CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022
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 January 11, 2022, to order at 3:02 p.m.
Mayor Deasy called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 11, 2022, to order at 3:02 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 telephonically or by other technological means. |
| PRESENT: MAYOR DEASY (virtually) VICE MAYOR DAGGETT (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER SALAS (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER SWEET (virtually) |
ABSENT: |
Others present: Acting City Manager Heidi Hansen; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.
3.
Pledge of Allegiance, Mission Statement, and Land Acknowledgement
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember McCarthy read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor Daggett read the Land Acknowledgement.
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember McCarthy read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, 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.
Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman and Public Works Streets Director Sam Beckett provided a brief update on the bike lane pilot project on Beaver.
Dawn Rodriguez addressed Council speaking about Museum Fire flooding.
Michelle James addressed Council regarding the Lone Tree Overpass project and expressed concern about the size and safety of intersection; she asked the Council to slow the design process down. She also offered comments in support of the Active Transportation Master Plan.
Paul Bier also addressed Council with concerns about the Lone Tree Overpass project.
Dawn Rodriguez addressed Council speaking about Museum Fire flooding.
Michelle James addressed Council regarding the Lone Tree Overpass project and expressed concern about the size and safety of intersection; she asked the Council to slow the design process down. She also offered comments in support of the Active Transportation Master Plan.
Paul Bier also addressed Council with concerns about the Lone Tree Overpass project.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the January 18, 2022 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.
Councilmember Shimoni indicated that he would like to hear from staff in Capital about Item 12A during the presentation next week.
6.
Commission on Diversity Awareness Recommendation for Equitable Restroom Availability
Commission on Diversity Awareness Chairperson DeAnn Wegwert provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
EQUITABLE RESTROOM ORDINANCE
PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE
KEY ELEMENTS
NON-CITY OWNED PROPERTY
Claire Hardi submitted a written comment in support of the recommendations from the Commission on Diversity Awareness.
Council expressed appreciation for the presentation and the recommendations from the commission. They expressed support for moving the issue forward and for city facilities to be signed as they are able. They were also supportive of a possible ordinance that would require single use restrooms within city facilities be signed in a gender-neutral manner.
EQUITABLE RESTROOM ORDINANCE
PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE
KEY ELEMENTS
NON-CITY OWNED PROPERTY
Claire Hardi submitted a written comment in support of the recommendations from the Commission on Diversity Awareness.
Council expressed appreciation for the presentation and the recommendations from the commission. They expressed support for moving the issue forward and for city facilities to be signed as they are able. They were also supportive of a possible ordinance that would require single use restrooms within city facilities be signed in a gender-neutral manner.
7.
Presentation: Municipal Equality Index
Management Analyst Chris Rhode provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
MUNICIPALITY EQUALITY INDEX
SUMMARY
WHAT IS THE MUNICIPALITY EQUALITY INDEX?
CONTENTS OF SCORECARD
FLAGSTAFF 2021 SCORECARD
WHERE WE LOSE POINTS
HOUSING NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS
CITY PROVIDES TRANSGENDER-INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE IS ENFORCED BY CODA
LEADERSHIP’S PRO-EQUALITY LEGISLATIVE OR POLICY EFFORTS
SINGLE-OCCUPANCY ALL-GENDER FACILITIES
CITY PROTECTS YOUTH FROM CONVERSION THERAPY
YOUTH BULLYING PREVENTION POLICY FOR CITY SERVICES
CITY PROVIDES SERVICES TO LGBTQ+ PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
CITY PROVIDES SERVICES TO LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS
CITY PROVIDES SERVICES TO THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
CITY TESTS LIMITS OF RESTRICTIVE STATE LAW
Claire Hardi submitted a written comment urging Council to move forward with an ordinance banning conversion therapy for individuals under 18. She also asked Council to consider how dismantling Section 6-01-001-0022 of the City Code could be viewed as a pro-equality policy effort.
Mayor Deasy stated that if the city were to pursue large policy changes, it would need to do so with input from the community. He suggested the formation of a committee or task force to engage with the community,
Vice Mayor Daggett stated that she is open to conversations about how to make things better for people in the community and understanding what could be done to make sure Flagstaff is as welcoming and inclusive as it can be.
Councilmember McCarthy suggested having the Commission on Diversity Awareness weigh on and offer recommendations back to Council.
Council agreed to ask the Commission on Diversity Awareness to weigh in and offer recommendations. They also asked Mr. Solomon to research and present at a future Executive Session legal advice concerning Housing Non-Discrimination Laws.
MUNICIPALITY EQUALITY INDEX
SUMMARY
WHAT IS THE MUNICIPALITY EQUALITY INDEX?
CONTENTS OF SCORECARD
FLAGSTAFF 2021 SCORECARD
WHERE WE LOSE POINTS
HOUSING NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS
CITY PROVIDES TRANSGENDER-INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
NON-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE IS ENFORCED BY CODA
LEADERSHIP’S PRO-EQUALITY LEGISLATIVE OR POLICY EFFORTS
SINGLE-OCCUPANCY ALL-GENDER FACILITIES
CITY PROTECTS YOUTH FROM CONVERSION THERAPY
YOUTH BULLYING PREVENTION POLICY FOR CITY SERVICES
CITY PROVIDES SERVICES TO LGBTQ+ PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
CITY PROVIDES SERVICES TO LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS
CITY PROVIDES SERVICES TO THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
CITY TESTS LIMITS OF RESTRICTIVE STATE LAW
Claire Hardi submitted a written comment urging Council to move forward with an ordinance banning conversion therapy for individuals under 18. She also asked Council to consider how dismantling Section 6-01-001-0022 of the City Code could be viewed as a pro-equality policy effort.
Mayor Deasy stated that if the city were to pursue large policy changes, it would need to do so with input from the community. He suggested the formation of a committee or task force to engage with the community,
Vice Mayor Daggett stated that she is open to conversations about how to make things better for people in the community and understanding what could be done to make sure Flagstaff is as welcoming and inclusive as it can be.
Councilmember McCarthy suggested having the Commission on Diversity Awareness weigh on and offer recommendations back to Council.
Council agreed to ask the Commission on Diversity Awareness to weigh in and offer recommendations. They also asked Mr. Solomon to research and present at a future Executive Session legal advice concerning Housing Non-Discrimination Laws.
8.
Carbon Neutrality Plan Quarterly Update
Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos, Climate Engagement Coordinator Jenna Ortega, Climate Program Manager Jenny Niemann, and Climate Analyst Ramone Alatorre provided a
PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
CARBON NEUTRALITY PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
TODAY’S DISCUSSION
WELCOME JENNA!
CARBON NEUTRALITY ACTION UPDATES
STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
EQUITABLE SYSTEMS
DECREASED DEPENDENCE ON CARS
CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES
ELECTRIC MOBILITY
BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION
CLEAN ELECTRICITY
MANAGED CONSUMPTION
REDUCED BUILDING ENERGY USE
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION & WASTE MGMT.
UPHOLDING OUR COMMITMENT
CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL
ENGAGEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
HIGHLIGHTS OF UPCOMING ACTION
The Council expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of staff. They extended words of support and excitement about future updates.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he was excited to hear about possible incentives for electric bikes. He also noted that he would like to see an audit done of all city division efforts toward carbon neutrality to evaluate where they are at and help set goals for the future.
Councilmember Sweet mentioned the success of the ride and drive event and encouraged similar events. She also noted excitement about another round of the solar co-op.
Councilmember Salas stated that the cooperation with MetroPlan will lead to a good partnership with the ATMP and the regional transportation safety plan being initiated by NACOG. There is grant funding and other funding resources for electrification and EV charging stations, complete streets, smart signals, and the like.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that transportation is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and it is important to keep that in mind as decisions are made with regard to land use and the zoning code.
A break was held from 5:37 p.m. through 5:52 p.m.
CARBON NEUTRALITY PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
TODAY’S DISCUSSION
WELCOME JENNA!
CARBON NEUTRALITY ACTION UPDATES
STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
EQUITABLE SYSTEMS
DECREASED DEPENDENCE ON CARS
CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES
ELECTRIC MOBILITY
BUILDING ELECTRIFICATION
CLEAN ELECTRICITY
MANAGED CONSUMPTION
REDUCED BUILDING ENERGY USE
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION & WASTE MGMT.
UPHOLDING OUR COMMITMENT
CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL
ENGAGEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
HIGHLIGHTS OF UPCOMING ACTION
The Council expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of staff. They extended words of support and excitement about future updates.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he was excited to hear about possible incentives for electric bikes. He also noted that he would like to see an audit done of all city division efforts toward carbon neutrality to evaluate where they are at and help set goals for the future.
Councilmember Sweet mentioned the success of the ride and drive event and encouraged similar events. She also noted excitement about another round of the solar co-op.
Councilmember Salas stated that the cooperation with MetroPlan will lead to a good partnership with the ATMP and the regional transportation safety plan being initiated by NACOG. There is grant funding and other funding resources for electrification and EV charging stations, complete streets, smart signals, and the like.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that transportation is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and it is important to keep that in mind as decisions are made with regard to land use and the zoning code.
A break was held from 5:37 p.m. through 5:52 p.m.
9.
COVID-19 Update
Acting City Manager Heidi Hansen, Housing Director Sarah Darr, Library Director Jared Tolman, Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Director Rebecca Sayers, City Attorney Sterling Solomon, and Grants and Contracts Manager Stacey Brechler-Knaggs provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
COVID-19 UPDATE
AGENDA
PHASE 3 – CURRENT PHASE
PHASE 2
CITY PHASE RECOMMENDATION
CITY FACILITY OPERATIONS
HOUSING OFFICES
FLAGSTAFF VISITOR CENTER
SITE SPECIFIC PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
DOWNTOWN & EAST SIDE LIBRARIES
RECREATION FACILITIES
JOE C. MONTOYA COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTER
HAL JENSEN RECREATION CENTER
AQUAPLEX
JAY LIVELY ACTIVITY CENTER
ATHLETICS
CITY PHASE SUMMARY
MASK AVAILABILITY UPDATE
COVID EOC ATTENDANCE
Council discussed the staff recommendations, reduced capacity at the Aquaplex pool, using masks while on the ice at Jay Lively, mask requirements at city facilities, and community messaging.
Deb Harris addressed Council stating that she does not want to see staff put in a position of confrontation with the public about masks so communicating to people up front that they will be asked to leave if they do not wear a mask seems like a softer approach rather than telling someone that they are required to do something. She also spoke about challenges with only permitting KN95 masks because there is a lot of confusion about what they are and how to find them.
The Council majority was to move forward with staff recommendations along with a reduction in pool capacity to 30 and requiring masks at all times at Jay Lively. They also agreed that Mayor Deasy and Councilmember Sweet would attend the COVID EOC meetings with Councilmember Shimoni as an alternate.
COVID-19 UPDATE
AGENDA
PHASE 3 – CURRENT PHASE
PHASE 2
CITY PHASE RECOMMENDATION
CITY FACILITY OPERATIONS
HOUSING OFFICES
FLAGSTAFF VISITOR CENTER
SITE SPECIFIC PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
DOWNTOWN & EAST SIDE LIBRARIES
RECREATION FACILITIES
JOE C. MONTOYA COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTER
HAL JENSEN RECREATION CENTER
AQUAPLEX
JAY LIVELY ACTIVITY CENTER
ATHLETICS
CITY PHASE SUMMARY
MASK AVAILABILITY UPDATE
COVID EOC ATTENDANCE
Council discussed the staff recommendations, reduced capacity at the Aquaplex pool, using masks while on the ice at Jay Lively, mask requirements at city facilities, and community messaging.
Deb Harris addressed Council stating that she does not want to see staff put in a position of confrontation with the public about masks so communicating to people up front that they will be asked to leave if they do not wear a mask seems like a softer approach rather than telling someone that they are required to do something. She also spoke about challenges with only permitting KN95 masks because there is a lot of confusion about what they are and how to find them.
The Council majority was to move forward with staff recommendations along with a reduction in pool capacity to 30 and requiring masks at all times at Jay Lively. They also agreed that Mayor Deasy and Councilmember Sweet would attend the COVID EOC meetings with Councilmember Shimoni as an alternate.
10.
Public Participation
None
None
11.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Shimoni reported that he attended the Indigenous Commission meeting where they received an update on cultural sensitivity and education training, they also discussed a logo for the commission. He reported that the CJCC will be meeting later that week and the Transportation Commission will also be meeting to discuss the Lone Tree Overpass project. He also offered comments about the tension among Council over the last week and encouraged his colleagues to commit to working together and in support of the community. He commented about Mayor’s upcoming State of the City address and that he believes it should be a Council, rather than individual, effort.
Vice Mayor Daggett reported that the Housing Section has some upcoming information sessions on the CDBG block grant process. The sessions will be recorded and available online if people are unable to attend live.
Councilmember McCarthy reported that MetroPlan met recently where they allocated money to the city for the Downtown Mile Project. He also reported that he, Councilmember Sweet, and Mayor Deasy met to discuss the draft noise ordinance. He then read a statement regarding the Mayor’s upcoming State of the City address and clarified that the speech will represent the Mayor’s views individually and the context may or may not be in agreement with a majority of the City Council.
Councilmember Sweet noted that she will not be in attendance at the next Council meeting due to a death in her family.
Councilmember Salas invited Council to agree to disagree while upholding the rule of majority.
Mayor Deasy wished his twins happy birthday.
Vice Mayor Daggett reported that the Housing Section has some upcoming information sessions on the CDBG block grant process. The sessions will be recorded and available online if people are unable to attend live.
Councilmember McCarthy reported that MetroPlan met recently where they allocated money to the city for the Downtown Mile Project. He also reported that he, Councilmember Sweet, and Mayor Deasy met to discuss the draft noise ordinance. He then read a statement regarding the Mayor’s upcoming State of the City address and clarified that the speech will represent the Mayor’s views individually and the context may or may not be in agreement with a majority of the City Council.
Councilmember Sweet noted that she will not be in attendance at the next Council meeting due to a death in her family.
Councilmember Salas invited Council to agree to disagree while upholding the rule of majority.
Mayor Deasy wished his twins happy birthday.
12.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 11, 2022, adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 11, 2022, adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
___________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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| _________________________________ CITY CLERK |