CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JUNE 30, 2015
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
JUNE 30, 2015
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Nabours called the Flagstaff Work Session of June 30, 2015, to order at 6:00 p.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance.
3.
Roll Call
Others present: Interim City Manager Jeff Meilbeck and City Attorney Michelle D'Andrea
| NOTE: | One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
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PRESENT: MAYOR NABOURS VICE MAYOR BAROTZ COUNCILMEMBER BREWSTER COUNCILMEMBER EVANS COUNCILMEMBER ORAVITS COUNCILMEMBER OVERTON COUNCILMEMBER PUTZOVA |
ABSENT: |
Others present: Interim City Manager Jeff Meilbeck and City Attorney Michelle D'Andrea
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.
Risk Management Specialist Michael DuPuy presented a certificate of achievement to Mike Gouhin of the Flagstaff Housing Authority for their achievement of zero reportable accidents in the 2014-2015 year.
Marilyn Weismann addressed Council to report that the judge in the Flagstaff Living Wage lawsuit has signed the stipulation agreement giving local control back to the cities in regards to setting minimum wage. The City can now move forward in considering a reasonable working wage for Flagstaff employees. She urged the Council to play more of a role in the future of protecting citizens from the over-reaching arm of the State.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council with concerns about plastic bags and student housing.
Gil Hagenmeyer addressed Council regarding a new student housing development. He urged the Council to have further discussions about the project and address issues and concerns from the adjacent neighborhood.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council with concerns about plastic bags and student housing.
Gil Hagenmeyer addressed Council regarding a new student housing development. He urged the Council to have further discussions about the project and address issues and concerns from the adjacent neighborhood.
5.
Preliminary Review of Draft Agenda for the July 7, 2015, City Council Meeting.*
* Public comment on draft agenda items may be taken under “Review of Draft Agenda Items” later in the meeting, at the discretion of the Mayor. Citizens wishing to speak on agenda items not specifically called out by the City Council for discussion under the second Review section may submit a speaker card for their items of interest to the recording clerk.
Councilmember Evans called out item 15-C asking to know if it is legal to use an election as a poll; she feels that having two questions regarding election dates is a form of polling and would like to know if that is allowed.
6.
Presentation by Northern Arizona University President Cheng.
Mayor Nabours introduced NAU President Dr. Rita Cheng. Dr. Cheng thanked the Council for the opportunity to address them and she thanked them for their support during the 2015 Legislative session by communicating the importance of the University to the region and the state.
Dr. Cheng provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL UPDATE
FUNDING, ENROLLMENT AND DEGREES
PARTNERSHIPS GENERATING IMPACT
RESEARCH SUPPORT
THRIVE PROJECTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
SUMMERS AT NAU
ENROLLMENT AND HOUSING
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
HOMECOMING EVENTS ON OCTOBER 24
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
THANK YOU
Mayor Nabours asked how many employees there are at NAU. Dr. Cheng stated that it is around 4,600 but that it changes almost daily.
Vice Mayor Barotz thanked Dr. Cheng for giving an update to the City Council. She stated that the Council finds themselves in a difficult position with regards to student housing; the Council wants to do what is right for the community and the students but it is a difficult position to be in when there are competing values. Dr. Cheng stated that while the university does not partner with the off campus developers it is important for NAU to express its willingness to partner with the City. NAU is concerned about being good neighbors and they are doing what they can to build additional housing on campus when it is financially possible. Vice Mayor Barotz also thanked Joanne Keene for her work in increased communication about parking alternatives. The City appreciates the collaboration with NAU but feels that it is important for them to understand the struggle with the balance between the public and the university.
Mayor Nabours offered that during the early years of Flagstaff, the town fought so hard to have a college and if it was not for NAU Flagstaff would likely be just another Route 66 town. Dr. Cheng added that if it was not for the vibrancy of the community NAU would not be able to attract students to the campus and therefore be less successful.
Councilmember Evans thanked Dr. Cheng for not skirting the hard issues of housing and parking in the presentation and she thanked NAU for their willingness to partner and collaborate with the City on these issues. She expressed appreciation for the Sustainable Communities Program and the community action teams that have come from the program. There have been several individuals from that program that are tasked with going outside the university and into the community to apply the skills they are learning in real life situations.
A break was held from 6:36 p.m. through 6:40 p.m.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council stating that he was upset that a break was called prior to public participation on the item. He stated a number of concerns with NAU and its relationship with CCC.
Dr. Cheng provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL UPDATE
FUNDING, ENROLLMENT AND DEGREES
PARTNERSHIPS GENERATING IMPACT
RESEARCH SUPPORT
THRIVE PROJECTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
SUMMERS AT NAU
ENROLLMENT AND HOUSING
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
HOMECOMING EVENTS ON OCTOBER 24
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
THANK YOU
Mayor Nabours asked how many employees there are at NAU. Dr. Cheng stated that it is around 4,600 but that it changes almost daily.
Vice Mayor Barotz thanked Dr. Cheng for giving an update to the City Council. She stated that the Council finds themselves in a difficult position with regards to student housing; the Council wants to do what is right for the community and the students but it is a difficult position to be in when there are competing values. Dr. Cheng stated that while the university does not partner with the off campus developers it is important for NAU to express its willingness to partner with the City. NAU is concerned about being good neighbors and they are doing what they can to build additional housing on campus when it is financially possible. Vice Mayor Barotz also thanked Joanne Keene for her work in increased communication about parking alternatives. The City appreciates the collaboration with NAU but feels that it is important for them to understand the struggle with the balance between the public and the university.
Mayor Nabours offered that during the early years of Flagstaff, the town fought so hard to have a college and if it was not for NAU Flagstaff would likely be just another Route 66 town. Dr. Cheng added that if it was not for the vibrancy of the community NAU would not be able to attract students to the campus and therefore be less successful.
Councilmember Evans thanked Dr. Cheng for not skirting the hard issues of housing and parking in the presentation and she thanked NAU for their willingness to partner and collaborate with the City on these issues. She expressed appreciation for the Sustainable Communities Program and the community action teams that have come from the program. There have been several individuals from that program that are tasked with going outside the university and into the community to apply the skills they are learning in real life situations.
A break was held from 6:36 p.m. through 6:40 p.m.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council stating that he was upset that a break was called prior to public participation on the item. He stated a number of concerns with NAU and its relationship with CCC.
7.
Proposed Utilities Rates Adjustment - Timeline and Stakeholder Outreach Schedule. (Timeline for proposed utility rates adjustment).
Utilities Director Brad Hill provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENTS TIMELINE AND STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH
PURPOSE
OVERVIEW OF RATE STUDY PROCESS
TIMELINE
STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH
WEBSITE INFORMATION
Councilmember Overton asked when the draft will be available from the consultant. Mr. Hill stated that if the Water Commission approves the final report it will be available on the City website for public viewing on July 17, 2015 and officially delivered at a Council meeting on August 25, 2015.
Councilmember Putzova asked for clarification on the purpose of the study as she found it interesting that water conservation was not included in the overall purpose. Mr. Hill offered that the revenue sufficiency portion of the study does take conservation into consideration but that the purpose of the study is how the City funds the operation, maintenance and replacement of the utilities. Water conservation is an element that is embedded throughout the rate study portion.
Councilmember Oravits asked if future water supply will be discussed within the study along with the potential options for new funding sources. Mr. Hill stated that the study will include the rate side and the growth side which is the capacity fees. New water supplies will be included within the capacity fee discussion.
Mayor Nabours asked when the rates were last changed. Mr. Hill stated that the last time Council took action on the rate plan was 2010 where a five year plan was adopted. Mayor Nabours asked if the review process is something that is within Council discretion or if there are statutory timelines that have to be adhered to. Mr. Hill stated that it is completely within Council’s discretion to discuss or adopt new rates.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council regarding the need to conserve water and lower rates for users.
UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENTS TIMELINE AND STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH
PURPOSE
OVERVIEW OF RATE STUDY PROCESS
TIMELINE
STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH
WEBSITE INFORMATION
Councilmember Overton asked when the draft will be available from the consultant. Mr. Hill stated that if the Water Commission approves the final report it will be available on the City website for public viewing on July 17, 2015 and officially delivered at a Council meeting on August 25, 2015.
Councilmember Putzova asked for clarification on the purpose of the study as she found it interesting that water conservation was not included in the overall purpose. Mr. Hill offered that the revenue sufficiency portion of the study does take conservation into consideration but that the purpose of the study is how the City funds the operation, maintenance and replacement of the utilities. Water conservation is an element that is embedded throughout the rate study portion.
Councilmember Oravits asked if future water supply will be discussed within the study along with the potential options for new funding sources. Mr. Hill stated that the study will include the rate side and the growth side which is the capacity fees. New water supplies will be included within the capacity fee discussion.
Mayor Nabours asked when the rates were last changed. Mr. Hill stated that the last time Council took action on the rate plan was 2010 where a five year plan was adopted. Mayor Nabours asked if the review process is something that is within Council discretion or if there are statutory timelines that have to be adhered to. Mr. Hill stated that it is completely within Council’s discretion to discuss or adopt new rates.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council regarding the need to conserve water and lower rates for users.
8.
Airport Planning Update (Planning for airport needs to serve our community and potential future growth at the airport).
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen provided an update on the search for a new airline. She and Airport Director Barney Helmick attended two conferences to this regard. At the first conference they met with four airlines and most of them are looking for bigger airports but there was one airline that is promising for Flagstaff. Staff has kept in constant contact with the airline and they are working with them through various issues. One of the challenges is that the City must be able to fill planes and show consistent growth. Airlines want the airport to market them; with the success of the CVB this year this has been a big positive to all the airlines. At the second conference there were ten potential airlines and staff was able to meet with five. Of that there were two that were promising. Again, staff is keeping in constant contact and working with the airlines to answer all questions and address issues or concerns they may have.
Ms. Hansen stated that since marketing is a big point for airlines staff has created a simple marketing packet that was given to all the airlines that Flagstaff met with. Staff is still putting together thank you letters to all the airlines that were met with and it is hoped that the airlines that were interested in Flagstaff will arrange headquarter meetings in the near future. For now, the message is Please Fly Flagstaff; the city’s current airline is just as important as a new one and flying out of Flagstaff will show the continued support of the airline and continued enplanements.
Mr. Helmick provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FLAGSTAFF AIRPORT PLANNING
AREAS OF IMPORTANCE
AIRPORT PARKING
Councilmember Overton stated that he would like to see charging the community for parking as a possibility rather than take away from the tax payer funded capital improvements. He also suggested looking for a partnership with the new airline that may come in to provide additional parking solutions.
Councilmember Oravits asked when it becomes possible to start charging on the current lot. Mr. Helmick stated that there is not a direct timeline but it is expected to be about 18-24 months out.
Mayor Nabours asked if the City is able to set regulations and issue parking tickets even though charging for parking is not currently available. Mr. Helmick stated that he would have to work with the Legal Department to determine if that is something that can be done.
Mr. Helmick continued the presentation.
AIRPORT TERMINAL MAINTENANCE
AIRPORT STAFFING
AIRPORT DESIGN
NEXT STEPS
Mayor Nabours stated that if the Airport were able to generate money by selling airport land it would be easier to put that money back into the airport. Mr. Helmick stated that staff has been under the impression that land could only be leased at the airport and not sold but there have been discussions with the FAA that indicate that has changed. Staff will be conducting an audit and appraisal of the land so the public can see the benefit if it exists.
Ms. Hansen stated that since marketing is a big point for airlines staff has created a simple marketing packet that was given to all the airlines that Flagstaff met with. Staff is still putting together thank you letters to all the airlines that were met with and it is hoped that the airlines that were interested in Flagstaff will arrange headquarter meetings in the near future. For now, the message is Please Fly Flagstaff; the city’s current airline is just as important as a new one and flying out of Flagstaff will show the continued support of the airline and continued enplanements.
Mr. Helmick provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FLAGSTAFF AIRPORT PLANNING
AREAS OF IMPORTANCE
AIRPORT PARKING
Councilmember Overton stated that he would like to see charging the community for parking as a possibility rather than take away from the tax payer funded capital improvements. He also suggested looking for a partnership with the new airline that may come in to provide additional parking solutions.
Councilmember Oravits asked when it becomes possible to start charging on the current lot. Mr. Helmick stated that there is not a direct timeline but it is expected to be about 18-24 months out.
Mayor Nabours asked if the City is able to set regulations and issue parking tickets even though charging for parking is not currently available. Mr. Helmick stated that he would have to work with the Legal Department to determine if that is something that can be done.
Mr. Helmick continued the presentation.
AIRPORT TERMINAL MAINTENANCE
AIRPORT STAFFING
AIRPORT DESIGN
NEXT STEPS
Mayor Nabours stated that if the Airport were able to generate money by selling airport land it would be easier to put that money back into the airport. Mr. Helmick stated that staff has been under the impression that land could only be leased at the airport and not sold but there have been discussions with the FAA that indicate that has changed. Staff will be conducting an audit and appraisal of the land so the public can see the benefit if it exists.
9.
Discussion to Define a Process for Council Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Flagstaff Zoning Code.
Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Administrator Roger Eastman addressed Council with a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
MEETING PURPOSE
BACKGROUND
THREE LEVELS OF AMENDMENTS
MINOR AMENDMENTS
MAJOR AMENDMENTS
CLERICAL AMENDMENTS
OVERVIEW – MAJOR AMENDMENTS
SOURCE OF AMENDMENTS
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT
SUGGESTED PATH FORWARD
PUBLIC OUTREACH
CONCLUSION
Vice Mayor Barotz asked if staff would consider using social media as an outlet for communication. Mr. Eastman stated that it is a suggestion that is being looked into; staff recognizes that social media is a powerful tool that needs to be utilized more.
Councilmember Putzova asked that in addition to the language proposed if it would be possible to illustrate the implications with some real world examples in order for the Council to really understand how the changes are going to apply in the real world. Mr. Eastman stated some of the amendments already include that but he will look further to see if there are other areas that could benefit from those types of illustrations.
Mayor Nabours suggested phrasing the policy questions in a simplified manner of “Does the Council want to _____________?” This will help the Council and the public see exactly what the question and amendment is. Mr. Eastman stated that it is a great suggestion and he will work on incorporating that into the staff summary.
MEETING PURPOSE
BACKGROUND
THREE LEVELS OF AMENDMENTS
MINOR AMENDMENTS
MAJOR AMENDMENTS
CLERICAL AMENDMENTS
OVERVIEW – MAJOR AMENDMENTS
SOURCE OF AMENDMENTS
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT
SUGGESTED PATH FORWARD
PUBLIC OUTREACH
CONCLUSION
Vice Mayor Barotz asked if staff would consider using social media as an outlet for communication. Mr. Eastman stated that it is a suggestion that is being looked into; staff recognizes that social media is a powerful tool that needs to be utilized more.
Councilmember Putzova asked that in addition to the language proposed if it would be possible to illustrate the implications with some real world examples in order for the Council to really understand how the changes are going to apply in the real world. Mr. Eastman stated some of the amendments already include that but he will look further to see if there are other areas that could benefit from those types of illustrations.
Mayor Nabours suggested phrasing the policy questions in a simplified manner of “Does the Council want to _____________?” This will help the Council and the public see exactly what the question and amendment is. Mr. Eastman stated that it is a great suggestion and he will work on incorporating that into the staff summary.
10.
Review of Draft Agenda Items for the July 7, 2015, City Council Meeting.*
* Public comment on draft agenda items will be taken at this time, at the discretion of the Mayor.
None
None
11.
Public Participation
None
None
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; and future agenda item requests.
Councilmember Oravits offered congratulations to community member John Conley who recently won Grocery Wars which is a television program on the Food Network. There were several plugs in the show for Flagstaff which is a great piece as well.
Vice Mayor Barotz requested a possible future agenda item for a resolution similar to the one the County adopted with regards to the Stepping Up Initiative.
She requested an additional possible future agenda item for an ordinance that expresses the policy that the City will have equal pay and how it will ensure equal pay for equal work in the future.
Councilmember Evans stated that she sent an email to the City Manager for information on 4FRI; specifically the history of 4FRI and how the City got involved, also the history of logging in Flagstaff and what the City is doing now in regards to logging and how that is connected to 4FRI. She requested a lot more information in her email and wanted to make sure that the Council was aware of the request.
Mayor Nabours stated that this day is the anniversary of the Yarnell Fire tragedy. Prescott is moving on and healing as best they can from this event; it is a terrible tragedy that can certainly happen in the Flagstaff area.
Vice Mayor Barotz requested a possible future agenda item for a resolution similar to the one the County adopted with regards to the Stepping Up Initiative.
She requested an additional possible future agenda item for an ordinance that expresses the policy that the City will have equal pay and how it will ensure equal pay for equal work in the future.
Councilmember Evans stated that she sent an email to the City Manager for information on 4FRI; specifically the history of 4FRI and how the City got involved, also the history of logging in Flagstaff and what the City is doing now in regards to logging and how that is connected to 4FRI. She requested a lot more information in her email and wanted to make sure that the Council was aware of the request.
Mayor Nabours stated that this day is the anniversary of the Yarnell Fire tragedy. Prescott is moving on and healing as best they can from this event; it is a terrible tragedy that can certainly happen in the Flagstaff area.
13.
Adjournment
The Flagstaff City Council Work Session of June 30, 2015, adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
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_______________________________ MAYOR |
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ATTEST: |
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_________________________________ CITY CLERK |