CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Deasy called the Work Session held September 27, 2022, to order at 3:11 p.m.
Mayor Deasy called the Work Session held September 27, 2022, to order at 3:11 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 through other technological means.
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.
NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means.
| PRESENT: MAYOR DEASY VICE MAYOR SWEET COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI (virtually) |
ABSENT: |
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 House read the mission statement, and Councilmember Salas read the Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember House read the mission statement, and Councilmember Salas 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.
Indigenous Coordinator Rose Toehe addressed Council to inform them about the Indigenous Peoples’ Day events in October which was developed with help from the Indigenous Commission.
Emma Schraner from Rural Arizona Action addressed Council regarding protecting abortion access in Flagstaff.
Susan Shapiro addressed Council regarding protecting abortion access in Flagstaff.
Andy Fernandez stated that there needs to be more transparency in public comment by the speakers. He also spoke about the minimum wage increase and the lack of transparency in the increase. Mr. Fernandez also stated that it is difficult to get to the streaming council meeting.
Barbara Tait submitted a written comment about Let’s Talk About It Book Club.
Jack Meyes and Ash Shields submitted written comments requesting that the city withhold any funds that would go toward the prosecution of abortion providers.
Emma Schraner from Rural Arizona Action addressed Council regarding protecting abortion access in Flagstaff.
Susan Shapiro addressed Council regarding protecting abortion access in Flagstaff.
Andy Fernandez stated that there needs to be more transparency in public comment by the speakers. He also spoke about the minimum wage increase and the lack of transparency in the increase. Mr. Fernandez also stated that it is difficult to get to the streaming council meeting.
Barbara Tait submitted a written comment about Let’s Talk About It Book Club.
Jack Meyes and Ash Shields submitted written comments requesting that the city withhold any funds that would go toward the prosecution of abortion providers.
5.
Proclamation: Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day
Mayor Deasy read the proclamation and Chief Dan Musselman accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Police Department. Councilmember Salas asked for a moment of silence to honor officers who have died by suicide.
6.
Review of Draft Agenda for the October 4, 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.
Andy Fernandez spoke about 8B, 8C, and 9A regarding the transparency of the items.
7.
City Manager Report
City Manager Greg Clifton gave his City Manager Report. Highlights included:
The Economic Vitality August Report was presented by Interim Deputy City Manager and Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen. Highlights included:
The PROSE September Newsletter was presented by Parks Manager Amy Hagin. Highlights included:
- Flagstaff Fire Department responded to a large trash fire at the Waste Management Plant on Flag Ranch Road
- Preplan for Elara at Sawmill
- Fill the Boot fundraising
- New promotions to Captain rank
- Medal in Recognition for Officers Ty Webster and Chris Wesley
- Bulky trash operations update
- Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) meeting
- Murdoch Center meeting
- City Council Candidates forum
- Alliance meeting
- Leadership Retreat
- Updates on Recruitment
- High Country Humane letter
The Economic Vitality August Report was presented by Interim Deputy City Manager and Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen. Highlights included:
- Airport Communications Manager
- New Airport Displays
- Thunder Over Flagstaff event
- Advertising
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- CARES Act Projects
- Enplanements and Total Operations
- Beautification in Action Grant
- Beautification Projects
- New Team Members in ParkFlag
- Loading Zones
- Kiosk Maintenance
- Business Attraction and Retention
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Tourism
- Film
- Website and Email Campaign
- Leaf-ometer on Discover Flagstaff site.
The PROSE September Newsletter was presented by Parks Manager Amy Hagin. Highlights included:
- Aquaplex Membership Drive
- Staff Spotlight
- Trail Counts
- Thorpe and McPherson Disc Golf Courses Competition
- Community Collaboration with North County for an annual children’s health care fair at the Aquaplex.
- Seeds of Stewardship
- Wednesday Weed Pulls
- Accessibility Improvements for the Farmer’s Market
- September Happenings
A.
Appointment of City Liaison to High Country Humane Board of Directors
Mr. Clifton asked if Council would be interested in making an appointment for a City liaison to serve on the Hight Country Humane Board from elected officials or city staff.
Councilmember House suggested waiting for election season to be concluded if Council would like to appoint a councilmember. Mayor Deasy suggested that it may be best for a staff person, possibly animal control, to be the liaison. The rest of the Council agreed to that suggestion.
Councilmember House suggested waiting for election season to be concluded if Council would like to appoint a councilmember. Mayor Deasy suggested that it may be best for a staff person, possibly animal control, to be the liaison. The rest of the Council agreed to that suggestion.
8.
Update to the Brownfields Route 66 Coalition Revitalization Program
Economic Vitality Administrative Specialist Creag Znetko introduced Dave Laney from Stantec who gave a presentation about the status of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Grant funding. Slides included:
Councilmember Aslan thanked Mr. Laney for the presentation and asked if the Giant gas station on Milton would be a good property for this grant. Mr. Laney stated that the gas station was in the inventory originally, but that property was already in escrow, and they had already done a phase 1 assessment.
Community Investment Director Dave McIntire stated that staff has been in front of ECoNA and the Chamber about reaching out to the business community.
Councilmember Salas stated that she volunteers to reach out to property owners who could be eligible for this grant. She mentioned the old SCA location.
Councilmember House asked if there are any limitations on what a property could be used for under this program. Mr. Laney stated that there are not, but that they generally do not approve single family residences.
Andy Fernandez addressed the Mayor and Council regarding there being very limited information and no transparency on this item. He stated that the City has no business getting into real estate.
A break was held from 4:30 p.m. through 4:59 p.m.
- EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant
- Northern Arizona Property & Business Revitalization Program
- Who is the Route 66 Coalition
- Brownfields 101
- What is a brownfield
- What do brownfields look like
- How do brownfields impact our community
- What are the benefits of brownfield redevelopment
- How does the grant work?
- Step 1: Brownfield Site Inventory
- Step 2: Community Outreach & Engagement
- Step 3: Site Nomination
- Step 4: Site Eligibility Approval Process
- Step 5: Environmental Site Assessments
- NACOG Grant Success Stories – Part 1
- Route 66 Brownfield Properties Assessed to Date
- The BIG Picture: Progress to Date
- NACOG Grant Success Stories – Part 2
- Keys to Success
- What makes brownfield redevelopment successful?
- Why the Grant is Important
- How you can help
- Do You Want More?
Councilmember Aslan thanked Mr. Laney for the presentation and asked if the Giant gas station on Milton would be a good property for this grant. Mr. Laney stated that the gas station was in the inventory originally, but that property was already in escrow, and they had already done a phase 1 assessment.
Community Investment Director Dave McIntire stated that staff has been in front of ECoNA and the Chamber about reaching out to the business community.
Councilmember Salas stated that she volunteers to reach out to property owners who could be eligible for this grant. She mentioned the old SCA location.
Councilmember House asked if there are any limitations on what a property could be used for under this program. Mr. Laney stated that there are not, but that they generally do not approve single family residences.
Andy Fernandez addressed the Mayor and Council regarding there being very limited information and no transparency on this item. He stated that the City has no business getting into real estate.
A break was held from 4:30 p.m. through 4:59 p.m.
9.
Discussion regarding Parklets
Planning Director Michelle McNulty lead a discussion on whether to initiate City Code requirements for the introduction of Parklets in Flagstaff. Slides included:
A written comment in opposition to parklets was submitted by Andy Fernandez.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Ms. Madeksza how many of the respondents were in favor of parklets. Ms. Madeksza stated there where 43 respondents on the first day and that there were 60 or 70 businesses who responded. She added that 67-69% of respondents were in favor of parklets.
Councilmember Salas asked Ms. Madeksza if she had a report of any increase in revenue or visitation because of the parklets. Ms. Madeksza stated that she does not have concrete information, but anecdotally they seem to add a vibrancy to the community and the businesses. She addressed other cities having more parklets and that there is information available that more money is spent when people are offered outdoor seating. She will share economic impact studies with Council at a later time.
Councilmember Aslan thanked Ms. Madeksza and the DBA for allowing him to attend the International Downtown Alliance conference that also covered parklets. Ms. Madeksza spoke about a parklet in Toronto while they were at the conference and how the parklet added use to the area.
Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Powell to speak to the opportunities for partnerships with other businesses, non-profit organizations, etc. moving forward. Mr. Powell stated that they often partner with Flagstaff Shelter Services and that they serve Pizzacletta pizza. They have done grand opening parties and they partner with the Orpheum Theater. The parklet is a great support for other businesses as well. He added that Pay N Take is doing slightly better than before the pandemic.
Councilmember McCarthy mentioned the improvements of the Pay N Take parklet and that the staff changed the sidewalk to allow for ADA access.
Vice Mayor Sweet asked how Mr. Powell came up with the aesthetics of the parklet. Mr. Powell stated that it was a great collaboration between Pay N Take, City Staff, and the DBA.
Councilmember Aslan thanked Mr. Evans for his comment and pointed out that the vibrancy of the two spaces being used as a public space is enormous.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about snow removal on the parklets and if they are interfering with the snow removal from the adjacent parking spots. Ms. McNulty stated that street maintenance has not been a concern to date and that staff is thinking it through.
Vice Mayor Sweet shared her experiences with the parklets and shared her support for them.
Mayor Deasy stated that he feels that parklets are a good amenity. He shared a few of his concerns of putting competition directly in front of a business.
Councilmember Aslan addressed the hesitation and the concerns that are out there and shared a best practice he learned at the conference regarding fees. He also shared that parklets do not have to always be used for outdoor eating that could be used as an artlet or a dog play area.
Mayor Deasy added that he wants to ensure that the opportunity is open to all types of businesses.
Councilmember Salas stated that fees and safety standards must be developed. She shared her support of parklets.
Councilmember McCarthy shared that he is in support and asked if parklets would only be allowed for establishments that have a business associated with the space. Ms. McNulty stated that any food trucks or the like would need a different permit. He also inquired about the businesses who do not support parklets and that those that oppose it are concerned about noise and that it would be improper to have live music at parklets.
Councilmember Aslan asked Mr. Clifton about losing the parking spaces. Mr. Clifton shared that he has heard that parking is not as constrained and that there has been a lot of vacancies in the new lots. Mr. McIntire added that ParkFlag has been a part of the conversation and they believe that there is enough inventory to accommodate the creation of parklets.
Councilmember House shared her support.
Mayor Deasy added that he would like to restrict the ordinance that parklets would not be allowed in residential areas and he also added that a noise ordinance would address the noise issues.
Councilmember Shimoni addressed amplified sound at parklets and stated that he supports allowing music on parklets.
- What are Parklets?
- What are the benefits of Parklets?
- Survey results
- What might be included in an ordinance?
A written comment in opposition to parklets was submitted by Andy Fernandez.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Ms. Madeksza how many of the respondents were in favor of parklets. Ms. Madeksza stated there where 43 respondents on the first day and that there were 60 or 70 businesses who responded. She added that 67-69% of respondents were in favor of parklets.
Councilmember Salas asked Ms. Madeksza if she had a report of any increase in revenue or visitation because of the parklets. Ms. Madeksza stated that she does not have concrete information, but anecdotally they seem to add a vibrancy to the community and the businesses. She addressed other cities having more parklets and that there is information available that more money is spent when people are offered outdoor seating. She will share economic impact studies with Council at a later time.
Councilmember Aslan thanked Ms. Madeksza and the DBA for allowing him to attend the International Downtown Alliance conference that also covered parklets. Ms. Madeksza spoke about a parklet in Toronto while they were at the conference and how the parklet added use to the area.
Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Powell to speak to the opportunities for partnerships with other businesses, non-profit organizations, etc. moving forward. Mr. Powell stated that they often partner with Flagstaff Shelter Services and that they serve Pizzacletta pizza. They have done grand opening parties and they partner with the Orpheum Theater. The parklet is a great support for other businesses as well. He added that Pay N Take is doing slightly better than before the pandemic.
Councilmember McCarthy mentioned the improvements of the Pay N Take parklet and that the staff changed the sidewalk to allow for ADA access.
Vice Mayor Sweet asked how Mr. Powell came up with the aesthetics of the parklet. Mr. Powell stated that it was a great collaboration between Pay N Take, City Staff, and the DBA.
Councilmember Aslan thanked Mr. Evans for his comment and pointed out that the vibrancy of the two spaces being used as a public space is enormous.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about snow removal on the parklets and if they are interfering with the snow removal from the adjacent parking spots. Ms. McNulty stated that street maintenance has not been a concern to date and that staff is thinking it through.
Vice Mayor Sweet shared her experiences with the parklets and shared her support for them.
Mayor Deasy stated that he feels that parklets are a good amenity. He shared a few of his concerns of putting competition directly in front of a business.
Councilmember Aslan addressed the hesitation and the concerns that are out there and shared a best practice he learned at the conference regarding fees. He also shared that parklets do not have to always be used for outdoor eating that could be used as an artlet or a dog play area.
Mayor Deasy added that he wants to ensure that the opportunity is open to all types of businesses.
Councilmember Salas stated that fees and safety standards must be developed. She shared her support of parklets.
Councilmember McCarthy shared that he is in support and asked if parklets would only be allowed for establishments that have a business associated with the space. Ms. McNulty stated that any food trucks or the like would need a different permit. He also inquired about the businesses who do not support parklets and that those that oppose it are concerned about noise and that it would be improper to have live music at parklets.
Councilmember Aslan asked Mr. Clifton about losing the parking spaces. Mr. Clifton shared that he has heard that parking is not as constrained and that there has been a lot of vacancies in the new lots. Mr. McIntire added that ParkFlag has been a part of the conversation and they believe that there is enough inventory to accommodate the creation of parklets.
Councilmember House shared her support.
Mayor Deasy added that he would like to restrict the ordinance that parklets would not be allowed in residential areas and he also added that a noise ordinance would address the noise issues.
Councilmember Shimoni addressed amplified sound at parklets and stated that he supports allowing music on parklets.
10.
Discussion and direction on a potential Property Care Ordinance.
Community Development Director Dan Folke provided a presentation on how to proceed regarding the maintenance and care of property. Associate Planner Jordan Hollinger reviewed the survey results. Heritage Preservation Officer and Neighborhood Planner Mark Reavis presented information regarding the draft standards. Slides included:
Jesse Dominguez spoke in support of the Property Care Ordinance.
Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Dominguez what his recommended next step is. He stated that he supports what Mr. Folke suggests with Option 1. Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Dominguez about the selected approach. He stated that the selected approach is the right one. He complimented Mr. Folke and his staff. Councilmember Salas expressed her gratitude to Mr. Dominguez for his leadership in the League of Neighborhoods and thanked the League for their participation.
Councilmember House expressed gratitude for the efforts the team put into the presentation on equity and the words they chose. She stated that she supports the Property Care Standard.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Folke if he is working to create a document that the public and code compliance can use to make the current code more easily understandable. Mr. Folke clarified that there would be an amendment to the code and that the new standards would be adopted and supported by the existing code.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about an abandoned house on Kutch, and he asked about the demolished mobile park on Blackbird Roost. He asked if the existing code would address these two properties. Mr. Folke stated that there was a cleanup in 2013 or 2014 of the Kutch house along with the County Health Department, but at the end of the day it is about the property owner. He stated Title 4 of the City Code could be used if it is a hazardous property, but the City has not used this yet and that could be improved. Councilmember McCarthy stated that he supports the approach but that it needs some refinement.
Vice Mayor Sweet asked how the Code Compliance Officers would be impacted by this change. Mr. Folke stated that staff responds to every call and that staff believes that these standards will help them to enforce the code. Vice Mayor Sweet stated that she is in favor of moving this forward with some modifications.
Councilmember Aslan echoed these views.
Councilmember Salas thanked the working group and the stakeholders and partners. She stated that supports the suggested recommended approach.
Mayor Deasy stated he would also like more information about the abandoned buildings. He stated that he is also concerned about the property care program and the Arizona State gift clause. He stated that he is in support.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he supports moving forward with this item.
- Work Session Outline
- Project Team
- Staff Participation
- Why consider property standards now?
- What is a Property Maintenance Ordinance?
- Considerations
- Equity in Planning
- Property Maintenance Ordinance – 2012
- Engaging the Community
- Flagstaff Community Forum Survey Overview
- Flagstaff Community Forum Survey Responses
- Survey Results – Issues
- Survey Results – Issue Takeaways
- Survey Results – Impact and Importance
- Survey Results – Impact and Importance Takeaways
- Survey Results – Primary Concerns
- Survey Takeaways
- Working Group
- Working Group Topics
- Selected Approach
- Draft Standards
- Purpose
- Intent
- Property Standard
- Buildings and Structures Standard
- Exemptions
- Appendix
- City Code
- Next Steps
Jesse Dominguez spoke in support of the Property Care Ordinance.
Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Dominguez what his recommended next step is. He stated that he supports what Mr. Folke suggests with Option 1. Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Dominguez about the selected approach. He stated that the selected approach is the right one. He complimented Mr. Folke and his staff. Councilmember Salas expressed her gratitude to Mr. Dominguez for his leadership in the League of Neighborhoods and thanked the League for their participation.
Councilmember House expressed gratitude for the efforts the team put into the presentation on equity and the words they chose. She stated that she supports the Property Care Standard.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Folke if he is working to create a document that the public and code compliance can use to make the current code more easily understandable. Mr. Folke clarified that there would be an amendment to the code and that the new standards would be adopted and supported by the existing code.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about an abandoned house on Kutch, and he asked about the demolished mobile park on Blackbird Roost. He asked if the existing code would address these two properties. Mr. Folke stated that there was a cleanup in 2013 or 2014 of the Kutch house along with the County Health Department, but at the end of the day it is about the property owner. He stated Title 4 of the City Code could be used if it is a hazardous property, but the City has not used this yet and that could be improved. Councilmember McCarthy stated that he supports the approach but that it needs some refinement.
Vice Mayor Sweet asked how the Code Compliance Officers would be impacted by this change. Mr. Folke stated that staff responds to every call and that staff believes that these standards will help them to enforce the code. Vice Mayor Sweet stated that she is in favor of moving this forward with some modifications.
Councilmember Aslan echoed these views.
Councilmember Salas thanked the working group and the stakeholders and partners. She stated that supports the suggested recommended approach.
Mayor Deasy stated he would also like more information about the abandoned buildings. He stated that he is also concerned about the property care program and the Arizona State gift clause. He stated that he is in support.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he supports moving forward with this item.
11.
Public Participation
None.
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember House stated the coming Saturday is Out of the Darkness Community Walk at 9:00 a.m.
Councilmember Shimoni stated the Meet and Greet with Water Services Director Candidates, IDP, and Roadmap are the following week.
Vice Mayor Sweet stated she was honored to speak at 19th Annual Sunnyside Day of Independence, she also stated later that week was the Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership Tour.
Councilmember Aslan requested a FAIR item for a discussion about protecting access to abortion. Mr. Clifton stated he will get back to Council with a date. Councilmember McCarthy stated that there needs to be an executive session on the topic.
Councilmember Salas stated she would like to hear from City Manager on the status of previous FAIR items. She stated the AZ at Work and Coconino Work Force Board had a meeting last week she stated they discussed the work and accomplishments of a few of the committees.
Councilmember Shimoni stated the Meet and Greet with Water Services Director Candidates, IDP, and Roadmap are the following week.
Vice Mayor Sweet stated she was honored to speak at 19th Annual Sunnyside Day of Independence, she also stated later that week was the Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership Tour.
Councilmember Aslan requested a FAIR item for a discussion about protecting access to abortion. Mr. Clifton stated he will get back to Council with a date. Councilmember McCarthy stated that there needs to be an executive session on the topic.
Councilmember Salas stated she would like to hear from City Manager on the status of previous FAIR items. She stated the AZ at Work and Coconino Work Force Board had a meeting last week she stated they discussed the work and accomplishments of a few of the committees.
13.
Adjournment
The September 27, 2022 City Council Work Session was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |