CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Deasy called the Special Work Session held October 12, 2021, to order at 3:01 p.m.
Mayor Deasy called the Special Work Session held October 12, 2021, to order at 3:01 p.m.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
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, at this work session, the City Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for legal advice and discussion with the City’s attorneys for legal advice on any item listed on the following agenda, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3).
2.
Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement
The Council and attendees recited the pledge of allegiance and Mayor Deasy read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
The Council and attendees recited the pledge of allegiance and 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: MAYOR DEASY VICE MAYOR DAGGETT COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI COUNCILMEMBER SWEET |
ABSENT: |
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
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 at the meeting 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 to have 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.
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 at the meeting 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 to have 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.
Anissa Doten addressed Council regarding the Museum Flood impacts and the plans for mitigation for flooding at Grandview and Linda Vista.
Kenny Glover addressed Council regarding homelessness and problems affecting the community. He spoke about trash in Flagstaff, how to address homelessness, and how to create a cleaner and safer community.
Kenny Glover addressed Council regarding homelessness and problems affecting the community. He spoke about trash in Flagstaff, how to address homelessness, and how to create a cleaner and safer community.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the October 19, 2021 City Council Meeting
Citizens wishing to speak on agenda items not specifically called out by the City Council may submit a speaker card for their items of interest to the recording clerk.
None
6.
Proclamation: Housing America Month
Mayor Deasy read the proclamation.
7.
Proclamation: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Deasy read the proclamation.
8.
Flagstaff Resident Survey Results
Interim Director of Public Affairs Sarah Langley and Erin Caldwell, Director of Research for National Research Group, gave a presentation to Council on the Flagstaff Resident Survey results. The slides in the presentation included:
Councilmember Shimoni spoke about his interest in the weighted approach and the responses regarding transportation. He stated he was concerned about government trust and comments regarding the police department.
Councilmember Salas asked if the pandemic impacted the survey results. Ms. Caldwell stated that it was hard to know what to attribute the changes to since it had been so long since the last survey. She stated that some of the items such as interest in parks and outdoor spaces may be higher due to the pandemic and called out the government trust as something that could have been impacted, especially due to the nation-wide polarization in politics. Councilmember Salas addressed the impacts that she believes may have affected the survey results and wondered if the survey results would have been different two years ago.
Councilmember Sweet stated that the survey reinforced the priorities of Council.
Mayor Deasy asked if the surveys will continue annually from now on. Ms. Langley stated that the surveys were halted due to lack of funding and that funding for surveys could be added in the future.
- What is the Flagstaff Resident Survey?
- How was the survey administered?
- How was the survey “weighted?”
- How does “weighting” work?
- Key Finding #1
- Overall quality of life
- Quality of Community
- Top-rated Community Characteristics
- Key Finding #2
- Housing Concerns
- In their own words…
- Key Finding #3
- Transportation Characteristics
- Travel through the City
- In their own words…
- Flagstaff Urban Trails System
- Transportation Priorities
- Street Maintenance
- Key Finding #4
- Service Ratings
- Services Rating Changes over Time
- Key Finding #5
- Safety in Flagstaff
- Types of Discrimination
- Key Finding #6
- Government Performance
- Summary of Key Findings
Councilmember Shimoni spoke about his interest in the weighted approach and the responses regarding transportation. He stated he was concerned about government trust and comments regarding the police department.
Councilmember Salas asked if the pandemic impacted the survey results. Ms. Caldwell stated that it was hard to know what to attribute the changes to since it had been so long since the last survey. She stated that some of the items such as interest in parks and outdoor spaces may be higher due to the pandemic and called out the government trust as something that could have been impacted, especially due to the nation-wide polarization in politics. Councilmember Salas addressed the impacts that she believes may have affected the survey results and wondered if the survey results would have been different two years ago.
Councilmember Sweet stated that the survey reinforced the priorities of Council.
Mayor Deasy asked if the surveys will continue annually from now on. Ms. Langley stated that the surveys were halted due to lack of funding and that funding for surveys could be added in the future.
9.
Discussion and Direction on American Rescue Plan Act Local Recovery Funding continued from September 7, 2021 Council meeting.
Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson, Housing Director Sarah Darr, and Management Services Director Rick Tadder provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the following:
Regarding funding local nonprofits without using United Way, Mr. Tadder noted that federal procurement rules require a formal process for expenditures over $50,000, making direct funding difficult without an RFP.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about facility construction in item 12. Mr. Tadder said the idea is to build a facility in a community that could benefit from educational opportunities. Ms. Darr added that housing assistance funds could support programs like down payment aid or help nonprofits develop more housing units.
Councilmember Salas asked whether funds could be used for a revolving loan fund. Ms. Darr said Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona manages contracts but would need to confirm ARPA rules on that. Councilmember Salas also inquired about small business grant administration. Ms. Hansen explained that the previous cycle was run through the Downtown Business Alliance and a similar model could be used again. For tourism funding, she suggested review by the Tourism Commission or the Flagstaff Lodging, Restaurant, and Tourism Association.
Councilmember Aslan asked whether Ms. Darr was aware of Habitat for Humanity’s request, which she confirmed falls under the proposed competitive process. He also inquired about funding for shelters or congregate care. Mr. Tadder said no specific partner has been identified but coordination with the County is being considered. For small business support, Ms. Hansen said applicants would use a form similar to the previous mini-grant program, with vetting based on demonstrated need. Mr. Tadder added all proposals would be reviewed under ARPA guidelines.
Mr. Clifton clarified that the proposal could involve rebuilding the Joe Montoya facility into a sustainable building, potentially leased to service providers focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or early childhood education.
Councilmember Aslan also asked about ARPA fund administration. Ms. Anderson noted that a staff member was promoted to Grant Specialist, which had been backfilled by a temporary hire. Funds also cover necessary software and hardware.
Councilmember Shimoni asked whether funds for Alternate Care Services could support mobile outreach, such as mobile showers or resource units. Ms. Anderson said that it is possible, depending on the facility. He also proposed funding for bus passes and broader transportation needs. The feasibility would depend on scope and cost-effectiveness.
Councilmember Shimoni asked if the Community Ambassador Program was intended to resemble a downtown beat, with one hire and potential partnerships. Councilmember Aslan emphasized the importance of a culturally sensitive approach.
Mayor Deasy asked whether funds could be used for black mold remediation or revitalizing unsafe housing. Mr. Tadder said the pandemic link would need to be clearly established. Regarding clean air and water infrastructure, Mayor Deasy asked about broader applicability. Mr. Tadder said funding is available under infrastructure categories, such as broadband and clean water, but was not sure if it could be used for homes or businesses.
For Community Ambassador funding, Ms. Anderson said partnerships and additional funding sources would be necessary to support the program.
Mayor Deasy called for a break from 4:48 p.m. until 5:02 p.m.
The following individuals addressed Council regarding the proposed allocations:
Councilmember Sweet supported housing, ambassadors, and a revolving loan fund. She emphasized including Habitat in future planning. While acknowledging the challenges small businesses faced during the pandemic, she supported removing vaccine outreach and keeping small business and tourism funding as distinct categories.
Vice Mayor Daggett reiterated that housing remains her top priority. She supported competitive grants and leveraging funds, including for victim services, which meet all criteria for funding. She supported funding early learning as an economic development tool and wanted small business grants to focus on truly small operations. She supported some funding for tourism but proposed reducing it to $150,000–$200,000.
Councilmember McCarthy wanted to ensure funding for domestic violence services and questioned the pandemic relevance of constructing a STEAM-related facility. He supported reduced funding for tourism, prioritized housing and alternate care, and suggested modest support for nonprofits and small business.
Councilmember Salas stressed the importance of supporting the tourism industry and preserving the full $350,000 tourism allocation, noting its economic role. She backed housing programs, including revolving loan funds, and suggested increased support for shelters and nonprofits, especially those addressing domestic violence and human trafficking. She proposed reducing alternate care funding to $1 million and repurposing existing city facilities instead.
Councilmember Shimoni proposed adding $400,000 to housing loans and reallocating funds from food support, small business, and tourism to create new lines like $300,000 for victim services. He suggested trimming local events and creating a Discover Flagstaff marketing campaign with $50,000. He also emphasized focusing small business grants on actual small businesses.
Mayor Deasy observed general consensus on reducing small business and food support in favor of housing and nonprofit assistance. He introduced new proposals, including funding for domestic violence services and a Discover Flagstaff campaign. He reaffirmed the importance of fully funding Alternate Care to address mental health crises.
Mr. Tadder confirmed that black mold remediation does not qualify for ARPA funds. He outlined proposed funding shifts: $400,000 to housing assistance, $300,000 to victim services, and reductions to food support, vaccine outreach, and city services.
Councilmembers Sweet, Shimoni, and McCarthy debated funding levels for small business and tourism. Councilmember Sweet proposed reallocating funds from local events or waiving event fees. Vice Mayor Daggett and Councilmember Shimoni supported creating a separate revolving loan fund, to be awarded competitively. Councilmember Sweet also noted a potential partner could take over Alternate Care, allowing for more flexibility in funding.
Mayor Deasy, supported by several councilmembers, defended full Alternate Care funding, viewing it as critical for addressing citywide behavioral health crises—not just for homeless residents. Councilmembers McCarthy and Daggett acknowledged that while existing facilities might help, a dedicated care center would still be necessary for some populations.
After discussion, Councilmember Aslan called for a point of order, noting that enough direction had been given. Mayor Deasy allowed Councilmember Sweet to speak further, and a final compromise was reached to reallocate local events funding ($85,000) to small business grants. Councilmember Aslan concluded that the compromise struck a good balance and thanked city management for their responsiveness and flexibility throughout the process.
- American Rescue Plan Act Local Recovery Funds – Update
- ARPA Local Recovery Funds
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Continued Discussions and Focus
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Alternate Care
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Housing Assistance
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Support of Non-Profit Agencies
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Support of Small Businesses Impacted by Pandemic
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Education and Vaccination Outreach
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – City Services
- Budget Team Revised Proposal – Summary
- Council Discussion
Regarding funding local nonprofits without using United Way, Mr. Tadder noted that federal procurement rules require a formal process for expenditures over $50,000, making direct funding difficult without an RFP.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about facility construction in item 12. Mr. Tadder said the idea is to build a facility in a community that could benefit from educational opportunities. Ms. Darr added that housing assistance funds could support programs like down payment aid or help nonprofits develop more housing units.
Councilmember Salas asked whether funds could be used for a revolving loan fund. Ms. Darr said Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona manages contracts but would need to confirm ARPA rules on that. Councilmember Salas also inquired about small business grant administration. Ms. Hansen explained that the previous cycle was run through the Downtown Business Alliance and a similar model could be used again. For tourism funding, she suggested review by the Tourism Commission or the Flagstaff Lodging, Restaurant, and Tourism Association.
Councilmember Aslan asked whether Ms. Darr was aware of Habitat for Humanity’s request, which she confirmed falls under the proposed competitive process. He also inquired about funding for shelters or congregate care. Mr. Tadder said no specific partner has been identified but coordination with the County is being considered. For small business support, Ms. Hansen said applicants would use a form similar to the previous mini-grant program, with vetting based on demonstrated need. Mr. Tadder added all proposals would be reviewed under ARPA guidelines.
Mr. Clifton clarified that the proposal could involve rebuilding the Joe Montoya facility into a sustainable building, potentially leased to service providers focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or early childhood education.
Councilmember Aslan also asked about ARPA fund administration. Ms. Anderson noted that a staff member was promoted to Grant Specialist, which had been backfilled by a temporary hire. Funds also cover necessary software and hardware.
Councilmember Shimoni asked whether funds for Alternate Care Services could support mobile outreach, such as mobile showers or resource units. Ms. Anderson said that it is possible, depending on the facility. He also proposed funding for bus passes and broader transportation needs. The feasibility would depend on scope and cost-effectiveness.
Councilmember Shimoni asked if the Community Ambassador Program was intended to resemble a downtown beat, with one hire and potential partnerships. Councilmember Aslan emphasized the importance of a culturally sensitive approach.
Mayor Deasy asked whether funds could be used for black mold remediation or revitalizing unsafe housing. Mr. Tadder said the pandemic link would need to be clearly established. Regarding clean air and water infrastructure, Mayor Deasy asked about broader applicability. Mr. Tadder said funding is available under infrastructure categories, such as broadband and clean water, but was not sure if it could be used for homes or businesses.
For Community Ambassador funding, Ms. Anderson said partnerships and additional funding sources would be necessary to support the program.
Mayor Deasy called for a break from 4:48 p.m. until 5:02 p.m.
The following individuals addressed Council regarding the proposed allocations:
- Heather Marcy – Executive Director Northland Family Help Center
- Jen Runge – Victim Witness Services
- Eric Wolverton – Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona
- Ross Altenbaugh – Executive Director for Flagstaff Shelter Services
- Devonna McLaughlin – Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona
- Terry Madeksza – Executive Director for Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance.
- Brooke Fulton
- Shalen Stewart
- Kenny Glover
- Monica Foos – Executive Director of Flagstaff Family Food Center
- Dan Powell – Owner of Pay and Take
- Requests for funding from ARPA funds.
- Suggestions from Federal Government that local municipalities will help with ARPA funding.
- Advocating for current programs
- Cuts coming to revenue for existing programs
- Advocating for home loan fund
- Meaningful housing investment
- Differences between need and allocation
- COVID mitigation
- Gratitude for increase in allocation
- Desire to distribute ARPA funds through competitive grant process
- Victim Witness funding
- Food service agencies
- Small business support
- Upcoming cuts to federal funding
- Tom Broderick
- Sandi Flores
- Stephanie Sivak
- Rob Linde
- Shaleen Seward
- Kate Wyatt
- Tyler Hunt
- Emily Nestel
- Greta Matje
- Lindsey Watson
- Karen Kinne-Herman
- Virginia Watahomigie
- Jeff Axtell
- Melissa Dohse
- Sydney Tolchinsky
- Andrea Meronuck
- Josh England
- Kathryn Mahady
- Jamie Aragon
Councilmember Sweet supported housing, ambassadors, and a revolving loan fund. She emphasized including Habitat in future planning. While acknowledging the challenges small businesses faced during the pandemic, she supported removing vaccine outreach and keeping small business and tourism funding as distinct categories.
Vice Mayor Daggett reiterated that housing remains her top priority. She supported competitive grants and leveraging funds, including for victim services, which meet all criteria for funding. She supported funding early learning as an economic development tool and wanted small business grants to focus on truly small operations. She supported some funding for tourism but proposed reducing it to $150,000–$200,000.
Councilmember McCarthy wanted to ensure funding for domestic violence services and questioned the pandemic relevance of constructing a STEAM-related facility. He supported reduced funding for tourism, prioritized housing and alternate care, and suggested modest support for nonprofits and small business.
Councilmember Salas stressed the importance of supporting the tourism industry and preserving the full $350,000 tourism allocation, noting its economic role. She backed housing programs, including revolving loan funds, and suggested increased support for shelters and nonprofits, especially those addressing domestic violence and human trafficking. She proposed reducing alternate care funding to $1 million and repurposing existing city facilities instead.
Councilmember Shimoni proposed adding $400,000 to housing loans and reallocating funds from food support, small business, and tourism to create new lines like $300,000 for victim services. He suggested trimming local events and creating a Discover Flagstaff marketing campaign with $50,000. He also emphasized focusing small business grants on actual small businesses.
Mayor Deasy observed general consensus on reducing small business and food support in favor of housing and nonprofit assistance. He introduced new proposals, including funding for domestic violence services and a Discover Flagstaff campaign. He reaffirmed the importance of fully funding Alternate Care to address mental health crises.
Mr. Tadder confirmed that black mold remediation does not qualify for ARPA funds. He outlined proposed funding shifts: $400,000 to housing assistance, $300,000 to victim services, and reductions to food support, vaccine outreach, and city services.
Councilmembers Sweet, Shimoni, and McCarthy debated funding levels for small business and tourism. Councilmember Sweet proposed reallocating funds from local events or waiving event fees. Vice Mayor Daggett and Councilmember Shimoni supported creating a separate revolving loan fund, to be awarded competitively. Councilmember Sweet also noted a potential partner could take over Alternate Care, allowing for more flexibility in funding.
Mayor Deasy, supported by several councilmembers, defended full Alternate Care funding, viewing it as critical for addressing citywide behavioral health crises—not just for homeless residents. Councilmembers McCarthy and Daggett acknowledged that while existing facilities might help, a dedicated care center would still be necessary for some populations.
After discussion, Councilmember Aslan called for a point of order, noting that enough direction had been given. Mayor Deasy allowed Councilmember Sweet to speak further, and a final compromise was reached to reallocate local events funding ($85,000) to small business grants. Councilmember Aslan concluded that the compromise struck a good balance and thanked city management for their responsiveness and flexibility throughout the process.
10.
Public Participation
None
11.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Aslan expressed appreciation for the full-screen option during online presentations. He also suggested allowing public speakers at the dais the option to remove their masks while speaking.
Councilmember Shimoni thanked everyone for their participation in ongoing efforts. He noted that the public review of the Active Transportation Master Plan is underway, with the first public meeting held virtually and the next scheduled at Bushmaster Park. He also shared upcoming plans for a 12-hour fire department ride-along the coming week.
Vice Mayor Daggett thanked everyone for the discussion and reminded the public that the Ten-Year Housing Plan is open for comment, with the next community outreach event in October. She also noted that the High Country Humane is full and seeking fosters, and that local animal rescue groups are at capacity.
Mayor Deasy thanked Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives Rose Toehe and staff for their work on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. He also shared updates on Smart City initiatives, including a meeting to develop a broadband roadmap for the City of Flagstaff.
Councilmember McCarthy requested updates on support for flood victims, including ongoing analysis, next steps, and funding. He emphasized the need for frequent updates.
Councilmember Sweet expressed gratitude and mentioned that the tourism industry is seeking employees. A job fair will be held in October at Little America. She also praised Tynkertopia and congratulated Mountain Line on its 20th anniversary.
Councilmember McCarthy echoed the praise for Tynkertopia, having toured it himself and found it impressive.
Mayor Deasy emphasized the need for regular updates regarding the Museum Flood, as well as other flood and wildfire mitigation efforts. He called for consistent communication during general meetings.
City Manager Clifton reported a productive meeting with the Forest Service and wildfire crews last week. As a result, an update will soon be presented to the Council on the 4FRI project and related items. A work session is also planned for the topic.
Councilmember Shimoni thanked everyone for their participation in ongoing efforts. He noted that the public review of the Active Transportation Master Plan is underway, with the first public meeting held virtually and the next scheduled at Bushmaster Park. He also shared upcoming plans for a 12-hour fire department ride-along the coming week.
Vice Mayor Daggett thanked everyone for the discussion and reminded the public that the Ten-Year Housing Plan is open for comment, with the next community outreach event in October. She also noted that the High Country Humane is full and seeking fosters, and that local animal rescue groups are at capacity.
Mayor Deasy thanked Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives Rose Toehe and staff for their work on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. He also shared updates on Smart City initiatives, including a meeting to develop a broadband roadmap for the City of Flagstaff.
Councilmember McCarthy requested updates on support for flood victims, including ongoing analysis, next steps, and funding. He emphasized the need for frequent updates.
Councilmember Sweet expressed gratitude and mentioned that the tourism industry is seeking employees. A job fair will be held in October at Little America. She also praised Tynkertopia and congratulated Mountain Line on its 20th anniversary.
Councilmember McCarthy echoed the praise for Tynkertopia, having toured it himself and found it impressive.
Mayor Deasy emphasized the need for regular updates regarding the Museum Flood, as well as other flood and wildfire mitigation efforts. He called for consistent communication during general meetings.
City Manager Clifton reported a productive meeting with the Forest Service and wildfire crews last week. As a result, an update will soon be presented to the Council on the 4FRI project and related items. A work session is also planned for the topic.
12.
Adjournment
The meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held October 12, 2021 adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |