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

Written comments were submitted by Enoque Junior and Victoria Niedzielski with concerns regarding housing affordability.

Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to appoint Monica Attridge to a term expiring March 2023.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to appoint James Martinez to a term expiring March 2023.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to appoint Sakenya McDonald to a term expiring March 2023.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to appoint Alexander Davenport to a term expiring March 2022.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to appoint James Hasapis to a term expiring March 2022.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to appoint Andrea Thomas to a term expiring March 2022.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Mr. Solomon stated that he received a question concerning postponement of commission appointments and he wanted to let the Council know that they always have the option to postpone appointments until there is a greater applicant pool.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to postpone the Planning and Zoning Commission appointments until a time when more applications have been received.

Vice Mayor Daggett stated that in reading over the applications, she believes both applicants could be considered.

Councilmember Aslan indicated that the Planning and Zoning Commission is a bit different than other commissions and he felt that waiting for more applications would ensure that the Council had a better representation of the population to choose from.

Councilmember Shimoni and Councilmember Salas indicated that they are comfortable moving forward with appointments now.

Mayor Deasy suggested that the Council revisit the appointments in two months.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy amended his motion to postpone the Planning and Zoning Commission appointments for two months.

Vote: 6 - 1

NAY:

Councilmember Regina Salas

Vote: 6 - 1

NAY:

Councilmember Regina Salas

Moved by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Streets Section Director Scott Overton indicated that the contract is for the design component of the project. The actual overlay and chip seal programs will be developed over the next few months, when that program is ready to deliver, they will come back to Council for the consideration of the construction contract.

Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to award C and E Paving & Grading, LLC the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Design Services Agreement an amount not to exceed $135,391.00; and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Engineering and Capital Project Manager Christine Cameron provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
LONE TREE OVERPASS
AGENDA
LONE TREE OVERPASS AND CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS VICINITY MAP
DESIGN-BUILD TEAM
DESIGN SCOPE
PROJECT FUNDING
SCHEDULE
 
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the project:

• Deb Harris
• Joe Galli

The following comments were received:

• There was a promise made that the community would be involved in all aspects of the planning.
• Please be sure to involve the community at the beginning phases.
• Excited about seeing the project through to completion.
• Staff has done a great job in getting this project moving forward.

Councilmember McCarthy asked if there would be bicycle lanes on both sides of the street. Ms. Cameron explained that it is unknown at this time but is something that will be vetted out during the design process.
 
Councilmember Shimoni asked about FUTS trails on both sides to which Ms. Cameron stated there is only the west side planned at this time. Councilmember Shimoni noted that he would like to see FUTS on both sides so there are safe bicycle options. Councilmember Shimoni also asked if there are bus travel routes planned for the area. Ms. Cameron stated that it is a high priority and they will be engaging with Mountain Line on their operational needs.
 
Councilmember Aslan expressed support for the prioritization of bike and pedestrian access. The Fourth Street bridge is a great example of that prioritization and it would be great to incorporate the same elements into this project.

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to award the Design-Build Services Agreement to Ames Construction of Phoenix, Arizona in an amount not to exceed $2,476,338.27 with a 905 calendar-day contract period; and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Mayor Deasy opened the public hearing.
 
Planning Director Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
SKY COTTAGES
SKY COTTAGES CONCEPT PLAN
OVERALL SITE PLAN
PROPOSED BUILDING ELEVATIONS
CONCEPT RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN
PED & BIKE CIRCULATION SYSTEM
PARKING CALCULATIONS
 
Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman continued the presentation.
 
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT ANALYSIS (TIA)
PURPOSE OF A TRANSPORTATION IMPACT ANALYSIS
TIA FOR SKY COTTAGES
SKY COTTAGES RIGHT OF WAY (ROW)
 
Ms. Antol continued the presentation.
 
WATER SEWER IMPACT ANALYSIS (WSIA)
STORMWATER ANALYSIS
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT FINDINGS
 
Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter continued the presentation.
 
FINDING #1
 
Ms. Antol concluded staff’s portion of the presentation.
 
FINDING #2
FINDING #3
DRAFT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CONTENTS
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
 
Councilmember McCarthy asked if Woody Mountain Road would be two or four lanes. Ms. Antol stated that it will be a five lane arterial connection in the future.
 
Councilmember McCarthy asked why the Planning and Zoning Commission asked for removal of condition five. Ms. Dechter stated that there was concern about no road or vehicle access to the north.
 
Walter Crutchfield, Developer, addressed Council and provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
SKY COTTAGES AT TIMBER SKY
 
Salman Ahmad with Mosaic continued the presentation.
 
VISION
TIMBER SKY – ADORA, PRELIMINARY SKETCHES
MOSAIC
MOSAIC BY THE NUMBERS
MOSAIC TECHNOLOGY
MANDALAY
BUILDING BETTER TOGETHER
BUILDING FOR A FUTURE STATE
 
Lindsay Schube with Gammage and Burnham continued the presentation.
 
SPEAKER INTRODUCTIONS
REZONE: CONCEPT PLAN V. DIRECT ORDINANCE
CONTEXT MAP
PROPOSED REZONE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PUBLIC CIVIC AND OPEN SPACE
BUNGALOW COURTS
COTTAGES
EXTENSION OF PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE, AND FUTS NETWORK
COMMITMENT TO CONSTRUCTION SUSTAINABILITY
COMMITMENT TO LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
TRAFFIC CONTRIBUTION AND MITIGATION
COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND SENSITIVE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
CONCLUSION
 
Vice Mayor Daggett asked for the definition of affordable housing in the context of the project and the length of time that is guaranteed for affordability. Ms. Antol stated that it is a Class 1 which serves up to 80% AMI and it is for a 30-year term.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about the electric vehicle rental program and if there was any kind of guarantee on the continued availability of the vehicles. Alex Pollack with Mosaic explained that they are working with a third party for the project and the firm is a business that is predominately providing vehicles to multi-family properties around the country. The maintenance of the vehicles would be required of the vendor and they would be held accountable for providing the terms of the contract. Vice Mayor Daggett asked the length of time for that contract. Ms. Schube stated that they have committed to three years as part of the Development Agreement, but they hope that the program continues far beyond that.
 
Councilmember Salas asked the timeline for construction. Mr. Crutchfield stated that they want to deliver as fast as they can but the process of site plan approval and building design takes time. He is hopeful for a ground breaking within the next 12 months.
 
Councilmember Sweet thanked Mr. Crutchfield for his commitment to long term sustainability for the project and she expressed her desire to see more solar units in the project.
 
Councilmember Shimoni expressed concern about the connectivity issue to the north and stated that it is important to provide as many options as possible for people to ride their bikes. He indicated a desire to see more units provided at 100 – 120% AMI.
 
Mr. Crutchfield acknowledged the concern about the connectivity to the north but indicated that the concern is more about cars cutting through the development from neighboring communities and creating traffic concerns. He indicated that additional units at a lower price point is difficult due to the overall cost for development. He cannot commit to more than what the code requires but is hopeful to make a difference in the community with regard to housing.
 
Mayor Deasy thanked Mr. Crutchfield for his commitment to housing and climate action. He also expressed a desire to see more solar units within the project.
 
A break was held from 6:08 p.m. through 6:23 p.m.
 
Kate Morley, on behalf of Mountain Line addressed Council regarding the proposal to extend transit services to the development. Mountain Line proposed a partnership with Vintage where Mountain Line would pay 55% of the cost and the remaining 45% would be paid by Vintage in exchange for free service to the residents for the term of the agreement. This proposal was not included in the Development Agreement.
 
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the development:

• Tyler Denham
• W.L. Gore
• Cecily Maniaci
• Jason Rohr
• Clay McCauslin

The following comments were received:

• The rezone would allow the development of 200 units within walking and biking distance of the Kiltie Lane manufacturing cluster, which is ideal for workforce housing.
• There are no historical preservation priorities or building height priorities to compete with the development.
• Approval of this rezone will honor the Council’s commitment to affordable housing.
• If not approved there will still be development but with single family homes which is environmentally damaging.
• There is not enough housing to meet the demand.
• This development would help in workplace stability and give a boost to the community.
• Housing must be available to those who keep the community thriving.
• The developer has a consistent pattern of solving problems and bringing good developments to Flagstaff.
• Businesses are struggling to find and keep employees due to the lack of quality affordable housing.

