TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Mayor Deasy called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held July 6, 2021, to order at 3:01 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 Sweet 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.
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 Councilmember Jim McCarthy to appoint Anthony Garcia for a term expiring June 2024.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to appoint Tina Zecher for a term expiring June 2024.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to appoint Matt McGrath for a term expiring June 2024.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to appoint Carla McCord for a term expiring June 2022.
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 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 cooperative purchase contract of a new Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. All-Risk Velocity Fire Engine in the amount of $749,343.27 from Hughes Fire Equipment, Inc. through a cooperative purchase contract with the City of Mesa; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Approve the Water Loading Station Installation and Maintenance Contract with Flowpoint Environmental Systems, Inc., in the amount of $73,528.97, plus applicable tax, $6,000.00 annually for software maintenance, and time and materials for hardware maintenance; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Approve the Cooperative Purchase Contract with Beta Public Relations, LLC in the amount of $55,807.24 and a contract duration of 540-calendar days; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Approve the final plat and authorize the Mayor to sign both the final plat and the City/Subdivider Agreement when notified by staff that all documents are ready for signature and recordation.
- Approve the Contract with Aardvark Tactical in the amount of $63,855. Where $20,000 was awarded by the AZ Department of Homeland Security and the remaining $43,855 was awarded and approved by the local Metro Board toward the purchase of this robot; and
- Direct the City Manager to complete the necessary documents.
- Approve contracts with the following three laboratories: Eurofins Eaton Analytical, LLC, Bio-Aquatic Testing, Inc., and TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. Each contract will be for an initial term of three years and each contract will include two annual extensions upon mutual agreement.
- Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Approve the acceptance of the grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, through the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds in the amount of $283,494.00 for FY2022.
Approve the Grant Agreement with AZ State 911 Office for the Datamark GIS project for grant funds in the amount of $133,624.27 which will pay for the project in full.
Approve the acceptance of the grant from the Arizona Department of Administration Office in the amount of $533,943 for the 911 budget for Coconino County FY2021-2022.
Award contracts for "On-Call Legal Services" to the following eight (8) firms, and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents:
- Coppersmith Brockelman;
- Dickinson Wright;
- Gust Rosenfeld;
- Hufford, Horstman, Mongini, Parnell and Tucker;
- Jackson Lewis;
- Jones, Skelton and Hochuli;
- Struck Love Bojanowski and Acedo;
- TSL Law Group
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to adopt Resolution No. 2021-32, with an amendment prohibiting windows on the rear elevation of Accessory Dwelling Units.
Councilmember McCarthy explained that while windows on the sides and front would still be allowed, this restriction would help address privacy concerns, specifically, the impact of having windows as close as five feet to a neighboring property line.
Mr. Symer clarified that the proposed amendment would apply to ADUs that encroach into the zone’s standard setback, specifically stating that no windows would be allowed on the rear elevation in such cases. Councilmember McCarthy confirmed that intent and reiterated that the restriction would only apply when ADUs are built within the reduced setback, and would not affect window placement on the sides or front of the units.
Councilmember Shimoni expressed that he had some concerns with the amendment but appreciated Councilmember McCarthy’s perspective.
Vice Mayor Daggett stated that while she understood the concern, she preferred not to add further restrictions to the proposed regulations.
Mayor Deasy commented that he did not see rear windows as a significant privacy issue and voiced his opposition to the amendment.
Councilmember Aslan noted that he did not have strong feelings on the issue but was willing to support Councilmember McCarthy’s amendment.
Vote: 2 - 5
- AYE:
-
Councilmember Austin Aslan
Councilmember Jim McCarthy
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to adopt Resolution No. 2021-32.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No. 2021-16 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. 2021-16.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Vice Mayor Daggett expressed that she has been conflicted about the proposal from the beginning. While she understands and respects the desires of historic neighborhoods advocating for the zoning change, she also recognizes the concerns raised by Mr. Finch and other community members regarding the importance of higher housing density and carbon neutrality goals. She emphasized that while she does not want to waste time, she believes a public discussion on the topic is necessary and indicated she could support the proposal following that engagement.
Councilmember Shimoni agreed with Vice Mayor Daggett’s comments. He stated that he is generally comfortable with the creation of the new zone but does not want to waste staff or public resources. He emphasized the importance of being respectful to neighborhood concerns and noted that while he is open to moving forward, he has reservations.
Councilmember McCarthy voiced his support for the proposal. He stated that he is in favor of implementing the zoning changes.
Councilmember Sweet noted that although she feels torn on the issue, she will support the item. She stated her intention to honor the wishes of the community in making her decision.
Councilmember Salas stated her opposition to the proposal. She expressed that it runs counter to the city’s broader goals related to carbon neutrality and increasing housing density.
Mayor Deasy stated his support for the resolution.
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Resolution No. 2021-33.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Ordinance 2021-17 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to adopt Ordinance No. 2021-17.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Ordinance No. 2021-14 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Ordinance 2021-14.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No. 2021-15 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Ordinance No. 2021-15.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
PROJECT AREA
HISTORY OF DESIGN SERVICES WITH SHEPARD WESNITZER, INC.
PROJECT UPDATE
USACE
REAL ESTATE
CONCLUSION WITH ADOT RIO DE FLAG BRIDGE
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to approve Change Order No. 15 with Shephard Wesnitzer, Inc. the amount of $97,500.00, add 235 calendar days to the design services contract, and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
AGENDA
DOWNTOWN MILE – LOCAL PROJECTS
BNSF RAILWAY MITIGATION
NORTH BRIDGE CONCEPT
RAISE GRANT
SCHEDULE
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to award the Design Phase Services Cooperative Purchase Contract to WSP USA, Inc. (WSP), for a feasibility study, in an amount not to exceed $149,614.00, with a 270 calendar-day contract period and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
AURA FLAGSTAFF DIRECT TO ORDINANCE ZONING MAP AMENDMENT
ALTERNATE DENSITY
PROPOSED DENSITY
Councilmember Sweet spoke about the different interpretations of the regional plan and the pros and cons of the project. She stated that she is in favor of the project.
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the rezone:
- Kyle Nitschke
- Tyler Denham
- Devonna McLaughlin
- Phil Goldblatt
- Sheila Duffie
- Todd Boyle
Councilmember Aslan stated that he does not support the counterproposal.
Councilmember Shimoni noted the developer’s responsiveness to community and Council input and expressed support for the project, highlighting the affordable housing component.
Councilmember McCarthy stated he would like to support the project but emphasized neighborhood concerns and the need to uphold the zoning code's intent. He objected to the inclusion of a two-acre unused parcel and said he might support a revised project limited to 137 units, but not the current proposal.
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No. 2021-06 by title only for the final time.
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about zoning approval without a finalized Development Agreement (DA). Senior Assistant City Attorney Christina Rubalcava clarified that the ordinance is conditioned upon DA approval, if the DA is not approved, the rezone does not take effect.
City Attorney Sterling Solomon clarified that the current motion does not include the 137-unit cap from the ordinance’s first reading. Ms. Rublacava confirmed this and reiterated it was to allow the 160 units as proposed.
Councilmember Salas stated her support for the ordinance, based on the required three findings.
Vote: 4 - 3
- NAY:
-
Mayor Paul Deasy
Councilmember Austin Aslan
Councilmember Jim McCarthy
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to adopt Ordinance No. 2021-06.
Vote: 4 - 3
- NAY:
-
Mayor Paul Deasy
Councilmember Austin Aslan
Councilmember Jim McCarthy
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to read Resolution No. 2021-12 by title only.
Vote: 4 - 3
- NAY:
-
Mayor Paul Deasy
Councilmember Austin Aslan
Councilmember Jim McCarthy
Moved by Councilmember Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2021-12.
Vote: 4 - 3
- NAY:
-
Mayor Paul Deasy
Councilmember Austin Aslan
Councilmember Jim McCarthy
TRANSITION SCHOOL: GOALS, PURPOSE, AND HISTORY
HAL JENSEN RECREATION CENTER: CLASSROOM SPACE AND BENEFITS
QUESTIONS?
Council expressed their gratitude and thanks to everyone involved in bringing this forward.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Paul Deasy to read Resolution No. 2021-36 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Resolution No. 2021-36.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to read Resolution No. 2021-37 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2021-37.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Resolution No. 2021-38 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Vice Mayor Becky Daggett to adopt Resolution No. 2021-38.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
VICINITY MAP
CURRENT DESIGN OVERVIEW
UNIVERSITY DRIVE DESIGN
BEULAH DRIVE DESIGN
Vice Mayor Daggett inquired whether the primary property acquisition was for the pedestrian tunnel and if it involved the Burger King parking lot. Mr. Doty clarified that the acquisition is actually in the Target parking lot and confirmed there are no structures on the property, though it would impact parking.
Senior Deputy City Manager Anderson asked if there was a Target sign on the parcel. Mr. Doty responded that he believes it is just additional parking, with no signage.
Councilmember Shimoni asked how this acquisition affects the project discussed the previous week.
City Engineer Rick Barrett explained that changes to the project would require a change order, coordination with ADOT, and new funding before redesign implementation. However, as Mr. Doty noted, this is the first reading, and the property in question is not impacted by last week’s discussion.
Councilmember Shimoni reiterated that he is willing to delay if needed to ensure the project is done right.
Mayor Deasy agreed that a delay could be appropriate, but he is supportive of proceeding with the first read.
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to read Ordinance No. 2021-18 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2021-39 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Resolution No. 2021-39.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Multi-Model Transportation Planner Martin Ince provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
OUTLINE
PETITION AND CANDIDATE STREETS
PILOT LOCATIONS
BARRIER OPTIONS
MAP
BEAVER ST.
BUTLER AVE.
BEAVER ST. DIAGRAM
BUTLER AVE. DIAGRAM
PILOT | WHAT WE CAN LEARN
BARRIER OPTIONS
CANDLESTICKS
METAL RAILING
CONCRETE BARRIER
ESTIMATED COST PER MILE
DURABILITY
INSTALLATION
John Dailey, Nick Jones, and Anthony Quintile addressed Council in support of the separated bike lanes
Councilmember Shimoni suggested completing the loop and then collecting data but agreed with staff’s recommendation to gather a baseline first. He asked about road widths in narrow areas, and Mr. Ince responded that Southside lanes are about 10 feet wide, with under 10 feet being the threshold for safety and operational concerns like snow removal. Councilmember Shimoni expressed trust in staff’s judgment, supported basing the pilot on reaching 60% of the population, and emphasized the importance of implementing the full route for cyclists.
Public Works Director Scott Overton discussed barrier maintenance, noting that candlesticks are not viable long-term, metal rails are costly, and concrete curbs present a more feasible option despite challenges with snow removal and sweeping. Specialized small equipment would be needed for upkeep.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that concrete barriers seem the obvious choice and noted the $2.6 million estimated cost to close the loop could potentially be covered in the budget. He expressed full support for the contract and moving forward with the pilot. He asked how street segments like Cedar and Fourth were selected, Mr. Ince said they were chosen to keep the project nimble. Councilmember Shimoni voiced support for future expansion.
Councilmember McCarthy thanked staff for the cross-section visuals and asked about the width of large vehicles like city buses. Mr. Bauman stated that the maximum legal vehicle width in Arizona is 8’6”. Councilmember McCarthy supported the Butler Avenue pilot, preferring it over Beaver due to higher traffic volume. He favored concrete barriers and candlesticks, opposed steel rails, and emphasized that bike lanes should be wide enough to allow passing.
Vice Mayor Daggett asked if both lanes on Butler could be 10.5 feet wide, which Mr. Ince said was possible but would require further discussion. She inquired about funding, and staff confirmed that $1 million from Props 419 and 420 is allocated for protected bike lanes. Vice Mayor Daggett supported narrowing lanes to reduce speeding and emphasized the need for visible infrastructure, especially in snow. She supported concrete and candlesticks, the contract, and expanding treatment areas without delaying progress.
Councilmember Sweet supported seeing both pilot options, favored concrete barriers, and was open to closing the loop. She also supported the contract.
Mayor Deasy voiced support for concrete, both pilots, more research on next steps, 10.5’ lane widths, and the contract.
Councilmember Aslan supported staff recommendations, wanted the project done sooner rather than later, supported the contract, concrete barriers with candlesticks, and emphasized that wide, protected bike lanes are long-term amenities. He also supported narrowing lanes to calm traffic.
Councilmember Shimoni asked what 10.5’ lane widths mean in terms of vehicle speed. Mr. Bauman replied that speed is affected by various factors like road curvature and nearby buildings, and while a change is expected, the exact effect is unknown.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that the attended a recent meeting regarding the Rio de Flag project and discussed different alternatives staff have presented.
After discussion and upon agreement by three members of the Council, an item will be moved to a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
Mayor Deasy supported moving the item forward.
Councilmember Aslan welcomed discussion on supporting unsheltered populations but opposed the item as written, stating he does not support lifting the anti-camping ordinance, which he sees as necessary for public safety.
Councilmember McCarthy agreed with Councilmember Aslan, supporting discussion on assistance but not on reversing the anti-camping ordinance.
Councilmember Shimoni clarified his intent for the FAIR to allow broad discussion, including but not limited to the ordinance.
City Attorney Solomon confirmed that with Councilmember Shimoni’s clarification, the item would include discussion of the anti-camping ordinance; otherwise, a separate item would be needed to focus only on fire-related responses.
There was not requisite support to advance the item to a future agenda.
Councilmember Shimoni gave a shout out to Raymond Gonzales, suggesting a photo timeline of his service, and recognized Officer Brad Gilbert for his work.
Council provided direction to move forward.
Vice Mayor Daggett stated that she recently presented a proclamation for 100 years of service to the Rotary Club. She also stated that the forest is open, however we are in stage two restrictions and in a drought.
_____________________________________ 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 July 6, 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 |