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

John Nauman addressed Council regarding the fire and the damage to the watershed. 

None

Mayor Deasy read and presented the proclamation.

City Manager Clifton briefly reviewed the report and highlighted several City achievements including:

• Heart of Gold Awards to Robert Brown, Carol Harvey, Sergeant Todd Martinet, and Detective Joe Gilbert
• Rick Barrett Retirement
• BNSF Conference 
• City Volunteer Days
• WaterSmart Grant Submittal

Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos reviewed the Sustainability Section monthly report. Highlights included:

• Collaborating with Boulder County, CO to create the Four Corners Carbon Dioxide Removal Coalition and concentrating on the concrete sector. There has been some press coverage on this. 
• Second round of the Northern Arizona Solar Coop
• Transforming Transportation Workshop
• VISTA positions
• Litter Cleanups
• Community Garden Workshops
• May Drop-Off Day Event

Capital Improvements Engineer Trevor Henry presented on Capital Projects. Highlights included:

• Rick Barrett retired 
• Pilot Project for Separated Bike Lanes later in the meeting
• Spruce Wash – Cedar to Dortha and Dortha Inlet
• Shortage of concrete
• Beulah/University Realignment
• Coconino Estates Improvements Phase II
• Road Repair & Street Safety & Aging Water and Sewer Infrastructure Replacement Programs
• Downtown Mile Project
• Lone Tree Overpass Project
• East Route 66 and El Paso Flagstaff Waterline Extension
• Library Entrance
• Lockett/Fourth Roundabout
• Butler-Fourth Improvements
• LMWTP Flocculation and Sediment Basin Rehabilitation 
• Route 66 at Fanning Landscaping
• Route 66 ADOT Bridge Replacement
• John Wesley Powell Project for Alternate Alignment
• Project Website available on City Website

Councilmember Shimoni raised concerns about the Beulah project design, specifically the cost and feasibility of adding protected bike lanes as a Plan B. He also expressed budget concerns and emphasized aligning projects like the Butler widening with the City’s core values. Mr. Henry responded that staff had been directed to proceed with the current design. Mr. Solomon noted the issue could return to Council. Mayor Deasy said many decisions have already been made and Councilmember McCarthy requested a report on the Beulah roundabout and suggested Council could discuss it further afterward.

Water Services Manager Erin Young addressed the Council and invited Water Commission Chair Kurt Riegelman to speak on the item. The Commission wanted assurance that the grant would not divert resources from other projects; staff confirmed it would not. They discussed setting standards for reclaimed water and its proper use. The Commission supported applying for the grant now, with the option to evaluate acceptance later. One commissioner and a member of the public raised water quality concerns, which staff addressed by noting ongoing improvements and Flagstaff’s leadership in reclaimed water quality. Ms. Young also reviewed letters of support included in the application.

Public Comment:
Robert Vane, Flagstaff Water Group, addressed Council opposing the grant application due to health and biological concerns. He suggested a modification to the application. 
Ward Davis addressed Council in opposition of the application. He proposed a modification of the application to include removing contaminants of emerging concern through a treatment process. 
George Kladnik, Flagstaff Water Group addressed Council stating that the group is in opposition of the grant application and would support adding a pilot project to remove contamination in A+ Reclaimed Water. The Flagstaff Water Group would like to make a formal presentation to Council regarding the advanced treatment methods. Mayor Deasy stated that he is very interested in hearing about the advanced treatment methods. 
John Nauman addressed Council and stated that the grant proposal has great method even though he and his group oppose the application at this time because of the chemical contamination possible without advanced contamination removal. 
Michele James, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future opposed to the application. 
Councilmember McCarthy opposed the project due to concerns about potential contamination of drinking water from injecting reclaimed water into the aquifer. He advocated a more conservative approach.

Vice Mayor Sweet supported submitting the grant application, emphasizing that it is an exploratory step, not a commitment.

Councilmember Shimoni raised concerns and preferred a pilot project on advanced treatment before applying for the grant.

Mr. Clifton noted the Flagstaff Water Group opposes the grant and prefers funds go toward a pilot treatment project.

Councilmember Aslan supported the grant application and stated that pursuing a pilot project and the grant are not mutually exclusive.

Councilmember Salas acknowledged concerns but supported moving the application forward, while gathering more information on a pilot project.

Mayor Deasy expressed interest in advanced water treatment and had concerns about the project and matching costs but supported proceeding with the grant for now.

Councilmember House supported submitting the application, recognizing the concerns but emphasizing that it was only a first step.

Mr. Clifton reiterated staff’s commitment to water quality, noting timing challenges.

Councilmember House recused herself from the discussion. 

City Manager Clifton introduced Ms. Deborah Harris. He stated that the presentation is not available today. Ms. Harris stated that the coordinator for the Lived Black Experience was impacted by the fire and she will send along the presentation at a later date.

A break was taken from 4:35 p.m. through 4:50 p.m.

Management Services Director Rick Tadder introduced High Country Humane board member Mandy Metzger. Ms. Metzger thanked all the fire personnel for their work helping with the fire and the City’s support for the Humane Association. She asked for continued and further support in terms of a long-term contract from the City in funding and then introduced Executive Director Liz Olsen who provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

• Contract
• Intake Data
• Live/Release Rate
• Community Support
• Capacity Concerns
• Intake Data: Medical
• Financials
• 2021 Funding
• Solutions

Susan Marue, representing Ark Cat Sanctuary, addressed Council and read aloud a letter she had sent the previous week. She expressed concerns about the City’s contract with High Country Humane (HCH), particularly their policy of only picking up stray cats if they are pregnant or injured. She also noted that HCH charges significant fees for owner surrenders.

Councilmember Salas asked Ms. Marue what her specific request was. Ms. Marue responded that HCH does not currently offer spay/neuter services and stated that if the City is allocating additional funding, those services should be included for the community.

Amy Sipes addressed Council and spoke in support of further funding and of affordable spay/neuter services. 

Mya Holocher, representing the Coconino Humane Association, presented a letter from Michelle Ryan addressing concerns and perceived failures of HCH. The letter expressed opposition to increasing funding for HCH.

Peggy Church and Michael Lauzon submitted written comments in support of the IGA.

Councilmember McCarthy stated that he supports the one-time extra allocation. He directed staff to address contractual issues. 

Vice Mayor Sweet asked Ms. Olsen what their process is for getting grants. Ms. Olsen stated that she and some board members are in charge of applying for grant funding and they have doubled their grant funding in the last year. Most of the grants are through federal grants and there are very grants at the local level. They are very focused on grant funding and growing their grant funding every year. A longer-term contract would increase their ability to receive additional grant funding.

Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Clifton if there is any funding ability through United Way for opportunities for other service providers to tap into funding from the City. Mr. Clifton stated that he will find out. 

Mayor Deasy asked if the ARPA funds are available for a grant application process for the other animal rescue non-profits. 

Mr. Tadder asked for clarification from Councilmember Salas and she asked if the ARPA funding is provided through United Way. Mr. Tadder stated that he was not aware of any ARPA funds that were set aside for shelters but would follow up on it. 

Councilmember Salas stated that she understands the increase in service and the growing needs for the low-cost spay/neuter services. She recommended establishing performance measures in the future contracts and supports the one-time funding. 

Mayor Deasy stated that he is in support of one-time funding. He added that there was sticker-shock with the ask so late in the budget process and suggested that a staff member be placed on the board. He added that the longer contract is worth consideration and that it is an intergovernmental contract that needs to be taken one-step at a time. 

Councilmember House supported Mayor Deasy’s comments. She added that the responsible consideration of public funds is important and she hopes to see more support for all animal needs going forward. 

Vice Mayor Sweet stated her appreciation for the services and added that she supports the one-time funding. She added that she supports the idea for having a staff person on the HCH Board. 

Councilmember Aslan supported the things that were previously stated and stated that he personally supports HCH. He spoke about the concerns expressed by the community. He addressed the need for spay/neuter clinics. He supported adding a City staff member to the HCH Board. 

Councilmember Shimoni supported what was said about board membership to support communication. 

Ms. Metzger stated that the Board would be in support of adding a staff member to the Board. 

Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman, Multimodal Transportation Manager Martin Ince, Streets Director Sam Beckett, and Public Works Director Scott Overton provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: 

• Background
• The Pilot Plan
• Separated Bike Lanes
• Draft Bikeways Plan
• Installation
• Before & After Conditions
• Butler Avenue Speeds & Volumes
• Beaver Street Volumes
• Crash Data
• Stakeholder Input
• City of Flagstaff Streets

Councilmember Salas asked about the other costs and if it was part of the total cost. Mr. Beckett stated that it was and that it included a lot of material costs. 

• Pictures
• City of Flagstaff Streets
• City of Flagstaff Parks
• City of Flagstaff Solid Waste
• City Police Division
• City Fire Division
• Mountain Line Transit
• Flagstaff Unified School District
• Community Survey
• Survey Highlights
• Cost Summary
• Recommendations
• Pictures of Buffered Bike Lanes

John Dailey addressed Council and stated the recommendation was disappointing and that he is in support of separated bike lanes. 

Michele James, Executive Director of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, addressed Council regarding the pilot project on Butler. She stated that protected bike lanes are necessary and that creating buffered bike lanes is a step backwards. She recommended changing the speed limit, creating a large, removed bike lane, etc. 

Dapper Dre Adauto addressed Council and supported Ms. James’s comments regarding the lower speed limit on Butler and supported separated bike lanes. He addressed the crashes in the intersections and that bicyclists avoid Milton. He suggested more safe commuting education and outreach. 

Anthony Quintile addressed Council and stated that he is against reducing the separated bike lanes. Flagstaff Biking Organization recommends creating elevated bike lanes or creating a FUTS trail. 

Sam Meier echoed what the other public participants stated. She shared her personal experience riding on Butler. She suggested that pedestrian and bicycle commuting is necessary, not optional. 

Councilmember McCarthy asked staff to clarify where the buffered bike lanes would be in relation to the curb. Mr. Bauman referenced a cross-section slide and explained the layout, confirming that the white line would remain where it is.

Vice Mayor Sweet, stated that as a newer bike commuter, she feels safer on Beaver’s separated lane but avoids Butler’s due to personal observations of safety concerns. She questioned whether the bike lane markings would be repainted this summer.

Mr. Bauman confirmed the green markings on Butler and Beaver will be redone with thermoplastic. Mr. Beckett discussed ongoing maintenance and repainting.

Councilmember Shimoni shared his experience biking on Butler and expressed strong support for keeping the separated lanes, calling them a positive investment. He recommended eight–ten-foot-wide bike lanes, improved signage at merging points, better education, larger left-turn boxes, and lower speed limits. He emphasized expanding separated lanes citywide and exploring elevated bike corridors.

Mayor Deasy noted over $500,000 has been spent so far and only six months of data is available. He supports the Bicycle Advisory Committee’s recommendation to continue the pilot for a full year, gather more data, and explore elevated bike lanes and speed reductions.

Councilmember House, though not a cyclist, said she feels safer driving when bikes are separated. She supports exploring elevated lanes and expanding the project to support alternative transportation.

Councilmember McCarthy agreed that true separation—such as elevated lanes—is ideal and should be considered for future road projects. He supports the Transportation Commission’s recommendation but is unsure Butler can be retrofitted.

Councilmember Salas thanked staff and emphasized focusing on future solutions rather than assigning blame. She also supports following the Transportation Commission’s recommendations.

Councilmember Aslan agreed with Mayor Deasy and Councilmembers Shimoni and House, supporting the continuation of the pilot and exploring elevated bike lanes.

Councilmember McCarthy asked whether other roads could be piloted for buffered bike lanes.

Mayor Deasy suggested Cedar Avenue. Mr. Bauman noted staff recommends extending buffered lanes on Butler.

Councilmember Shimoni supported expanding Butler and recommended a pilot comparison, more public education (e.g., videos), and emphasized exploring elevated lanes. He also noted ongoing design work on Fourth Street and Riordan Road as alternatives to Milton.

Mayor Deasy called a break from 7:32 p.m. through 7:47 p.m. 

Open Space Specialist Robert Wallace provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: 

• General Overview
• Trail Plan Draft Generalities
• Background: Plan Draft Development
• Background: Plan Development Partners
• Current Conditions
• Current Conditions Map
• Draft Plan Objectives
• Strategies for Preservation
• Trail System Design
• Draft Plan: Priority 1
• Draft Plan: Priority 2
• Draft Plan: Priority 3
• Draft Plan: Overall Proposed Actions
• Next Steps – Stakeholder Review & Input
• Next Steps – Planning & Participation Timeline
• Summary

Councilmember McCarthy asked about specific trails for modes of transportation. Mr. Wallace stated that all trails are for all modes at this time. Councilmember McCarthy suggested placing landmarks in the maps for public comment. 

Debbie McMahon, President of Flagstaff Trails Initiative (FTI) addressed Council and stated that FTI is assisting the City with the public outreach regarding the trail development. She added that FTI fully supports the development of Observatory Mesa. 

Senior Planner Tiffany Antol and Lindsey Schube, attorney for the applicant, presented to Council the proposed amendment to the Timber Sky Annexation and Development Agreement. Slides included:

• Timber Sky Summary
• Timber Sky Block Plat
• Blocks 3A, 7A & 8 (which has been platted)
• Current Development Agreement 
• Workforce Housing
• Proposed Amendment
• Workforce Development
• Water System Improvement Requirements
• Alternative Payment Schedule for Engineering Fees
• Penalties

Mayor Deasy inquired about the number of rental units. Senior Assistant City Attorney Christina Rubalcava explained that the agreement includes a provision to build up to 200 units. However, if City Code limitations prevent reaching that number, a minimum of 180 units is guaranteed. She noted that this change was made at 6:00 p.m. that evening.

• Development Block Map
• Proposed Amendment No. 1
• 100 affordable units vs. 240+ affordable units
• Tiny houses through Habitat for Humanity
• Block 1 (already have 4% tax credit)
• Habitat Property
• Phase 4 of Timber Sky
• Proposed Amendment No. 1

Public Comment:

• Tyler Mark, Vice President of Wespac Construction, addressed Council in support of the project. He stated that he is on the Habitat for Humanity Board and that Wespac is committed to this project. He stated that the Habitat for Humanity Board is in support of this project and that Wespac is committed to be a partner to help build these homes. 
• Cecily Maniaci stated that she supports the agreement and addressed her challenges with employees finding homes in Flagstaff.
• Eric Wolverton from Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona addressed Council on affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity with a shared equity model for starter homes. Mr. Wolverton stated that Habitat for Humanity wants to build 48 homes in five years and if they are not able to, the City gets the land back. 

Councilmember McCarthy asked Ms. Schube and Mr. Wolverton what would happen if Habitat was unable to construct the homes. Ms. Schube explained that the City would get the land back and could assign it to someone else. Vintage will pay for access roads and stub utilities. Ms. Rubalcava noted the staff report was updated: instead of just grading, there will be sufficient progress in rough grading, and roads and utilities will be stubbed to the parcel.

Mayor Deasy inquired about HOA fees. Ms. Schube said that, similar to Parcel 1 in Roers, Roers will not pay monthly HOA fees but an upfront fee only, and Habitat will follow the same approach. Mr. Wolverton added that Habitat is committed to maintaining the exterior standards of the starter homes since they “own” them. When asked about the City Code’s impact on the number of homes, Ms. Rubalcava said the final plans are not submitted yet, but she does not foresee City Code preventing the full number of units proposed. Walter Crutchfield of Vintage Partners added that the application proposes a 10% deviation, guaranteeing at least 180 units with the goal of 200 units, and language is included to avoid procedural barriers. Ms. Antol noted that 100% affordable housing allows all modifications.

Councilmember McCarthy questioned why staff has concerns if zoning will not prohibit the number of units. Ms. Rublacava replied that other factors like fire code or density requirements could arise and are less predictable.

Councilmember Shimoni compared the original plan for 100 affordable units to the LIHTC project’s 200 units, calling it a fair tradeoff. He feels good about the project and supports the amendments.

Vice Mayor Sweet stated she is ready to move forward with the development agreement amendment.

Councilmember Salas acknowledged that the situation has changed greatly over the past six years and appreciated staff and the developer for creating a win-win. She asked about concerns regarding the replat and whether Roers and Habitat are parties to the agreement. Ms. Rubalcava confirmed the development agreement now includes replat language but staff has not received signatures from Roers and Habitat acknowledging the agreement. Vintage said there’s no time to add them, and the City could enter agreements with them independently, depending on comfort level. Ms. Schube said Vintage remains responsible until the rough grading certificate is completed.

City Manager Clifton added that deed restrictions with a five-year reversion to the City provide a good fallback.

Councilmember House thanked staff for the updates and acknowledged the challenges over six years. She shares some concerns with staff’s language but sees this amendment as a positive step and suggests moving forward. Ms. Schube clarified that the minimum units have increased since the last amendment, with 220 units guaranteed, and the goal is to deviate from code for 248 or more units.

Councilmember Aslan described the situation as a compromise with a shifting window. He thanked staff but expressed discomfort with language based on hope and belief, stating if Council agrees to 180 units minimum, that is what they will get. He would prefer 200 units minimum in writing.

Mayor Deasy agreed and said he would also feel more comfortable if Roers were a signatory. Councilmember Aslan concurred. He noted that Mr. Crutchfield’s suggestion of the deviation shows intent.

Ms. Schube confirmed Roers will not be a signatory but emphasized the importance of not failing the public and keeping the deviation for possible issues like fire code or retention ponds.

Councilmember McCarthy stated that if Roers fails, Phase 4 cannot be completed, and asked Mr. Crutchfield for a commitment to 200 units. Mr. Crutchfield declined, citing uncontrollable factors. Councilmember McCarthy clarified that 180 units is the maximum guaranteed. Mayor Deasy acknowledged the Council’s own compromise, agreed to reduce deviation to 5%, and Mr. Crutchfield will put it in writing, citing market changes.

Councilmember Aslan said this changed his vote to yes and challenged Mr. Crutchfield to reach 200 units or more.

Vice Mayor Sweet said she would celebrate the win-win outcome.

Councilmember McCarthy, Councilmember Salas, Councilmember Shimoni, and Councilmember House agreed to a minimum of 190 units.

None

Councilmember Salas shared that she attended the Museum Flood volunteer event, Juneteenth Celebration at Murdoch Center and Gala, and Pride in the Pines.

Councilmember Shimoni stated he attended the recent Mountain Line Board Meeting.

Councilmember House stated she attended the Juneteenth celebration and there was a gala later that week at Murdoch Center.

The meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 14, 2022, adjourned at 9:31 p.m.