Written comments in support of the development were submitted by Enoque Junior, Clinton Whiting, Mark Love, David Grogg
 
Councilmember McCarthy expressed concern about the water retention recreational area that will be a lawn which will take a lot of water to maintain; he asked for consideration of some other type of surface treatment. Mr. Crutchfield indicated that they are currently researching options and will bring something back to staff for consideration.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about the proposal from Mountain Line. Ms. Schube explained that the contribution is significant, and it would increase the rent costs. She committed to continue working with Mountain Line but the ask is not attainable at this time.
 
Councilmember Salas indicated that she is impressed with the development and she believes that the development meets the required findings for approval.
 
There being no further comments, Mayor Deasy closed the public hearing.

Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Ordinance No. 2021-01 by title only for the first time.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Court Administrator Jessica Cortes introduced the item and provided a brief description.

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Resolution No. 2021-06 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to adopt Resolution No. 2021-05.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Management Analyst Sarah Langley provided a description of HB2392: AHCCCS; Graduate Medical Education.
 
Mr. Clifton offered that while the bill does not fall directly within the legislative priorities that Council just adopted, staff knows that these types of inquires will come up and that staff will endeavor to get them before Council for discussion. He stated that the next step with this matter will be for Council to provide direction for staff to draft a letter of support and send it out and it can be brought back to Council for ratification.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett expressed appreciation for bringing the item forward. She indicated that she would like to see Council support the bill as it will bring money into Flagstaff for medical training and staff.
 
Council expressed their support for sending a letter in support of HB2392.

Ms. Langley introduced Dr. Lowell Putnam and Jeff Hall from Lowell Observatory who provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
LOWELL OBSERVATORY SECTION 17 AND ASTRONOMY DISCOVERY CENTER
SECTION 17
BOUNDARY MAP
ASTRONOMY DISCOVERY CENTER: VISION
ASTRONOMY DISCOVERY CENTER: LOCATION
 
The City’s Federal Lobbyist Bob Holmes continued the presentation.
 
SECTION 17 BILL
 
Mr. Hall concluded the presentation.
 
SECTION 17 INQUIRIES
COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH
NEXT STEPS
 
The following individuals addressed Council with concerns about the development of Section 17:

• Karen Enyedy
• Alicyn Gitlin
• Marilyn Weissman
• Diane Hope
• Michele James

The following comments were received:

• Section 17 should remain in its natural state.
• The Conveyance Act requires preservation and development would be in direct conflict.
• Do not want to see the environment destroyed.
• There needs to be an inclusive process for the future of the land.
• There will be traffic impacts to the area with any type of development.
• Potential development affects the community and the community deserves to weigh in on any plans.
• The open space needs to be preserved.
• The area is an important corridor for wildlife.
• There is an important link with FUTS and the Observatory Mesa Trail and that should not be disturbed.
• There are better places for development.
• Happy to hear about a Master Plan.
• The land is a community asset and the public needs to have input on the bill language to ensure that asset is protected.
• Secondary access would impact the neighborhood and open space areas.

Written comments in support of a cooperative community process were submitted by:

• Nat White
• Eric Whiteman
• Robert Breunig
• Chris Jocks

Mr. Holmes stated that the desire is to be a community partner with everyone. He explained that Section 17 is not Forest Service land but rather private property with federal encumbrances. The Forest Service does not want the land and should it revert back to the federal government it is likely to be auctioned off and could ultimately be developed.
 
Dr Putnam indicated that the Forest Service has fully supported giving full clear title to Lowell Observatory. It is not a requirement for Lowell to preserve the natural space, but they will do everything they can to preserve it. They too like the open space and the dark skies, and it is in their best interest to make it work for their purpose and mission.
 
Councilmember Aslan asked about the need for secondary access. Ms. Antol stated that staff is working with the Observatory on secondary access which would require a traffic impact analysis. There are difficult access issues and concerns about safety access.
 
Councilmember Aslan stated that he is excited about the direction Lowell is taking and the vision. The concern comes when the current decision makers are no longer at the table. The solution is about communication and education and assurance that there will not be any drastic changes to what is ultimately agreed upon.
 
Dr. Putnam explained that even with the changes in the language of the bill, the Observatory could not develop any of the land without coming back to the City. He agreed that a plan should be developed with input from the community before going forward with any development. The challenge is that the language in the bill lacks clarity which is what is causing the problem.
 
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that the Discovery Center makes a lot of sense for the area and it also makes sense for an emergency access road be put in. The other proposals do not fit within the scope of observatory purpose. He does not want to take out the reversionary clause.
 
Councilmember Shimoni indicated that the community is struggling with the definition of observatory purpose. He is supportive of working toward a public/private partnership and the development of master plans for the observatory. He sees the connection to other ventures as a way to generate revenue help the workforce. It could be a win-win situation if it does not damage our dark skies and our natural habitat. He was supportive of a letter in support.
 
Dr. Putnam indicated that they would not want to do anything that would threaten the dark skies because by doing so it would ruin the experience of their visitors. That does limit the type of development they could do on the land.
 
Councilmember Sweet stated that she would like to see more public outreach to ensure that the community feels heard and have input on the plans.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about the zoning on the property. Current Planning Manager Alaxandra Pucciarelli stated that the east side of the existing campus is zoned public facility and some areas are zoned rural residential with a resource protection overlay that covers steep slopes, flood plains, and trees.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett suggested an opportunity to purchase some of the land for open space. She asked Dr. Putnam if they would be open to that. He indicated that they would but there is the concern that a clear title could not be transferred due to the reversionary clause. That is the overall challenge with anything that they might want to do. They are committed to working with the community.
 
Councilmember Salas indicated that she was supportive of continued learning and listening tours with the community to continue vetting with the public.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that he would support taking away the reversionary clause. He believes that the concerns from the community come from wanting to be involved in a public process. He stated that he would like to see the specific language in the bill before he puts his support behind the definition of observatory purpose. He encouraged Lowell to include the community in the development of their master plans.
 
A break was held from 8:39 p.m. through 8:50 p.m.

Flagstaff Shelter Service Executive Director Ross Schafer Altenbaugh addressed Council and provided an update on Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS) operations and the COVID-19 response Ms. Altenbaugh covered the following points: 
 

• FSS is the largest emergency shelter in Northern Arizona.
• People are accepted at the shelter regardless of mental health, race, sobriety, faith, gender, or criminal record.
• Prior to COVID, FSS served about 200 people per day with emergency shelter and access to healthcare services in partnership with North Country Healthcare, The Guidance Center, Native Amercians for Community Action, and Southwest Behavioral Health.
• Laundry and shower services are provided and meals are provided in partnership with Flagstaff Family Food Center.
• 50% of the Coconino County Front Door coordinated program is provided in partnership with Catholic Charities
  • The Front Door Program is the area of coordinated entry for people experiencing homelessness.
  • It provides access to prevention support for people who are about to lose their housing.
  • On average they are able to permanently house at least two households per week. Although, this has been impacted by COVID.
• Prior to COVID, FSS employed 20 staff members, that number has increased to over 60 employees since COVID hit.
• FSS serves individuals and families, 20% are veterans, 54% are indigenous, and over 90% of the people that identify as female have had experience with domestic or sexual violence in their background.
• By mid-March 2020, they were struggling to find ways to protect the lives of those who cannot socially distance in a congregate setting.
  • FSS did not close and they did not turn anyone away.
  • By April, they started to move the most vulnerable and the sickest to hotels.
• In partnership with North Country Healthcare, they began testing and found an increase in positive cases for those who were at the shelter. It was decided that everyone in the shelter be moved to individual hotel rooms.
• Since April, the hotel operation has been fully occupied with over 200 people and families per night, most of which were part of the original move.
  • Hotel operations are extremely expensive but very effective.
  • For months there have been zero positive cases in the hotels.
• Based on the extreme cost they are unable to offer hotels to new individuals, but they are not turning anyone away from the Huntington facility.
• Currently, FSS is housing approximately 100 people per day at the Huntington facility.
  • All are required to wear a mask and socially distance.
• In October, the shelter partnered with Coconino County and took over the management of the COVID positive hotel.
• Consistent testing is happening at all locations.
• Acknowledged the community concerns that have come forward in the past week about access to the shelter among unsheltered relatives.
  • FSS mission is to provide emergency shelter services to anyone.
  • She emphasized that she personally believes what people share with her about being denied service at the shelter.
  • She and the agency believe that this is not okay, and these experiences are not in line with the mission of FSS.
  • They want to do the work to repair this and repair past harms.
  • If anyone has concerns please call us or email her personally.
  • If you meet someone who says they cannot go to FSS, please call us, they want to know the situation and dig in to find out why something happened and to find a solution.
• While the shelter is not prepared to work with people who communicate with emotional or physical violence towards staff or clients, they want to work with people who want to work toward a solution and work to find a way to get them back into the shelter.

The following individuals addressed Council with regard to FSS:

• Flo Spyrow
• Heather Marcy
• Anne Newland
• Matt Eckhoff
• Cristy Zeller
• Anthony Garcia
• Julie Pastrick
• Rebecca Allender
• Kim Musselman
• Lori Poloni-Staudinger
• Daryl Marks

The following comments were received:

• FSS provides a critical service to the community.
• If FSS had not moved swiftly into action, things would have been much worse for people who are experiencing homelessness.
• FSS continues to be transparent and open to partnership.
• Thank you to the City of Flagstaff for the continued support of FSS.
• Working with FSS has been one of the most rewarding experiences.
• It is time for thoughtful development of a funding approach to create an accountable community of health.
• Housing is health.
• Much respect to FSS and the work they are doing.
• FSS has grown from a seasonal shelter to a year-round facility.
• FSS helps as many as possible and that means they do not create barriers to accessing shelter.
• FSS deserves serious attention and continued support by the Council.
• The connection to a variety of services that FSS provides through Front Door is essential to housing people permanently.
• FSS continues to work hard to partner with community agencies especially during COVID to provide shelter and services to everyone who needs it.
• Don’t lose site of the ultimate goal to end homelessness.
• Seek out opportunities to learn more about FSS operations and services they provide.
• The partnerships that have been forged by FSS have benefited the community.
• Without FSS more people in our community would be dead today.
• The employees and volunteers of FSS are totally selfless and their outcomes are priceless.
• Many are afraid to go to the shelter because they are afraid of sexual assault, COVID risks, or racism.
• The mission of FSS is failing.
• Many indigenous are unsheltered because of colonization and systemic racism.
• There are a lot of things that we can do as a community to improve.
• It is time to face the criticism, not be defensive or shut down conversations.
• The hotel housing of COVID positive people has been vital to reducing community transmission.
• There is not any one solution to the issues that face the community.
• The conversations that pushed for sheltering in hotels needs to continue.
• The policing and colonialism practices continue to perpetuate the historical trauma our relatives carry with them.
• We all must be open minded and listen to the voices that need to be heard.

Written comments expressing support of FSS were submitted by the following individuals:

• Alicia Yaeger-Booth
• Amber Meyer
• Ann Hoffman
• Anne Dowling
• Bhavna Prema
• Darlene Burden
• DeAnn M. Engelthaler
• Eric Wolverton
• Erika Rodriguez-Escobar
• Erin Moore
• Heather Marcy
• Camie Rasband
• Sandi Flores
• Helen Hemmer
• Jessi Hans
• Karen Plager
• Kelli Donley Williams
• Kelly Eckhoff
• Mark Stover
• Matt Ziegler
• Matthew Kaplinski
• Melissa Murlless
• Paula Monthofer
• Shaleen Seward
• Silina Martinez
• Paige Smyth

Written comments expressing concerns about FSS were submitted by the following individuals:

• Michael Caulkins
• Rebecca Ellerbroek
• Summer White
• Deirdre Conroy
• Sarah-Grace Crocco
• Zachary Kennedy

Vice Mayor Daggett asked if North Country is testing every day. Ms. Altenbaugh stated that there is a mobile unit multiple times per week and testing is provided to anyone who is exhibiting symptoms. Preventative testing is being done every 10 to 14 days.
 
