CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025
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 March 11, 2025, to order at 3:02 p.m.
Mayor Daggett called the Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held March 11, 2025, to order at 3:02 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 VICE MAYOR SWEET COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE (Virtual) COUNCILMEMBER MATTHEWS (Virtual) COUNCILMEMBER SPENCE |
ABSENT: 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 Spence read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor read the Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Spence read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor 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.
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.
Dr. Coral Evans addressed Mayor and Council asking to develop the Shultz Parcel also known as the Sunflower Patch into affordable housing.
Lauren Hildebrand on behalf of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality addressed Mayor and Council on Rio de Flag plant, and presented a certificate to the facilities team for their hard work and dedication.
Lauren Hildebrand on behalf of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality addressed Mayor and Council on Rio de Flag plant, and presented a certificate to the facilities team for their hard work and dedication.
5.
Review of Draft Agenda for the March 18, 2025 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 and updates from PROSE and Economic Vitality
City Manager Greg Clifton briefly reviewed his report and covered the rotation of divisions that will be presenting information for updates.
PROSE Division Director Rebecca Sayers reviewed her recent PROSE monthly newsletters. She also reiterated these are available on the website for the public. She reviewed the December, January, and February newsletters highlighting division accomplishments and events.
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen reviewed her Council Update PowerPoint that covered the following:
COUNCIL UPDATE
AIRPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PARKING
BEAUTIFICATION/ARTS/SCIENCES
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
LIBRARY – CITY/COUNTY
TOURISM
THANK YOU
Vice Mayor Sweet thanked staff and commented on Ms. Sayers team with how proactive they were snow plowing for the recent storm.
PROSE Division Director Rebecca Sayers reviewed her recent PROSE monthly newsletters. She also reiterated these are available on the website for the public. She reviewed the December, January, and February newsletters highlighting division accomplishments and events.
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen reviewed her Council Update PowerPoint that covered the following:
COUNCIL UPDATE
AIRPORT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PARKING
BEAUTIFICATION/ARTS/SCIENCES
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
LIBRARY – CITY/COUNTY
TOURISM
THANK YOU
Vice Mayor Sweet thanked staff and commented on Ms. Sayers team with how proactive they were snow plowing for the recent storm.
7.
MetroPlan Vulnerable Road Users' Safety Action Plan Presentation
Metroplan Transportation Planner Mandia Gonzales provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
METROPLAN
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SAFETY ACTION PLAN
VRU + VISION ZERO
HOW WILL THIS PLAN BE USED
NATIONAL CONTEXT
LOCAL CRASH FINDINGS
LOCAL CRASH TRENDS
WHO IS IMPACTED
WHERE ARE VRU CRASHED HAPPENING
WHERE ARE THESE CRASHES HAPPENING
HOW HAVE WE USED WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
ACTION AREAS
RISK EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT PURPOSE
NEXT STEPS
Council discussed the following points:
Councilmember Spence stated his suggestion to mitigate accidents would be to re-stripe the road lines as often as needed to ensure they are visible.
Councilmember Garcia asked for clarification on the how the metrics will align with the overpass. Ms. Gonzales clarified that the data is showing current incidents, but they can take the data and dig deeper and analyze any risks with the overpass. She stated the Butler projects are designed with safety in mind, but stated they could provide more specific information in the future.
METROPLAN
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SAFETY ACTION PLAN
VRU + VISION ZERO
HOW WILL THIS PLAN BE USED
NATIONAL CONTEXT
LOCAL CRASH FINDINGS
LOCAL CRASH TRENDS
WHO IS IMPACTED
WHERE ARE VRU CRASHED HAPPENING
WHERE ARE THESE CRASHES HAPPENING
HOW HAVE WE USED WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
ACTION AREAS
RISK EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT PURPOSE
NEXT STEPS
Council discussed the following points:
Councilmember Spence stated his suggestion to mitigate accidents would be to re-stripe the road lines as often as needed to ensure they are visible.
Councilmember Garcia asked for clarification on the how the metrics will align with the overpass. Ms. Gonzales clarified that the data is showing current incidents, but they can take the data and dig deeper and analyze any risks with the overpass. She stated the Butler projects are designed with safety in mind, but stated they could provide more specific information in the future.
8.
Emergency Management Briefing - Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
Grants, Contracts and Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, Emergency Program Manager Daniel Kelly, Northeastern Division Manager for APS Joe Weathersby, Wildfire Mitigation Supervisor for APS Brian Kelley, Senior Public Affairs Manager for APS Janet Dean, Water Services Director Lee Williams, Fire Department Director Chief Gaillard, and Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:
2025 APS PUBLIC SAFETY SHUTOFF (PSPS) UPDATE
PSPS TEAM
2025 FIRE MITIGATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
OUR CURRENT PRACTICES ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND MULTI-FACETED
AI SMOKE DETECTION CAMERAS – 16 CURRENTLY INSTALLED AND REPORTING
PSPS LIFE CYCLE
WILDLIFE MITIGATION AND PSPS CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS
WE SEND ANNUAL WILDLIFE PREPAREDNESS MATERIAL TO OUR CUSTOMERS
WE’RE PROVIDING TARGETED EDUCATION TO PSPS IMPACTED COMMUNITIES
WE’RE INFORMING CUSTOMERS NOW ON WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT, HOW THEY CAN PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME AND SHARING PARTNER RECOURES
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP US KEEP CUSTOMERS UPDATED AND READY
CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
WATER SERVICES
FIRE
PUBLIC MESSAGING AND OUTREACH
PSPS TEAM
Council discussed the following points:
Councilmember Spence asked if the city is already in possession of the four generators and Mr. Williams confirmed the city does have them. Councilmember Spence also asked about measures to ensure residents reduce usage during an emergency and Mr. Daniel Kelly stated that Water Services Manager Erin Young would assist in any messaging requesting residents to slow usage.
Councilmember Garcia asked for clarification on what a hot spot in the equipment is. Mr. Kelley stated it is anything in the equipment that could potentially be a hazard or fire danger. He stated they typically happen in transformers or substations where equipment is being overpowered. He explained how the use of drones has been able to help identify equipment that is at risk or may need to be replaced before failure or end of life.
Councilmember Garcia asked about efforts to prevent fires, with a focus on hot spots and other safety measures. Mr. Weathersby mentioned preventing strikes or equipment contact with trees, specifically citing the equipment on Devil Dog Road designed to minimize tree strikes. The goal is to prevent issues rather than react to them.
Councilmember Garcia then asked about public communication and testing, to which the Mr. Weathersby responded that there are no plans for live testing or power shutdowns. He explained that partnerships and boots on the ground will assist with outreach, and Flagstaff's engaged community will continue learning from the public. Councilmember Garcia suggested using neighborhood associations for better communication.
Councilmember Garcia also inquired about the Sustainability Division's role in messaging. Ms. Dean mentioned that partnerships with Coconino Emergency Management include an emergency alert system, similar to Amber Alerts, and local media to keep people informed. Ms. Brechler-Knaggs added that their taskforce, including Ms. Langley, would also help spread messages, along with collaborations like resiliency hubs.
Vice Mayor Sweet noted the great and well thought out presentation and collaboration between APS and the City. She stated that she utilized the Vegetation Management Program and commended how proactive APS was in removing any fire hazards.
2025 APS PUBLIC SAFETY SHUTOFF (PSPS) UPDATE
PSPS TEAM
2025 FIRE MITIGATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
OUR CURRENT PRACTICES ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND MULTI-FACETED
AI SMOKE DETECTION CAMERAS – 16 CURRENTLY INSTALLED AND REPORTING
PSPS LIFE CYCLE
WILDLIFE MITIGATION AND PSPS CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS
WE SEND ANNUAL WILDLIFE PREPAREDNESS MATERIAL TO OUR CUSTOMERS
WE’RE PROVIDING TARGETED EDUCATION TO PSPS IMPACTED COMMUNITIES
WE’RE INFORMING CUSTOMERS NOW ON WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT, HOW THEY CAN PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME AND SHARING PARTNER RECOURES
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP US KEEP CUSTOMERS UPDATED AND READY
CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
WATER SERVICES
FIRE
PUBLIC MESSAGING AND OUTREACH
PSPS TEAM
Council discussed the following points:
Councilmember Spence asked if the city is already in possession of the four generators and Mr. Williams confirmed the city does have them. Councilmember Spence also asked about measures to ensure residents reduce usage during an emergency and Mr. Daniel Kelly stated that Water Services Manager Erin Young would assist in any messaging requesting residents to slow usage.
Councilmember Garcia asked for clarification on what a hot spot in the equipment is. Mr. Kelley stated it is anything in the equipment that could potentially be a hazard or fire danger. He stated they typically happen in transformers or substations where equipment is being overpowered. He explained how the use of drones has been able to help identify equipment that is at risk or may need to be replaced before failure or end of life.
Councilmember Garcia asked about efforts to prevent fires, with a focus on hot spots and other safety measures. Mr. Weathersby mentioned preventing strikes or equipment contact with trees, specifically citing the equipment on Devil Dog Road designed to minimize tree strikes. The goal is to prevent issues rather than react to them.
Councilmember Garcia then asked about public communication and testing, to which the Mr. Weathersby responded that there are no plans for live testing or power shutdowns. He explained that partnerships and boots on the ground will assist with outreach, and Flagstaff's engaged community will continue learning from the public. Councilmember Garcia suggested using neighborhood associations for better communication.
Councilmember Garcia also inquired about the Sustainability Division's role in messaging. Ms. Dean mentioned that partnerships with Coconino Emergency Management include an emergency alert system, similar to Amber Alerts, and local media to keep people informed. Ms. Brechler-Knaggs added that their taskforce, including Ms. Langley, would also help spread messages, along with collaborations like resiliency hubs.
Vice Mayor Sweet noted the great and well thought out presentation and collaboration between APS and the City. She stated that she utilized the Vegetation Management Program and commended how proactive APS was in removing any fire hazards.
9.
Discussion regarding possible sale of city property located at 116 E Butler Avenue to highest bidder.
Real Estate Manager Bryce Doty provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
116 E. BUTLER AVE LOT DISCUSSION
VICINITY MAP
FLOODZONE MAP
CITY DEVELOPMENT
PARCEL SWAP
SURVEY MAP
COTTAGES TO SWAP
PARKFLAG CONSIDERATIONS
SALE CONSIDERATIONS
PREVENTING ACCESS DEPICTION
OPTIONS
Council discussed the following points:
Councilmember House raised the idea of selling a burdensome property for affordable housing, asking for more details on previous work done to explore this option and how to potentially combine it with other possibilities. Mr. Doty responded that there were discussions with Habitat for Humanity about the lot, but it was near the time of Timber Sky. The conversation about the lot was put on hold due to challenges, with a focus shifting to Timber Sky. He stated the property might become more valuable after the Rio de Flag project is completed.
Councilmember Garcia asked if the City knew the value of resources currently being spent on this lot and what the potential value would be in the future to weigh the true cost of resource utilization versus future returns. Mr. Doty mentioned he would look into it but did not have current figures on the resources used for the property.
Councilmember Matthews expressed support for selling the property at a public auction, considering the uncertain timeline for the Rio de Flag project and the burden the property has caused. City Attorney Sterling Solomon clarified that they could move forward with the contingent proposal, but the details could change as new information emerges.
Mr. Clifton noted that there are some beginning phases of the Rio de Flag project happening south of the tracks, but construction would take a few more years.
Councilmember Spence suggested investing in it as a parking lot to buy time for affordable housing development.
Vice Mayor Sweet recalled a previous conversation with Habitat for Humanity about building homes on stilts in flood risk areas, with parking underneath. Mr. Doty confirmed conversations about such accommodations have happened but he was not present for those and does not know all the details.
Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene called for Assistant Housing Director Justyna Costa to provide input. Ms. Costa supported Mr. Doty's proposal to sell the property due to its size and flood risks unless mitigation efforts were completed.
Councilmember Garcia asked about the utility challenges, and Mr. Doty explained the need for infrastructure improvements on both alleyways.
Andrew Shouse, a property owner next door, spoke about the property's misuse by individuals, leading to thefts, and suggested the sale could support staff housing. He expressed interest in buying the property for affordable housing. Councilmember House asked Mr. Shouse on clarification on his intended use if he was the buyer. Mr. Shouse confirmed it would be temporary parking and then he would build affordable housing that would likely be available for his staff.
Mayor and Council supported the sale, with Councilmember House agreeing but wanting more information on how the sale could benefit affordable housing. Councilmember Matthews asked if they could ensure the sale would align with the goal of affordable housing, but Mr. Solomon confirmed it could not be guaranteed.
116 E. BUTLER AVE LOT DISCUSSION
VICINITY MAP
FLOODZONE MAP
CITY DEVELOPMENT
PARCEL SWAP
SURVEY MAP
COTTAGES TO SWAP
PARKFLAG CONSIDERATIONS
SALE CONSIDERATIONS
PREVENTING ACCESS DEPICTION
OPTIONS
Council discussed the following points:
Councilmember House raised the idea of selling a burdensome property for affordable housing, asking for more details on previous work done to explore this option and how to potentially combine it with other possibilities. Mr. Doty responded that there were discussions with Habitat for Humanity about the lot, but it was near the time of Timber Sky. The conversation about the lot was put on hold due to challenges, with a focus shifting to Timber Sky. He stated the property might become more valuable after the Rio de Flag project is completed.
Councilmember Garcia asked if the City knew the value of resources currently being spent on this lot and what the potential value would be in the future to weigh the true cost of resource utilization versus future returns. Mr. Doty mentioned he would look into it but did not have current figures on the resources used for the property.
Councilmember Matthews expressed support for selling the property at a public auction, considering the uncertain timeline for the Rio de Flag project and the burden the property has caused. City Attorney Sterling Solomon clarified that they could move forward with the contingent proposal, but the details could change as new information emerges.
Mr. Clifton noted that there are some beginning phases of the Rio de Flag project happening south of the tracks, but construction would take a few more years.
Councilmember Spence suggested investing in it as a parking lot to buy time for affordable housing development.
Vice Mayor Sweet recalled a previous conversation with Habitat for Humanity about building homes on stilts in flood risk areas, with parking underneath. Mr. Doty confirmed conversations about such accommodations have happened but he was not present for those and does not know all the details.
Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene called for Assistant Housing Director Justyna Costa to provide input. Ms. Costa supported Mr. Doty's proposal to sell the property due to its size and flood risks unless mitigation efforts were completed.
Councilmember Garcia asked about the utility challenges, and Mr. Doty explained the need for infrastructure improvements on both alleyways.
Andrew Shouse, a property owner next door, spoke about the property's misuse by individuals, leading to thefts, and suggested the sale could support staff housing. He expressed interest in buying the property for affordable housing. Councilmember House asked Mr. Shouse on clarification on his intended use if he was the buyer. Mr. Shouse confirmed it would be temporary parking and then he would build affordable housing that would likely be available for his staff.
Mayor and Council supported the sale, with Councilmember House agreeing but wanting more information on how the sale could benefit affordable housing. Councilmember Matthews asked if they could ensure the sale would align with the goal of affordable housing, but Mr. Solomon confirmed it could not be guaranteed.
10.
Open Call to the Public
None.
11.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Matthews stated her, and Councilmember House were in Washington DC at the National League of Cities Conference where they have learned about creative solutions other municipalities have utilized to try and overcome challenges they have been faced with.
Councilmember Garcia stated he attended the Coconino Center of the Arts Youth Exhibit and encouraged everyone to attend through March. He also attended the virtual training with the League of Cities and Towns and later this week is attending the Market of Dreams.
Vice Mayor Sweet highlighted recent recipients of the environmentalist excellence awards.
Mayor Daggett stated she read to Kindergarteners at Thomas Elementary for Read Across America last week. She also met with the new elected Associated Students from Northern Arizona University. She also met with the Executive Director Mark Cox of the Boys and Girls Club about future programming to help with youth in the community that do not have access to any programming.
Councilmember Garcia stated he attended the Coconino Center of the Arts Youth Exhibit and encouraged everyone to attend through March. He also attended the virtual training with the League of Cities and Towns and later this week is attending the Market of Dreams.
Vice Mayor Sweet highlighted recent recipients of the environmentalist excellence awards.
Mayor Daggett stated she read to Kindergarteners at Thomas Elementary for Read Across America last week. She also met with the new elected Associated Students from Northern Arizona University. She also met with the Executive Director Mark Cox of the Boys and Girls Club about future programming to help with youth in the community that do not have access to any programming.
12.
Adjournment
The meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held March 11, 2025, adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
_____________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_____________________________________ CITY CLERK |