TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held October 1, 2024, to order at 3:04 p.m.
Mayor Daggett announced that she would be reordering the agenda to take Item 14A after the Consent Agenda.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means.
| PRESENT: MAYOR DAGGETT VICE MAYOR ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER MATTHEWS COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER SWEET |
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE |
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Matthews read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Councilmember Sweet read the Land Acknowledgement.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to approve the minutes of City Council Special Meeting (Executive Session) of June 21, 2019, Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of June 25, 2019, Work Session of October 29, 2019, Joint City/County Work Session of November 4, 2019, Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of November 12, 2019, Regular Meeting of January 21, 2020, Work Session of January 28, 2020, Budget Retreat of April 23, 2020, Work Session of May 12, 2020, Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of May 26, 2020, Work Session of June 11, 2020, Special Meeting of December 11, 2020, Infrastructure Retreat of September 30, 2021, Infrastructure Retreat of December 9, 2021, Capital Projects Retreat of March 31, 2022, Work Session of January 10, 2023, Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of January 31, 2023, Work Session of March 28, 2023, Work Session of November 28, 2023, Regular Meeting of December 5, 2023, Budget Retreat of December 14, 2023, Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 5, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 12, 2024, Work Session of March 12, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 26, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 2, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 9, 2024, Work Session of April 9, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 16, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 23, 2024, Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of April 23, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of May 7, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of May 14, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of June 4, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of June 25, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of July 2, 2024, Special Meeting of August 19, 2024, Special Meeting (Executive Session) of August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting of August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting of September 3, 2024, Work Session of September 10, 2024, and Special Meeting (Executive Session) of September 10, 2024.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
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.
Library Director Linda Tillson addressed Council and introduced new Deputy Director Jennifer Stanonpoulos, who expressed excitement about joining Team Flagstaff and serving the city.
Coleen Maring, Chief People Officer for Northern Arizona Healthcare addressed Council and stated that feedback from the Prop 480 campaign highlighted the need for greater listening and engagement. In response, they were holding small group meetings internally and externally and inviting public participation in focus groups across the region to gather input. They looked forward to ongoing dialogue and sharing updates.
Dick Hingson addressed Council and discussed proposed noise control amendments and concerns related to the Zoning Code, particularly community commercial zoning and the impact of patio bars on nearby homeowners.
Housing Intern Aiden Ruttledge and Housing Program Manager Adriana Fisher addressed Council and recognized Housing America Month and announced upcoming related events.
Candace Ryan addressed Council and expressed disappointment with the Council’s stance on the noise ordinance, highlighting the challenges residents face in enjoying peaceful homes.
Eric Wolverton addressed Council and shared updates on workforce affordable housing. He announced that applications were open for the first ten starter homes at Timber Sky. He confirmed that plans remained on track for 20 homes next year and another 20 the following year.
Danielle Adams, Interim Executive Director of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, addressed Council and thanked them for their participation in recent events and expressed gratitude to the City of Flagstaff for ongoing support. She highlighted the success of maintaining the event as a free community offering.
Councilmember McCarthy provided updates on transportation matters, noting participation in recent Transportation Commission and MetroPlan meetings that week.
Vice Mayor Aslan attended the Verde River Watershed Conference and the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council annual field trip, describing both as valuable opportunities for learning and discussion about the Verde Valley and Verde River. He also welcomed the Board of Regents, who held their meeting in Flagstaff, he highlighted the importance of the relationship-building visit.
Councilmember Matthews toured the Inner Basin with the U.S. Senate Bureau of Indian Affairs committee. She also noted upcoming events, including the Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on October 14 at the Elks Lodge and Tourism Service Day scheduled for the following day.
Mayor Daggett announced that the Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living would participate in the Disability Resources Fair on Saturday at High Country Conference Center. The commission would also lead an accessibility walk from the campus area into downtown.
Blake Whitten submitted written comments about noise issues in Southside.
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 the City Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for the purpose of discussing or considering employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of a public officer, appointee, or employee of any public body...., pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1).
Moved by Mayor Becky Daggett, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to appoint Christine Sheehy for a term expiring December 2025.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Miranda Sweet, seconded by Mayor Becky Daggett to appoint Jacob Conger for a term expiring October 2026.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Applications under Liquor License Public Hearings may be considered under one public hearing and may be acted upon by one motion unless otherwise requested by Council.
Sergeant Nick Almendarez introduced the applications and noted no concerns.
There being no public comment, Mayor Daggett closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to forward the applications to the state with a recommendation for approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
All matters under Consent Agenda are considered by the City Council to be routine. Unless a member of City Council expresses a desire at the meeting to remove an item from the Consent Agenda for discussion, the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion approving the recommendations listed on the agenda. Unless otherwise indicated, expenditures approved by Council are budgeted items.
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
- Approve the Fourth Amendment to the CMAR Construction Services Agreement with Eagle Mountain Construction, Inc. for the Spruce Wash Mitigation Suite of Projects to include GMP 4 in the amount of $1,949,943.54 and adding 0 days to the contract duration; and
- Approve an Owner’s Contingency of $75,000.00, which is approximately 6% of GMP 4; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Ratify the Project Partnership Agreement between the Department of the Army and the City of Flagstaff for Design and Constructin Assistance for the Killip School Regional Detention Basin Inlet Project in the amount of $1,500,000.
Ratify the Agreement between the USDA, Forest Service Southwestern Region, Coconino National Forest and the City of Flagstaff for the Spruce Wash, Wedge Detention Basin in the amount of $3,500,000.
- Approve the Purchase of Saf-T-Chlor dry sodium chlorite water treatment chemicals from CDG Environmental, LLC in an amount not to exceed $200,000, annually; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
- Approve the contract with Courtesy Chevrolet for the purchase of one (1) Chevrolet Silverado 2500 WT in the amount of $ 55,631.64 for Facilities; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Zoning Code Manager Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT MISCELLANEOUS
CITY’S PROPOSED ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
FINDINGS
RECOMMENDATION
Councilmember McCarthy acknowledged receipt and appreciation of the responses to a list of questions he sent over the weekend.
Councilmember Matthews expressed support for efforts to simplify the process for developers to bring in housing and commended the work involved in the initiatives.
Mayor Daggett noted that some communities in Arizona did not permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Ms. Antol highlighted that many cities prohibited ADUs and emphasized the opportunity for Flagstaff to be an outstanding model.
There being no public comment, Mayor Daggett closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2024-37 by title only.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No. 2024-22 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Zoning Code Manager Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT SECTION 10-20.50.040 ZONING MAP AMENDMENT PROCESS
CITY’S PROPOSED ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
FINDINGS
RECOMMENDATION
Mayor Daggett raised a question about how items submitted during the summer break were handled and assumed internal discussions had taken place on the matter. Ms. Antol responded that the process would need to be determined.
There being no public comment, Mayor Daggett closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Resolution No. 2024-38 by title only.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Ms. Antol explained that the law went into effect regardless of Council action. If the city did not take action, a zoning request would still be approved by default, although it would not officially amend the zoning code. She clarified that while the Council was still required to go through the formal process, when local zoning regulations conflict with state law, the state law prevails.
Moved by Councilmember Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Ordinance No. 2024-23 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Zoning Code Manager Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT SECTION 10-40.60.030 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
HOUSE BILL 2720
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
FINDINGS
RECOMMENDATION
Councilmember Matthews raised concerns about equity, noting that not all residents could afford to build an ADU. Ms. Antol responded that it was a valid concern, particularly for individual homeowners working through a mortgage. She noted the importance of considering city incentives to support ADU development and mentioned discussions around offering model building plans to assist homeowners.
Councilmember Matthews added that while affordability was an issue, the ADU program being developed by the Sustainability Division may help reduce costs. She also emphasized that affordability concerns should not lead to eliminating the option entirely.
Councilmember McCarthy asked about the concern regarding the removal of parking requirements and whether that change was based on state legislation. Ms. Antol confirmed that it was, and the city did not have the authority to alter that provision.
Mayor Daggett expressed concern that the legislative changes took away elements the Council had strongly advocated for, especially related to short-term rentals (STRs). Ms. Antol clarified that while some state requirements override local controls, the provision requiring owner occupancy was still in place.
Councilmember Matthews emphasized that, regardless of Planning and Zoning Commission opinions or Council preferences, the amendment was mandated by state law, limiting local flexibility. Ms. Antol noted that the city did slightly diverge from state rules by maintaining an 800-square-foot cap.
Mary Norton, Vice Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission but speaking personally, expressed full support for ADUs and praised Flagstaff’s leadership. She acknowledged the benefits of pre-approved building plans but criticized the new state law for removing local oversight. She highlighted potential issues in historic districts and urged the Council to provide feedback to state representatives.
Tyler Denham spoke in favor of the ordinance, particularly the removal of parking requirements. He noted that the Regional Plan and 10-Year Housing Plan already called for revisiting such requirements. He referenced similar reforms in California, which led to a 10% increase in ADU construction, and suggested that the changes could significantly boost ADU production, especially in more restrictive cities.
There being no further public comment, Mayor Daggett closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2024-39 by title only.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Vice Mayor Austin Aslan to read Ordinance No. 2024-24 by title only for the first time.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Councilmember McCarthy asked whether the proposal, if implemented, would grant anyone outside the urban growth boundary access to city water and sewer services. Comprehensive Neighborhood Planning Manager Sara Dechter clarified that property owners outside the urban growth boundary could request service, but each request would still go through the city’s existing review process.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that retaining a city approval process made sense. Water Services Director Shannon Jones confirmed that the intention was to allow a clear but controlled process for such requests.
Mayor Daggett inquired whether the change would eliminate the need for a major plan amendment. Ms. Dechter responded that while it may remove the requirement for a major plan amendment, a minor plan amendment could still be necessary if the property use was changing.
Mayor Daggett also raised concerns about extending services outside corporate limits, particularly within or beyond the urban growth boundary. Mr. Clifton clarified that much of the urban growth boundary fell within city corporate limits. The proposal would allow, through a formal process, the extension of water and wastewater services beyond the urban growth boundary but still within city limits. Ms. Dechter added that any request outside the urban growth boundary would require review by the Water Commission and City Council.
Mayor Daggett asked about service maintenance responsibilities and whether additional charges would be imposed or included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Jones responded that if infrastructure was already in place, property owners or developers would be responsible for infrastructure extension costs. Ongoing maintenance would follow the same procedures as properties currently served within the system.
Mayor Daggett mentioned watching the Regional Planning meeting and noted limited opposition, though there were some questions regarding the urban growth boundary, corporate boundaries, and property taxes. Mr. Jones confirmed that those types of questions were expected and would be addressed as part of Council’s review process.
After discussion and upon agreement by three members of the Council, an item will be moved to a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
Paul Beier spoke in favor of the petition, highlighting Jack’s legacy and his contributions to the Flagstaff community.
Open Space Supervisor Robert Wallace noted that the group had consulted with Open Space staff, who would continue to advance the request through the appropriate process and return to the Council with a formal recommendation.
Mike Calacariv submitted a written comment in support of the request.
There was requisite Council support to advance the item to a future agenda for discussion.
Mayor Daggett shared that she had inquired about the pedestrian incidents as well and that a presentation from Engineering was being planned to discuss possible solutions.
Councilmember McCarthy acknowledged that it was the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter and wished him a happy birthday.
Councilmember Sweet reported participating in a large meeting and tour with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to discuss flood mitigation efforts. She also attended the ribbon cutting for the Inner Basin project and the Firefighter graduation ceremony. She thanked Joshua and the Police Department for their support in recovering her stolen bicycle, noting that officers went above and beyond their call of duty.
Mayor Daggett also attended the NRCS meeting and tour, stating that the progress on flood mitigation projects was impressive. She spoke at NAU’s “Lumberjack Thrives” alumni event and had a positive visit to Levitate Adventure Park. Additionally, she met with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness alongside Housing Director Sarah Darr. She praised Ms. Darr’s deep knowledge of housing policies and expressed appreciation for her leadership in housing discussions.
Mr. Clifton announced that the noise ordinance had been temporarily removed from the agenda to allow more time for thorough vetting and public input. It would return for Council consideration soon.
The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held October 1, 2024, adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ 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 October 1, 2024. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 16th day of December, 2025 | |
________________________________________ CITY CLERK |