CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 10, 2023, to order at 3:01 p.m.
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 10, 2023, to order at 3:01 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 DAGGETT VICE MAYOR ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE COUNCILMEMBER MATTHEWS COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER SWEET |
ABSENT: |
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.
3.
Pledge of Allegiance, Mission Statement, and Land Acknowledgment
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Harris read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor Aslan read the Land Acknowledgment.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Harris read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor Aslan read the Land Acknowledgment.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Flagstaff is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
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.
Laura Rosensweet addressed Mayor and Council regarding Education Forward Arizona, which is a state-wide education organization. She addressed the City of Flagstaff’s previous involvement with the organization and gave a brief history of the formation of the organization. She provided some updates on the education progress meter.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the January 17, 2023 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.
City Manager Report
Mr. Clifton briefly reviewed his report.
Interim Deputy City Manager and Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen briefly reviewed the Economic Vitality monthly report.
Mayor Daggett asked if businesses were eligible for the ARPA grant if they received any federal funding from COVID relief. Business and Retention Expansion Manager John Saltonstall explained that they were not eligible if they received prior funding.
Councilmember Harris asked how small businesses find out about the funding. Ms. Hansen explained what the marketing staff had done so far. Councilmember Harris asked what was considered a small business, and Mr. Saltonstall explained that a small business must have fewer than 50 full-time equivalents.
IT Director CJ Perry briefly reviewed the IT monthly report.
Community Development Director Dan Folke briefly reviewed the Community Development monthly report.
Mayor Daggett asked about the hiring of a consultant to review the building codes. Mr. Folke stated that the two RSOQs were being developed and that they hoped to get it advertised soon.
Interim Deputy City Manager and Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen briefly reviewed the Economic Vitality monthly report.
Mayor Daggett asked if businesses were eligible for the ARPA grant if they received any federal funding from COVID relief. Business and Retention Expansion Manager John Saltonstall explained that they were not eligible if they received prior funding.
Councilmember Harris asked how small businesses find out about the funding. Ms. Hansen explained what the marketing staff had done so far. Councilmember Harris asked what was considered a small business, and Mr. Saltonstall explained that a small business must have fewer than 50 full-time equivalents.
IT Director CJ Perry briefly reviewed the IT monthly report.
Community Development Director Dan Folke briefly reviewed the Community Development monthly report.
Mayor Daggett asked about the hiring of a consultant to review the building codes. Mr. Folke stated that the two RSOQs were being developed and that they hoped to get it advertised soon.
A.
Discussion and Direction on Flagstaff Ranger District’s Prospectus for Outfitter Guide Service in the Mt. Elden and Dry Lakes Area
Mr. Clifton gave an explanation of the item and stated that the county was submitting a letter of opposition to the permits because of flood mitigation efforts.
Councilmember House expressed her concern that the prospectus did not adequately reference the impacts of wildfire and flood mitigation efforts.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he did not believe that motorized recreation was appropriate for the proposed areas.
Mayor Daggett stated that she would like to see the city follow the county’s lead and write a letter outlining the specific concerns with issuing permits for motorized vehicles in the area.
Vice Mayor Aslan asked if motorized recreation was allowed in the area. Forest Health Supervisor Neil Chapman stated that the requested permits would only allow for SUVs and vans. He also explained the restrictions, closures, and the recreation user expectations for growth.
Mr. Clifton asked if the Council was opposed to issuing permits for motorized recreation or if they just wanted to address concerns in the area.
Vice Mayor Aslan stated if the permits did not allow for off-road use, then he did not oppose the permits.
Mayor Daggett added that if the usage was as low as the Forest Service expected, then she was fine with just addressing the concerns.
Mr. Clifton stated that staff would work on the letter of concerns and would send a draft to Council.
Councilmember House expressed her concern that the prospectus did not adequately reference the impacts of wildfire and flood mitigation efforts.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he did not believe that motorized recreation was appropriate for the proposed areas.
Mayor Daggett stated that she would like to see the city follow the county’s lead and write a letter outlining the specific concerns with issuing permits for motorized vehicles in the area.
Vice Mayor Aslan asked if motorized recreation was allowed in the area. Forest Health Supervisor Neil Chapman stated that the requested permits would only allow for SUVs and vans. He also explained the restrictions, closures, and the recreation user expectations for growth.
Mr. Clifton asked if the Council was opposed to issuing permits for motorized recreation or if they just wanted to address concerns in the area.
Vice Mayor Aslan stated if the permits did not allow for off-road use, then he did not oppose the permits.
Mayor Daggett added that if the usage was as low as the Forest Service expected, then she was fine with just addressing the concerns.
Mr. Clifton stated that staff would work on the letter of concerns and would send a draft to Council.
7.
Neighborhood Partnership Coalition
Neighborhood Liaison Valeria Chase provided an overview of the Off-Campus Life Neighborhood Liaison position and an update on the Neighborhood Partnership Coalition. The presentation covered the following:
Mayor Daggett asked if staff would send Councilmembers the agenda prior to the meeting and if Council would be able to share their concerns with staff. Ms. Chase stated that Council could bring any concerns to her or Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley for the group to consider.
- Personal Background
- History of the Role
- Dual Program Management
- Purpose of the Role
- Implemented Programs to Date
- Program Relaunch
- Neighborhood Partnership Coalition
Mayor Daggett asked if staff would send Councilmembers the agenda prior to the meeting and if Council would be able to share their concerns with staff. Ms. Chase stated that Council could bring any concerns to her or Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley for the group to consider.
8.
Consideration and Approval of 2023 Legislative Priorities
Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley reviewed the 2023 State and Federal Legislative Priorities with the Council.
Councilmember Matthews asked about the Workforce Development section and suggested adding a section on job development. She also expressed discomfort with the inclusion of carbon fee dividend legislation in the climate change section.
Ms. Langley stated that the climate change priority was broadened the previous year. Federal Lobbyist Bob Holmes explained the history of the carbon fee dividend legislation and how the fee may be the only legislation that may be feasible in the next two years.
Council expressed support for the presented priorities.
Councilmember Matthews asked about the Workforce Development section and suggested adding a section on job development. She also expressed discomfort with the inclusion of carbon fee dividend legislation in the climate change section.
Ms. Langley stated that the climate change priority was broadened the previous year. Federal Lobbyist Bob Holmes explained the history of the carbon fee dividend legislation and how the fee may be the only legislation that may be feasible in the next two years.
Council expressed support for the presented priorities.
9.
Inner Basin Waterline Project Update
Grants, Contracts, & Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, Capital Improvements Project Manager David Pedersen, Water Production Manager Brian Huntzinger, Hunter Contracting President Chuck English, Hunter Contracting Principal Bob Carlson, Deputy District Ranger for the Flagstaff Ranger District Nick Musto, Stormwater Manager Ed Schenk, and Jacobs Engineering Principal Berwyn Wilbrink provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
Mayor Daggett clarified that the DEMA grant public funding was a 75/25 match. Ms. Brechler-Knaggs stated that DFFM and DEMA were working together to determine the best funding to use first with the goal to get the project 100% funded.
A break was held from 5:09 p.m. through 5:25 p.m.
- Inner Basin Waterline Project
- Pipeline of the Past
- Pipeline Fire – June 2022
- Post Fire Flood Damage
- Waterline Infrastructure (Springs)
- Waterline Infrastructure (Wells)
- Waterline Infrastructure (NRFP)
- Waterline Infrastructure (Fires)
- NEPA Process
- Project Stakeholders
- Guaranteed Maximum Price
- Contract & Project Timeline
- Project Sites – Good, Bad, Ugly
- Waterline Road Unburned
- Aspen Regeneration
- Biological Legacies
- Funding Sources
Mayor Daggett clarified that the DEMA grant public funding was a 75/25 match. Ms. Brechler-Knaggs stated that DFFM and DEMA were working together to determine the best funding to use first with the goal to get the project 100% funded.
A break was held from 5:09 p.m. through 5:25 p.m.
10.
2023 Updates to the Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Ranger District Camping and Campfire Restrictions
Wildland Fire Battalion Chief Paul Oltrogge introduced District Ranger from the Flagstaff Ranger District Matt McGrath, Deputy District Ranger from the Flagstaff Ranger District Nick Mustow, Acting Deputy Fire Staff for Coconino National Forest True Brown, and Acting District Fellow for the Flagstaff Fire District Andy Paterson who provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
Councilmember McCarthy expressed his support.
Councilmember Harris commented on the unsheltered population potentially living in the forest and stressed the importance of the community providing the Forest Service with the resources needed to assist the unsheltered individuals affected by the closures, including providing guidance on where they can go. She emphasized the need for a coordinated effort.
Mayor Daggett expressed her gratitude and asked how the city communicated with the Forest Service regarding the relocation of the unsheltered when the forests close. Mr. Clifton stated that plans were in place to communicate emergent situations and closures.
- Objective
- Three primary tools
- Human vs. Lightning Caused Fires
- Overview of Stage 1/2/3 restrictions
- Restrictions decisions
- Flagstaff RD Restrictions History
- Maps
- Considerations/Questions
Councilmember McCarthy expressed his support.
Councilmember Harris commented on the unsheltered population potentially living in the forest and stressed the importance of the community providing the Forest Service with the resources needed to assist the unsheltered individuals affected by the closures, including providing guidance on where they can go. She emphasized the need for a coordinated effort.
Mayor Daggett expressed her gratitude and asked how the city communicated with the Forest Service regarding the relocation of the unsheltered when the forests close. Mr. Clifton stated that plans were in place to communicate emergent situations and closures.
11.
Public Participation
None.
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Sweet informed the public that there was a Downtown Connection Center Civic Space Visioning Refresh at the Murdoch Center on January 12, 2023.
Councilmember House stated that Wednesday was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and Wear Blue Day.
Vice Mayor Aslan requested two FAIR items: To enter into a process to rename Agassiz Peak and to revisit the City of Flagstaff's logo.
Councilmember House stated that Wednesday was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and Wear Blue Day.
Vice Mayor Aslan requested two FAIR items: To enter into a process to rename Agassiz Peak and to revisit the City of Flagstaff's logo.
13.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 10, 2023, adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 10, 2023, adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |