Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon.

Katie Seals addressed Council and stated that she was a former Ameri Corp member, she shared that there is an upcoming watershed cleanup series in various sections of the Rio de Flag. She stressed the importance of community involvement and the clean-up. 

John Conley addressed Council and stated that many businesses in the community use tax revenue reports online to anticipate trends and make decisions. He stated the data has not been updated since February on the website and requests more timely reports.

Gwendolyn Waring addressed Council and is requesting a conversation on immigration that was proposed previously by Councilmember Spence as a F.A.I.R item a few months ago that did not receive support to move forward. She would like Council and the Police Department to get ahead of this conversation. She also noted that the speed limit on the Cedar hill should be reduced and that the bulk trash pick up should go back to monthly during fire session. 

Flagstaff Christian School and Basis Robotics teams addressed Council regarding the need for practice space. The group reiterated they only need space from August to February and would like to be considered for the Montavlo center once it is open. 

Matthew Dyer addressed Council regarding parking near southside community for business owners. He stated the current employee parking is far and street parking is not heavily used during the week. He stated that he has spoken to other business owners and the group would be willing to pay for a pass which would help offset the potential ticket amount the city would get.

Mayor Daggett read and presented the Proclamation. 

None

Economic Development Administrator Creag Znetko provided a brief history of Moonshot and President and CEO of Moonshot Scott Hathcock and Director of Operations Angela Hamby provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:

MOONSHOT FLAGSTAFF CAMPUS 2024-2025 UPDATE
2024 YEAR END REPORT
2024 LOCAL IMPACT
CURRENT COMBINED OCCUPANCY
ANGELA HAMBY
ARIZONA VENTURE ALLIANCE
$2.2 MILLION DOLLAR GRANT WINNER
BUDGET & CONTRACT
NEW WEBSITE
MOONSHOT SUMMER LAUNCH PARTY
ENTER TO COMPETE TO WIN CASH PRIZES
THE SHOEMAKER AWARDS
AZ TECH WEEK 2026
THANK YOU

Mayor Daggett inquired about how to better involve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students in the innovation and entrepreneurship activities occurring on McMillan Mesa. Mr. Hathcock responded that while most of the space is already occupied, there are still potential opportunities to accommodate or engage students.

Vice Mayor Sweet asked for more detail about the businesses currently located on the Mesa. Mr. Hathcock explained that one of the major successes has been Catalyst, a startup from Prescott that relocated to Flagstaff, aided by local funding support. Ms. Hamby added that Catalyst has grown significantly, expanding from 4 to 20 employees within a year. She highlighted that Catalyst is working on advanced space technology, including efforts to eliminate space junk from satellites.

Community Investment Director David McIntire elaborated on Catalyst’s innovations, explaining that the company specializes in retrofitting satellites by delivering new modules that upgrade existing hardware and software, allowing satellites to be reused instead of discarded. This innovation extends the life of satellites and incorporates AI to optimize data transmission from space to Earth.

Mr. Hathcock also mentioned Dash Electric, another company based at Moonshot, which has brought in additional businesses. He noted that all the companies and their offerings are listed on the Moonshot website.

Councilmember Garcia raised the question of whether creative or artistic projects could be supported at Moonshot. Mr. Hathcock explained that leasing requirements are currently tied to sectors such as biotech, digital technology, tourism, and astronomy, as established when the building was funded. Any deviation would require approval from the Economic Development Administration. However, due to a grant from the Arizona Commerce Authority, participants in events such as pitch competitions can be connected to community resources, training, and collaborations, regardless of sector.

Mr. McIntire announced a Green Business Bootcamp scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2025 at the campus. When the Mayor asked about age restrictions for participation, Mr. Hathcock confirmed that people of all ages are welcome, though those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent if any contract is to be signed.

Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen introduced the lightshow and staff working on the project. Parks and Recreation Supervisor Haley Reynolds and Marketing and Media Relations Manager Lori Pappas  provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:

4TH OF JULY DRONE SHOW
INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
TRAFFIC CONTROL
MAP
MARKETING

Councilmember Aslan expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of some of the designated viewing areas and asked if they had been properly verified. Ms. Reynolds responded that a vendor confirmed the line of sight from each area, ensuring that the views are at least 400 feet above the highest point.

Councilmember Garcia raised concerns about the visibility and awareness of the FUTs trails near McMillan and Ponderosa, suggesting that many people may not know about these alternate viewing spots. Ms. Reynolds said they would consider assigning staff to help guide the public to these less obvious access points.

Councilmember Spence asked whether laying on a blanket along the FUTS trails would be allowed. Ms. Reynolds confirmed it is, as long as people do not set up large obstacles like rows of chairs that could interfere with trail users like cyclists. Councilmember Spence added that he anticipated people carrying chairs and blankets to grassy areas near Cedar and Buffalo Park, to which Ms. Hansen responded that clear messaging would be provided to ensure the public knows what is allowed and how to safely enjoy the experience.

Vice Mayor Sweet asked if the listed partner sites would include amenities such as restrooms or food and drink. Ms. Reynolds clarified that these sites are strictly for viewing, though Ms. Hansen said if anyone wanted to provide those services, the city could help with marketing.

QUESTIONS AND THANK YOU

Mayor Daggett commended the Economic Vitality and Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Divisions for their consistent good work and expressed anticipation for the upcoming event.

Ms. Hansen added that there will be a debrief after the event since it is the first year it is being held. She encouraged everyone to share any feedback or observations to help improve future events and emphasized openness to all suggestions.
 

Housing Program Manager Adriana Fisher provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:

2025-2026 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
AGENDA
10-YEAR HOUSING PLAN REFRESHER
CREATION TIMELINE
FRAMEWORK
OVERARCHING GOAL PROGRESS
STRATEGY PROGESS
COMPLETED FY 2024-2025 STRATEGIES
2025-2026 IMPLEMNTAITON PLAN
STRATEGIES LISTED
STRATEGY PRIOIRTIZATION
2025-2026 STRATEGIES
2024-2025 STATEGIES IN PROGRESS
2023-2024 STATEGIES IN PROGRESS
ONGOING STRATEGIES
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Councilmember Matthews raised questions about the Create 3.2 fund for land acquisition, noting the initial $500,000 bond funding may not go far and asked how it will be built upon. Ms. Fisher responded that they are currently exploring options and will need to have further discussions with Finance. Housing Director Sarah Darr added that she has already spoken with Management Services Director Rick Tadder about preparing a presentation in the fall on potential funding sources, so the Council will have information ahead of budget season.

Councilmember Matthews also asked about including an incentive fund for middle housing and workforce housing. Ms. Darr confirmed it is part of the current housing strategy and that options are being evaluated through the Land Availability and Suitability Study.

Councilmember Garcia highlighted the significant efforts from Housing staff and noted the city is doing everything within its limited jurisdiction, especially regarding issues like short-term rentals.

Mayor Daggett expressed concern about helping low-income and elderly residents maintain and improve their homes, particularly in light of state funding restrictions. Ms. Darr explained that past rehab programs had challenges, including strict requirements and difficulty finding contractors willing to take on small projects. She noted that larger communities tend to have more success and that they are exploring workforce development solutions.

Mayor Daggett inquired about contractor requirements and workforce development. Ms. Darr confirmed that contractors must be licensed and bonded. She added that although they would like to foster more local businesses to do this work, limited funding and low project volume (only six–eight rehabs last year) present challenges. They are considering community-based solutions rather than relying solely on partners like NACOG.

Mayor Daggett asked about potential legal issues, such as the state’s gift clause. Ms. Darr and City Attorney Mr. Solomon clarified that most of the funding structures, such as repayable loans, typically avoid gift clause issues. Mr. Solomon added that the community benefit provided by these programs helps ensure compliance. Mayor Daggett recalled a prior discussion where gift clause concerns were raised, and Ms. Darr acknowledged that a specific proposal may have triggered that concern, but it was not the general case.

Police Chief Sean Connolly, Deputy Chief Collin Seay, and Deputy Chief Charles Hernandez provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:

2025 CRIME REDUCTION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHERE ARE WE NOW
CRIME REDUCTION GUIDING PRINCIPALS
CURRENT CRIME TRENDS
TRAFFIC SAFETY DATA
FLAGSTAFF OVERDOSE INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE 
HOT SPOT FOR MAPPING
COMPSTAT ACCOUNTABILITY

Mayor Daggett asked when the public could expect access to crime data. Deputy Chief Seay responded that while a yearly report is currently published, they aim to begin releasing quarterly crime reports in the near future to provide more timely updates.

DEPARTMENT UNIT WORK ROLES
CRIME SUPPRESSION UNIT
TRAFFIC UNIT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
METRO NARCOTICS
NORTHSTAR ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASKFORCE
EMERGENCY SERVICES RESPONSE TEAM
GIITEM STATE GANG TASK FORCE

Councilmember Matthews emphasized the importance of supporting detox centers and highlighted the county's efforts to expunge drug-related warrants due to legal changes. Chief Connolly explained that law enforcement is actively working with the courts to review and dismiss outdated warrants and stressed the importance of building trust to encourage community participation. He noted that they are reviewing thousands of records and committed to transparency and collaboration.

Councilmember Aslan shared his experience with the "Ceasefire" initiative in Sacramento, a data-driven, community-involved approach to violence reduction, and encouraged similar transparency and community engagement in Flagstaff. Chief Connolly responded with support, noting that elements of the "Call-In" model could be effectively implemented locally. He described the department’s shift toward violence interruption and behavioral health responses, including working on cleaning up and rebuilding their data systems to create a live public dashboard. He also mentioned the value of restorative justice and highlighted the department's work to reduce call volume through mental health deflection strategies.

Mr. Clifton expressed support for the police department’s efforts, especially regarding overdose and anti-human trafficking work. He emphasized the need to focus on downtown safety, a key economic driver. Deputy Chief Seay confirmed that a new squad and sergeant are now assigned to downtown, and early signs show some reduction in violent crime. However, they are monitoring an increase in public intoxication and adjusting enforcement accordingly.

Chief Connolly said they are watching downtown closely and engaging with local businesses. He acknowledged that a small number of individuals are responsible for much of the repeat crime and stressed the importance of strategic prosecution. Vice Mayor Sweet noted the yearly uptick in downtown issues and called for earlier planning and intervention to reduce summer crime impacts. She praised the Mobile Haven project and officer dedication.

Councilmember Garcia commended the transparency and data clarity, stating this is the most forthright communication from police in nearly two decades. He appreciated the focus on behaviors rather than demographics and expressed hope for positive community change. He also asked how police roles might evolve as community violence declines. Chief Connolly concluded with a commitment to continuous improvement, saying there is “no finish line” in public safety work, and their role will evolve with community needs.

The meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 10, 2025, adjourned at 6:09  p.m.

 

Mr. Solomon introduced the item and reiterated the staff recommendation to approve what was directed in the previous Executive Session on the topic. 

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet direct staff to follow City Council instruction and direction given in executive session.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

None

Councilmember Spence shared that he had the privilege of celebrating with Purina for their 50 years of operation in Flagstaff. It was a great event that included families and public officials. He also participated in a tour of the inner basin and waterline project.

Vice Mayor Sweet stated that the Timber Sky Habitat for Humanity starter home ceremony was later that week. Seeing the progress and the people who won the lottery to win the homes is exciting. She encourages everyone to come out and celebrate. She also attended the Waterline tour and expressed appreciation for all the work. Lastly, she shared that should would be attending the LASS/CAP community meeting that week.

Councilmember Garcia thanked Executive Assistant to City Council Tiffany Snider for arranging a visit to St. Joseph’s Youth Camp at Mormon Lake. He highlighted its long history since 1949 as a non-denominational nonprofit offering youth outdoor experiences focused on leadership, friendship, and community. He shared being impressed by the campers’ leadership. He also attended the ribbon cutting and dedication of Edith’s Kitchen at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, honoring Edith’s legacy and made possible through contributions from community members and the Church of Latter-day Saints. He shared community events that he would be participating in which included the grand opening of Cleo Murdoch Neighborhood Park, the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association meeting, the Moonshot Campus Green Business Boot Camp graduation, a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, and a volunteer day at Hal Jensen’s Community Garden.

Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene reminded Council and the public about the community meet and greet for the Human Resources/Risk Management Director.

The special meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held June 10, 2025, adjourned at 6:19  p.m.