CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 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 October 11, 2022, to order at 3:03 p.m.
Mayor Deasy called the Work Session held October 11, 2022, to order at 3:03 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 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.
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 (arrived at 3:12 p.m.) |
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 Shimoni read the mission statement, and Councilmember Aslan read the Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Shimoni read the mission statement, and Councilmember Aslan 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.
Michele James from Friends of Flagstaff’s Future addressed Council regarding slowing down the timeline for the new Northern Arizona Healthcare facility.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the October 18, 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.
None
6.
October Work Anniversaries
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson reviewed the October Work Anniversaries.
7.
City Manager Report
City Manager Clifton briefly reviewed his report and gave a few highlights from the Flagstaff Fire Department, the Police Department, and the Public Works Department.
Project Manager Eli Reisner gave an update on the Capital Improvements Projects.
Councilmember Shimoni commented to Mr. Reisner about the bike lanes in the roundabouts and asked about the evaluation on the Beulah/University Drive roundabout. Mr. Reisner deferred to Capital Projects Engineer Trevor Henry who spoke about the value engineering evaluation that will be incorporated into the GMP. The designers are working within the budget and they are looking to reduce it.
Councilmember Shimoni also expressed his gratitude regarding the protected bike lanes and asked about the right-sizing project for Fremont Blvd. Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman addressed the project that came through City staff late in 2021 and was sent to the Transportation Commission in February 2022. He stated that staff is working on the plans from the Commission recommendation. Councilmember Shimoni asked for that project to come in front of Council before staff moves forward. Mr. Bauman stated that it is not normal process but could be done.
Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos gave a brief update on the Sustainability Division. She spoke about various projects the division is working on and highlighted staff accomplishments.
Councilmember House asked about the status on the Equity Advisory group. Ms. Antonopoulos stated that they are in the process of inviting the participants in.
Councilmember Shimoni asked about the Youth Commission and Ms. Antonopoulos stated that it has changed into the Youth Advisory Committee for a less restricted process. He also asked about the partnership with CATS and Ms. Antonopoulos stated that the participants will be able to be paid.
Councilmember Salas spoke about the state-wide outreach on installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the state. She also addressed some other grants that would be applicable to the Sustainability Division.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about the EV charging stations at the Airport and if there is a limit on how long the cars can remain there. Ms. Antonopoulos stated that there is signage for time limits and that it is similar to the limitations at City Hall.
Public Comment regarding the Capital Improvement Report:
Sasha Stortz addressed Council regarding concerns about the Fremont Blvd Restriping project.
Audrey Kruse addressed Council regarding concerns about the Fremont Blvd Restriping project.
Mayor Deasy stated that he feels that more input from the Transportation Commission and staff as well as input from the community needs to be collected before the project is advanced. He stated that he would like to see this item go back before the Transportation Commission.
Councilmember McCarthy supported the Mayor’s suggestion. He stated that he would suggest an island in the crosswalk. Council supported moving this item to the Transportation Commission.
Project Manager Eli Reisner gave an update on the Capital Improvements Projects.
Councilmember Shimoni commented to Mr. Reisner about the bike lanes in the roundabouts and asked about the evaluation on the Beulah/University Drive roundabout. Mr. Reisner deferred to Capital Projects Engineer Trevor Henry who spoke about the value engineering evaluation that will be incorporated into the GMP. The designers are working within the budget and they are looking to reduce it.
Councilmember Shimoni also expressed his gratitude regarding the protected bike lanes and asked about the right-sizing project for Fremont Blvd. Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman addressed the project that came through City staff late in 2021 and was sent to the Transportation Commission in February 2022. He stated that staff is working on the plans from the Commission recommendation. Councilmember Shimoni asked for that project to come in front of Council before staff moves forward. Mr. Bauman stated that it is not normal process but could be done.
Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos gave a brief update on the Sustainability Division. She spoke about various projects the division is working on and highlighted staff accomplishments.
Councilmember House asked about the status on the Equity Advisory group. Ms. Antonopoulos stated that they are in the process of inviting the participants in.
Councilmember Shimoni asked about the Youth Commission and Ms. Antonopoulos stated that it has changed into the Youth Advisory Committee for a less restricted process. He also asked about the partnership with CATS and Ms. Antonopoulos stated that the participants will be able to be paid.
Councilmember Salas spoke about the state-wide outreach on installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the state. She also addressed some other grants that would be applicable to the Sustainability Division.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about the EV charging stations at the Airport and if there is a limit on how long the cars can remain there. Ms. Antonopoulos stated that there is signage for time limits and that it is similar to the limitations at City Hall.
Public Comment regarding the Capital Improvement Report:
Sasha Stortz addressed Council regarding concerns about the Fremont Blvd Restriping project.
Audrey Kruse addressed Council regarding concerns about the Fremont Blvd Restriping project.
Mayor Deasy stated that he feels that more input from the Transportation Commission and staff as well as input from the community needs to be collected before the project is advanced. He stated that he would like to see this item go back before the Transportation Commission.
Councilmember McCarthy supported the Mayor’s suggestion. He stated that he would suggest an island in the crosswalk. Council supported moving this item to the Transportation Commission.
8.
Post-wildfire Flooding Update
Streets Section Director Sam Beckett, Grants, Contracts, and Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, Finance Director Brandi Suda, Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley, and Steven Irwin from SWI Engineering provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
AGENDA
FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
MUSEUM FLOOD AREA
2022 MONSOON SEASON
RAINFALL INTENSITY, 2022
CLOSE OF MONSOON SEASON
ON-FOREST ALLUVIAL FANS
PARKWAYS BASINS
PHASE 2 FEASIBILITY STUDY
PROP 441
PIPELINE WEST FLOOD AREA
RAINFALL INTENSITY, 2022
INNER BASIN PIPELINE
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
SCHULTZ CREEK DETENTION BASINS
180 IMPROVEMENTS
180 IMPROVEMENTS – OPTION 1
180 IMPROVEMENTS – OPTION 2
180 PROJECT – DECISION MATRIX
Mayor Deasy inquired about the time commitment required for the two options being considered and whether Option 2 would likely be completed more quickly than Option 1. Mr. Beckett confirmed that Option 2 is expected to be more efficient due to fewer complications with property owners.
Councilmember Shimoni asked if Option 1 would have been the ideal solution if not for the property complexities involved. Mr. Irwin agreed, noting that Option 1 had merit but was complicated by property issues. He added that Option 2 has the advantage of allowing the box culvert to extend further, which helps slow the water flow. Shimoni also asked about the downstream impacts on the Rio de Flag, and Mr. Irwin stated that the likelihood of the two channels combining and increasing flood risk is very low.
Councilmember Salas raised a question about Option 2 being labeled as having “no adverse impact” on downstream flooding, whereas Option 1 did not include that assurance. Mr. Irwin explained what "adverse impacts" refer to and said that Option 2 might restrict the current box culvert. Salas also asked whether Option 1 would be above ground; Mr. Irwin clarified that it would transition into an open channel, while Option 2 would remain in box culverts.
Councilmember Salas then asked which option ADOT prefers. Mr. Irwin responded that ADOT supports both options but prefers Option 2. Regarding funding, Mr. Irwin said that staff is pursuing it. Mr. Beckett added that since Highway 180 sustained no actual damage, it does not qualify for damage relief funds, though the city is still working with ADOT to reduce the financial burden.
SEASON WRAP-UP
PIPELINE WEST FINANCIAL UPDATE
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOANS
MUSEUM FLOOD AREA COMMUNICATIONS
PIPELINE WEST COMMUNICATIONS
Stephen Puhr addressed Council regarding the mitigation efforts and the bubbler issue.
Mayor Deasy responded to Mr. Puhr’s comments regarding the bubbler and what corrective measures are being taken to ensure that the flooding does not happen again. Mr. Puhr addressed the code violation with the bubbler again.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he did not respond to Mr. Puhr’s emails due to legal concerns and he would like to set up a meeting with him.
Council took a break from 5:08 p.m. through 5:24 p.m.
AGENDA
FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
MUSEUM FLOOD AREA
2022 MONSOON SEASON
RAINFALL INTENSITY, 2022
CLOSE OF MONSOON SEASON
ON-FOREST ALLUVIAL FANS
PARKWAYS BASINS
PHASE 2 FEASIBILITY STUDY
PROP 441
PIPELINE WEST FLOOD AREA
RAINFALL INTENSITY, 2022
INNER BASIN PIPELINE
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
SCHULTZ CREEK DETENTION BASINS
180 IMPROVEMENTS
180 IMPROVEMENTS – OPTION 1
180 IMPROVEMENTS – OPTION 2
180 PROJECT – DECISION MATRIX
Mayor Deasy inquired about the time commitment required for the two options being considered and whether Option 2 would likely be completed more quickly than Option 1. Mr. Beckett confirmed that Option 2 is expected to be more efficient due to fewer complications with property owners.
Councilmember Shimoni asked if Option 1 would have been the ideal solution if not for the property complexities involved. Mr. Irwin agreed, noting that Option 1 had merit but was complicated by property issues. He added that Option 2 has the advantage of allowing the box culvert to extend further, which helps slow the water flow. Shimoni also asked about the downstream impacts on the Rio de Flag, and Mr. Irwin stated that the likelihood of the two channels combining and increasing flood risk is very low.
Councilmember Salas raised a question about Option 2 being labeled as having “no adverse impact” on downstream flooding, whereas Option 1 did not include that assurance. Mr. Irwin explained what "adverse impacts" refer to and said that Option 2 might restrict the current box culvert. Salas also asked whether Option 1 would be above ground; Mr. Irwin clarified that it would transition into an open channel, while Option 2 would remain in box culverts.
Councilmember Salas then asked which option ADOT prefers. Mr. Irwin responded that ADOT supports both options but prefers Option 2. Regarding funding, Mr. Irwin said that staff is pursuing it. Mr. Beckett added that since Highway 180 sustained no actual damage, it does not qualify for damage relief funds, though the city is still working with ADOT to reduce the financial burden.
SEASON WRAP-UP
PIPELINE WEST FINANCIAL UPDATE
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOANS
MUSEUM FLOOD AREA COMMUNICATIONS
PIPELINE WEST COMMUNICATIONS
Stephen Puhr addressed Council regarding the mitigation efforts and the bubbler issue.
Mayor Deasy responded to Mr. Puhr’s comments regarding the bubbler and what corrective measures are being taken to ensure that the flooding does not happen again. Mr. Puhr addressed the code violation with the bubbler again.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he did not respond to Mr. Puhr’s emails due to legal concerns and he would like to set up a meeting with him.
Council took a break from 5:08 p.m. through 5:24 p.m.
9.
Short Term Rental Legislation Update
Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley, Zoning Code Manager Tiffany Antol, Code Compliance Manager Reggie Eccleston, Customer Service Manager Jessica Huleatt, and Senior Assistant City Attorney Anja Wendel provided a presentation that covered the following:
PURPOSE
SHORT TERM RENTALS DEFINED
LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND
STRS IN FLAGSTAFF
FLAGSTAFF’S REGISTRATION SYSTEM
CITY’S CURRENT REGULATIONS
UNLAWFUL USES OF STR
COMPLAINTS AND CODE COMPLIANCE
Mayor Deasy asked how many of the complaints each year are on the same properties. Mr. Eccleston stated that the complaints are concentrated but that they are not necessarily the same properties.
Councilmember Shimoni asked what the complaints under the new legislation violations could be. Mr. Eccleston stated that the complaints are not always violations.
FLAGSTAFF ZONING
Councilmember McCarthy asked about the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rental in more detail. Ms. Antol explained the program in more detail and stated that the City can incentivize long-term rentals by allowing an owner to rent out both the primary unit and the ADU if they do not use them as an Short Term Rentals (STR).
WHAT NEW REGULATIONS MAY BE ADOPTED?
WHAT NEW REGULATIONS MAY BE ADOPTED WITHIN THE ZONING CODE
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION
Vice Mayor Sweet asked Community Development Director Dan Folke to talk about what the County is planning. Mr. Folke stated that they are thinking about an administrative permit and that their ideas are very similar to what staff presented today.
Mayor Deasy asked to coordinate in good faith with the County but that the City should lead.
Councilmember Salas stated that she is curious about what other cities and towns in the state have implemented so far. Ms. Wendel stated that the League has formed a committee and that staff could look to that as a model. Mesa and Goodyear have adopted ordinances that will go into effect in January 2023 and possibly Scottsdale.
Mayor Deasy stated he supported an annual licensing requirement and sharing emergency contact information with neighbors. He opposed background checks, viewing them as unnecessary and costly.
Councilmember McCarthy confirmed that STRs pay sales tax collected by the online platforms and supported an annual fee, emergency contact sharing, and mandatory insurance. He also saw no need to act on special events unless conditions change.
Ms. Wendel clarified that background checks could involve two parts: one on the owner, done by the city, and one on the booking guest, done by the owner. However, multiple Councilmembers and the Police Department, opposed requiring background checks.
Councilmember Aslan emphasized the need for a “soft touch” approach, arguing the problem in Flagstaff is volume, not guest behavior. He suggested incentives for STRs to convert to long-term rentals and warned against excessive regulation.
Vice Mayor Sweet agreed with Mayor Deasy and supported coordination with the County. She opposed background checks.
Councilmember Salas supported licensing and regulation, noting around 251 unregulated STRs are not registered or paying taxes. She agreed with most proposals except for background checks.
Councilmember House emphasized the importance of communicating to the public that the city is doing all it legally can and said permitting addresses the root issue.
Councilmember Aslan raised concerns about the effectiveness of requiring permits before listing a rental, given the process depends on an honor system and 30-day notice before enforcement.
Councilmember Shimoni supported refining the process and suggested exploring Sedona’s approach to incentivize long-term rentals during future budget discussions.
Mayor Deasy and others supported including STR taxation. Councilmember McCarthy added that staff should explore if the city can apply the BBB tax to STRs. Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen noted the BBB tax is up for voter renewal in 2024 and could be amended then to include STRs.
Council took a break from 6:48 p.m. through 7:03 p.m.
PURPOSE
SHORT TERM RENTALS DEFINED
LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND
STRS IN FLAGSTAFF
FLAGSTAFF’S REGISTRATION SYSTEM
CITY’S CURRENT REGULATIONS
UNLAWFUL USES OF STR
COMPLAINTS AND CODE COMPLIANCE
Mayor Deasy asked how many of the complaints each year are on the same properties. Mr. Eccleston stated that the complaints are concentrated but that they are not necessarily the same properties.
Councilmember Shimoni asked what the complaints under the new legislation violations could be. Mr. Eccleston stated that the complaints are not always violations.
FLAGSTAFF ZONING
Councilmember McCarthy asked about the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rental in more detail. Ms. Antol explained the program in more detail and stated that the City can incentivize long-term rentals by allowing an owner to rent out both the primary unit and the ADU if they do not use them as an Short Term Rentals (STR).
WHAT NEW REGULATIONS MAY BE ADOPTED?
WHAT NEW REGULATIONS MAY BE ADOPTED WITHIN THE ZONING CODE
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION
Vice Mayor Sweet asked Community Development Director Dan Folke to talk about what the County is planning. Mr. Folke stated that they are thinking about an administrative permit and that their ideas are very similar to what staff presented today.
Mayor Deasy asked to coordinate in good faith with the County but that the City should lead.
Councilmember Salas stated that she is curious about what other cities and towns in the state have implemented so far. Ms. Wendel stated that the League has formed a committee and that staff could look to that as a model. Mesa and Goodyear have adopted ordinances that will go into effect in January 2023 and possibly Scottsdale.
Mayor Deasy stated he supported an annual licensing requirement and sharing emergency contact information with neighbors. He opposed background checks, viewing them as unnecessary and costly.
Councilmember McCarthy confirmed that STRs pay sales tax collected by the online platforms and supported an annual fee, emergency contact sharing, and mandatory insurance. He also saw no need to act on special events unless conditions change.
Ms. Wendel clarified that background checks could involve two parts: one on the owner, done by the city, and one on the booking guest, done by the owner. However, multiple Councilmembers and the Police Department, opposed requiring background checks.
Councilmember Aslan emphasized the need for a “soft touch” approach, arguing the problem in Flagstaff is volume, not guest behavior. He suggested incentives for STRs to convert to long-term rentals and warned against excessive regulation.
Vice Mayor Sweet agreed with Mayor Deasy and supported coordination with the County. She opposed background checks.
Councilmember Salas supported licensing and regulation, noting around 251 unregulated STRs are not registered or paying taxes. She agreed with most proposals except for background checks.
Councilmember House emphasized the importance of communicating to the public that the city is doing all it legally can and said permitting addresses the root issue.
Councilmember Aslan raised concerns about the effectiveness of requiring permits before listing a rental, given the process depends on an honor system and 30-day notice before enforcement.
Councilmember Shimoni supported refining the process and suggested exploring Sedona’s approach to incentivize long-term rentals during future budget discussions.
Mayor Deasy and others supported including STR taxation. Councilmember McCarthy added that staff should explore if the city can apply the BBB tax to STRs. Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen noted the BBB tax is up for voter renewal in 2024 and could be amended then to include STRs.
Council took a break from 6:48 p.m. through 7:03 p.m.
10.
Informational update on Big Shift concepts
Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos, Traffic Engineer Jeff Bauman, and Climate Section Director Jenny Niemann provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
BACKGROUND
OUTLINE
CURRENT PRACTICES
INTERSTATE CRASHES
FATAL CRASHES
SAFETY INITIATIVES
ROAD TO ZERO
VISION ZERO NETWORK
TOWARD ZERO DEATHS
EXAMPLE: CITY OF BOULDER
EXAMPLE: CITY OF PHOENIX
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY: DIRECTION
Mr. Bauman asked Council if they are interested in staff investigating development of a comprehensive transportation safety action plan.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he supports Vision Zero. He also asked about federal grant funding. Mr. Bauman has not found that information and asked Councilmember Shimoni to send information on it.
Councilmember Salas is interested in creating a comprehensive transportation safety action plan.
Councilmember House is interested in pursuing Vision Zero.
Council supported the plan.
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS
LEVEL OF SERVICE
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
LOS EXCEPTION AREAS
DESIGN STANDARDS
DESIGN SPEED
MODE PRIORITIZATION
EXAMPLE: CITY OF PORTLAND
CITY OF FLAGSTAFF
CITY OF BOULDER
CITY OF PORTLAND
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS: DIRECTION
The following individuals submitted written comments in support of the Big Shift:
Councilmember McCarthy supported lowering design speeds on urban arterials, suggesting that 35 miles per hour is an ideal speed limit. He explained that a travel speed around 40 miles per hour optimizes traffic flow without sacrificing safety. Councilmember McCarthy advocated for using design speeds (standards for how roads are engineered) rather than just posted speed limits to guide transportation planning.
Mayor Deasy agreed with using VMT as a key performance measure, especially when reviewing the impacts of new developments on the city’s transportation system. He favored integrating transportation design changes into the upcoming regional plan update rather than pursuing immediate amendments. Regarding speed limits, Mayor Deasy supported a flexible range of design speeds between 35 and 40 miles per hour, tailored to the context of different neighborhoods. He also emphasized the importance of aligning city policies with regional partners such as MetroPlan and ADOT.
Vice Mayor Sweet expressed support for the proposed transportation priorities and encouraged the Council to consider Portland’s “inverted pyramid” transportation model, which prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.
Councilmember Aslan echoed support for the proposed measures and expressed confidence in MetroPlan’s ability to manage these transitions smoothly, highlighting the importance of collaboration between city and regional entities.
Councilmember House also supported the proposals and preferred incorporating changes into the regional plan update, emphasizing a collaborative process with stakeholders.
Council showed strong support for integrating transportation planning within the regional framework, prioritizing safety and sustainability, using VMT as a performance metric, and adopting lower design speeds.
BIG SHIFT CCR PROJECTS
SUPPORTING THE BIG SHIFT
TRANSFORMING TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOPS – SUMMARY
MetroPlan Executive Director Miles Meilbeck addressed Council regarding the Strive Forward plan.
RECAP AND DISCUSSION
Councilmember Shimoni asked if the grant funding for the Downtown Mile could include staff support. Mr. Bauman replied that the grant application did not cover staff support, and Mr. Clifton added that the funding is most likely only for capital expenses.
Tyler Denham addressed Council in support of the Big Shift.
Councilmember Shimoni thanked the team for their work on this.
BACKGROUND
OUTLINE
CURRENT PRACTICES
INTERSTATE CRASHES
FATAL CRASHES
SAFETY INITIATIVES
ROAD TO ZERO
VISION ZERO NETWORK
TOWARD ZERO DEATHS
EXAMPLE: CITY OF BOULDER
EXAMPLE: CITY OF PHOENIX
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY: DIRECTION
Mr. Bauman asked Council if they are interested in staff investigating development of a comprehensive transportation safety action plan.
Councilmember Shimoni stated that he supports Vision Zero. He also asked about federal grant funding. Mr. Bauman has not found that information and asked Councilmember Shimoni to send information on it.
Councilmember Salas is interested in creating a comprehensive transportation safety action plan.
Councilmember House is interested in pursuing Vision Zero.
Council supported the plan.
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS
LEVEL OF SERVICE
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
LOS EXCEPTION AREAS
DESIGN STANDARDS
DESIGN SPEED
MODE PRIORITIZATION
EXAMPLE: CITY OF PORTLAND
CITY OF FLAGSTAFF
CITY OF BOULDER
CITY OF PORTLAND
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS: DIRECTION
The following individuals submitted written comments in support of the Big Shift:
- Paul Beier
- Estella Hollander
- Robert Collis
- Tyler Denham
- Enoque
Councilmember McCarthy supported lowering design speeds on urban arterials, suggesting that 35 miles per hour is an ideal speed limit. He explained that a travel speed around 40 miles per hour optimizes traffic flow without sacrificing safety. Councilmember McCarthy advocated for using design speeds (standards for how roads are engineered) rather than just posted speed limits to guide transportation planning.
Mayor Deasy agreed with using VMT as a key performance measure, especially when reviewing the impacts of new developments on the city’s transportation system. He favored integrating transportation design changes into the upcoming regional plan update rather than pursuing immediate amendments. Regarding speed limits, Mayor Deasy supported a flexible range of design speeds between 35 and 40 miles per hour, tailored to the context of different neighborhoods. He also emphasized the importance of aligning city policies with regional partners such as MetroPlan and ADOT.
Vice Mayor Sweet expressed support for the proposed transportation priorities and encouraged the Council to consider Portland’s “inverted pyramid” transportation model, which prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.
Councilmember Aslan echoed support for the proposed measures and expressed confidence in MetroPlan’s ability to manage these transitions smoothly, highlighting the importance of collaboration between city and regional entities.
Councilmember House also supported the proposals and preferred incorporating changes into the regional plan update, emphasizing a collaborative process with stakeholders.
Council showed strong support for integrating transportation planning within the regional framework, prioritizing safety and sustainability, using VMT as a performance metric, and adopting lower design speeds.
BIG SHIFT CCR PROJECTS
SUPPORTING THE BIG SHIFT
TRANSFORMING TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOPS – SUMMARY
MetroPlan Executive Director Miles Meilbeck addressed Council regarding the Strive Forward plan.
RECAP AND DISCUSSION
Councilmember Shimoni asked if the grant funding for the Downtown Mile could include staff support. Mr. Bauman replied that the grant application did not cover staff support, and Mr. Clifton added that the funding is most likely only for capital expenses.
Tyler Denham addressed Council in support of the Big Shift.
Councilmember Shimoni thanked the team for their work on this.
11.
Public Participation
None
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember House highlighted several recent and upcoming observances, including the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, Global Mental Health Day, and noted that October is Housing America Month.
Councilmember Shimoni expressed appreciation to Chief Musselman for hosting the noise ordinance town hall and thanked the Indigenous Peoples Day planning team. He reported on attending the Indigenous Commission meeting, an upcoming Citizen Commission on Council Salaries meeting, the CJCC meeting, the Sustainability Fall Festival, and a joint meeting with the County.
Vice Mayor Sweet thanked Councilmember Shimoni for his leadership on the Big Shift initiative.
Councilmember McCarthy attended the noise ordinance town hall and participated in a MetroPlan meeting discussing the Stride Forward Regional Plan. He also noted that the Transportation Commission met last week.
Councilmember Salas also attended the MetroPlan Board Meeting, shared that MetroPlan is hiring a Transportation Planning Manager, and noted that the Stride Forward Plan is expected to be approved in November. She also participated in the joint meeting.
Mayor Deasy reported on meetings with Congressmen O’Halleran and Gallegos regarding the Downtown Mile project, attended the Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration, participated in a mental health meeting, and attended a First Responders Luncheon.
Councilmember Shimoni expressed appreciation to Chief Musselman for hosting the noise ordinance town hall and thanked the Indigenous Peoples Day planning team. He reported on attending the Indigenous Commission meeting, an upcoming Citizen Commission on Council Salaries meeting, the CJCC meeting, the Sustainability Fall Festival, and a joint meeting with the County.
Vice Mayor Sweet thanked Councilmember Shimoni for his leadership on the Big Shift initiative.
Councilmember McCarthy attended the noise ordinance town hall and participated in a MetroPlan meeting discussing the Stride Forward Regional Plan. He also noted that the Transportation Commission met last week.
Councilmember Salas also attended the MetroPlan Board Meeting, shared that MetroPlan is hiring a Transportation Planning Manager, and noted that the Stride Forward Plan is expected to be approved in November. She also participated in the joint meeting.
Mayor Deasy reported on meetings with Congressmen O’Halleran and Gallegos regarding the Downtown Mile project, attended the Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration, participated in a mental health meeting, and attended a First Responders Luncheon.
13.
Adjournment
The meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held October 11, 2022 adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
|
| ATTEST: |
|
_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |