CITY COUNCIL EMERGENCY SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
5:00 P.M.
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
5:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
CALL TO ORDER
In light of the current public emergency related to the Pipeline Fire, an emergency meeting was held to allow Council to discuss the use of reclaimed water by Snowbowl for fire suppression efforts related to the Pipeline Fire. Under Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure, Rule 3.05, and also under ARS 38-431.02(D) authority exists indicating that in cases of emergency a meeting may be held without posting the typical 24 hour prior notice, so long as, no less than 24 hours after the meeting, the City posts a notice of the emergency meeting that occurred and any other permissible details.
Mayor Deasy called the Emergency Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 13, 2022, to order at 5:03 p.m.
In light of the current public emergency related to the Pipeline Fire, an emergency meeting was held to allow Council to discuss the use of reclaimed water by Snowbowl for fire suppression efforts related to the Pipeline Fire. Under Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure, Rule 3.05, and also under ARS 38-431.02(D) authority exists indicating that in cases of emergency a meeting may be held without posting the typical 24 hour prior notice, so long as, no less than 24 hours after the meeting, the City posts a notice of the emergency meeting that occurred and any other permissible details.
Mayor Deasy called the Emergency Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 13, 2022, to order at 5:03 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 (virtually) VICE MAYOR SWEET (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY (virtually) COUNCILMEMBER SALAS (virtually) |
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI |
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; 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 Councilmember House 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 Councilmember House 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.
Discussion regarding the use of reclaimed water by Snowbowl for fire supression related to the Pipeline Fire.
Mr. Solomon explained that the city was approached to see if the reclaimed water line that runs to Snowbowl be recharged to assist with fire suppression. Currently, use of reclaimed water by Snowbowl exists under an agreement for snow making but there is no provision for the use of fire suppression. This means that a new contract would be needed to allow for the alternative use of fire suppression. While this action can be done administratively, this meeting is an opportunity to make the public aware of what is happening with the contract. Given the status of the Pipeline Fire and the imminent threat it is believed that the adjustment is warranted.
Mayor Deasy acknowledged the administrative decision and indicated that by having the meeting, Council could weigh in with any concerns and it would be a transparent process for the public. He indicated that he had just signed an Emergency Declaration Proclamation for the Pipeline Fire that recognizes the seriousness and threat of the situation. He asked if reclaimed water agreements only permit use of the water during certain periods of the year. Mr. Solomon explained that the Snowbowl contract only permits use during wintertime months when the demand for reclaimed water elsewhere is low. He noted that the new contract would be for the very specific use of reclaimed water for fire suppression related to the Pipeline Fire.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that there are sensitivities and conflicting opinions about the use of reclaimed water at Snowbowl and he takes those concerns and viewpoints seriously. He also recognizes the incredible threat that wildfire poses to the community, and he is supportive of moving forward with recharging the waterline and allowing the reclaimed water to aid in fire suppression efforts.
Councilmember Salas indicated that because the city and surrounding areas are in a state of emergency, it is pragmatic to use reclaimed water for fire suppression. She also acknowledged and recognized the concerns surrounding the use of reclaimed water. She asked that the use of reclaimed water for fire suppression be considered for inclusion in other reclaimed water agreements in the future.
Vice Mayor Sweet stated that given the state of emergency she feels it prudent to move forward and put the request in motion as soon as possible.
Mayor Deasy offered that the situation needs to be addressed as immediately as possible. If there are resources available to assist in protecting people, property, and forested lands it should be used. He noted that the new contract should be as specific as possible to identify that use of the reclaimed water will be for fire suppression related to the Pipeline Fire.
Mr. Solomon indicated that the contract language is very specific and if there was ever consideration of something different there would be separate discussion with Council.
Councilmember Aslan extended his support for the comments made by other Councilmembers and agreed that the use should be permitted.
Councilmember House expressed her general support was cognizant of the concerns related to the use of reclaimed water by Snowbowl. She also noted that due to the nature of an emergency meeting there may not have been as good an opportunity for the public to offer comments; she is hopeful that the community is understanding of that given the current emergency and the need to address the matter quickly.
Mayor Deasy thanked staff and the Council for their quick attention to the matter. He wished safety to all those working to protect the community and encouraged everyone to sign up for emergency notifications.
Mayor Deasy acknowledged the administrative decision and indicated that by having the meeting, Council could weigh in with any concerns and it would be a transparent process for the public. He indicated that he had just signed an Emergency Declaration Proclamation for the Pipeline Fire that recognizes the seriousness and threat of the situation. He asked if reclaimed water agreements only permit use of the water during certain periods of the year. Mr. Solomon explained that the Snowbowl contract only permits use during wintertime months when the demand for reclaimed water elsewhere is low. He noted that the new contract would be for the very specific use of reclaimed water for fire suppression related to the Pipeline Fire.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that there are sensitivities and conflicting opinions about the use of reclaimed water at Snowbowl and he takes those concerns and viewpoints seriously. He also recognizes the incredible threat that wildfire poses to the community, and he is supportive of moving forward with recharging the waterline and allowing the reclaimed water to aid in fire suppression efforts.
Councilmember Salas indicated that because the city and surrounding areas are in a state of emergency, it is pragmatic to use reclaimed water for fire suppression. She also acknowledged and recognized the concerns surrounding the use of reclaimed water. She asked that the use of reclaimed water for fire suppression be considered for inclusion in other reclaimed water agreements in the future.
Vice Mayor Sweet stated that given the state of emergency she feels it prudent to move forward and put the request in motion as soon as possible.
Mayor Deasy offered that the situation needs to be addressed as immediately as possible. If there are resources available to assist in protecting people, property, and forested lands it should be used. He noted that the new contract should be as specific as possible to identify that use of the reclaimed water will be for fire suppression related to the Pipeline Fire.
Mr. Solomon indicated that the contract language is very specific and if there was ever consideration of something different there would be separate discussion with Council.
Councilmember Aslan extended his support for the comments made by other Councilmembers and agreed that the use should be permitted.
Councilmember House expressed her general support was cognizant of the concerns related to the use of reclaimed water by Snowbowl. She also noted that due to the nature of an emergency meeting there may not have been as good an opportunity for the public to offer comments; she is hopeful that the community is understanding of that given the current emergency and the need to address the matter quickly.
Mayor Deasy thanked staff and the Council for their quick attention to the matter. He wished safety to all those working to protect the community and encouraged everyone to sign up for emergency notifications.
5.
ADJOURNMENT
The Emergency Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 13, 2022, adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
The Emergency Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 13, 2022, adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
___________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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| _________________________________ CITY CLERK |