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Minutes for City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 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 25, 2025, to order at 3:10 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.
PRESENT:

MAYOR DAGGETT
VICE MAYOR SWEET
COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN
COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA
COUNCILMEMBER HOUSE (Virtually) Joined at 5:45 p. m.
COUNCILMEMBER MATTHEWS (Virtually)
COUNCILMEMBER SPENCE
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 Garcia read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Vice Mayor Sweet 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.
Richard O’Keeffe submitted written comments in regard to road signage changing and requests more information on why it changed.
 
Rose Cope addressed Mayor and Council about the High-Altitude Roller Derby team and its positive impact on women and the community. She expressed concerned about losing practice space and requested an indoor sports facility for multiuse recreational activities.
 
Wilma Ennensen addressed Mayor and Council regarding proposed sales of trust lands that have been designated as Open Spaces. She states these areas are near homes and she also raised concerns of the FUTs Trails in the areas.
 
5.
PROCLAMATIONS
 
A.
Proclamation: Week of the Young Child
Mayor Daggett read the proclamation.
 
6.
Review of Draft Agenda for the April 1, 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.
 
7.
March Work Anniversaries
Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson highlighted those employees who have work anniversaries in March.
 
8.
City Manager Report
City Manager Greg Clifton briefly reviewed his report and covered the rotation of divisions that will be presenting information for updates. The divisions for this Council meeting include the Sustainability Division and the Human Resources and Risk Management Division.
 
Climate Section Director Jenny Niemann and Sustainability Manager Steven Thompson. reviewed their PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
SUSTAINABILITY DIVISION SEMI ANNUAL UPDATE
AGENDA
SUSTAINABILITY DIVISION OVERVIEW
OUR VISION
ENGAGEMENT
OUTREACH
PRIORITY BASED BUDGETING
CLIMATE SECTION
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) MODEL PLANS LIBRARY DESIGN CONTEST
ADU MODEL PLANS: DESIGN STANDARDS
ADU MODEL PLANS: HIGHLIGHTS
TEASER ALERT ADU MODEL PLANS
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
LOOKING AHEAD
NEIGHBORHOOD ENGAGEMENT & VOLUNTEER SERVICES
FOOD SYSTEMS
WASTE PREVENTION
COMMUNITY STEWARDS
VOLUNTEERISM
LOOKING AHEAD
THANK YOU
 
Human Resources Deputy Director Jen Caputo, Human Resources Manager Sarah Sorne, and Human Resources Manager Sheila Ryan, Interim Risk Manager Karen Capps reviewed their Council Update PowerPoint that covered the following:
 
HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE
HR/RM TEAM AND REMODEL
RECRUITMENT DATA
COMPENSATION: MARKET REVIEWS
NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION
COF LIABILITY INCIDENTS BY CY
COF COLLISIONS BY CY
COF EMPLOYEE INCIDENT BY CY
RECOVERY
UPCOMING RM ACTIVITY
 
9.
Discussion on Project to Redesign City Logo and City Seal
Special Projects Manager Chris Rhode, NAU School of Communications Professor and Director and Founder of Visual Design Lab Patricia Murphy, and NAU students Adrian Chavez, Karen Javalera Morales, Anna Kellar, Sophia Gonzalez, Kyra Jeanna Gouge, and Rebekah Overfelt provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:
 
FLAGSTAFF CITY LOGO REDESIGN
BACKGROUND-HOW WE GOT HERE
BACKGROUND-CURRENT CITY SEAL
BACKGROUND-CURRENT CITY LOGO
PROJECT OVERVIEW-WORKING GROUP
PROJECT OVERVIEW-COST OF REDESIGN
PROJECT OVERVIEW-PUBLIC OUTREACH – FALL 2024
PROJECT OVERVIEW-PUBLIC OUTREACH – WINTER 2024/25
VISUAL DESIGN LAB
CITY OF FLAGSTAFF
DESIGN TEAM
ORIGINAL DESIGN
OBJECTIVE
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
PUBLIC INPUT
SURVEY CONCEPTS
LOGO 1
LOGO 1 CONCEPT
LOGO 2
LOGO 2 CONCEPT
SEAL REDESIGN
ORIGINAL DESIGN
SEAL REDESIGN
LOGO 2 CONCEPT
THANK YOU

Council discussed the following points:
 
Vice Mayor Sweet expressed a preference for keeping the current logo, particularly the elk, but acknowledged the need for change.
 
Councilmember Aslan thanked the team for their collaborative efforts and expressed support for the green logo, appreciating the inclusion of the compass and Indigenous elements. However, he suggested modifying the stars to represent Pluto.
 
Councilmember Matthews appreciated the work but was disappointed that the flag was excluded from the logo, especially since Flagstaff's identity is tied to it. She raised concerns about the costs of adopting a new logo but was unsure about the necessity of the change.
 
Councilmember Garcia shared his attachment to the current seal, feeling it represents Flagstaff's identity. He criticized the new logos for being too generic and the elk looking "dejected" in the new design. He also felt that the community was not given enough design choices and feared the change could result in a loss of identity.
 
Mayor Daggett thanked the team and expressed appreciation for the cleaner version of the seal, as she felt the original seal was too busy. She inquired about the preferred logo from the design groups and asked about the next steps. Mr. Rhode stated that the working group members have diverse backgrounds that was capturing different points of views but other groups in the community were not engaged. He stated that the meeting this evening was a discussion about the choices and that the ordinance to adopt the logo would be brought back next month if approved.
 
Charity Lee addressed Mayor and Council and supported maintaining the current logo, aligning with Councilmember Garcia’s sentiments.
 
Vice Mayor Sweet suggested possibly combining elements from both logos to update the existing seal, but Mr. Rhode explained that this would not be feasible with the current team.
 
Councilmember Garcia asked Councilmember Aslan his intention when bringing this forward. Councilmember Aslan stated that over the last few decades many companies and organizations have been redesigning their seals and logos but understands the conversations can be complicated.
 
Councilmember Spence emphasized that the flag and the elk should remain in the logo to honor the city’s history and legends.
 
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen proposed tabling the decision to gather more community and staff input.
 
Councilmember Matthews expressed disappointment that the decision was being rushed, suggesting the matter be tabled to allow for more community and staff feedback.
 
Mayor Daggett clarified that the students have been working on this for two semesters and Ms. Murphy confirmed that and shared that the new logo was created with simplicity and visibility in mind, making it more effective for modern uses such as banners and signage. She stated her appreciation for the opportunity to work with the city and the feedback their team received.
 
Majority of Council agreed to table this discussion for now.
 
Council took a break from 5:30 p.m. through 5:40 p.m.
 
10.
Middle Housing Zoning Code Text Amendment (allowing duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes in any zone that permits single-family dwellings) as required by HB 2721.
Zoning Code Manager Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
 
MIDDLE HOUSING ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
HB2721-MIDDLE HOUSING
TOWNHOUSE (SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED)
DUPLEX
TRIPLE/FOURPLEX
MIDDLE HOUSING ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES – ZONING REGULATIONS
MIDDLE HOUSING ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
QUESTIONS?
HB2721-MIDDLE HOUSING
 
Council discussed the following points:
 
Mayor Daggett asked for input from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) regarding zoning and development changes. Ms. Antol explained that the R1 zone is a special zone that applies to historic neighborhoods, and while zoning could be more uniform, flexibility might be needed for areas like Flagstaff.
 
Councilmember Spence inquired about the state legislature's motivations behind passing the law encouraging cities to adopt more flexible zoning for middle housing. Ms. Antol speculated that the law aims to reduce zoning restrictions and increase housing options to address housing shortages.
 
Councilmember Garcia raised concerns about the scope of zoning changes, and states that more housing options does not appear to mean affordable in his experience. Ms. Antol clarified that the direction for the evening could involve applying changes citywide or targeting specific areas and emphasized that middle housing is seen as a potential solution for affordable housing.
 
Councilmember Aslan inquired about the potential impacts on short-term rentals (STRs), and Ms. Antol clarified that multi-family developments with three or more units cannot be used as STRs, though enforcement is an ongoing challenge.
 
Councilmember Spence asked about the potential for exemption from Proposition 207 claims, and Ms. Antol noted that additional rights granted through the changes would likely reduce the risk of such claims.
 
Public Commenters in support for a city-wide amendment:
  • Tyler Denham
  • Jean Christy
  • Taylor Cerchie
  • Jill Stephenson
  • Ace Overman
  • David Hayward
  • Shari Perelta
  • Enoque Costa
  • Charity Lee
Comments included:
  • Making Flagstaff more livable and walkable
  • Providing Middle Housing in more areas
  • Concerns of open/green spaces
  • Aligning with the Regional Plan
  • Supporting city-wide application of the code amendment
Public Commenters that do not support the amendment:
  • Michele James from Friends of Flagstaff (F3) submitted written comments that Flagstaff needs to create its own codes and she provided several suggestions and stated Portland, Oregon would be an example to guide new code amendments.
Enoque Costa and Shari Peralta submitted written comments in support of allowing missing middle housing citywide.
 
Councilmember House stated her excitement for this project. She acknowledged the need to balance increased housing with maintaining community characteristics.
 
Mayor Daggett asked Councilmember House to relay any information from the Housing Commission. Councilmember House stated that Mr. Denham’s statements echo much of what the Housing Commission has stated. She stated that the Housing Commission would like to see codes that adopted but are adaptable to address the Housing Emergency. She stated they also have discussed the affordability aspects as well.
 
Councilmember Garcia asked whether smaller lot sizes were considered, to which Ms. Antol responded that while smaller lots were not specifically addressed in the code amendment, the Land Availability and Suitability Study (LASS CAP) project would focus on updating those elements. Councilmember Garcia also questioned the applicability of these changes in rural residential areas, to which Ms. Antol confirmed that zoning changes would focus on areas with water and sewer infrastructure. She stated that the City already allows multi-family developments but it does not allow for Triplex/Fourplexes
 
Councilmember Aslan expressed concerns about unintended consequences, including impacts on HOA rules and the importance of careful engagement with various community groups. Ms. Antol stated that HOAs and CCRs would supersede code amendments, she stated if an HOA does not allow for rentals in an area the owner would still need to follow those rules.
 
Vice Mayor Sweet supported moving forward with citywide changes while preserving historic neighborhoods.
 
Mayor Daggett clarified that parking requirements would be addressed in the ongoing LASS CAP project, and Ms. Antol confirmed that the state statute limits parking requirements to one spot per unit, but the wider parking issue is being addressed in the bigger LASS CAP project.
 
Council supports a city wide amendment.
 
11.
Open Call to the Public
None.
 
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Spence stated that the Open Spaces Commission will be bringing forth useful improvements to Council soon. He stated that the Transportation Commission recently met and acknowledges the great updates and support from the two advisory committees.
 
Vice Mayor Sweet stated that she attended the Fire Truck Push Event and the Wet Down Ceremony. She stated she attended the Congress to Campus at NAU with two past Congressmen there. She stated she appreciates Chief Connolly’s efforts on creating a guide for downtown business owners. She also stated that she attended a recent ribbon cutting for new public art with the Mayor.
 
Councilmember Aslan is requesting more information about a recreational multi use facility. He stated he is not requesting a FAIR regarding just Roller Derby but would like an update on practice spaces for recreational teams.
 
Councilmember Garcia stated there was a crater that needs to be filled near the shopping center on 4th Street and Cedar. He also stated that the residents around Empire road are concerned about the road and lack of safety measures for kids. He requests a potential Traffic Impact Study. He stated multiple events this coming week: the Library Board meeting, the Market of Dreams event , and a First Responders Challenge at the mall. He stated that he spoke to NAU students and discussed leadership in the government and open mindedness in public meetings.
 
Mayor Daggett stated she recently attended a community breakfast with speakers. She spoke of the ribbon cutting for the APS electrical box near Sinagua. She stated there is a local call for artists and grant applications are currently open on the website. She stated that the Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living and ECONA are meeting alter this week.
 
13.
Adjournment
The meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held March 25, 2025, adjourned at 7:08  p.m.
   
 

_____________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
 
 

_____________________________________
CITY CLERK