CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Daggett called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held February 27, 2024, to order at 3:03 p.m.
Mayor Daggett called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held February 27, 2024, 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 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.
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.
NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means.
| PRESENT: MAYOR DAGGETT (virtually) VICE MAYOR ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE (arrived at 3:55 p.m.) 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 Matthews read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor Aslan read the Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Matthews read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor 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 an item that is not on the prepared agenda. Comments relating to items that are on the agenda will be taken at the time that the item is discussed. Public Participation appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end. If you wish to address the Council at today's meeting, please complete a comment card and submit it to the recording clerk as soon as possible. Your name will be called when it is your turn to speak. 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. 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 an item that is not on the prepared agenda. Comments relating to items that are on the agenda will be taken at the time that the item is discussed. Public Participation appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end. If you wish to address the Council at today's meeting, please complete a comment card and submit it to the recording clerk as soon as possible. Your name will be called when it is your turn to speak. 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. 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, a volunteer with the Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance, addressed Council regarding the impacts transportation has on the climate crisis. She spoke about electric fleets and their positive impact on the environment, grants available for electric vehicles, and stated that the City’s fleet must be converted to electric as soon as possible to achieve carbon neutrality.
Alaxandra Pucciarelli, Current Planning Manager, and the staff liaison for the Planning & Zoning Commission addressed Council to speak about the three vacancies on the commission.
Dapper Dre addressed Council regarding planning for a future that is not car-centric and to account for people in transportation planning for the future.
Alaxandra Pucciarelli, Current Planning Manager, and the staff liaison for the Planning & Zoning Commission addressed Council to speak about the three vacancies on the commission.
Dapper Dre addressed Council regarding planning for a future that is not car-centric and to account for people in transportation planning for the future.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the March 5, 2024 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
City Manager Greg Clifton briefly reviewed his report and highlighted the recent following events.
Vice Mayor Aslan asked about the new film office marketing campaign that was discussed at the Tourism Commission meeting. He asked Ms. Hansen to share that with the Council in the future and she stated that she would bring it back to Council.
Mr. Clifton announced that Indigenous Commissioner Mariah Zavala was nominated for the Athena Young Professional Award. She also received the Ambassador of the Year for the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.
- ACMA Conference
- NAU MPA Curriculum at ACMA Conference
- Visit from Senator Kelly
- Visit from Representative Cook
- Athena Award
- Engineering Week
- City Engineer Paul Mood visited Mr. Langmade’s 7th Grade class and Tynkertopia
- Airport
- Airport Rescue Fire Fighting trainings
- Air Service Data Seminar
- Fire Sprinkler project
- Fencing Project
- Enplanements & Operations numbers increased over 2.5% in January.
- Aspen Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancements
- City Hall Railings
- DCC Southside Grove Sculpture
- Flowers Program to expand
- Utility Cabinets
- Promotion of Kristen Crujido
- Six kiosks had to be repaired for ParkFlag
- ParkFlag meeting with partners regarding towing cars that are not parking correctly
- Parking revenues were up
- Financial Fitness in Action
- Local First Green Business Bootcamp
- Joy Cone Company Grant to Deliver improvements to the rail spur
- Innovate Waste
- Helios-ASU Decision Center
- Library
- oYouth Services programs
- Three new staff members at circulation
- IT printers and security cameras update
- Crafting corners at East Flagstaff Library
- Richard Tutwiler won the Aspen Award
- Library stats
- Tourism
- January 2024 metrics impacted by low snowfall and more hotel rooms that are online
- James Beard awards and an article in Arizona Republic
- Smithsonian Magazine
- 3TV/CBS 5
- 2 AOT media FAMS
- 1 Film permit issued
- Discover Flagstaff conference with two location scouts
- International markets had increased engagement sessions for the Website.
- Top Facebook post congratulating Chef Sam Greenlaugh
- Instagram reel on Bearizona had a 1.7million impressions
- Visit USA France
- Stories on Stargazing
- Arizona Office of Tourism Sales
- Three leads were sent in the month of January for Conferences
- Visitor Services is doing well
- Skate at the Station
- Examples of Creative Services
Vice Mayor Aslan asked about the new film office marketing campaign that was discussed at the Tourism Commission meeting. He asked Ms. Hansen to share that with the Council in the future and she stated that she would bring it back to Council.
Mr. Clifton announced that Indigenous Commissioner Mariah Zavala was nominated for the Athena Young Professional Award. She also received the Ambassador of the Year for the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.
7.
2024 Amendments to Engineering Design Standards, TITLE 13
Development Engineer David Millis provided a presentation that covered the following topics:
Mr. Millis explained that the current amendments were intended to clean up and prepare for a more comprehensive review of engineering standards. He noted that the focus had been on administrating existing codes efficiently, as there was a backlog, and that broader policy changes, including those related to the ATMP, were being handled through audits and studies. The goal was not to prioritize the cleanup over the ATMP but to manage the necessary updates while other, broader changes were being addressed.
Councilmember Harris raised a point about private hydrants, and Mr. Millis clarified that while most hydrants are public, many municipalities distinguish between public and private water mains on site.
Vice Mayor Aslan suggested outreach to the Sustainability Commission, which Mr. Millis agreed to include.
Public Comment:
Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Sutherland if there was a middle ground between rolled and vertical curbs. Mr. Sutherland explained that both are MACS standards, and modifying rolled curbs would require discussion. Councilmember McCarthy challenged staff to find a way to make rolled curbs less steep.
Vice Mayor Aslan suggested postponing technical decisions until the Council better understands the community’s values, pointing out that the issue of curbs needed broader consideration.
Councilmember Sweet raised the issue of adding yellow tape to existing lights and mentioned grants being explored for improvements. She also noted the need for better education on pedestrian signals and signage about not parking on sidewalks.
Councilmember McCarthy expressed concerns that rolled curbs would make it difficult for people in wheelchairs to access the street or cross. He emphasized the need to improve traffic signals and visibility, particularly on east-west streets where the sun affects drivers.
Mayor Daggett stated she was a long-time critic of rolled curbs and questioned their practicality, suggesting that sidewalks should prioritize pedestrian transportation. She asked for alternative options that address both rolled and vertical curbs, particularly for stormwater management. City Engineer Paul Mood agreed to bring back options in a future round of updates.
Mr. Clifton suggested that the issue of rolled curbs could be discussed further in a work session, noting that rolled curbs were seen as less obstructive for adaptive users than vertical curbs.
Councilmember McCarthy agreed that vertical curbs were more obstructive but pointed out that rolled curbs might affect driveways less.
Councilmember Harris requested that staff provide cost details and recommended locations for rolled curbs when revisiting the issue.
Councilmember Matthews suggested moving the discussion of rolled curbs and streetlights to the second phase to avoid delaying the cleanup process.
Councilmember House raised concerns about the education component, citing confusion at a pedestrian crosswalk on Old Route 66.
- Purpose of Engineering Standards
- Reason for Amendments
- Intended to be Administrative Changes not Policy Changes
- Amendment Process
- Schedule and Public Input
- Highlighted Updates
- Potential Future Updates
Mr. Millis explained that the current amendments were intended to clean up and prepare for a more comprehensive review of engineering standards. He noted that the focus had been on administrating existing codes efficiently, as there was a backlog, and that broader policy changes, including those related to the ATMP, were being handled through audits and studies. The goal was not to prioritize the cleanup over the ATMP but to manage the necessary updates while other, broader changes were being addressed.
Councilmember Harris raised a point about private hydrants, and Mr. Millis clarified that while most hydrants are public, many municipalities distinguish between public and private water mains on site.
Vice Mayor Aslan suggested outreach to the Sustainability Commission, which Mr. Millis agreed to include.
Public Comment:
- Russ Randall, expressed concerns about rolled curbs in the engineering standards.
- John Sutherland from Capstone Homes addressed Council in favor of rolled curb change to subdivisions to help out with the driveways. He stated is was more efficient way to create rights-of-way to provide driveways for homes. He also offered comments about being ADA accessible and affordability.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Sutherland if there was a middle ground between rolled and vertical curbs. Mr. Sutherland explained that both are MACS standards, and modifying rolled curbs would require discussion. Councilmember McCarthy challenged staff to find a way to make rolled curbs less steep.
Vice Mayor Aslan suggested postponing technical decisions until the Council better understands the community’s values, pointing out that the issue of curbs needed broader consideration.
Councilmember Sweet raised the issue of adding yellow tape to existing lights and mentioned grants being explored for improvements. She also noted the need for better education on pedestrian signals and signage about not parking on sidewalks.
Councilmember McCarthy expressed concerns that rolled curbs would make it difficult for people in wheelchairs to access the street or cross. He emphasized the need to improve traffic signals and visibility, particularly on east-west streets where the sun affects drivers.
Mayor Daggett stated she was a long-time critic of rolled curbs and questioned their practicality, suggesting that sidewalks should prioritize pedestrian transportation. She asked for alternative options that address both rolled and vertical curbs, particularly for stormwater management. City Engineer Paul Mood agreed to bring back options in a future round of updates.
Mr. Clifton suggested that the issue of rolled curbs could be discussed further in a work session, noting that rolled curbs were seen as less obstructive for adaptive users than vertical curbs.
Councilmember McCarthy agreed that vertical curbs were more obstructive but pointed out that rolled curbs might affect driveways less.
Councilmember Harris requested that staff provide cost details and recommended locations for rolled curbs when revisiting the issue.
Councilmember Matthews suggested moving the discussion of rolled curbs and streetlights to the second phase to avoid delaying the cleanup process.
Councilmember House raised concerns about the education component, citing confusion at a pedestrian crosswalk on Old Route 66.
8.
Butler Avenue Corridor and Pilot Bicycle Lanes Update
Engineer Associate David Lemcke, Streets Manager Sam Beckett, and Development Engineer David Millis provided a presentation that covered the following:
Councilmember Harris inquired about the length of time for a speed limit study. Mr. Millis responded that data was collected 24/7 over 9 days.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about guidelines for changing speed limits, mentioning that Arizona law restricts making more than six speed limit changes within a mile. He also asked if speed limits could be adjusted in ten-mile increments.
Public Comment
Mayor Daggett confirmed that staff was directed not to remove separated bike lanes or barriers.
Councilmember Matthews reiterated that she still supports lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH on Butler, extending it to Sawmill Road. She believes it aligns with Flagstaff's identity as a university and tourism town, and promoting health and wellness. She also expressed excitement about an upcoming grant expected to be completed by 2026.
Vice Mayor Aslan emphasized the importance of respect for staff, acknowledging the ongoing debate and research on both the speed limit and bike lanes. He supported reducing the speed limit to 30 MPH all the way to Sawmill Road, with a return to 40 MPH beyond. He also advocated for keeping the concrete barriers, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in snowy conditions. He argued that maintaining these elements is essential for Flagstaff's commitment to being a multi-modal community.
Mr. Clifton explained that while some barriers were removed due to safety issues, staff remains concerned about snow removal challenges and the visibility of barriers. He emphasized the need for education on bike lanes and expressed that the issue of speed limits remains contentious.
Councilmember McCarthy supported lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH between Milton and Lone Tree, with a possible 30 or 35 MPH limit to Sawmill.
Councilmember Sweet also supported reducing the speed limit to 30 MPH between Milton and Sawmill, followed by 35 MPH. She backed continuing the barriers but suggested exploring alternatives to concrete, which degrades over time. She also highlighted the issue of cinders on the roads, which impedes cycling.
Councilmember Harris agreed with lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH from Milton to Butler and suggested leaving the barriers in place. She also called for a kinder, more respectful approach to staff.
Councilmember House expressed her agreement with the proposed speed limit changes and echoed the need for mindfulness and unity within the community.
Mayor Daggett supported lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH to Sawmill and 35 MPH afterward, emphasizing Flagstaff’s commitment to Vision Zero.
Mr. Lemcke clarified that reducing the speed limit by 5 MPH alone, without design changes, would likely not have a significant impact on driver behavior. However, he supported the proposed speed limits due to the design changes already implemented and those planned.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that while a 5 MPH change might not drastically reduce speeds, it would still have some effect, though likely not as much as Council hopes.
Mr. Lemcke agreed that studies suggest a 5 MPH reduction may not significantly change speeds but acknowledged the Council's intent to implement slower speeds with the new designs.
- Pilot Bike Lane Update
- Winter Service Reductions City-wide
- General Service to Infrastructure
- Sharrows
- Speed Study
- Overview of Speed Study
- Context Example
- Speed Limit Maps
- Vehicle Speeds and Safety
- Arizona Revised Statutes
- Current Posted Speed Limits
- Speed Zoning Concepts
- Butler Ave Study Results
- Discussion
- Recommendation
- Future Projects
- Safe Streets for All Grant
- Lone Tree Overpass
- Committee and Commission Feedback
- Conclusions/Staff Recommendations
- Potential Council Options
Councilmember Harris inquired about the length of time for a speed limit study. Mr. Millis responded that data was collected 24/7 over 9 days.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about guidelines for changing speed limits, mentioning that Arizona law restricts making more than six speed limit changes within a mile. He also asked if speed limits could be adjusted in ten-mile increments.
Public Comment
- Dapper Dre
- Matthew Weiss
- Jeffrey McCarroll
- Geoffrey Whittaker
- Ryan Drendel
- Joseph Koenig
- Adam Shimoni
- Tyler Denham
- Sam Meier
- Anthony Quintile
- Nadine Hart
- Include cross-traffic consideration in the study
- Support of lower speed limits
- Maintain the separated lanes
- Physical barriers being safer than painted lines
- More bike lane separators and how to place them for trash pickup
- Lessen the financial impact
- Create effective enforcement
- Bike commuting challenges
- Expanding snow removal to bike lanes
- Doing another speed study after speed has been reduced
- Pilot was to support 60% population of possible riders but exploring other approaches for lane separators
- Suggesting East Butler should be 30 MPH.
- Requesting the alternative designs that have been considered to reduce maintenance and still provide safety, such as hard rubber.
- Lydia Bailey
- Matt Eckhoff
- Daniel Paduchowski
- Heidi Larson
- Izzie Speer
- Dara Marks-Marino
- Sasha Heinen
Mayor Daggett confirmed that staff was directed not to remove separated bike lanes or barriers.
Councilmember Matthews reiterated that she still supports lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH on Butler, extending it to Sawmill Road. She believes it aligns with Flagstaff's identity as a university and tourism town, and promoting health and wellness. She also expressed excitement about an upcoming grant expected to be completed by 2026.
Vice Mayor Aslan emphasized the importance of respect for staff, acknowledging the ongoing debate and research on both the speed limit and bike lanes. He supported reducing the speed limit to 30 MPH all the way to Sawmill Road, with a return to 40 MPH beyond. He also advocated for keeping the concrete barriers, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in snowy conditions. He argued that maintaining these elements is essential for Flagstaff's commitment to being a multi-modal community.
Mr. Clifton explained that while some barriers were removed due to safety issues, staff remains concerned about snow removal challenges and the visibility of barriers. He emphasized the need for education on bike lanes and expressed that the issue of speed limits remains contentious.
Councilmember McCarthy supported lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH between Milton and Lone Tree, with a possible 30 or 35 MPH limit to Sawmill.
Councilmember Sweet also supported reducing the speed limit to 30 MPH between Milton and Sawmill, followed by 35 MPH. She backed continuing the barriers but suggested exploring alternatives to concrete, which degrades over time. She also highlighted the issue of cinders on the roads, which impedes cycling.
Councilmember Harris agreed with lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH from Milton to Butler and suggested leaving the barriers in place. She also called for a kinder, more respectful approach to staff.
Councilmember House expressed her agreement with the proposed speed limit changes and echoed the need for mindfulness and unity within the community.
Mayor Daggett supported lowering the speed limit to 30 MPH to Sawmill and 35 MPH afterward, emphasizing Flagstaff’s commitment to Vision Zero.
Mr. Lemcke clarified that reducing the speed limit by 5 MPH alone, without design changes, would likely not have a significant impact on driver behavior. However, he supported the proposed speed limits due to the design changes already implemented and those planned.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that while a 5 MPH change might not drastically reduce speeds, it would still have some effect, though likely not as much as Council hopes.
Mr. Lemcke agreed that studies suggest a 5 MPH reduction may not significantly change speeds but acknowledged the Council's intent to implement slower speeds with the new designs.
9.
Public Participation
None.
10.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember House stated she attended the Black Renaissance Gala with Councilmember Harris and Councilmemebr Sweet.
Councilmember Sweet stated she attended the High-Country Academy graduation and the Black Renaissance Gala.
Councilmember McCarthy stated his grandfather fought to preserve democracy during WWI and his father served in WWII. He stated that the Ukraine is the second largest European country and believes the City needs to continue support of Ukraine. He requested a FAIR item for a resolution to be sent to our representatives in support of the aid bill for Ukraine.
Councilmember Harris stated she attended the Black Renaissance Gala. She addressed the two current emergencies: Housing and Climate. She was inquiring if all of our commissions understand each other’s plans stressing that city and it’s commissions must work together to support the two emergencies.
Councilmember Sweet stated she attended the High-Country Academy graduation and the Black Renaissance Gala.
Councilmember McCarthy stated his grandfather fought to preserve democracy during WWI and his father served in WWII. He stated that the Ukraine is the second largest European country and believes the City needs to continue support of Ukraine. He requested a FAIR item for a resolution to be sent to our representatives in support of the aid bill for Ukraine.
Councilmember Harris stated she attended the Black Renaissance Gala. She addressed the two current emergencies: Housing and Climate. She was inquiring if all of our commissions understand each other’s plans stressing that city and it’s commissions must work together to support the two emergencies.
11.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held February 27, 2024, adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |