CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
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 23, 2024, to order at 3:01 p.m.
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 23, 2024, 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 discussion and consultation 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 Acknowledgement
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember McCarthy read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Councilmember Matthews read the Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember McCarthy read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Councilmember Matthews 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.
Jill Stephenson addressed Council regarding electric vehicles and offered the assistance of the Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance.
5.
Proclamation: National Gun Violence Survivors Week
Mayor Daggett read the proclamation.
6.
Proclamation: Career and Technical Education Month
Mayor Daggett read the proclamation.
7.
January Work Anniversaries
Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson shared the January work anniversaries.
8.
Beautification in Action Grants plus Beautification, Arts and Sciences New Program Logo
Art Collections and Beautification Coordinator Cristen Crujido and Beautification, Arts, and Sciences Program Manager Jana Weldon provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW
WHAT ARE BEAUTIFICATION IN ACTION GRANTS?
WHO CAN APPLY?
APPLICATION PROCESS
PROGRAM GOALS
BIA PROJECTS
OUTREACH
2024 BIA PROJECTS
DISCUSSION, COMMENTS
Councilmember House shared her gratitude and her excitement for the projects. She highlighted the importance of the food gardens and the food oasis.
Councilmember Sweet stated that the expanded marketing efforts have paid off and thanked staff for their hard work. She shared that she likes the utility box wraps and is excited about the 2024 projects.
Councilmember Matthews echoed what Councilmember Sweet stated and shared that she enjoys the utility box wraps as well.
Councilmember McCarthy shared that these projects separate Flagstaff from other communities.
PROGRAM LOGO – VARIABLE IMAGES
SAMPLE WITH OTHER LOGOS
SIGNATURE GIF
DISCUSSION, COMMENTS, AND SWAG
Mayor Daggett shared that the logos are a stunning representation of the work staff does.
Councilmember Sweet, Councilmember House, and Councilmember Matthews shared their gratitude and their awe of the logos and the artwork. They felt it was a terrific way to highlight the artists who have contributed to the beautification of Flagstaff.
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW
WHAT ARE BEAUTIFICATION IN ACTION GRANTS?
WHO CAN APPLY?
APPLICATION PROCESS
PROGRAM GOALS
BIA PROJECTS
OUTREACH
2024 BIA PROJECTS
DISCUSSION, COMMENTS
Councilmember House shared her gratitude and her excitement for the projects. She highlighted the importance of the food gardens and the food oasis.
Councilmember Sweet stated that the expanded marketing efforts have paid off and thanked staff for their hard work. She shared that she likes the utility box wraps and is excited about the 2024 projects.
Councilmember Matthews echoed what Councilmember Sweet stated and shared that she enjoys the utility box wraps as well.
Councilmember McCarthy shared that these projects separate Flagstaff from other communities.
PROGRAM LOGO – VARIABLE IMAGES
SAMPLE WITH OTHER LOGOS
SIGNATURE GIF
DISCUSSION, COMMENTS, AND SWAG
Mayor Daggett shared that the logos are a stunning representation of the work staff does.
Councilmember Sweet, Councilmember House, and Councilmember Matthews shared their gratitude and their awe of the logos and the artwork. They felt it was a terrific way to highlight the artists who have contributed to the beautification of Flagstaff.
9.
FAIR Item: City Seal/Logo & Civic Symbols
Management Analyst Chris Rhode provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
BACKGROUND
COMMON GOVERNMENTAL SYMBOLS
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SEAL
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOGO
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FLAG
Councilmember McCarthy stated that the Arizona State flag was created by a woman who lived on South Leroux Street in Flagstaff.
CURRENT CITY SEAL
CURRENT CITY LOGO
CURRENT CITY FLAG
PATH FORWARD
OPTIONS FOR REDESIGNS
TAKE NO OR MINIMAL ACTION
REDESIGN THROUGH HIRED DESIGN FIRM
REDESIGN INTERNALLY
REDESIGN THROUGH PUBLIC-FIRST PROCESS
POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF COMMISSIONS/PANEL
OPTIONS TO IMPLEMENT
SEEKING COUNCIL DIRECTION
WHAT ELEMENTS SHOULD BE REDESIGNED?
SMALL OR NO CHANGES TO CITY SEAL/LOGO
REDESIGN THE CITY SEAL
REDESIGN THE CITY LOGO
CREATE A CITY FLAG
OPTIONS FOR REDESIGNS
Vice Mayor Aslan shared that public feedback prompted him to support a logo redesign. He emphasized including Indigenous influence and history, and prefers a complete redesign of both the logo and the seal. He is not focused on the city flag and believes the process should be led by an artist, with input narrowed down by a committee.
Councilmember House supports redesigning the logo and suggested converting the current logo into the city seal. She prefers an internal process led by a committee of commission members.
Councilmember Sweet sees the redesign as a chance for rebranding but is concerned about time and cost. She favors turning the current logo into the seal and involving the community and a panel to reduce the burden on staff.
Councilmember Harris is enthusiastic about a redesign and stressed representing the city's diverse contributors. She proposed forming a small ad hoc committee and warned about staff time constraints.
Councilmember Matthews prefers minimal staff involvement and a local artist-driven approach. She supports phasing in changes over time and setting clear design parameters.
Mr. Rhode noted that staff time should be minimally impacted and later confirmed a general consensus to begin the redesign and use the current logo as the seal, while standardizing the date.
Councilmember McCarthy questioned the need for a redesign, citing the simplicity required for logos. While open to public input, he is concerned about costs and favors gradual changes if any are made.
Mayor Daggett supports highlighting early contributors to the city and hiring a graphic design firm to manage the process, noting this would ease staff burden. She favors public input through surveys or focus groups and cautioned against high spending.
Mr. Rhode asked for clarity on the process. Several Councilmembers discussed potential involvement from NAU students as a low-cost option, with varying opinions on oversight and public engagement.
Vice Mayor Aslan raised concerns about control and timelines if NAU is involved, but supported starting with public surveys and finishing with a committee narrowing down options. He also recommended involving Discover Flagstaff and local artists.
Councilmember McCarthy agreed that NAU students could be a good resource. Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen estimated a design firm could cost $50,000 and emphasized the importance of defining what the Council dislikes about the current logo.
Council agreed the topic should be revisited in a future meeting. Mr. Rhode confirmed a general consensus to form a panel, develop design guidelines, and involve artists or NAU.
Councilmember House reiterated that the current logo is too complex for a logo but works as a seal. She prefers an internal redesign for now.
Mr. Rhode noted that internal work aligns better with a public process and said a fall timeline is possible if kept in-house.
Councilmember Harris requested that Mr. Rhode explore NAU's involvement. Councilmember Sweet supported continued discussion but raised financial concerns and the need for a budget.
Mayor Daggett requested Mr. Rhode return with a budget and recommendations after contacting NAU.
Ms. Hansen stated that a design firm would streamline replacement logistics and that Discover Flagstaff could help, but lacks capacity for public outreach.
Councilmember Matthews voiced design preferences (liking the peaks and flag, disliking the river and oil painting look). She supported an internal process with limited but meaningful public input.
Vice Mayor Aslan also supported an internal redesign with some external artist involvement and committee review. He wants several design options narrowed down by a commission.
Mr. Rhode confirmed he will return with a fleshed-out plan, including a budget and NAU feedback. City Manager Clifton concluded that further discussion would be necessary.
Mayor Daggett called a break from 5:12 p.m. to 5:24 p.m.
BACKGROUND
COMMON GOVERNMENTAL SYMBOLS
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SEAL
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOGO
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FLAG
Councilmember McCarthy stated that the Arizona State flag was created by a woman who lived on South Leroux Street in Flagstaff.
CURRENT CITY SEAL
CURRENT CITY LOGO
CURRENT CITY FLAG
PATH FORWARD
OPTIONS FOR REDESIGNS
TAKE NO OR MINIMAL ACTION
REDESIGN THROUGH HIRED DESIGN FIRM
REDESIGN INTERNALLY
REDESIGN THROUGH PUBLIC-FIRST PROCESS
POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF COMMISSIONS/PANEL
OPTIONS TO IMPLEMENT
SEEKING COUNCIL DIRECTION
WHAT ELEMENTS SHOULD BE REDESIGNED?
SMALL OR NO CHANGES TO CITY SEAL/LOGO
REDESIGN THE CITY SEAL
REDESIGN THE CITY LOGO
CREATE A CITY FLAG
OPTIONS FOR REDESIGNS
Vice Mayor Aslan shared that public feedback prompted him to support a logo redesign. He emphasized including Indigenous influence and history, and prefers a complete redesign of both the logo and the seal. He is not focused on the city flag and believes the process should be led by an artist, with input narrowed down by a committee.
Councilmember House supports redesigning the logo and suggested converting the current logo into the city seal. She prefers an internal process led by a committee of commission members.
Councilmember Sweet sees the redesign as a chance for rebranding but is concerned about time and cost. She favors turning the current logo into the seal and involving the community and a panel to reduce the burden on staff.
Councilmember Harris is enthusiastic about a redesign and stressed representing the city's diverse contributors. She proposed forming a small ad hoc committee and warned about staff time constraints.
Councilmember Matthews prefers minimal staff involvement and a local artist-driven approach. She supports phasing in changes over time and setting clear design parameters.
Mr. Rhode noted that staff time should be minimally impacted and later confirmed a general consensus to begin the redesign and use the current logo as the seal, while standardizing the date.
Councilmember McCarthy questioned the need for a redesign, citing the simplicity required for logos. While open to public input, he is concerned about costs and favors gradual changes if any are made.
Mayor Daggett supports highlighting early contributors to the city and hiring a graphic design firm to manage the process, noting this would ease staff burden. She favors public input through surveys or focus groups and cautioned against high spending.
Mr. Rhode asked for clarity on the process. Several Councilmembers discussed potential involvement from NAU students as a low-cost option, with varying opinions on oversight and public engagement.
Vice Mayor Aslan raised concerns about control and timelines if NAU is involved, but supported starting with public surveys and finishing with a committee narrowing down options. He also recommended involving Discover Flagstaff and local artists.
Councilmember McCarthy agreed that NAU students could be a good resource. Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen estimated a design firm could cost $50,000 and emphasized the importance of defining what the Council dislikes about the current logo.
Council agreed the topic should be revisited in a future meeting. Mr. Rhode confirmed a general consensus to form a panel, develop design guidelines, and involve artists or NAU.
Councilmember House reiterated that the current logo is too complex for a logo but works as a seal. She prefers an internal redesign for now.
Mr. Rhode noted that internal work aligns better with a public process and said a fall timeline is possible if kept in-house.
Councilmember Harris requested that Mr. Rhode explore NAU's involvement. Councilmember Sweet supported continued discussion but raised financial concerns and the need for a budget.
Mayor Daggett requested Mr. Rhode return with a budget and recommendations after contacting NAU.
Ms. Hansen stated that a design firm would streamline replacement logistics and that Discover Flagstaff could help, but lacks capacity for public outreach.
Councilmember Matthews voiced design preferences (liking the peaks and flag, disliking the river and oil painting look). She supported an internal process with limited but meaningful public input.
Vice Mayor Aslan also supported an internal redesign with some external artist involvement and committee review. He wants several design options narrowed down by a commission.
Mr. Rhode confirmed he will return with a fleshed-out plan, including a budget and NAU feedback. City Manager Clifton concluded that further discussion would be necessary.
Mayor Daggett called a break from 5:12 p.m. to 5:24 p.m.
10.
Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Rates and Cost-of-Service Study - Presentation 2 of 3 on Capacity Fees
Water Resources Manager Erin Young, Management Analyst Lisa Deem, and Principal at Stantec Carol Malesky provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
OUTREACH UPDATE
EMAILED TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIST JAN 16TH
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIST
EMAIL TO DEVELOPERS AND CONTRACTORS
DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR LIST
OUTREACH UPDATE – WEBSITE AND TABLING MATERIALS
WHAT CHARGES & FEES ARE WE EVALUATING ON A TYPICAL BILL?
RATE TABLES – WHAT CHARGES & FEES ARE WE EVALUATING?
BIG PICTURE – POINTS FOR COUNCIL DIRECTION & LATER REFINEMENTS
TONIGHT’S MEETING & COUNCIL DIRECTION FEBRUARY 6
WATER COMMISSION JAN 18 RECOMMENDATIONS
Mayor Daggett asked staff to share the Water Commission’s concerns. Water Services Director Shannon Jones explained that the concerns were related to the large scale of two specific projects.
AGENDA
SCOPE OVERVIEW
CAPACITY FEE APPROACH OVERVIEW
CAPACITY FEE APPROACHES
CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS
GROWTH RELATED WATER PROJECTS
GROWTH RELATED WASTEWATER PROJECTS
LEVEL OF SERVICE DISCUSSION
Vice Mayor Aslan asked what the Red Gap Ranch soft costs include. Ms. Malesky stated that they include right-of-way acquisitions, studies, and tests.
CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHOD
FUTURE WATER SUPPLY NEEDS – BASECASE SCENARIO
Mayor Daggett asked if the recovered reclaimed water comes from the Rio de Flag discharge, and Ms. Young confirmed it does. She also discussed natural recharge estimates and direct reclaimed water delivery.
Councilmember Matthews inquired about the year tied to the projected population of 178,000, and Ms. Young responded that it is around 2080. Matthews expressed skepticism about reaching that population due to the City's landlocked nature and raised concerns about how density could impact the water supply.
FUTURE WATER SUPPLY NEEDS – RESILIENCY SCENARIO
Councilmember Matthews asked about the 2004 bond. Ms. Young explained it was approved to secure water rights or projects during a drought, and Red Gap Ranch was purchased with those funds.
Management Services Director Rick Tadder clarified that the bond funds have already been used and paid off. While there were some soft costs, current fees are for new projects.
Mr. Clifton added that population growth is expected to level off in 60 to 70 years, according to the 100-year plan.
CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHOD
CURRENT CAPACITY FEES
Councilmember Harris asked how meter size is determined. Ms. Malesky explained that a ¾” meter is standard for residential units, and Mr. Jones added that engineering staff calculates meter size based on several factors during the development review process.
Councilmember Harris also asked if homeowners are typically aware of their meter size or if builders handle it. Mr. Jones said it can vary, some homeowners know, while in other cases, the builder manages it.
Ms. Malesky inquired whether residents are informed about meter size and connections when building permits are issued. Mr. Jones noted that this information is included in the permit process, and Mr. Tadder offered further clarification.
WATER CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHODOLOGY
Mayor Daggett asked if there is a limit to the amount of time the City can hold money in an account to spend later. Mr. Tadder stated that there is not.
Councilmember Matthews stated that the fees can be very limiting for commercial businesses who want to remodel or build.
WASTEWATER CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHODOLOGY
CAPACITY FEE COMPARISON PER ERU
DISCUSSION
Mayor Daggett asked for a comparison of the Water Commission’s recommendations on fee options.
Ms. Malesky shared that the Commission generally supported the combined fee option. Most members were comfortable with Option 1B, and with Option 1D for wastewater, though one commissioner had concerns.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if staff needed direction that night, and Ms. Malesky said direction would be sought at the next meeting.
Vice Mayor Aslan inquired about concerns from two commissioners regarding future projects. Mr. Jones explained their concerns were mainly about the size and timing of those projects.
NEXT STEPS
Mayor Daggett asked how feedback from organizations would be shared. Ms. Young said staff would summarize attendance and concerns, and noted public comment would be accepted at the February meeting.
Councilmember Matthews asked if Neighborhood Associations were part of the outreach list and expressed concern about a costly remodel of a medical building on 4th Street. Ms. Young confirmed they were included and offered to contact the property owner directly.
Councilmember Harris raised the issue of how to explain rising water rates to constituents.
Ms. Deem explained that she translates technical water data into understandable language and noted that rising infrastructure costs make it difficult to maintain service levels. She emphasized the importance of only charging for necessary services.
Councilmember McCarthy brought up Scottsdale’s advanced wastewater treatment and asked when Flagstaff would implement similar systems. Ms. Young said past infrastructure was funded by golf course communities and emphasized planning steps. Mr. Jones added that the process must follow proper sequencing. Ms. Young noted Scottsdale’s investment of over a billion dollars in today’s terms. Mayor Daggett mentioned that Scottsdale’s treated water is not currently for public consumption.
City Manager Clifton added that biosolids treatment is a key need and that advanced treatment will be considered in the future.
Councilmember Harris requested that a legend be added to the cheat sheet to explain acronyms.
OUTREACH UPDATE
EMAILED TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIST JAN 16TH
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIST
EMAIL TO DEVELOPERS AND CONTRACTORS
DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR LIST
OUTREACH UPDATE – WEBSITE AND TABLING MATERIALS
WHAT CHARGES & FEES ARE WE EVALUATING ON A TYPICAL BILL?
RATE TABLES – WHAT CHARGES & FEES ARE WE EVALUATING?
BIG PICTURE – POINTS FOR COUNCIL DIRECTION & LATER REFINEMENTS
TONIGHT’S MEETING & COUNCIL DIRECTION FEBRUARY 6
WATER COMMISSION JAN 18 RECOMMENDATIONS
Mayor Daggett asked staff to share the Water Commission’s concerns. Water Services Director Shannon Jones explained that the concerns were related to the large scale of two specific projects.
AGENDA
SCOPE OVERVIEW
CAPACITY FEE APPROACH OVERVIEW
CAPACITY FEE APPROACHES
CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS
GROWTH RELATED WATER PROJECTS
GROWTH RELATED WASTEWATER PROJECTS
LEVEL OF SERVICE DISCUSSION
Vice Mayor Aslan asked what the Red Gap Ranch soft costs include. Ms. Malesky stated that they include right-of-way acquisitions, studies, and tests.
CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHOD
FUTURE WATER SUPPLY NEEDS – BASECASE SCENARIO
Mayor Daggett asked if the recovered reclaimed water comes from the Rio de Flag discharge, and Ms. Young confirmed it does. She also discussed natural recharge estimates and direct reclaimed water delivery.
Councilmember Matthews inquired about the year tied to the projected population of 178,000, and Ms. Young responded that it is around 2080. Matthews expressed skepticism about reaching that population due to the City's landlocked nature and raised concerns about how density could impact the water supply.
FUTURE WATER SUPPLY NEEDS – RESILIENCY SCENARIO
Councilmember Matthews asked about the 2004 bond. Ms. Young explained it was approved to secure water rights or projects during a drought, and Red Gap Ranch was purchased with those funds.
Management Services Director Rick Tadder clarified that the bond funds have already been used and paid off. While there were some soft costs, current fees are for new projects.
Mr. Clifton added that population growth is expected to level off in 60 to 70 years, according to the 100-year plan.
CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHOD
CURRENT CAPACITY FEES
Councilmember Harris asked how meter size is determined. Ms. Malesky explained that a ¾” meter is standard for residential units, and Mr. Jones added that engineering staff calculates meter size based on several factors during the development review process.
Councilmember Harris also asked if homeowners are typically aware of their meter size or if builders handle it. Mr. Jones said it can vary, some homeowners know, while in other cases, the builder manages it.
Ms. Malesky inquired whether residents are informed about meter size and connections when building permits are issued. Mr. Jones noted that this information is included in the permit process, and Mr. Tadder offered further clarification.
WATER CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHODOLOGY
Mayor Daggett asked if there is a limit to the amount of time the City can hold money in an account to spend later. Mr. Tadder stated that there is not.
Councilmember Matthews stated that the fees can be very limiting for commercial businesses who want to remodel or build.
WASTEWATER CAPACITY FEE OPTIONS USING THE COMBINED METHODOLOGY
CAPACITY FEE COMPARISON PER ERU
DISCUSSION
Mayor Daggett asked for a comparison of the Water Commission’s recommendations on fee options.
Ms. Malesky shared that the Commission generally supported the combined fee option. Most members were comfortable with Option 1B, and with Option 1D for wastewater, though one commissioner had concerns.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if staff needed direction that night, and Ms. Malesky said direction would be sought at the next meeting.
Vice Mayor Aslan inquired about concerns from two commissioners regarding future projects. Mr. Jones explained their concerns were mainly about the size and timing of those projects.
NEXT STEPS
Mayor Daggett asked how feedback from organizations would be shared. Ms. Young said staff would summarize attendance and concerns, and noted public comment would be accepted at the February meeting.
Councilmember Matthews asked if Neighborhood Associations were part of the outreach list and expressed concern about a costly remodel of a medical building on 4th Street. Ms. Young confirmed they were included and offered to contact the property owner directly.
Councilmember Harris raised the issue of how to explain rising water rates to constituents.
Ms. Deem explained that she translates technical water data into understandable language and noted that rising infrastructure costs make it difficult to maintain service levels. She emphasized the importance of only charging for necessary services.
Councilmember McCarthy brought up Scottsdale’s advanced wastewater treatment and asked when Flagstaff would implement similar systems. Ms. Young said past infrastructure was funded by golf course communities and emphasized planning steps. Mr. Jones added that the process must follow proper sequencing. Ms. Young noted Scottsdale’s investment of over a billion dollars in today’s terms. Mayor Daggett mentioned that Scottsdale’s treated water is not currently for public consumption.
City Manager Clifton added that biosolids treatment is a key need and that advanced treatment will be considered in the future.
Councilmember Harris requested that a legend be added to the cheat sheet to explain acronyms.
11.
Public Participation
Dennis Givens addressed Council regarding parking on the Southside of Flagstaff. He expressed that there has been a car parked in front of his house for months that has several tickets on it, but that it has not moved. He asked how the City will enforce parking tickets for out-of-state people. He also spoke about fluoride in the water and how it should not be added to the water supply. He also would like to see advanced water treatment.
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember House spoke of the Army Corps meeting on Rio de Flag updates.
Mayor Daggett spoke of the US Conference of Mayors, the work of staff on the project on Butler Ave, and praised the Public Affairs team for filming a video with Sustainability.
Mr. Clifton spoke of the employee recognition event and attending the Arizona City Mangers Association meeting.
Mayor Daggett spoke of the US Conference of Mayors, the work of staff on the project on Butler Ave, and praised the Public Affairs team for filming a video with Sustainability.
Mr. Clifton spoke of the employee recognition event and attending the Arizona City Mangers Association meeting.
13.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 23, 2024, adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |