CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Deasy called the Work Session held November 23, 2021, to order at 3:01 p.m.
Mayor Deasy called the Work Session held November 23, 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.
Roll Call
NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means.
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
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 SWEE |
ABSENT: |
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MISSION STATEMENT, AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Councilmember McCarthy read the mission statement, and Vice Mayor Daggett read the Land Acknowledgement.
The Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Councilmember McCarthy read the mission statement, and Vice Mayor Daggett read the Land Acknowledgement.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Flagstaff is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Flagstaff City Council humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
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.
Liz Hewat representing the Downtown Business Alliance addressed Council regarding the holiday season events. She invited Council and the public to the holiday celebration on December 4, 2021 starting at 3:00 p.m. and added that there will be three Pinecone drops on New Year’s Eve.
5.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Paid Parking Program
Airport Director Barney Helmick and Management Services Director Rick Tadder addressed Council on the plans for the paid parking program at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
The presentation included the following slides:
Councilmember Shimoni raised concerns about the sidewalk design for accessibility, which Mr. Helmick assured was flush-mounted and reviewed by relevant commissions. Councilmember Shimoni also asked about the availability of additional EV spaces, with Mr. Helmick noting six current spaces, and mentioned the possibility of expanding. Regarding Mountain Line service to the airport, Councilmember Shimoni questioned what the first steps would be. Mr. Helmick suggested Mountain Line could start now but did not believe there was enough current demand.
Councilmember Aslan asked about the enforcement of the parking plan, which would be handled by Park Flag. He also questioned whether the airport parking fees were set high enough to be beneficial. Mr. Helmick explained that FAA regulations require airport earnings to stay at the airport, and a $2/hour rate was determined to be appropriate after evaluation. Councilmember Aslan also inquired about the flexibility of the parking system, which is based on license plates.
Councilmember McCarthy expressed support for a free first hour, especially for passenger pick-ups, and praised the airport's enterprise model. Mayor Deasy noted that the art and beautification components would be presented in December.
Councilmember Salas thanked the staff for their work on the airport and parking program, highlighting its benefits for both residents and business travelers. She also asked about outreach to the business community regarding long-term parking options, and Ms. Hansen confirmed that an airport website with parking and other updates would be launched soon.
The presentation included the following slides:
- History of Current Terminal Lot
- Benefits of Parking Program
- New Terminal Economy Lot
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Airport Parking Rates Outreach
- Benefits of Paid Parking
- New Terminal Economy Lot
- New lot will offer
- Costs
- Financial Plan
- Proposed Parking Rates
- Sequence of Events
Councilmember Shimoni raised concerns about the sidewalk design for accessibility, which Mr. Helmick assured was flush-mounted and reviewed by relevant commissions. Councilmember Shimoni also asked about the availability of additional EV spaces, with Mr. Helmick noting six current spaces, and mentioned the possibility of expanding. Regarding Mountain Line service to the airport, Councilmember Shimoni questioned what the first steps would be. Mr. Helmick suggested Mountain Line could start now but did not believe there was enough current demand.
Councilmember Aslan asked about the enforcement of the parking plan, which would be handled by Park Flag. He also questioned whether the airport parking fees were set high enough to be beneficial. Mr. Helmick explained that FAA regulations require airport earnings to stay at the airport, and a $2/hour rate was determined to be appropriate after evaluation. Councilmember Aslan also inquired about the flexibility of the parking system, which is based on license plates.
Councilmember McCarthy expressed support for a free first hour, especially for passenger pick-ups, and praised the airport's enterprise model. Mayor Deasy noted that the art and beautification components would be presented in December.
Councilmember Salas thanked the staff for their work on the airport and parking program, highlighting its benefits for both residents and business travelers. She also asked about outreach to the business community regarding long-term parking options, and Ms. Hansen confirmed that an airport website with parking and other updates would be launched soon.
6.
Museum Flood Mitigation Plan - Citizen Petition
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson led the discussion with Council on the Museum Flood Mitigation Plan in response to a Citizen’s Petition. Interim Water Services Director Andy Bertelsen, Streets Section Director Sam Beckett, Stormwater Manager Ed Schenk, Interim Public Works Director Scott Overton, and Development Engineer Gary Miller also presented. The slides included in the discussion presentation included:
Vice Mayor Daggett asked if the money is already budgeted and if the design should be completed soon. Mr. Schenk stated that the money is budgeted and that the desire is to have the design completed before the monsoon season.
Vice Mayor Daggett asked Ms. Rodriguez to elaborate on her calls to the Call Center and how they were tracked. Ms. Rodriguez stated that they do not have flood insurance and cleaned up their house in three days. They called the call center Friday night and asked where the street cleaner was and she was told that the roads were too busy. She stated that she added a privacy fence to prevent the police from going into their property and also reported it to the Call Center but did not have any follow up.
Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom addressed Council representing herself and the petitioner. She implored Council to listen to everyone affected and the experts. She stressed asking the critical questions like reframing the problem and focusing on making the neighborhoods safer during monsoon seasons. She provided ideas for mitigation.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he appreciated Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom being here and that he hopes her and her neighbors stay engaged.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about trash cans. Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom stated that the first round of trash cans lost to flooding were charged to the residents.
Councilmember Sweet suggested whether a liaison would assist Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom, who explained that improvements are needed in the system to address issues more efficiently. She highlighted problems with the County’s Call Center, which was not equipped to handle issues like lost trash cans but was intended for more urgent matters like sandbags. Additionally, the email address for communication was not properly set up initially, and a system needs to be tested and staffed. She also mentioned that the public information officer (PIO) should have better communication, following the same protocols as disaster response.
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about having a single point of contact for questions. Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom responded that while it could involve more than one person, there should be one primary contact. She also suggested that a PIO could help disseminate information while staff connects residents to services. An ombudsman would be beneficial for residents who feel mistreated by City staff. Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom shared her experience of having her call returned within 24 hours, though her incident was misclassified, preventing her from getting proper assistance. She confirmed there were issues with calls not being logged, hence the suggestion for a ticketed system. She also recommended simplifying web addresses for easier access.
Bea Rodriguez, addressed Council and stated that no one knows what work is being done on Dortha and the APS poles need to be replaced by concrete. She added that her home is on a down grade.
Ramiro Rodriguez addressed Council asking for a bridge in Sunnyside and addressed the alley.
Betty Hernandez addressed Council with suggestions for issues on Dortha.
Jennifer Beltz, Kurt Deawz, Megan Kelly, and Tara Roark submitted written comments in support of the requests within the petition.
Vice Mayor Daggett thanked staff for their work and the updates. She asked about the Dortha project, originally expected to be completed by the end of the year, and was assured it would be done before the monsoon season. Mr. Clifton explained the project’s delays due to design changes. He also provided updates on funding for the Dortha Channel and Killip detention basin projects, both high priorities, with other projects being considered for bond funding.
Vice Mayor Daggett inquired about resident notifications, such as bulletin boards, and suggested a liaison for better communication. Mr. Clifton stated that staff had been meeting with residents through larger and smaller group sessions and would explore additional outreach efforts like bilingual flyers and continued website updates. Councilmember McCarthy acknowledged the disconnect in communication and asked about funding for mitigation projects, including sandbag removal and forest service mitigation.
Councilmember Shimoni suggested monthly work sessions to discuss updates and a communication strategy, while Councilmember Aslan emphasized the need for equitable climate mitigation. Councilmember Sweet stressed the importance of effective communication in future meetings. Mayor Deasy requested regular updates on large-scale flooding mitigation efforts and questioned funding sources, including the infrastructure bill. Grants, Contracts, and Emergency Manager Stacey Brachler-Knaggs assured that the feasibility study would support grant applications.
Councilmember Salas shared her personal experiences with flooding and expressed a desire for collaboration between residents and officials. Mayor Deasy highlighted the necessity of testing sirens before the monsoon season, with funding potentially available from DFFM. Councilmember Aslan raised concerns about residents taking matters into their own hands, and staff agreed to discuss this further in the next meeting.
- Citizen Petition
- Agenda
- Mitigation Plan Updates
- Mitigation Update
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- NRCS Concept Design
- Paradise Channel Stabilization and Restoration
- Dortha Inlet & Channel
Vice Mayor Daggett asked if the money is already budgeted and if the design should be completed soon. Mr. Schenk stated that the money is budgeted and that the desire is to have the design completed before the monsoon season.
-
- Killip Detention Basin
- Flooding Feasibility Alternative Analysis
- Funding of Mitigation
- Communication with Residents
Vice Mayor Daggett asked Ms. Rodriguez to elaborate on her calls to the Call Center and how they were tracked. Ms. Rodriguez stated that they do not have flood insurance and cleaned up their house in three days. They called the call center Friday night and asked where the street cleaner was and she was told that the roads were too busy. She stated that she added a privacy fence to prevent the police from going into their property and also reported it to the Call Center but did not have any follow up.
Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom addressed Council representing herself and the petitioner. She implored Council to listen to everyone affected and the experts. She stressed asking the critical questions like reframing the problem and focusing on making the neighborhoods safer during monsoon seasons. She provided ideas for mitigation.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he appreciated Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom being here and that he hopes her and her neighbors stay engaged.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about trash cans. Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom stated that the first round of trash cans lost to flooding were charged to the residents.
Councilmember Sweet suggested whether a liaison would assist Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom, who explained that improvements are needed in the system to address issues more efficiently. She highlighted problems with the County’s Call Center, which was not equipped to handle issues like lost trash cans but was intended for more urgent matters like sandbags. Additionally, the email address for communication was not properly set up initially, and a system needs to be tested and staffed. She also mentioned that the public information officer (PIO) should have better communication, following the same protocols as disaster response.
Vice Mayor Daggett asked about having a single point of contact for questions. Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom responded that while it could involve more than one person, there should be one primary contact. She also suggested that a PIO could help disseminate information while staff connects residents to services. An ombudsman would be beneficial for residents who feel mistreated by City staff. Ms. Tewksbury-Bloom shared her experience of having her call returned within 24 hours, though her incident was misclassified, preventing her from getting proper assistance. She confirmed there were issues with calls not being logged, hence the suggestion for a ticketed system. She also recommended simplifying web addresses for easier access.
Bea Rodriguez, addressed Council and stated that no one knows what work is being done on Dortha and the APS poles need to be replaced by concrete. She added that her home is on a down grade.
Ramiro Rodriguez addressed Council asking for a bridge in Sunnyside and addressed the alley.
Betty Hernandez addressed Council with suggestions for issues on Dortha.
Jennifer Beltz, Kurt Deawz, Megan Kelly, and Tara Roark submitted written comments in support of the requests within the petition.
Vice Mayor Daggett thanked staff for their work and the updates. She asked about the Dortha project, originally expected to be completed by the end of the year, and was assured it would be done before the monsoon season. Mr. Clifton explained the project’s delays due to design changes. He also provided updates on funding for the Dortha Channel and Killip detention basin projects, both high priorities, with other projects being considered for bond funding.
Vice Mayor Daggett inquired about resident notifications, such as bulletin boards, and suggested a liaison for better communication. Mr. Clifton stated that staff had been meeting with residents through larger and smaller group sessions and would explore additional outreach efforts like bilingual flyers and continued website updates. Councilmember McCarthy acknowledged the disconnect in communication and asked about funding for mitigation projects, including sandbag removal and forest service mitigation.
Councilmember Shimoni suggested monthly work sessions to discuss updates and a communication strategy, while Councilmember Aslan emphasized the need for equitable climate mitigation. Councilmember Sweet stressed the importance of effective communication in future meetings. Mayor Deasy requested regular updates on large-scale flooding mitigation efforts and questioned funding sources, including the infrastructure bill. Grants, Contracts, and Emergency Manager Stacey Brachler-Knaggs assured that the feasibility study would support grant applications.
Councilmember Salas shared her personal experiences with flooding and expressed a desire for collaboration between residents and officials. Mayor Deasy highlighted the necessity of testing sirens before the monsoon season, with funding potentially available from DFFM. Councilmember Aslan raised concerns about residents taking matters into their own hands, and staff agreed to discuss this further in the next meeting.
7.
Public Participation
None.
8.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Salas requested Mr. Clifton to include updates on commissions meeting in hybrid/in person meeting during next COVID/Re-entry update.
Councilmember Sweet suggested moving agenda items on the next few meetings due to staff availability. Mr. Tadder stated the airport parking would need to stay on its scheduled date and Mr. Clifton stated staff could work on reworking the agenda.
Councilmember McCarthy stated he recently attended the Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting.
Mayor Deasy shared that he has multiple FAIR requests and requested a discussion on an apprenticeship program for contracts. He also requested a discussion of ongoing litigation related to permits. Additionally, he mentioned reviewing the Municipal Equality Index, which has consistently received a score of 88 out of 100 for the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals over the past six years. City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg clarified that a review of the the Municipal Equality Index is scheduled for the next month.
Councilmember Shimoni shared updates on various meetings and initiatives. He mentioned that the NACA's ribbon cutting was moved to a new location. He attended an ADOT Board Meeting, where he made public comments, followed by a follow-up meeting with City and ADOT staff. Positive news was shared regarding efforts to narrow lanes on Milton to create space for shoulders and improve pedestrian safety at South Plaza Way. He also attended a Mountain Line Board meeting discussing a tax district for NAH and participated in a feasibility discussion for Elevate Pre-K, expressing his admiration for their efforts.
Councilmember McCarthy attended an event the previous week where a proclamation protecting transgender rights was read.
Councilmember Sweet suggested moving agenda items on the next few meetings due to staff availability. Mr. Tadder stated the airport parking would need to stay on its scheduled date and Mr. Clifton stated staff could work on reworking the agenda.
Councilmember McCarthy stated he recently attended the Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting.
Mayor Deasy shared that he has multiple FAIR requests and requested a discussion on an apprenticeship program for contracts. He also requested a discussion of ongoing litigation related to permits. Additionally, he mentioned reviewing the Municipal Equality Index, which has consistently received a score of 88 out of 100 for the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals over the past six years. City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg clarified that a review of the the Municipal Equality Index is scheduled for the next month.
Councilmember Shimoni shared updates on various meetings and initiatives. He mentioned that the NACA's ribbon cutting was moved to a new location. He attended an ADOT Board Meeting, where he made public comments, followed by a follow-up meeting with City and ADOT staff. Positive news was shared regarding efforts to narrow lanes on Milton to create space for shoulders and improve pedestrian safety at South Plaza Way. He also attended a Mountain Line Board meeting discussing a tax district for NAH and participated in a feasibility discussion for Elevate Pre-K, expressing his admiration for their efforts.
Councilmember McCarthy attended an event the previous week where a proclamation protecting transgender rights was read.
9.
Adjournment
The Work Session held November 23, 2021 adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |