TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021
CITY HALL STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Mayor Deasy called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 15, 2021, to order at 3:00 p.m.
- Present:
-
- Mayor Paul Deasy
- Vice Mayor Becky Daggett
- Councilmember Austin Aslan
- Councilmember Jim McCarthy
- Councilmember Regina Salas
- Councilmember Adam Shimoni
- Councilmember Miranda Sweet
- Staff:
- City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance and Councilmember Shimoni 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.
Public Participation enables the public to address the Council about an item that is not on the agenda. Comments relating to items that are on the agenda will be taken at the time that the item is discussed. If you wish to address the Council at tonight's meeting, please complete a comment card and submit it to the recording clerk as soon as possible. Your name will be called when it is your turn to speak. 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. At the discretion of the Chair, ten or more persons present at the meeting and wishing to speak may appoint a representative who may have no more than fifteen minutes to speak.
Housing Solutions CEO Devonna McLaughlin shared information about homeownership month and the work that Housing Solutions has done in the community.
Deb Harris submitted a written comment inviting Council to a community meeting hosted by the League of Neighborhoods.
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the City Council and to the general public that the City Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for the purpose of discussing or considering employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of a public officer, appointee, or employee of any public body...., pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1).
Moved by Councilmember Miranda Sweet, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to appoint Gail Jackson to a term expiring October 2021.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Police Sergeant Ryan Turley introduced the four applications.
There being no public comment Mayor Deasy closed the public hearing.
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to forward the applications to the State with a recommendation of approval.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
All matters under Consent Agenda are considered by the City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion approving the recommendations listed on the agenda. Unless otherwise indicated, expenditures approved by Council are budgeted items.
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Approve the appointments of Honorable Thomas Chotena as Presiding Magistrate and Honorable Paul Julien as On-Call Magistrate.
- Approve the purchase of one (1) Bobcat Toolcat Utility Work Machine in the amount of $58,070.72, from Clark Equipment Company, utilizing the Sourcewell cooperative purchase contract # 040319-CEC; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Approve the Construction Manager at Risk Construction Services Contract with Rummel Construction, Inc., for the Construction of Cinder Lake Landfill-Sequence D Phase I Excavation, and execute a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $1,298,649.80 (includes an Owner's Contingency of $204,000); and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Determine Mead & Hunt, Inc, is the most qualified firm based upon responses to the City's Request for Statement of Qualifications (RSOQ), and approve a Professional Engineering Design Services Contract with Mead & Hunt, Inc. for the Airport Drainage Plan Improvements in the amount of $388,519 with a contract time of 365 calendar days; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
TLC PC Land Investors LLC requests final plat approval for The Estates at Pine Canyon Pine Run located at 2080 E. Del Rae Dr., a single-family home subdivision on 17.5 acres in the R1 (Single Family Residential) Zone.
Approve the final plat and authorize the Mayor to sign the plat and City Subdivider Agreement when notified by staff that the documents are ready for recording
Approve the final plat and authorize the Mayor to sign the plat and City Subdivider Agreement when notified by staff that the documents are ready for recording.
- Approve the funding of the five (5)-year Master Services and Purchasing Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for the Axon Officer Safety Plan in the total amount of $1,003,291.67, including, the Axon Flex body-worn cameras, Evidence.com License, and TASER 7 equipment. The first payment, which will be due in FY2021-22, will be in the amount of $124,909.99; the remaining four (4) payments, over the remaining four (4)-years of the contract will be in the amounts of $219,595.42; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2021-26.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No 2021-13 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to adopt Ordinance No 2021-13.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
VICINITY MAP
PHOENIX AVE. BRIDGE & WATERLINE
QUESTIONS
Mr. Clifton stated that while future Rio de Flag improvements may reduce the need for current drainage work, those improvements are still five to eight years away. He added that staff explored delaying the project but found no viable alternatives. He emphasized that the existing bridge is at the end of its lifespan, and closing the road was not feasible due to its impact on nearby businesses. He stated that extensive research confirmed the project's necessity.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy approve the Construction Contract with Jud Co., LLC in the amount of $820,375.50, which includes a $57,235.50 Contract Allowance which is 7.5% of the lowest responsive bid, and a contract time of 155-calendar days, approve Administrative Change Order Authority to the City Manager in the amount of $76,314.00 (10% of the contract amount, less the Contract Allowances), and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Zoning Code Manager Dan Symer provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE ENCROACHMENT REQUIREMENTS
CITY’S PROPOSED ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
TYPES OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Councilmember Shimoni recommended removing the minimum size requirement and increasing the maximum size to 800 sq. ft. to improve ADU livability. Mr. Symer explained current limitations and code requirements.
Mayor Deasy supported both removing the minimum and increasing the maximum to allow flexibility for options like tiny homes or in-law suites.
Vice Mayor Daggett expressed support for Councilmember Shimoni’s amendment.
Councilmember McCarthy raised concerns about ADUs being too close to property lines, especially with second-floor windows, but supported eliminating the minimum size. Mr. Symer clarified setback and encroachment provisions and noted that staff could refine the language for clarity.
There being no further comment, Mayor Deasy closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Resolution No. 2021-32 by title only with the amendment to remove the minimum lot size requirement and increasing the maximum size to 800 square feet.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Ordinance No 2021-16 by title only for the first time with the amendment to remove the minimum size requirement and increasing the maximum size to 800 square feet.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Zoning Code Manager Dan Symer provided a PowerPoint presentation to Council that covered the following:
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (NCC) ZONE
REASON FOR THE PROPOSED ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
MAPS
PROPOSED ZONING CODE AMENDMENT
The following individuals addressed Council regarding the creation of the Neighborhood Community Commercial zone:
Marilyn Weissman, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
- Alicyn Gitlin
- Tyler Denham
- Steve Finch, Flagstaff Lodging, Tourism, and Restaurant Association
- Supports creation of Neighborhood Community Commercial (NCC) zoning.
- Retaining 60-foot height limits overextends infrastructure, water, and traffic capacity and disrupts neighborhood character.
- Growth should align with limited water and transportation resources.
- Taller buildings could be acceptable only if sprawl is reduced and density limited on the outskirts, occupancy is limited to long-term residents, “by-the-bed” rentals are prohibited, and height increases are tied to affordability requirements.
- NCC gives neighborhoods more control by allowing height reductions at their request.
- Without outer density limits or affordability requirements, increased height worsens water and traffic strain.
- The NCC concept arose from community concerns following large-scale projects like The Hub; it does not rezone property automatically.
- Moderate heights maintain neighborhood scale and reduce car reliance.
- Infill development helps reduce traffic and emissions; limiting it drives sprawl and higher resource use.
- Question the need for a zoning change, suggesting voluntary community land trusts instead.
- Overly restrictive zoning could trigger Prop 207 claims regarding property rights.
- The city faces a housing shortage; height reductions hinder the ability to meet demand.
- Increasing density near downtown and campus supports walking, biking, and carbon-neutrality goals.
- Expanding housing supply is key to reducing cost of living.
- Historic preservation should be achieved through official registration, not zoning restrictions.
- As a landlocked city, Flagstaff must allow vertical growth to avoid constrained development and lost revenue.
- Maintaining Flagstaff’s heritage and character is important, but must be balanced with housing and sustainability needs.
Councilmember McCarthy spoke about how the creation of the new zone will not change anything, and the implementation of the zone will be a different discussion.
Councilmember Shimoni commented that he is struggling with moving forward with 45 ft. zones. He asked Mr. Symer if a student-focused housing development with four plus rooms could be built in Flagstaff today. Mr. Symer stated that the HOH land use is allowed in many zones and there are regulations where the zone is allowed to be that many rooms and bedrooms. There are location requirements pertaining to them. Councilmember Shimon expressed concern that another student housing complex like the HUB or The Standard cannot be built today. When the HOH plan was adopted, the percentage of large bedroom developments was reduced. He stated that the community needs to be developed vertically.
Vice Mayor Daggett asked if within the zone there are single family homes that could end up next to a 60 foot building. Mr. Symer responded that the NCC zone is capped at 45 feet, but that you can request a Conditional Use Permit, so yes, that could happen.
Councilmember Salas stated that she is concerned about adopting the amendment today since it has not been vetted through the community and neighborhood associations. She added that she would vote no on this resolution.
Councilmember Sweet stated that she is struggling with this as well and would like more community input.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he will support this tonight since it just allows for the option of changes. He added that Council will get community input before any rezoning.
Mayor Deasy added that this is a tool for the tool-kit and is a larger discussion that needs to be had.
There being no further comment, Mayor Deasy closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to read Resolution No 2021-33 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Ordinance No 2021-17 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Finance Director Brandi Suda provided a PowerPoint presentation to Council that covered the following:
BUDGET TIMELINE
LEGAL SCHEDULE A
FY 21-22 APPROVED CAAP REQUESTS PRESENTED BY SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR NICOLE ANTONOPOULOS
CLIMATE RELATED APPROVED REQUESTS
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX
PROPERTY TAX RATE HISTORY
PROPERTY ASSESSED VALUES
CITY PROPERTY TAX IMPACT
Councilmember Salas asked Ms. Suda for clarification on the approved budget request related to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Ms. Suda stated that it is the combination of both climate and equity, and climate only.
There being no further comment, Mayor Deasy closed the public hearing.
Mayor Deasy convened into a Special Meeting.
Mayor Deasy called a break at 4:43 p.m. through 4:56 p.m.
Human Resources Director Jeanie Gallagher provided a PowerPoint presentation to Council that covered the following:
FY 21-22 BUDGET COMPENSATION DATA
BACKGROUND
TRANSITION SOLUTIONS
TRANSITION SOLUTIONS (CONTINUED)
WHO IS BENEFITTING?
REGULAR PAY PLAN BREAKDOWN
Mayor Deasy and several councilmembers thanked the Employee Advisory Committee (EAC), employees, and staff for their work on the compensation plan. Mr. Clifton noted upcoming work on a new step plan for multi-skilled Water Services workers, with results to be reported in the coming months.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about the Police Department pay increases, and Ms. Gallagher explained that market adjustments were made last year and that the new plan supports recruitment and retention. Councilmember McCarthy also emphasized diversity in recruitment.
Councilmember Shimoni proposed a $5,000 allocation each to FTI and Flag Bike Party for accident victims, but Mayor Deasy preferred to table the discussion for a full review, including legal advice on the fund’s use. Mr. Clifton and City Attorney Solomon agreed to schedule an executive session for further guidance before the break.
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Resolution 2021-28 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Resolution No. 2021-28.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to read Ordinance No. 2021-14 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
DESIGN MAP
PARCEL MAP
TIMELINE
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Ordinance No. 2021-15 by title for the first time with Option 2.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Deputy Police Chief Frank Higgins explained that the new IGA will allow the City of Flagstaff and NAU to continue a partnership to share resources, information, and costs of operation which has existed for the past ten years. This partnership has benefited the City of Flagstaff by allowing the Police, Fire, and Public Works Divisions the use of NAU's radio system backbone infrastructure. In exchange, the IGA authorizes NAU continued access to the Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management System, and Jail Management System, that are jointly owned by the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to read Resolution 2021-31 by title only.
Vote: 6 - 0
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution 2021-31.
Vote: 6 - 0
BACKGROUND
MAP OF NORTHGATE PROPERTIES
OVERVIEW OF PROP 207
BINDING WAIVER OF ENFORCEMENT
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Resolution 2021-35 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to adopt Resolution 2021-35.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
MOVING FORWARD
OUR ACTION PLAN
NEXT STEPS
Sam Meier expressed support for the plan.
Rachel Ellis, Board Member of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, expressed support for the plan.
Steve Finch stated he was opposed to the plan until a meeting is held to get input from the business community and stated that 2030 is too aggressive.
Bastien Andruet spoke about the housing emergency and balancing carbon neutrality.
Claudia Sangster submitted a written comment in opposition to the Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Council expressed strong support and gratitude for staff and public efforts on the plan, acknowledging the hard work involved and ahead.
Councilmember Salas raised concerns about involvement of Homeowner’s Associations, the vilification of natural gas, the cost of climate goals, and called for more dialogue to create a realistic plan.
Mayor Deasy highlighted the plan’s long development, widespread involvement, and emphasized that it is a framework that will continue evolving with community and business input.
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to read Resolution 2021-34 by title only.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Resolution 2021-34.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to cancel the August 17, 2021 Regular Council Meeting and the August 31, 2021 Work Session.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Councilmember Shimoni reported that the CJCC held a retreat last week to develop a strategic plan, which will be available for public review. He also noted that the Indigenous Commission discussed a land acknowledgment and expressed excitement about the ongoing conversation.
Mayor Deasy provided a reported on the recent Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board meetings.
After discussion and upon agreement by three members of the Council, an item will be moved to a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the petition:
- Ryan Drendel
- Sarah Andrews
- Alicyn Gitlin
- Shawna Heinsius
- Jason Hasenbank
- Jordan Williams
- Nicholas Jones
- Sasha Fernandez
- Mason Wiggins
- John Dailey
- Blake Scott
- Laura Nie
- Robert Collis
- Bill Miller
- Ed Schenk
There was requisite Council support to advance the item to a future agenda for discussion.
There was requisite Council support to advance the item to a future agenda for discussion.
Councilmember Shimoni requested a future agenda item to have a discussion on Council discretionary funds in the next month. He stated there was an invitation for the League of Neighborhoods meeting for later in June.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |
CERTIFICATION
I, STACY SALTZBURG, do hereby certify that I am the City Clerk of the City of Flagstaff, County of Coconino, State of Arizona, and that the above Minutes are a true and correct summary of the Meeting of the Council of the City of Flagstaff held on June 15, 2021. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 16th day of December, 2025 | |
________________________________________ CITY CLERK |