JOINT CITY COUNCIL/COCONINO COUNTY WORK SESSION
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2022
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
3:00 P.M.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2022
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Deasy called the Joint Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors to order at 3:05 p.m.
Mayor Deasy called the Joint Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors to order at 3:05 p.m.
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: | ABSENT: |
| CHAIRWOMAN HORSTMAN VICE-CHAIRMAN VASQUEZ SUPERVISOR BEGAY MAYOR DEASY VICE MAYOR SWEET COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE |
SUPERVISOR FOWLER SUPERVISOR RYAN COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER SHIMONI |
3.
Pledge of Allegiance, Mission Statement, and Land Acknowledgement
The Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the audience recited the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember Salas read the mission statement of the City of Flagstaff and Councilmember McCarthy read the Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the audience recited the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember Salas read the mission statement of the City of Flagstaff and Councilmember McCarthy 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 on an item that is on the agenda 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 an opportunity 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 on an item that is on the agenda 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 an opportunity to speak.
None.
5.
Flooding update
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors convened as the Coconino County Flood Control District Board of Directors.
Flood Control District Administrator and Deputy County Manager Lucinda Andreani provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
The County presentation included slides on:
Councilmember Salas inquired about the Highway 89 efforts. Ms. Andreani explained that some areas did not qualify for emergency relief funding, as they did not suffer enough damage. While there is enough damage on North 89 to warrant funding, other parts of 89 are not sufficiently damaged, although improvements are needed. Staff is exploring alternatives like Protect Grants.
Councilmember Aslan asked about the distribution of mitigation funding and whether there are high-priority areas. Ms. Andreani clarified that the Flood Control District prioritizes forest mitigation, particularly considering the other eight watersheds.
Chairwoman Hortsman mentioned that the Board of Supervisors will focus on using funds effectively, prioritizing forest restoration, matching dollars, and addressing the number of homes and associated costs. She expressed concern about the west side of the peaks burning.
Supervisor Vasquez added that the projects are long-term and multi-year in nature. Supervisor Begay emphasized the need to prioritize impactful projects.
Councilmember House asked how the controls have changed due to the historic flooding. Ms. Andreani explained that the County is actively addressing the issue in meetings with the Forest Service, and a new protocol has been implemented, with the Federal Wildland Fire and Mitigation Commission contributing to discussions.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if any measures are being taken to improve fire response in the upper Rio de Flag area. Ms. Andreani discussed the two processes in place for coordinating air resources and calling firefighters.
Councilmember Shimoni asked about public engagement for fire mitigation. Ms. Andreani mentioned that the Forest Service has enacted a campfire ban in the Peaks but emphasized the importance of enforcement.
Vice Mayor Sweet stressed the importance of keeping communication open and appreciated the collaboration.
Mayor Deasy asked about progress with NRCS funds. Ms. Andreani noted that there has been resistance from NRCS, but Congressman O'Halloran is working to secure funding. She also discussed the challenges of working in designated wilderness areas and how fire mitigation efforts must address areas susceptible to fire, even those considered wilderness.
Public Works Director Scott Overton provided a PowerPoint presentation on the City’s response to the wildfire flooding. His presentation included the following:
Chairwoman Horstman asked if staff is working with United Way. Mr. Beckett stated that the internal emergency response center is working on this right now and that they will work with external partners if needed. Chairwoman Horstman asked which alternative staff is leaning towards and Stormwater Manager Ed Schenk replied that Option 2 is the more favorable one at this time.
Ms. Andreani suggested that all mitigation methods should be maintained, especially on the east side. She added that the Flood District does not have the money for sandbags next year.
Chairperson Horstman congratulated the City on the Schultz Creek retention center work.
The Coconino County Flood Control District Board of Directors reconvened as the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
A break was held from 4:40 p.m. through 4:45 p.m.
Flood Control District Administrator and Deputy County Manager Lucinda Andreani provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
The County presentation included slides on:
- Brief History of Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation
- History of Post-Wildfire Flooding
- Schultz-Pipeline Severe & Repetitive Flooding
- 2022 Post-Wildfire Flooding Severe & Repetitive
- Model Results
- Measured Recurrence Intervals Pipeline Fire Scar
- Major Emergency Mitigation & Response Efforts
- Schultz/Pipeline Flood Area Long-Term Flood Mitigation Plan
- On Forest Proposed Work Areas
- Flood Mitigation in East Side Neighborhoods
- 2022 Post Pipeline Design
- Highway Drainage Improvements
- Summary of Mitigation Costs
- Schultz Creek On-Forest Watershed Restoration
- Stabilization & Grade Control
- Reseeding & Mulching
- Process Steps Moving Forward
- Forest Restoration Initiative Upper Rio de Flag Watershed
Councilmember Salas inquired about the Highway 89 efforts. Ms. Andreani explained that some areas did not qualify for emergency relief funding, as they did not suffer enough damage. While there is enough damage on North 89 to warrant funding, other parts of 89 are not sufficiently damaged, although improvements are needed. Staff is exploring alternatives like Protect Grants.
Councilmember Aslan asked about the distribution of mitigation funding and whether there are high-priority areas. Ms. Andreani clarified that the Flood Control District prioritizes forest mitigation, particularly considering the other eight watersheds.
Chairwoman Hortsman mentioned that the Board of Supervisors will focus on using funds effectively, prioritizing forest restoration, matching dollars, and addressing the number of homes and associated costs. She expressed concern about the west side of the peaks burning.
Supervisor Vasquez added that the projects are long-term and multi-year in nature. Supervisor Begay emphasized the need to prioritize impactful projects.
Councilmember House asked how the controls have changed due to the historic flooding. Ms. Andreani explained that the County is actively addressing the issue in meetings with the Forest Service, and a new protocol has been implemented, with the Federal Wildland Fire and Mitigation Commission contributing to discussions.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if any measures are being taken to improve fire response in the upper Rio de Flag area. Ms. Andreani discussed the two processes in place for coordinating air resources and calling firefighters.
Councilmember Shimoni asked about public engagement for fire mitigation. Ms. Andreani mentioned that the Forest Service has enacted a campfire ban in the Peaks but emphasized the importance of enforcement.
Vice Mayor Sweet stressed the importance of keeping communication open and appreciated the collaboration.
Mayor Deasy asked about progress with NRCS funds. Ms. Andreani noted that there has been resistance from NRCS, but Congressman O'Halloran is working to secure funding. She also discussed the challenges of working in designated wilderness areas and how fire mitigation efforts must address areas susceptible to fire, even those considered wilderness.
Public Works Director Scott Overton provided a PowerPoint presentation on the City’s response to the wildfire flooding. His presentation included the following:
- Flood Risk Assessment Overview
- Pipeline West Flood Area
- Rainfall intensity, 2022
- Inner Basin Pipeline
- Long-term Projects
- Schultz Creek Detention Basins
- 180 Improvements
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Matrix
- Season wrap-up
Chairwoman Horstman asked if staff is working with United Way. Mr. Beckett stated that the internal emergency response center is working on this right now and that they will work with external partners if needed. Chairwoman Horstman asked which alternative staff is leaning towards and Stormwater Manager Ed Schenk replied that Option 2 is the more favorable one at this time.
Ms. Andreani suggested that all mitigation methods should be maintained, especially on the east side. She added that the Flood District does not have the money for sandbags next year.
Chairperson Horstman congratulated the City on the Schultz Creek retention center work.
The Coconino County Flood Control District Board of Directors reconvened as the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
A break was held from 4:40 p.m. through 4:45 p.m.
6.
Update on the Flagstaff Regional Plan Process
Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager Sara Dechter and Coconino County Long-range Planning Director Melissa Shaw led a presentation on the Flagstaff Regional Plan Process. The slides in the presentation included:
Councilmember House stated her gratitude for sharing the art boxes with shelters and schools. She also asked about the feedback regarding engaging with Indigenous communities. Ms. Dechter stated that staff will be working with Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator Rose Toehe to work with Indigenous Leaders and that staff is also working with local Indigenous groups like the one at Flagstaff High School.
Councilmember Shimoni asked about video engagement and stated that it would be great to do a series of videos in multiple languages to help address the mistrust.
- The Next Regional Plan
- Update Process
- Boards and Commissions Outreach
- Community Events
- Youth Outreach
- Visioning Workshop Agenda
- This Regional Plan Update
- Scenario Planning
- Upcoming Project Needs
- Plan Update Committee
- Project Contacts
Councilmember House stated her gratitude for sharing the art boxes with shelters and schools. She also asked about the feedback regarding engaging with Indigenous communities. Ms. Dechter stated that staff will be working with Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator Rose Toehe to work with Indigenous Leaders and that staff is also working with local Indigenous groups like the one at Flagstaff High School.
Councilmember Shimoni asked about video engagement and stated that it would be great to do a series of videos in multiple languages to help address the mistrust.
7.
Military Installation Sustainability (MIS) Grant Update
Coconino County Community Development Director Jay Christelman introduced Project Manager Celeste Werner and Deputy Project Manager Ed Boik of Matrix.
Councilmember Aslan suggested a door-to-door campaign to distribute literature to constituents, promoting compliance. Ms. Werner agreed that elected officials are key ambassadors for education and that this is a crucial step in the educational plan.
Councilmember House asked about a video campaign and the accessibility of data on noncompliance. Mr. Boik clarified that the data is not currently public, but the GIS team is working on making it available.
Councilmember Shimoni thanked the team for their efforts and partnership with the County and suggested video resources as well.
Chairwoman Horstman expressed gratitude for the efforts to maintain Dark Skies and emphasized the importance of ongoing educational events, thanking Supervisor Ryan for his support.
Councilmember Salas asked where constituents could find information on compliance. Dark Sky Specialist Janice Hakklah clarified that she is the primary resource for educational compliance.
Councilmember Aslan suggested giving out appropriate light bulbs as swag for Dark Sky Compliance education.
- Today’s Presentation
- Coconino MIS
- Non-conforming Lighting Database
- Database Design and Construction
- MOBILE APP: Field Maps
- Dark Sky Web Apps
- Parcel Reporting Application
- Lighting Survey Progress Dashboard
- Database Sustainability Plan
- Ariel Survey
- Aerial Night Drone Survey Sites
- Aerial Night Drone Survey
- Aerial Survey
- Outreach and Education
- Outreach Campaign Brochures
- Demonstration Projects
- Residential and Non-Residential Success
Councilmember Aslan suggested a door-to-door campaign to distribute literature to constituents, promoting compliance. Ms. Werner agreed that elected officials are key ambassadors for education and that this is a crucial step in the educational plan.
Councilmember House asked about a video campaign and the accessibility of data on noncompliance. Mr. Boik clarified that the data is not currently public, but the GIS team is working on making it available.
Councilmember Shimoni thanked the team for their efforts and partnership with the County and suggested video resources as well.
Chairwoman Horstman expressed gratitude for the efforts to maintain Dark Skies and emphasized the importance of ongoing educational events, thanking Supervisor Ryan for his support.
Councilmember Salas asked where constituents could find information on compliance. Dark Sky Specialist Janice Hakklah clarified that she is the primary resource for educational compliance.
Councilmember Aslan suggested giving out appropriate light bulbs as swag for Dark Sky Compliance education.
8.
County and City Ballot Measures
Sheriff Jim Driscoll and Special Assistant to the County Manager Corey Ringenberg provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Jail Tax. Their presentation covered the following:
Supervisor Hortsman spoke about what would happen economically if the jail tax failed and how it would affect the general fund. She also expressed that more needs to be done for all the residents, even the incarcerated ones and that she would like to see the programs at the Jail expanded.
Councilmember Salas stated that it is important to communicate to voters that this tax is a continuation of a tax rather than a new tax and clarified the cost of the tax. She also expressed her support of the Pathways program.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that the reduction in the recidivism rate should be the main point in promoting this measure. Sheriff Driscoll stated that the Exodus program has been a great help with the recidivism rate and that he would love to expand programs to decrease recidivism more.
Councilmember Aslan stated that this is about recidivism and that the programs save money in the long run. He also spoke about extending the programing outside the jail walls to people who are asking before they end up inside the jail walls. Sherriff Driscoll stated that the Pathways program is set up that way and that the service area is right outside of the jail and that there is no delay for services.
Councilmember Shimoni commented on how through COVID the numbers in the community decreased in arrests and criminal charges and some people attributed that to the increase in Housing. He added that Housing is a big issue in recidivism. Sheriff Driscoll stated that lack of housing has been attributed to crime as has mental health issues. Councilmember Shimoni expressed his support of the Exodus program.
Supervisor Vasquez thanked Sheriff Driscoll for his work on the programs and he expressed the importance of the Jail Tax. He asked about services that were shut down during COVID and if those programs have been fully ramped back up. Sheriff Driscoll stated that they are very close to reimplementing all the programs and that they are very close to being able to end the mandatory isolation period.
Supervisor Begay stated that a lot of these programs are not proactive, and she stated that she wants to think about prevention as well.
Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson shared the Proposition 441 and 442 videos.
Chairwoman Horstman asked if the stormwater flood mitigation in Prop 441 was limited to Spruce Wash. Ms. Anderson stated that it is. Chairperson Horstman shared that housing in Flagstaff is the greatest limitation on the economic development of Flagstaff and she strongly supports both propositions.
- Proposition 445
- Jail District Sales Tax
- The Need for the Jail Tax
- The Jail Tax Difference
- Inmate Programs
- EXODUS Program
- Fewer People Returning to Jail
- Space for Cultural, Spiritual, Traditional, Religious Connections
- With Jail District Sales Tax
- Without Jail District Sales Tax
- The Jail Tax and Flagstaff
Supervisor Hortsman spoke about what would happen economically if the jail tax failed and how it would affect the general fund. She also expressed that more needs to be done for all the residents, even the incarcerated ones and that she would like to see the programs at the Jail expanded.
Councilmember Salas stated that it is important to communicate to voters that this tax is a continuation of a tax rather than a new tax and clarified the cost of the tax. She also expressed her support of the Pathways program.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that the reduction in the recidivism rate should be the main point in promoting this measure. Sheriff Driscoll stated that the Exodus program has been a great help with the recidivism rate and that he would love to expand programs to decrease recidivism more.
Councilmember Aslan stated that this is about recidivism and that the programs save money in the long run. He also spoke about extending the programing outside the jail walls to people who are asking before they end up inside the jail walls. Sherriff Driscoll stated that the Pathways program is set up that way and that the service area is right outside of the jail and that there is no delay for services.
Councilmember Shimoni commented on how through COVID the numbers in the community decreased in arrests and criminal charges and some people attributed that to the increase in Housing. He added that Housing is a big issue in recidivism. Sheriff Driscoll stated that lack of housing has been attributed to crime as has mental health issues. Councilmember Shimoni expressed his support of the Exodus program.
Supervisor Vasquez thanked Sheriff Driscoll for his work on the programs and he expressed the importance of the Jail Tax. He asked about services that were shut down during COVID and if those programs have been fully ramped back up. Sheriff Driscoll stated that they are very close to reimplementing all the programs and that they are very close to being able to end the mandatory isolation period.
Supervisor Begay stated that a lot of these programs are not proactive, and she stated that she wants to think about prevention as well.
Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson shared the Proposition 441 and 442 videos.
Chairwoman Horstman asked if the stormwater flood mitigation in Prop 441 was limited to Spruce Wash. Ms. Anderson stated that it is. Chairperson Horstman shared that housing in Flagstaff is the greatest limitation on the economic development of Flagstaff and she strongly supports both propositions.
9.
Informational Items To/From Chairman, Supervisors and County Manager, Mayor, Council and City Manager
Mayor Deasy thanked the County Supervisors for the meeting and stressed the importance of the partnership.
Chairwoman Horstman expressed her thanks to the City and expressed that it is important for the community to see the two entities working together. She spoke about the “huddle” she, the Vice Chairperson, the Mayor, and the Vice Mayor started during the flooding incidents.
Councilmember Shimoni also expressed his thanks to the County and the leadership for both agencies. He also spoke about the CCJC’s jointly funded position for the role of the coordinator and he welcomed Michael Jackowitz.
Councilmember Salas expressed her gratitude and spoke on the growth of the partnership over the last four years. She also addressed potential future partnership goals.
Chairwoman Horstman stated that the Board of Supervisors and the County are working on Short Term Rental policies collaborating with the City. She also addressed snow play.
Chairwoman Horstman expressed her thanks to the City and expressed that it is important for the community to see the two entities working together. She spoke about the “huddle” she, the Vice Chairperson, the Mayor, and the Vice Mayor started during the flooding incidents.
Councilmember Shimoni also expressed his thanks to the County and the leadership for both agencies. He also spoke about the CCJC’s jointly funded position for the role of the coordinator and he welcomed Michael Jackowitz.
Councilmember Salas expressed her gratitude and spoke on the growth of the partnership over the last four years. She also addressed potential future partnership goals.
Chairwoman Horstman stated that the Board of Supervisors and the County are working on Short Term Rental policies collaborating with the City. She also addressed snow play.
10.
Public Participation
None.
11.
Adjournment
Mayor Deasy adjourned the Joint Council/Board of Supervisors meeting at 7:12 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |