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

Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
COVID-19 UPDATE AND DISCUSSION
AGENDA
CCHHS: COVID-19 WEEKLY CASES
CCHHS: HOSPITAL ADMISSION
CCHHS: COVID-19 DEATHS AMONG COCONINO COUNTY RESIDENTS
CCHHS: COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION
CCHHS: COMMUNITY VACCINATION
CCHHS: VARIANTS
NAH: HOSPITAL CENSUS
COUNCIL MEETING FORMAT
 
Mayor Deasy asked who would be holding the flag and attend the resolution committee meeting in his place at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference. Councilmember Salas volunteered to represent the City at the resolutions committee meeting. Senior Management Analyst Sarah Langley explained that Louie the Lumberjack has historically carried the flag during the parade of flags at the League conference and they are working to make arrangements to continue that tradition.
 
Ms. Anderson continued the presentation.
 
VACCINATION INCENTIVES FUNDING
VACCINATION INCENTIVE EXAMPLES
VACCINATION INCENTIVE NEXT STEPS
 
Council expressed interest in researching possible options to offer some kind of vaccine incentive. They requested that staff develop options for Council consideration, including partnerships with the County and Downtown Business Alliance, as well as cash payouts to people who get the vaccine. Council also requested additional marketing on wearing masks and getting vaccinated.
 
Following a brief discussion, Council agreed to return to in person meetings with the hybrid format. They requested that seating be limited and distanced appropriately within Chambers. They also indicated that they are comfortable with staff and members of Council participating virtually when desired.

Councilmember Sweet stated that the break was good and she is excited to see everyone in person. She reported that she attended the Beautification and Public Art Commission meeting where they chose artists for the utility box wraps. She also stated that she is looking forward to continued participation in the Mountain Line meetings and attending the Water Commission meetings.
 
Councilmember Shimoni also noted that it was good to be back after break. He thanked staff for their work over the summer and with their ongoing work with the flooding. He encouraged the public and Council to implement a routine COVID-19 testing regime to identify infection when asymptomatic. Lastly, he requested the following two FAIR items:

1. Discussion about Eugene Oregon’s efforts to house their unsheltered through the use of Square One Villages as outlined at www.squareonevillages.org/opportunity.
2. Discussion about temporary urban camping in parks, along streets/public property, on private property, in cars as described at www.eugene-or.gov/3484/Temporary-Urban-Camping

Councilmember Salas reported that she attended the Governor’s Conference of Tourism event along with the Tourism Commission Chair and members of the Discover Flagstaff team. The City received the Best Tourism Partnership Rural Award at the for the Pledge for the Wild campaign. She also reported that she toured the newly opened Tinkertopia facility and offered congratulations to Dr. Alice Christie for her efforts to bring the facility online. She also attended Creative Flagstaff, formally known as Flagstaff Arts Council, awarding of grants to non-profits, and lastly, she announced that Friday is Arbor Day and there is a tree planting event on McMillan Mesa.
 
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that it was great to see everyone in person for the meeting.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett reported that Housing staff is working to get the Draft Housing Plan out to the public in October; she encouraged people to review the plan and give theith thoughts. She also reported that the Sustainability Section will be holding an event on the climate change and action report. She offered appreciation for all the work with the flooding issues and keeping the public apprised of what is going on.
 
Mr. Solomon expressed gratitude to Senior Assistant City Attorney Christina Rubalcava for her work on obtaining an extension for the residents of the Flagstaff Village Apartments who are having to relocate due to new development. He also thanked Deputy City Attorney Kevin Fincel for his role in making the Tinkertopia project successful.