CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING / WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Daggett called the Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held May 14, 2024, to order at 3:03 p.m.
Mayor Daggett called the Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held May 14, 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 special meeting, 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 VICE MAYOR ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE COUNCILMEMBER MATTHEWS COUNCILMEMBER MCCARHTY 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 Councilmember House 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 Councilmember House 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.
Review of Draft Agenda for the May 21, 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.
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.
Councilmember House acknowledged that there was a proclamation added for Asian American Pacific Islander month would be on the next agenda.
5.
Open Call to the Public
Open Call to the Public 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. Open Call to the Public appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end. The total time allotted for the first Open Call to the Public is 30 minutes; any additional comments will be held until the second Open Call to the Public.
If you wish to address the Council in person 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 Open Call to the Public and Public Comment. 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.
Open Call to the Public 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. Open Call to the Public appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end. The total time allotted for the first Open Call to the Public is 30 minutes; any additional comments will be held until the second Open Call to the Public.
If you wish to address the Council in person 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 Open Call to the Public and Public Comment. 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.
Dennis Givens addressed Council to highlight select small businesses in Flagstaff and emphasized how important it was to support small businesses.
Sierra Frydenlund addressed Council regarding the maximum tow fee. She shared a story of her car being towed and asked Council to set a maximum rate for private tow companies.
Kathleen Griffiths from the Salvation Army presented the City of Flagstaff with an award from the William Booth Society. Councilmember McCarthy thanked Ms. Griffiths on behalf of his grandfather. He stated that his grandfather fought in WWI and that the Salvation Army assisted medically in the field during WWI when other organizations would not.
Jill Stephenson addressed Council regarding fleet electrification and asked for a rapid electrification of the fleet using American Recovery Act funds.
Steven Puhr addressed Council regarding forecasting for the water and wastewater rates.
Sierra Frydenlund addressed Council regarding the maximum tow fee. She shared a story of her car being towed and asked Council to set a maximum rate for private tow companies.
Kathleen Griffiths from the Salvation Army presented the City of Flagstaff with an award from the William Booth Society. Councilmember McCarthy thanked Ms. Griffiths on behalf of his grandfather. He stated that his grandfather fought in WWI and that the Salvation Army assisted medically in the field during WWI when other organizations would not.
Jill Stephenson addressed Council regarding fleet electrification and asked for a rapid electrification of the fleet using American Recovery Act funds.
Steven Puhr addressed Council regarding forecasting for the water and wastewater rates.
6.
Recognition of Accomplishments in STEM
IT Director CJ Perry, who was also the coach for the Flagstaff Christian School’s Lego Team, addressed Council and highlighted the accomplishments of the robotics teams. He added that two teams from Flagstaff competed in the First Robotics Competition. The Flagstaff Christian School presented their projects and then the Coconino High School Coconuts presented their projects.
Council shared their congratulations to the students.
Councilmember Harris asked if the CocoNuts could be included in discussions regarding the Council discretionary funds.
Vice Mayor Aslan asked that the CocoNuts be considered in the discussion for future funds as well.
Council shared their congratulations to the students.
Councilmember Harris asked if the CocoNuts could be included in discussions regarding the Council discretionary funds.
Vice Mayor Aslan asked that the CocoNuts be considered in the discussion for future funds as well.
7.
April Work Anniversaries
Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson presented the April Work Anniversaries.
8.
Consideration and Approval of Contract: Construction Contract with Yellow Jacket Drilling, LLC for well site modification and drilling services.
- Approve the Construction Contract with Yellow Jacket Drilling, LLC in and amount not to exceed $650,000; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to approve the contract.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
9.
Adjournment
The Special Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held May 14, 2024, adjourned at 4:14 p.m.
WORK SESSION
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Daggett called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held May 14, 2024 to order at 4:14 p.m.
Mayor Daggett called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held May 14, 2024 to order at 4:14 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.
City Manager Report
City Manager Clifton shared a few highlights from his report including:
- HR Director recruitment was ongoing
- A recap of the Budget Retreat
- Presentation to the County Board of Supervisors sitting as the Board for the Coconino Flood Control District on the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project on April 23, 2024
- Washington D.C. trip recap
- 2024 Election information
- Beulah/University Realignment Project update and video
- Linda Vista Culvert utility relocation
- The recognition of Police Chief Dan Musselman by the Northern Arizona University’s Department of Politics and International Affairs with the MPA Public Service Award
- Water main repair on 4th Street on May 7, 2024
- The development of the new mission, vision, and values for the Division
- Trail counts from March
- Turf maintenance
- Certified staff numbers
- Facility closures for maintenance and cleaning
- Upcoming Hockey Tournament
- Daddy Daughter Ball
- Open Space volunteer appreciation luncheon
- In-class lesson at Cromer Elementary School
- Concerts in the Park
- Other summer programming
3.
Mountain Line Today and Beyond Updates and Transit Tax Discussion
Mountain Line CEO and General Manager, Heather Dalmolin, Mountain Line Strategic Planner Busy Collins, and Mountain Line Capital Development Manager Ann Dunno provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
Mayor Daggett stated that Representative Cook had asked about the DCC every time she spoke to him in the past year.
Councilmember Matthews asked Ms. Dalmolin about the previous transit tax. Ms. Dalmolin spoke about the history of transit tax propositions and stated that they could go back to the tax in 2008 and put a check next to every accomplishment.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about reduced service. Ms. Dalmolin addressed the CDL driver shortage and stated that there was reduced service on three routes.
Councilmember McCarthy spoke about historic tax rates and that the City’s tax rate is now 9.181% not including the BBB tax. He shared that the tax on a hotel room in Washington D.C. is 31%. He stated that he was supportive of putting the transit tax on the ballot.
Councilmember Sweet asked about the buses that were used for FUSD. Ms. Dalmolin stated that they worked with the school district to provide bus passes.
Councilmember Harris shared that in larger cities it was normal for children to take public transit.
Jason Kordosky addressed Council regarding the potential of Mountain Line going fare-free. He stated that he was in support of Mountain Line to be fare-free to support sustainable transit.
Mayor Daggett shared that she was in support of the transit tax. She asked Council if they were in support of placing the transit tax on the ballot and all of Council shared their support of placing the question on the ballot.
- Financial and Service Performance Benchmarks
- Peer Agency – Bus
- Peer Agency – Paratransit
- Downtown Connection Center Progress
- DCC Ultimate Buildout
Mayor Daggett stated that Representative Cook had asked about the DCC every time she spoke to him in the past year.
- Mountain Line Financial Update
- FY2024 to FY 2025 Comparison
- Transit Tax Fund Balance
- Flagstaff in Motion
- Transit Vision
- Flagstaff in Motion – Funding
- Citizen Review Commission
- Survey Outcomes
- Refined Funding
- Recommendation
- Alternatives
Councilmember Matthews asked Ms. Dalmolin about the previous transit tax. Ms. Dalmolin spoke about the history of transit tax propositions and stated that they could go back to the tax in 2008 and put a check next to every accomplishment.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about reduced service. Ms. Dalmolin addressed the CDL driver shortage and stated that there was reduced service on three routes.
Councilmember McCarthy spoke about historic tax rates and that the City’s tax rate is now 9.181% not including the BBB tax. He shared that the tax on a hotel room in Washington D.C. is 31%. He stated that he was supportive of putting the transit tax on the ballot.
Councilmember Sweet asked about the buses that were used for FUSD. Ms. Dalmolin stated that they worked with the school district to provide bus passes.
Councilmember Harris shared that in larger cities it was normal for children to take public transit.
Jason Kordosky addressed Council regarding the potential of Mountain Line going fare-free. He stated that he was in support of Mountain Line to be fare-free to support sustainable transit.
Mayor Daggett shared that she was in support of the transit tax. She asked Council if they were in support of placing the transit tax on the ballot and all of Council shared their support of placing the question on the ballot.
4.
FY22-23 Neighborhood Sustainability Grant Projects Report
Sustainability Coordinator Tia Hatton shared a presentation with Council highlighting the projects from the FY23 grant year and the accomplishments of the projects. The slides included:
Mayor Daggett asked what the Sunnyside Project was. Ms. Hatton stated that the money went towards remodeling materials.
Mayor Daggett stated her appreciation and gratitude for the team
- Neighborhood Sustainability Grant FY23 Final Report
- Neighborhood Sustainability Grant Program
- Building Community Through Food Series
- Project Accomplishments
- Killip Elementary Community Food Production
- Puente De Hozho Bike Park
- Building Community Resilience Thru Access, Education, and Connection
- Pelletizing Liability Biomass
- Increasing Community Resiliency through Native and Edible Plant Propagation
- Killip Elementary Youth and Community Horticultural Therapy Program
- Market of Dreams Remodel
- Bike Racks and Benches for Flagstaff Disc Gold Course
- Energy Efficiency Lighting Project
- Thank you
Mayor Daggett asked what the Sunnyside Project was. Ms. Hatton stated that the money went towards remodeling materials.
Mayor Daggett stated her appreciation and gratitude for the team
5.
Open Call to the Public
None.
6.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember House shared that May was Mental Health Awareness Month and that there was an Arizona Commission of African American Affairs meeting that focused on Juneteeth celebrations.
Councilmember Sweet stated that she was excited for the Cheshire traffic slowdown/art project.
Councilmember McCarthy shared that he attended the Train Day event and asked for a FAIR item to discuss towing and car storage charges and the use of cash versus credit cards.
Councilmember Matthews asked for a FAIR item to consider expanding the incentive programs and how to expand the program to local employers for workforce housing.
Councilmember Harris shared that she attended the Airport Commission meeting and that they would attend a national conference to “speed date” a new carrier. She also shared that Wiesmann Aviation had Coconino High School prom in their hanger. She also shared that she attended the Coconino High School graduation, and it was well attended.
Mayor Daggett shared that she met with the Director for the Foundation for Senior Living regarding their downtown project. She also reminded the public that there would be a water rate work session on May 16, 2024, and that there would be a Wiggles to Whiskers adoption and vaccination event later in May. She also added that she met with the secretary of Veteran’s Affair and that he gave out an 800 number for unsheltered veterans to find housing that evening.
Councilmember Sweet stated that she was excited for the Cheshire traffic slowdown/art project.
Councilmember McCarthy shared that he attended the Train Day event and asked for a FAIR item to discuss towing and car storage charges and the use of cash versus credit cards.
Councilmember Matthews asked for a FAIR item to consider expanding the incentive programs and how to expand the program to local employers for workforce housing.
Councilmember Harris shared that she attended the Airport Commission meeting and that they would attend a national conference to “speed date” a new carrier. She also shared that Wiesmann Aviation had Coconino High School prom in their hanger. She also shared that she attended the Coconino High School graduation, and it was well attended.
Mayor Daggett shared that she met with the Director for the Foundation for Senior Living regarding their downtown project. She also reminded the public that there would be a water rate work session on May 16, 2024, and that there would be a Wiggles to Whiskers adoption and vaccination event later in May. She also added that she met with the secretary of Veteran’s Affair and that he gave out an 800 number for unsheltered veterans to find housing that evening.
7.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held May 14, 2024, adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
|
| ATTEST: |
|
_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |
CERTIFICATION
I, STACY SALTZBURG, do hereby certify that I am the City Clerk of the City of Flagstaff, County of Coconino, State of Arizona, and that the above Minutes are a true and correct summary of the Meeting of the Council of the City of Flagstaff held on May 14, 2024. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 6th day of May, 2025 | |
________________________________________ CITY CLERK |