JOINT FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL / COCONINO COUNTY WORK SESSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Chairman Ryan called the Joint Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors to order at 4:02 p.m.
Chairman Ryan called the Joint Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors to order at 4:02 p.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement
The Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the audience recited the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Deasy read the mission statement of the City of Flagstaff.
The Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the audience recited the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Deasy 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.
NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means.
| PRESENT: | ABSENT: |
| CHAIRMAN RYAN VICE-CHAIRWOMAN FOWLER (Arrived at 4:06 p.m.) SUPERVISOR BEGAY SUPERVISOR HORSTMAN SUPERVISOR VASQUEZ MAYOR DEASY VICE MAYOR DAGGETT COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI (Left at 6:42 p.m.) COUNCILMEMBER SWEET |
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 on an item that is on the agenda 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 an opportunity to speak.
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 on an item that is on the agenda 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 an opportunity to speak.
None.
5.
COVID-19 Update
Coconino County Health and Human Services Director Kim Musselman presented up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Ms. Musselman spoke about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Slides included:
Mayor Deasy stated he is excited that people can walk-in to receive their vaccine and that he appreciates Ms. Mussleman’s leadership and work.
Supervisor Horstman shared how pleased the community members are with the vaccination and testing efforts. She added that “the easy part” is over and the hard work now begins to get everyone vaccinated. She added that the mobile units will be helpful and that the Supervisors are going out into the community to spread the word on the importance of getting the vaccine. She also pointed out that getting the business community involved is helpful to gain incentives.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he is grateful for the County’s leadership. He shared his recommendations on videos for promotion and supports working with the business community for promotion and incentives.
Supervisor Vasquez thanked Ms. Musselman for her leadership and stated that he supports the efforts to promote the vaccine.
Chairman Ryan spoke about the incentivizing of the vaccine and the importance of vaccinations and safety practices to fend off the virus variants.
Slides included:
- Coconino County COVID-19 Data Update
- Coconino County Vaccination Visualization
- Recent Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
- Northern Arizona Regional POD
- Coconino County Vaccination Effort
- Current Vaccine Providers in Flagstaff
- Vaccine Outreach
- Vaccine Access, Hesitancy, Convenience
- Mitigation, Testing & Vaccination
Mayor Deasy stated he is excited that people can walk-in to receive their vaccine and that he appreciates Ms. Mussleman’s leadership and work.
Supervisor Horstman shared how pleased the community members are with the vaccination and testing efforts. She added that “the easy part” is over and the hard work now begins to get everyone vaccinated. She added that the mobile units will be helpful and that the Supervisors are going out into the community to spread the word on the importance of getting the vaccine. She also pointed out that getting the business community involved is helpful to gain incentives.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he is grateful for the County’s leadership. He shared his recommendations on videos for promotion and supports working with the business community for promotion and incentives.
Supervisor Vasquez thanked Ms. Musselman for her leadership and stated that he supports the efforts to promote the vaccine.
Chairman Ryan spoke about the incentivizing of the vaccine and the importance of vaccinations and safety practices to fend off the virus variants.
6.
Overview of City's response to passage of Smart and Safe Arizona Act (Prop 207), which legalized recreational marijuana
Deputy City Attorney Kevin Fincel gave a presentation on the “Smart and Safe Arizona Act.” Slides included:
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler asked how staff, like the health department, the attorneys, and the Police Department, are coordinating and working together. Mr. Fincel stated that he would suggest speaking to the individual groups and is a better question for Chief Musselman and the prosecutor’s office. He also stated that regulations from DHS have been established.
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler asked how the community will be informed on the new regulations. Mr. Fincel explained the City’s outreach thus far and added that the new regulations are moving quickly but have mostly been focused on distribution at this point. Vice-Chairwoman Fowler asked how compliance with smoking in a vehicle would be enforced. Chief Musselman stated that training with Flagstaff Police Department has been doneand that they share the training information with other agencies as needed. She added that it seems like a challenging task to identify illegal marijuana use in a vehicle.
Councilmember Aslan asked the County if they have any updates or a summary about other cities and towns in the County and what they are doing in regards to regulation and testing. Deputy County Manager Joanne Keene stated that they have not heard anything from the jurisdictions in the County and that they do not know of any towns that have adopted any ordinances like Flagstaff. The County is looking at their personnel policy and they are comfortable with their current zoning. On the health side, they are looking to DHS for guidance at this time. Ms. Musselman added that they have not had any other municipalities reach out to them at this time and they are waiting for guidance from AZDHS. Councilmember Aslan stated that it is interesting that Flagstaff seems to be ahead of other municipalities. Mr. Fincel added that Flagstaff is the first in the County, but not in the state and that this is tied to medical marijuana licenses. He explained the licensing process of the state.
- Objectives
- History
- Key Provisions
- Enforcement Issues
- Ordinance 2021-03
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler asked how staff, like the health department, the attorneys, and the Police Department, are coordinating and working together. Mr. Fincel stated that he would suggest speaking to the individual groups and is a better question for Chief Musselman and the prosecutor’s office. He also stated that regulations from DHS have been established.
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler asked how the community will be informed on the new regulations. Mr. Fincel explained the City’s outreach thus far and added that the new regulations are moving quickly but have mostly been focused on distribution at this point. Vice-Chairwoman Fowler asked how compliance with smoking in a vehicle would be enforced. Chief Musselman stated that training with Flagstaff Police Department has been doneand that they share the training information with other agencies as needed. She added that it seems like a challenging task to identify illegal marijuana use in a vehicle.
Councilmember Aslan asked the County if they have any updates or a summary about other cities and towns in the County and what they are doing in regards to regulation and testing. Deputy County Manager Joanne Keene stated that they have not heard anything from the jurisdictions in the County and that they do not know of any towns that have adopted any ordinances like Flagstaff. The County is looking at their personnel policy and they are comfortable with their current zoning. On the health side, they are looking to DHS for guidance at this time. Ms. Musselman added that they have not had any other municipalities reach out to them at this time and they are waiting for guidance from AZDHS. Councilmember Aslan stated that it is interesting that Flagstaff seems to be ahead of other municipalities. Mr. Fincel added that Flagstaff is the first in the County, but not in the state and that this is tied to medical marijuana licenses. He explained the licensing process of the state.
7.
Impacts of the 2019 Museum Fire and the Post Wildfire Flood Threat Analysis and Impacts to Downstream Communities
Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen, Deputy County Manager & Public Works Director Lucinda Andreani, Public Affairs Director Jessica Drum, Flood Control District Engineer Christopher Tressler, Project Manager Edward Schenk, and Joe Loverich from JE Fuller provided a presentation on post wildfire flood threat analysis.
Slides included:
Supervisor Vasquez stated that he wanted to know about the Sunnyside mitigation at the Dortha corridor and if there were any plans by the City. Mr. Bertelsen stated that some sort of flood mitigation is needed because of the channel running through the corridor and it will be addressed by the Stormwater group later in the presentation.
Councilmember Shimoni commented that the videos should have descriptions of the talking points or substance to allow the public to know what they are clicking on.
Supervisor Vasquez asked if the Dortha corridor will eventually reopen and what the long-term plans are. Mr. Schenk stated that the plan was never to close it permanently and that City staff is working with SWI to reopen the road responsibly. They are working on reconfiguring the road without changing the flood protection.
Ms. Andreani thanked everyone for their worked and stated that she is pleased with the partnership.
Chairman Ryan stated his appreciation for using the science behind the planning. He stressed the importance of flood insurance.
Slides included:
- 2010 Post-Schultz Fire Flooding
- 2019 Museum Fire Flood Risk Assessment
- Museum Fire
- Museum Fire Soil Burn Severity
- Post-Wildfire Flood Risk Modeling
- 2021 Museum Flood Risk Modeling Validation
- Realtime Precipitation and Flow Monitoring
- Rainfall Stations within Schultz and Museum Fire Watersheds
- Flagstaff Monsoon Rainfall since 1951
- 2018 through 2020 Rainfall Totals
- July 24, 2020 Rainfall & 2” Model Validation
- Rainfall Examples from Schultz
- Current Condition of the Museum Fire Burn Scar
- Watershed Conditions February 2020 and November 2020
- Watershed Conditions November 2020
- Consensus Regarding Flood Threat
- Consensus Regarding Flood Mitigation Measures
- 2021 Museum Flood Mitigation Shore-Up – Beginning in the middle of May
- 2021 Shore-up of Flood Mitigation Measures
- Communications Plan Highlights
- Key Messages
- Key Channels & Audience
- Communications Timeline
Supervisor Vasquez stated that he wanted to know about the Sunnyside mitigation at the Dortha corridor and if there were any plans by the City. Mr. Bertelsen stated that some sort of flood mitigation is needed because of the channel running through the corridor and it will be addressed by the Stormwater group later in the presentation.
Councilmember Shimoni commented that the videos should have descriptions of the talking points or substance to allow the public to know what they are clicking on.
- 2019 Immediate Post-Fire Flood Mitigation Campaign
- 2019 Flood Mitigation Campaign
- 2020 Museum Flood Mitigation Refresh
- City of Flagstaff Long-Term Mitigation Efforts
- COG Ongoing and Planned Mitigation
- Cross-Vein Weirs & Spruce Wash Channel Dredging
- Linda Vista Culvert Upsizing & New Debris Pollards
- Flood Control District Long-Term Mitigation Efforts
Supervisor Vasquez asked if the Dortha corridor will eventually reopen and what the long-term plans are. Mr. Schenk stated that the plan was never to close it permanently and that City staff is working with SWI to reopen the road responsibly. They are working on reconfiguring the road without changing the flood protection.
Ms. Andreani thanked everyone for their worked and stated that she is pleased with the partnership.
Chairman Ryan stated his appreciation for using the science behind the planning. He stressed the importance of flood insurance.
8.
Discussion on Coordination of the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045
Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter led a discussion on coordinating the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045.
Slides included:
Mayor Deasy thanked Ms. Dechter for her work and stated that he likes the plan for public engagement that was presented a few weeks ago to the City Council.
Chairman Ryan spoke about the timeline for beginning the process.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that he was on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City during the last regional plan. He stated he is concerned about public participation due to the many conflicting opinions. He added that the plan has begun which is good and wants to ensure it ends up being something the City and County can agree to.
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler stated that she would like to see a more diverse community input than in previous years. She stated that she wants to see the “color” in the plan and she does not want to limit who we hear from.
Councilmember Shimoni added that Ms. Dechter is the right person to add more diversity to the public participation, especially considering her work with the Southside plan. He also suggested bringing the plan to the City and County Boards and Commissions.
Chairman Ryan spoke about the previous plan and expanded on the challenges of the plan. He stated that what Ms. Dechter is good, but that he is hesitant on an advisory group due to the time commitment.
Supervisor Vasquez stated that he has a greater appreciation for the scope of these plans and hopes to bring more diversity to the public participation as well.
Ms. Dechter added that the Board of Supervisors and the City Council will have many opportunities to give input on the plan over many meetings in the future.
Slides included:
- Work Session Objectives
- Why is it a “Regional Plan?”
- Regional Plan/Metroplan Boundaries
- The Next Regional Plan
- Phase 1
- Phase 2
- Phase 3
- Phase 4
- Resources for FY 2022
- Joint Board of Supervisors and City Council Discussion
Mayor Deasy thanked Ms. Dechter for her work and stated that he likes the plan for public engagement that was presented a few weeks ago to the City Council.
Chairman Ryan spoke about the timeline for beginning the process.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that he was on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City during the last regional plan. He stated he is concerned about public participation due to the many conflicting opinions. He added that the plan has begun which is good and wants to ensure it ends up being something the City and County can agree to.
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler stated that she would like to see a more diverse community input than in previous years. She stated that she wants to see the “color” in the plan and she does not want to limit who we hear from.
Councilmember Shimoni added that Ms. Dechter is the right person to add more diversity to the public participation, especially considering her work with the Southside plan. He also suggested bringing the plan to the City and County Boards and Commissions.
Chairman Ryan spoke about the previous plan and expanded on the challenges of the plan. He stated that what Ms. Dechter is good, but that he is hesitant on an advisory group due to the time commitment.
Supervisor Vasquez stated that he has a greater appreciation for the scope of these plans and hopes to bring more diversity to the public participation as well.
Ms. Dechter added that the Board of Supervisors and the City Council will have many opportunities to give input on the plan over many meetings in the future.
9.
Report on the Jointly Funded Dark Sky Specialist Position
Community Development Director Dan Folke gave an update on the shared Dark Sky Specialist position. He referenced the report that Dark Sky Specialist Mark Stento prepared that was available in the agenda packet. The report included information on the Dark Sky Work Program and the accomplishments of the position. He added that staff will be presenting a new IGA to the County Board of Supervisors and to City Council.
Councilmember Aslan stated that he believes that the dark skies are very important to the City of Flagstaff. He asked Mr. Stento how people respond to him. He spoke about the critical work of the Naval Observatory. He also added that he would like to see the effort extend throughout the whole region for a dark sky preserve.
Mr. Stento stated that the department agrees with Councilmember Aslan about extending the dark sky region and that he has met with many partners throughout the region. He added that staff thinks the effort is going very well, but that they are seeing inexpensive, bad-for-dark-skies fixtures added to the outsides of residential homes. The commercial side is going well. He added that the materials being developed by the JLUS grant will help. There has been a substantial impact in the City and he just closed a case in Page where they removed 150,000 lumens of white light and replaced it with about 80,000 lumens of amber light.
Chairman Ryan added that staff has done a great job with the program and that he appreciates the successes Mr. Stento has had with corporate entities. He stated that he will continue to advocate for the relationship.
Councilmember McCarthy spoke about natural quiet at the Grand Canyon and that he sees a lot of parallels between the preservation of natural quiet and the preservation of dark skies. He stated that he supports the effort.
Supervisor Hortsman thanked staff for their work and advocacy in protecting dark skies.
Councilmember Aslan stated that he believes that the dark skies are very important to the City of Flagstaff. He asked Mr. Stento how people respond to him. He spoke about the critical work of the Naval Observatory. He also added that he would like to see the effort extend throughout the whole region for a dark sky preserve.
Mr. Stento stated that the department agrees with Councilmember Aslan about extending the dark sky region and that he has met with many partners throughout the region. He added that staff thinks the effort is going very well, but that they are seeing inexpensive, bad-for-dark-skies fixtures added to the outsides of residential homes. The commercial side is going well. He added that the materials being developed by the JLUS grant will help. There has been a substantial impact in the City and he just closed a case in Page where they removed 150,000 lumens of white light and replaced it with about 80,000 lumens of amber light.
Chairman Ryan added that staff has done a great job with the program and that he appreciates the successes Mr. Stento has had with corporate entities. He stated that he will continue to advocate for the relationship.
Councilmember McCarthy spoke about natural quiet at the Grand Canyon and that he sees a lot of parallels between the preservation of natural quiet and the preservation of dark skies. He stated that he supports the effort.
Supervisor Hortsman thanked staff for their work and advocacy in protecting dark skies.
10.
Informational Items To/From Chairman, Supervisors and County Manager, Mayor, Council and City Manager
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he has enjoyed working with Chairman Ryan and the whole Board.
Councilmember Aslan thanked everyone for meeting. He added how important it is to keep the communication and relationship between the two entities and that this was a productive meeting.
Councilmember Salas shared her appreciation to staff and all elected officials. She added how important advocacy is.
Vice Mayor Daggett shared her appreciation and her gratitude for the meetings.
Councilmember Sweet stated that she enjoyed the meeting and that she looks forward to meeting everyone in person.
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler expressed her gratitude for the collaboration between the City and the County. She spoke about the Navajo Bridge Star Party that they hope to host in October this year. She also spoke regarding a regional dark sky reserve and mentioned that the lake in Page is very low which might impact tourism. She mentioned that the North Rim will open soon and there are discussions regarding keeping the North Rim open all year, which would have a huge economic impact.
Supervisor Hortsman expressed her gratitude for the partnership.
Supervisor Vasquez expressed his gratitude for the meeting and partnership and appreciated the City’s perspective, especially on the Museum Fire flood mitigation efforts.
Mayor Deasy stated his appreciation for the meeting. He congratulated Supervisor Vasquez for joining the Board of Supervisors. He stated that there are three days left for the Mayor’s Water Challenge and that there is a nurse’s appreciation event upcoming next week. He stated that he is looking forward to discussions about broadband in the region and a care center. He thanked Chairman Ryan for running the meeting.
Chairman Ryan stated that the joint meetings are great opportunities and that he cannot wait to get back in person. He stressed the importance of people getting vaccinated. He added that he appreciates the relationship with the City.
Councilmember Aslan thanked everyone for meeting. He added how important it is to keep the communication and relationship between the two entities and that this was a productive meeting.
Councilmember Salas shared her appreciation to staff and all elected officials. She added how important advocacy is.
Vice Mayor Daggett shared her appreciation and her gratitude for the meetings.
Councilmember Sweet stated that she enjoyed the meeting and that she looks forward to meeting everyone in person.
Vice-Chairwoman Fowler expressed her gratitude for the collaboration between the City and the County. She spoke about the Navajo Bridge Star Party that they hope to host in October this year. She also spoke regarding a regional dark sky reserve and mentioned that the lake in Page is very low which might impact tourism. She mentioned that the North Rim will open soon and there are discussions regarding keeping the North Rim open all year, which would have a huge economic impact.
Supervisor Hortsman expressed her gratitude for the partnership.
Supervisor Vasquez expressed his gratitude for the meeting and partnership and appreciated the City’s perspective, especially on the Museum Fire flood mitigation efforts.
Mayor Deasy stated his appreciation for the meeting. He congratulated Supervisor Vasquez for joining the Board of Supervisors. He stated that there are three days left for the Mayor’s Water Challenge and that there is a nurse’s appreciation event upcoming next week. He stated that he is looking forward to discussions about broadband in the region and a care center. He thanked Chairman Ryan for running the meeting.
Chairman Ryan stated that the joint meetings are great opportunities and that he cannot wait to get back in person. He stressed the importance of people getting vaccinated. He added that he appreciates the relationship with the City.
11.
Public Participation
None.
12.
Adjournment
Chairman Ryan adjourned the Joint City Council/Board of Supervisors meeting at 7:20 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |