PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT – AIRPORT
 
Streets Director Scott Overton continued the presentation.
 
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
ROLES AND SERVICES
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
 
Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Craig Smith continued the presentation.
 
RECENT WORK PROGRAM EFFORTS
 
Fleet Services Director Greg Conlin continued the presentation.
 
FLEET MANAGEMENT/FLEET SERVICES
FLEET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
CURRENT FLEET
FLEET SERVICES
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND WHAT’S NEXT?
 
Councilmember Shimoni asked if there was a plan for transitioning the city’s fleet to electric. Mr. Conlin stated that electric vehicles are considered when requests for new vehicles come in; much of the decision is based on the function and purpose of the vehicle. They are committed to exploring those opportunities when it fits the need.
 
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Director Rebecca Sayers continued the presentation.
 
PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE
BUDGET & PERSONNEL
PARKS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & WHAT’S NEXT?
RECREATION
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & WHAT’S NEXT?
OPEN SPACE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & WHAT’S NEXT?
 
Solid Waste Director Todd Hanson continued the presentation.
 
SOLID WASTE
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
LANDFILL
HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS CENTER
MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY
 
Councilmember McCarthy expressed a desire to increase education about what materials can be recycled.
 
Mr. Overton continued the presentation.
 
STREETS
ROADWAY MAINTENANCE
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS AND STREETLIGHTING
SIGNS AND MARKINGS PROGRAM
STREET SWEEPING, DEBRIS REMOVAL AND VEGETATION WORK
SNOW OPERATIONS
SPECIALIZED SNOW OPERATIONS
SPECIAL PROJECTS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
 
Council expressed gratitude for the presentation.

Regulatory Compliance Manager Steve Camp and Industrial Pretreatment Supervisor Jolene Montoya provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
PERMITTED INDUSTRY CODE CHANGES
SUMMARY OF 7-02 CHANGES
WHAT ARE LOCAL LIMITS?
WHY ARE WE PROPOSING NEW LIMITS?
WHO DOES THIS IMPACT?
WHAT CHANGES ARE WE PROPOSING?
PUBLIC OUTREACH
 
Mr. Camp continued the presentation.
 
CHANGES TO ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE PLAN
WHAT IS THE ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE PLAN?
WHY ARE CHANGES NECESSARY?
WHAT CHANGES AND HOW DO THESE CHANGES HELP?
 
Mayor Deasy asked about the changes in the organic compounds and the ability to treat them. Ms. Montoya explained that state requirements change and there are threshold limits that fluctuate with design and operation changes which is why things are re-evaluated every five years to make necessary adjustments to meet state requirements.
 
Ms. Montoya continued the presentation.
 
CROSS CONNECTION CODE CHANGES
SUMMARY OF 7-03-01-0015 CHANGES
WHAT IS CROSS-CONNECTION?
WHY WE HAVE CROSS-CONNECTION
CHANGES TO CROSS-CONNECTION CODE
CROSS-CONNECTION CODE
WHO WILL THIS IMPACT?
WHAT IS NEXT?

Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
FLAGSTAFF REGIONAL PLAN UPDATE STRATEGIES AND PROCESS
WORK SESSION OBJECTIVES
FLAGSTAFF REGIONAL PLAN 2030 VISION
WHAT IS THE REGIONAL PLAN?
HIERARCHY OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS
WHY IS IT A REGIONAL PLAN?
HOW HAS THE PLAN EVOLVED?
WHAT DID THE PUBLIC WANT THE FLAGSTAFF REGIONAL PLAN TO DO?
THE NEXT REGIONAL PLAN
GUIDING PROCESS PRINCIPLES
THE PROPOSED PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS
DATA ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING
EMERGING ISSUES
 
Tyler Denham addressed Council with questions about the outreach plan and how the city will target the hard to reach demographics and ensure that all residents have a voice in the process.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett expressed a desire to get a commitment from the neighborhood groups to participate and help bring the people in their neighborhoods out to the meetings. She would like to see the neighborhood groups engaged in a direct way and at the beginning of the process. She suggested things such as providing a meal, childcare, and interpreters as a way to reduce the roadblocks that prevent people from participating.
 
Councilmember Shimoni stated that a primary focus should be on the harder to reach populations and encouraging them to participate in the process. He suggested partnerships with schools, tribal neighbors, and community groups to help moderate and access the broader community. Mayor Deasy added that the Chief Diversity Officer at NAU and religious organizations may be additional avenues for increasing engagement.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to continue the meeting in accordance with the City Council Rules of Procedure.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember Shimoni reported that he will be meeting later in the week to discuss acts of kindness and the flower cart at various places in the community.
 
Mayor Deasy reported that he is very excited to be getting a large shipment of KN95 masks that can be distributed throughout the local and tribal communities.