Minutes for City Council Special Meeting

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING WORK SESSION
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.

MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Deasy called the Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council to order at 3:06 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).

Roll Call

NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means.

PRESENT:

MAYOR DEASY
VICE MAYOR SWEET
COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN (virtual)
COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE
COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY
COUNCILMEMBER SALAS
COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI (virtual)

ABSENT:

Others present: Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson; Deputy City Attorney Kevin Fincel.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MISSION STATEMENT, AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Salas read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor Sweet 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.

JWP Extension, Phase I and II - Proposed Alignments

View Agenda Item

Capital Improvement Project Manager David Pedersen led a presentation. Slides included:

Context Map
Agenda
Grade-Separated Crossing Goals & Criteria
Crossing Examples
Wildlife Info – AZGFD Partnership
Blue & Green Alignments
Cost Comparison
Minor Arterial Engineering Criteria
Community Outreach
Regional Plan Map – Map 25
Existing JWP Blvd – Between Pine Canyon and Terminus
Comments & Questions

Councilmember Shimoni inquired about capping a project to two or three lanes rather than leaving the possibility for more lanes. Acting City Engineer Jeff Bauman explained that four lanes might be needed in the future due to higher density but recommended leaving easements for expansion. Mayor Deasy clarified that expansion to four lanes would likely not be necessary for about 20 years. Mr. Bauman also noted that the road would primarily serve new developments. Councilmember Shimoni asked about reducing the speed limit to 25 MPH, but Mr. Bauman stated the standard is 40 MPH, and staff is recommending 35 MPH. Councilmember Shimoni also asked about the possibility of adding FUTS trails on each side and sound walls, to which Mr. Bauman replied that these details are still in the design phase.

Councilmember House raised concerns about the preservation and safety of wells in the area. Mr. Pedersen explained that staff had reached out to Water Services and would consider wells and animal crossings after determining the alignment.

Mayor Deasy asked about the cost differential between the blue and green routes, with Mr. Pedersen explaining that the calculations had not been done yet. The routes are still in the early stages, and staff is focused on cost-effectiveness and ensuring good stewardship of public funds.

Public Participation:

Darrin Smith addressed Council and spoke in support of the alternative alignment.
Dave Chapin addressed Council against the salmon route since it would be in his front yard. He was also concerned about wildland fires.
Peter Berger from Symmetry Companies addressed Council in support of the salmon alignment.

Councilmember Salas asked if Symmetry would be willing to donate the easement on their property. Mr. Berger stated that they have not gotten into the economic impact and they are certainly willing to participate, but it is hard to commit without knowing costs.

Art Babbott addressed Council and stated that it is difficult to know where the salmon alignment lies since there is no markings. He spoke about the green alignment and how it makes the most sense. He asked that staff consider sound barriers and distance.
Brian Rhoton from Capstone Homes addressed Council in favor of the salmon route. He added that the blue and green routes go over canyons so they would be more expensive and that there is no material impact to Canyon del Rio. He added that the large property owners chose the least impactful alignment for their properties and they support the salmon line.

Councilmember Salas asked if Mr. Rhoton was also a partner with Symmetry and Juniper Point and how much they spent on studies in partnership with the City. At Canyon del Rio, they spent $50,000 to $100,000 of their own money on the alignment and more on plotting the designs. Councilmember Salas asked if they would consider donating the easement or right of way to the City as they build the road. Mr. Rhoton replied that the City will get a dedicated right of way. She also asked if the City moves forward with the original alignment, would it impact his property. Mr. Rhoton stated that it would not, but that Canyon del Rio needs to move forward with construction.

Jonathan Southward addressed Council in favor of the green route.
Ryan Southward address Council in favor of the green route.
Joann Miller addressed Council and spoke about the riparian green space and the wildlife. She stated that the road should be a two-lane versus a four-lane road with a lower speed limit and that the residents should get water, high-speed internet, and other utilities. She stated she is in favor of the green route.

Lindsay Schube, representing multiple property owners in the area, explained that the original alignment is the approved plan, and the alternative alignments were developed in response to concerns and complaints. She stated that Little America prefers the original alignment but is open to working with it, while the State Trust Land supports the alternative alignment. She also noted that all large property owners oppose the green and blue routes, preferring a two-lane road. Ms. Schube's clients are willing to collaborate with staff and the community on the best construction approach.

Councilmember Salas inquired about the opposition to the green and blue lines. Ms. Schube explained that the main concern is the significant disruption to their properties, particularly regarding future development. The green and blue routes interfere with planned developments on State Trust Land, and the alternative alignment is seen as causing the least impact to the property owners.

- Peter Burch from Brighton addressed Council in favor of something that allows them a way to cross the Rio de Flag. He stated that he favors the alternative alignment salmon route.

Colleen O’Neill submitted written comments in opposition to the salmon route.

Robert Schmitt submitted written comments with concerns that there was not proper outreach.

Maris Fisler submitted written comments in support of the original proposal and postponing the decision until more outreach can be done.

Laura and Troy Passmore submitted written comments in support of the alternative alignment.

Councilmember Shimoni asked why the blue and green alignment options are not viable. Mr. Pedersen explained that large property owners have already negotiated for the salmon route and would oppose the green option. Councilmember McCarthy stated that both the blue and green routes are unacceptable due to their impact on a riparian area, and he supports the salmon route with some adjustments.

Councilmember Salas asked about NAU's feedback, and Mr. Pedersen clarified that NAU is working on a master plan and prefers the original route but can accept the salmon route.

Councilmember House also supported the salmon route, emphasizing the need for two lanes, speed control, and alternative transportation options. Vice Mayor Sweet agreed, expressing concerns about the green route and suggesting sound barriers and a 35 MPH speed limit.

Councilmember Aslan stated his support for two lanes and wildlife corridors and expressed concern about sound walls blocking views. He also opposed the green route due to its impact on wildlife.

Mayor Deasy clarified that the focus should be on alignment, and the salmon route was the most viable option to avoid legal disputes and delays. Councilmembers House, Shimoni, Salas, Aslan, and Vice Mayor Sweet agreed to eliminate the original option, with McCarthy suggesting the green route be removed as well.

Councilmembers agreed to move forward with the salmon route, with some tweaks in the design phase to reduce impacts on property owners. The consensus was to acquire land for five lanes but initially build only three. Councilmembers Shimoni and Aslan preferred acquiring land for three lanes.

ADJOURNMENT

The Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held July 7, 2022, adjourned at 4:17 p.m.


	_____________________________________ MAYOR
ATTEST:
_____________________________________ CITY CLERK