Vice Mayor asked if those who test positive are going to a hotel or the shelter. Ms. Altenbaugh explained that in partnership with the county, the people who test positive go directly to the COVID positive hotel where they are asked to quarantine for 14 days or until they get a negative test or are symptom free. FSS provides staff at all the locations to provide the assistance that is needed.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett thanked FSS for responding so quickly and taking charge to make sure that their clients and the community are safe. She stated that she appreciates the openness and that FSS and Ms. Altenbaugh personally acknowledge and believe the testimonies of those who have expressed distrust with the shelter. There is a lot of work that Flagstaff as a whole has to do around issues of racism, it is a much larger issue that needs serious attention. She stated that it is apparent that everyone on staff at FSS care that people in the community are taken care of and that they want to find solutions to these challenges.
 
Mayor Deasy asked how many COVID positive unsheltered are there and where they are being quarantined. Ms. Altenbaugh stated that the number changes because people are in different places within the 14-day quarantine period. The COVID positive hotel stays full with about 18 rooms, so anywhere between 15 and 20 people each day. She indicated that she cannot share the location of the hotels due to confidentiality related to domestic violence.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that he had offered the shelter access to wastewater testing and that offer still stands should there be a desire to move forward with that.
 
Mayor Deasy also stated that there continues to be public relation issues popping up and things continue to escalate. He asked what will be done differently to reduce the conflict. Ms. Altenbaugh stated that the escalation of the past week is something that they have not experienced before. Having honest conversations about FSS policies and procedures is something that they have been working extremely hard on and trying to figure out where the issues lie in how FSS contributes to and perpetuates harm to people. She indicated that it is an issue happening among homeless services nationally and FSS is working directly with community partners to figure it out, but it is not enough. Even one person who thinks they are being denied shelter is not okay. She and the Board are there to listen, and they are committed to finding ways to bring the issues to light and repair them. They know they do not get it right all the time, but they are doing good work. If there is even one person who does not feel comfortable coming in, they must do better.
 
Mayor Deasy indicated that the strategy needed is to speak to the lower class, to speak to those who use the shelter. This has escalated out of hand and last week the Council had 35 emails and 25 phone calls, including a death threat on his Chief of Staff and a brick being thrown at his house. Those emails and calls were expressing dissatisfaction with the treatment of the homeless population. The calls were solely negative toward the shelter. The feelings are real, and people feel discriminated against. If you cannot think of a way to change the communication tactics, that is a problem. People feel desperate and powerless, and he does not blame them for the incidents over the last week. He is more concerned about giving a voice to the people who caused this rather than those who experienced it.
 
Ms. Altenbaugh stated that is unfortunate that he believes that she is trying to sell people on FSS services. A communication strategy is not what they are after, they are after authentic work that solves problems and it is not about solving what other people think is happening. Death threats and bricks being thrown are not in direct correlation with what FSS is doing wrong, violence does not have a place in the conversation. The purpose of FSS is to serve the people who need it most.
 
Mayor Deasy indicated that the issue is lack of communication strategies and the inability to control the narrative. He asked how communication with the people who do not feel welcome at the shelter will be done differently so people do not feel the need to act out like they have. They need to figure out a way to de-escalate and control the conversation.
 
Ms. Altenbaugh asked for the emails that were sent to Council. She wants to hear the truth from and about the people who are not being served. She does not want to talk about communications strategies, she wants to help these people personally. It is important to have the information and understand what is happening in order to repair the harm.
 
Councilmember Shimoni stated that FSS and their volunteers are doing incredible work in the community. FSS has saved lives during this pandemic and for that he is grateful. This is not to say that everything is perfect, the work requires building ongoing relationships and repairing past harms, and FSS has committed to do everything they can to do that. There will always be unconscious bias in whatever work we do; lets widen the view and look through a systems lens. The issues run deep and are way bigger than anyone here. People feel discriminated against in the city every day and we as a community have a lot of work to do to fix that. He suggested looking into the RARE assessment that was created by NAU that trains people who are on the ground, engaging people in the community and have gained respect from the unsheltered population.
 
Vice Mayor expressed anger with how the meeting has progressed and offered apology to Ms. Altenbaugh for the way she was spoken to. She stated that Council needs to demonstrate leadership, hold partners accountable, and accept criticism and she is not looking to be a part of a Council that perpetuates an us versus them mentality. We need to recommit to be a part of a solution and build community rather than tear it down.
 
Councilmember Sweet stated that she cannot imagine how difficult it must be to run a shelter and have to pivot operations during this pandemic. The continual work this must be taking is immense. It is clear we all have work to do and tonight is the first step to opening honest communication.
 
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that things are not perfect but he get the strong sense you Ms. Altenbaugh is trying to make them perfect. Your great work is heartfelt. Keep up the great work and continue to try for perfection.
 
Mayor Deasy addressed Councilmember Shimoni asking if he did an interview with Ms. Altenbaugh in his official capacity as Councilmember to which Councilmember Shimoni replied yes. Mayor Deasy stated that the Facebook video was deleted and asked why.
 
Councilmember Shimoni stated that it was not deleted because what was shared was exposing or because he was afraid of getting information into the community. He indicated that he was not expecting the response that he got which included numerous abusive and inappropriate comments that he struggled to read in real time during the discussion. He should have been better prepared and had someone who could help him facilitate the comments. When it was all said and done and he was able to read the comments, he realized he made a big mistake in allowing the comments to continue. He should have stopped the meeting and addressed the comments. The comments were very abusive and made allegations that were extremely inappropriate. He decided to delete the video because it did more harm than good.
 
Mayor Deasy asked Mr. Solomon to explain this in terms of public record. Mr. Sterling stated that his response would contain legal advice and would need to be discussed in Executive Session.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that the Facebook page is a public forum and therefore a public record. He asked Councilmember Shimoni if the video was kept. Councilmember Shimoni stated that the system that the City uses to archive all social media accounts for the City, archived the video which could be retrieved if needed for a public record request.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that deleting comments and deleting posts is the problem, and people feel ignored and unheard. Shutting down peoples’ voices because we don’t like them, or they are being mean should not be done. This behavior is disturbing, and it does not help anyone. Please do not do that again, it is a matter of transparency.
 
Councilmember Shimoni offered that he has never deleted a comment or banned anyone from his accounts and suggested that he and the Mayor share the same values when it comes to open communication. This is the first time that he had ever deleted a post and it was because it was over the top, border line defamation, and it was inappropriate. He expressed embarrassment and takes full responsibility for his lack of leadership and lack of facilitation of the event.
 
Councilmember Aslan stated he thinks that it is astonishing that the Mayor suggested in a public meeting that a criminal act at his home has a direct relationship to a local nonprofit and their communication strategy. Mayor Deasy stated that he felt that the communication issue was a huge issue before now and logically it seems that is what they were talking about.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to recess into Executive Session for legal advice.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Council recessed into Executive Session at 10:15 p.m. and reconvened into Regular Session at 10:35 p.m.
 
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he attended the Facebook video meeting and Councilmember Shimoni handled it as best as he could; there were so many comments that were inappropriate, full of expletives, and abusive. He also noted that there were many things said in the chat that were false. He apologized to Ms. Altenbaugh for being accused of being responsible for threats of violence and acts of violence that have no connection to her.
 
Mayor Deasy apologized to those who feel so powerless and unheard that they have to take such desperate measures to be heard. There has been no discussion from anyone who is homeless, and he would like to have a discussion about policy options to address certain issues within the community including service delivery to our unsheltered. He would like more dedicated funding and he is very uncomfortable with allocating more funding to FSS because of the issues discussed. He would like to invite a broader audience to speak rather than just one individual to tell the contrasting stories.
 
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he engages with the unsheltered population and when he hears these issues he calls Ms. Altenbaugh directly. She has assisted him in helping countless people. When they are made aware of issues they investigate, respond, and fix the issue. The shelter is very open to feedback and to us reaching out directly.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that he really wants to help the unsheltered and the discussion tonight has been a heated one. He again offered the wastewater testing services to the shelter.
 
Ms. Solomon stated that now that the item concluded and it is after 9:30 p.m. the Council would need to vote to continue the agenda as per the Rules of Procedure.

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to adjourn the meeting immediately.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously