Skip to main content

AgendaQuick™

Minutes for City Council Meeting - FINAL

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
3:00 P.M.

 
MINUTES
 
1.
CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Deasy called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held November 2, 2021, to order at 3:04 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 regular meeting, 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 telephonically or by 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.
 
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MISSION STATEMENT

The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance and Vice Mayor Daggett 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.
 
4.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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.
Joe Shannon addressed Council and expressed concern about the possible removal of observatory purpose from Section 17 and lack of a transparent process.
 
Nicole Whitten addressed Council asking them to support the As Nearly Free As Possible college tuition movement.
 
Hilary Giovale addressed Council with concerns about Section 17 and asked the Council to uphold the original intent of the federal deed. She requested a transparent public process to determine if the community supports the change.
 
Rose Toehe addressed Council about upcoming celebrations in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
 
Jerry McLaughlin addressed Council to express his opposition to the change to Section 17. He asked Council to pass a resolution to oppose any change to the existing deed.
 
Anne Mottek addressed Council with concerns about removing observatory protections from Section 17. She urged the Council to submit a letter of opposition so as to preserve the natural area.
 
Abigail Jackson and Kyle Nitschke submitted written comments in support of the As Nearly Free As Possible Act.
 
5.
PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
 
A.
Proclamation: Native American Heritage Month
Mayor Deasy read and presented the Native American Heritage Month proclamation.
 
B.
Proclamation: Family Court Awareness Month
Mayor Deasy read and presented the Family Court Awareness Month proclamation.
 
C.
Proclamation: Alzheimer's and Caregiver Month
Mayor Deasy read and presented the Alzheimer's and Caregiver Month proclamation.
 
6.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
 
A.
City Manager Report
Mr. Clifton briefly reviewed his report.
 
Interim Water Services Director Andy Bertelsen provided a brief recap of the Water Services Monthly Report.
 
City Engineer Rick Barrett provided a brief recap of the Capital Improvement Report.
 
Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos provided a brief recap of the Sustainability Monthly Report.
 
i.
Resolution in support of the Endangered Species Act
Emily Renn addressed Council in support of the resolution.
 
Council expressed appreciation to those who reached out in support of a resolution. They indicated support for a resolution and asked that it come before them for adoption at a future meeting.
 
7.
COVID-19 UPDATE
 
A.
COVID-19 Update
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
COVID-19 UPDATE
AGENDA
CCHHS: COVID-19 WEEKLY CASES
CCHHS: HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
CCHHS: COVID-19 RELATED DEATHS
CCHHS: COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION
CCHHS: COMMUNITY VACCINATION
CCHHS: VARIANTS
NAH: HOSPITAL CENSUS
 
Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives Rose Toehe continued the presentation.
 
INDIGENOUS NATIONS UPDATE
NAVAJO NATION
HOPI TRIBE
 
8.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember Shimoni report that it is the one year anniversary of the Coconino County 911 Diversion Group. They were able to divert more than 80 calls from the Police
Department to the crisis response network out of Phoenix or to Terros when needed. They continue to look for additional ways to expand the program. He also reported that Mountain Line held a special Board Meeting last week to provide the annual review to their CEO and General Manager.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett reported that Friday is the last day to submit public comment on the Draft 10-year Housing Plan.
 
Councilmember McCarthy reported that the MetroPlan Executive Board Meeting is coming up that week. There was also a MetroPlan meeting to review the FMPO resident survey that will be going out. The survey will be going out soon.
 
Councilmember Sweet reported that she attended the NACOG meeting in Sedona where they discussed the challenges associated with the Headstart Program being extremely short-staffed. She also reported that she and County Supervisor Vasquez will be visiting the Headstart facilities to encourage staff to be vaccinated.
 
Councilmember Salas reported that she attended the Annual Discover Flagstaff Tourism and Economic Vitality Stakeholder and Partner event. She spoke about some of the key points of the event and the importance of tourism as an economic driver in Flagstaff.
 
9.
LIQUOR LICENSE PUBLIC HEARINGS
 
A.
Consideration and Action on Liquor License Application:  Dara Sprinces Wong, "Vino Loco" 22 E. Birch Avenue, Series 07 (Beer and Wine Bar), Owner Transfer.
Mayor Deasy opened the public hearing.
 
Police Sergeant Ryan Turley introduced the application and noted no concerns.

The applicant Dara Wong thanked Council for their consideration of the application.
 
There being no further public comment Mayor Deasy closed the public hearing.
 

Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to forward the application to the State with a recommendation of approval.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

A break was held from 4:47 p.m. though 5:09 p.m.
 
10.
CONSENT ITEMS

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.
Councilmember McCarthy requested that Item 10C be pulled for discussion.
 

Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Adam Shimoni to approve the Consent Agenda Items 10A and 10B as submitted.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
A.
Consideration and Approval of Contract:  An Energy Services Contract to NORESCO, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $188,000 and authorize the First Phase of Project Implementation.
  1. Award an Energy Services Contract to NORESCO, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $188,000 and authorize the First Phase of Project Implementation; and
  2. Authorize the City Manager to complete the necessary documents. 
 
B.
Consideration and Approval of Contract:  Stormwater Open Channel Maintenance On-Call Contract with Arizona Conservation Experience and Conservation Legacy.
  1. Approval of the Stormwater Open Channel Maintenance On-Call Contract with Arizona Conservation Experience and Conservation Legacy, in a total amount for both contracts not to exceed $100,000 per fiscal year; and
  2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
 
C.
Consideration and Approval of Contract:  APS Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot Agreement #156299 for a New Location at the City of Flagstaff Visitor Center.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he is supportive of building new sites but asked if it was financially sustainable to give out free power to charge vehicles.
 
Mr. Clifton noted that there has been ongoing discussion about whether or not to charge a fee for the service. He has consistently advocated for allowing free charging during the inaugural period to incentivize the use of electric vehicles. Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos added that there will be an opportunity to assess the program after a year to evaluate costs, usage, and possible fees.
 

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to approve the APS Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot Agreement #156299 for a New Location at the City of Flagstaff Visitor Center and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
11.
ROUTINE ITEMS
 
A.
Consideration and Approval of Preliminary Plat: Request from Hunt Beaver, LLC for Preliminary Plat approval for Beaver Street Condominiums (case number: PZ-17-00187-04) - 8 residential condominium units located at 613 North Beaver Street on 0.33 acres to be developed using the T4N.1 (Transect) Zone standards.
Senior Planner Genevieve Pearthree addressed Council:
 
BEAVER STREET CONDOS (PZ-17-00187-04) PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL
REQUEST OVERVIEW
VICINITY MAP
DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW
BEAVER STREET CONDOS PRELIMINARY PLAT
PLAT UNIT AIRSPACE OWNERSHIP
BUILDING ELEVATIONS (FOR REFERENCE ONLY)
REQUIRED FINDING #1
MEETS ZONING CODE (TITLE 10) STANDARDS)
REQUIRED FINDING #2
MEETS ENGINEERING STANDARDS (TITLE 13)
REQUIRED FINDING #3: SUBDIVISIONS STANDARDS (TITLE 11)
MEETS SUBDIVISION AND LAND SPLIT REGULATIONS (CHAPTER 11-20)
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
 

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to approve the Preliminary Plat based on the required findings and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation of approval on October 13, 2021.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
B.
Consideration and Possible Action: Un-suspend Rule 5.01 of the City of Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure.
 

Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to un-suspend Rule 5.01 of the City of Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
C.
Consideration and Possible Adoption:  City Council Rules of Procedure
 

Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to adopt the City Council Rules of Procedure dated November 2, 2021.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
12.
REGULAR AGENDA
 
A.
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-48:  A resolution approving the designation of an applicant agent and authorizing the agent to apply for and sign on behalf of the City of Flagstaff for the receipt of funds from the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and Military Affairs Public Assistance Program.
Grants and Contracts Manager Stacey Brechler-Knaggs stated that the resolution would reduce the number of applicant agents from two to one and also includes some general housekeeping updates as well.
 

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2021-48 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

A RESOLUTION OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL, APPROVING THE DESIGNATION OF AN APPLICANT AGENT AND PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT
 

Moved by Mayor Paul Deasy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2021-48.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
B.
Consideration and Approval: Letter of support for Coconino County Board of Supervisors preferred legislative districts map and redistricting procedures moving forward
Interim Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley stated that if the Council is supportive, staff will send the letter of support and preferred legislative map to the Independent Redistricting Commission. There will also be discussion on redistricting procedures moving forward. She also noted that the Independent Redistricting Commission continues to work as draft maps are discussed and adjusted and once an agreement is reached by the commission a public review process will begin.
 
Mayor Deasy stated that he was concerned that the proposed map creates a non-competitive situation. He is also concerned about Kachina Village not being included in Flagstaff’s district and he believes that the Flagstaff area should remain whole. He is supportive of the County’s map that keeps Flagstaff whole and provides a much more competitive district.
 
Councilmember McCarthy noted that he is supportive of the letter and map.
 
Council invited County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan and Supervisor Patrice Horstman to comment on their proposed map. Both urged the Council to support the letter and map provided by the County. They also encouraged the Council to individually provide comments to the Independent Redistricting Commission with their concerns about their proposal and in support of the County’s map.
 
Michele James addressed the Council on behalf of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future in support of the maps presented by Coconino County. They believe that the County map preserves Flagstaff as a community of interest.
 
Council expressed their support for the letter and map from the County.
 

Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to approve the letter of support for Coconino County Board of Supervisors preferred legislative districts map and redistricting procedures moving forward.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
13.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
 
A.
Discussion about 2022 Potential Bond Ballot Measures
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson, Management Services Director Rick Tadder, Capital Improvements Senior Project Manager Christine Cameron, Water Services Director Andy Bertelsen, Stormwater Manager Ed Schenk, and Deputy Fire Chief Mark Wilson provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
AGENDA
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
WHAT ARE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
BONDING FOR CAPITAL COSTS VERSUS OPERATIONAL COSTS
HISTORICAL BOND QUESTIONS
LEGAL LIMITS – STATE STATUTE/ASSESSED VALUATIONS
POLICY LIMITS – CITY IMPOSED
SECONDARY PROPERTY TAX RATE CAPACITY
RESIDENTIAL TAXPAYER IMPACTS
POTENTIAL BOND BALLOT MEASURES
POTENTIAL BOND PROJECTS
POTENTIAL BOND PROCESS
POTENTIAL BOND TIMELINE
ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE BOND
NEIGHBORHOOD MULTIMODAL CONNECTIVITY AND CIVIC SPACE
FLORENCE TO WALNUT PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS
RIO DE FLAG PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS
SOUTHSIDE CIVIC SPACE
WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT
REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT PROJECTS
STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
SPRUCE CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS
SPRUCE CHANNEL PROJECTS
PUBLIC SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE
EMERGENCY RADIO EQUIPMENT
FIRE APPARATUS & SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT
COUNCIL QUESTIONS
 
Deb Harris addressed Council asking about representation on the citizen committee; it is important that everyone feels represented in the process because everyone who owns property in Flagstaff will be paying.
 
Vice Mayor Daggett stated that she would like the committee to come back to Council with a ranked list of bond issues most critical to the community. This information will be helpful in advance of deciding on a maximum bond amount and the projects that should be forwarded to the voters.
 
Councilmember Aslan expressed support for the committee and encouraged a diverse makeup of members.
 
Mayor Deasy expressed concerns about voter fatigue and not overwhelming the ballot. He suggested combing similar or related projects into a single question rather than having a number of questions. Councilmember Aslan agreed that packaging projects could be beneficial and suggested public safety and climate action.
 
Councilmember McCarthy expressed his concern about bringing forward $100 million in bonds to the voters. He indicated that he supports public safety, wastewater, stormwater, climate action and housing.
 
Councilmember Sweet indicated that she is looking forward to hearing back from the committee on their recommendations and ranking of the projects. She indicated support for wastewater, stormwater, and public safety.
 
Councilmember Salas stated that her proposed priorities are public safety, stormwater, wastewater, the neighborhood multi-modal, and housing.
 
Mayor Deasy indicated that his top priorities are climate action mitigation, stormwater, and public safety.
 
Mr. Clifton stated that the conversation now is the start of a long dialogue leading up to the 2022 election. There are excellent people at the table to navigate through the complexities of the projects and develop recommendations.
 
Ms. Anderson thanked Council for the discussion and indicated that it will help get things started with the committee. Staff will continue to check in with Council along the way to help steer the direction and recommendations from the committee.
 
14.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS

After discussion and upon agreement by three members of the Council, an item will be moved to a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
 
A.
Future Agenda Item Request (F.A.I.R.): A request by Councilmember Shimoni to place on a future agenda a discussion regarding the City's Engineering Standards as it relates to speed limits and design characteristics of roadways.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he would like to see the request advance for future discussion.
 
City Council was supportive of moving the item forward to a future agenda for discussion.
 
B.
Future Agenda Item Request (F.A.I.R.): A request by Mayor Deasy to place on a future agenda a discussion regarding a rebate program for alternate energy on homes.
Mayor Deasy stated that he would like to have a discussion about a program similar to the electric vehicle purchase. He stated that rebates can incentivize homeowners to convert to some sort of alternate energy.

City Council was supportive of moving the item forward to a future agenda for discussion.
 
15.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Vice Mayor Daggett asked if there were plans to host a larger community meeting for residents in the Museum Fire flood area. Mr. Clifton stated that there are a lot of moving parts and a number of discussions and meetings happening.
 
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he is hoping to engage with Northern Arizona Healthcare to discuss housing opportunities adjacent to their new facility. He is also hoping for a partnership with Mountain Line to ensure transportation to the new site.
 
Councilmember Aslan stated that he met with NAU President Cruz Rivera the prior week. It was a great conversation and he looks forward to future discussions. He requested a FAIR item to discuss the development of a Councilmember evaluation process to solicit feedback and input from city staff.
 
Mayor Deasy requested a FAIR item to discuss development of a rainbow colored pedestrian crosswalk.
 
16.
ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held November 2, 2021, adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
   
  _______________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
 
 

_________________________________
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 November 2, 2021. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
 
DATED this 6th day of December, 2022.           
 
________________________________
CITY CLERK