TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held July 1, 2025, to order at 3:03 p.m.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
| NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance through other technological means. |
- Present:
-
- Mayor Becky Daggett
- Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet
- Councilmember Austin Aslan
- Councilmember Anthony Garcia
- Councilmember Khara House
- Councilmember Lori Matthews
- Councilmember David Spence
- Staff:
- City Manager Greg Clifton; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Garcia read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Councilmember House read the Land Acknowledgement.
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.
Casey Gonzales, on behalf of the United Flagstaff Fire Fighters Local 1505, addressed Council to thank City Manager Greg Clifton for his support of the Flagstaff Fire Department, highlighting the positive impact on public safety and the department's competitiveness within the state.
Sustainability Specialist for Fire Noah Baker addressed Council and provided an update on the pine needle drop off project, detailing the success in the Country Club area and the ongoing efforts in Boulder Point.
Marnie Babbitt-Pierce addressed Council to announce that Northern Arizona Healthcare received the Healthy Arizona Worksite Gold Award from the Arizona Department of Health. She highlighted the comprehensive wellness programs at Northern Arizona Healthcare, which focused on physical, mental, and financial health.
Andy Fernandez addressed Council about the safety of crosswalks. He suggested improvements to the current system.
Councilmember House highlighted a presentation from Wildland Fire Captain Neil Chapman on the Flagstaff Fire Department's Wildland Fire Management Program, which received positive feedback. The commission also received an update on the bond-funded home buyer assistance program. She noted that the Commission on Diversity Awareness did not meet in June.
Vice Mayor Sweet reported that she attended the NACOG meeting where they discussed their different programs and how various funding cuts were going to affect them. She shared that she was nominated and appointed to the NACOG executive board which she was excited about. She also attended a ribbon cutting for a new sculpture located at Francis Short Pond and encouraged everyone to go see it.
Councilmember Aslan shared that he attended the International US Tourism conference in Chicago with the Discover Flagstaff team. The Tourism Commission met and received a variety of local updates and reports. They discussed the Fourth of July drone show event.
Councilmember Garcia reported that he attended the Rural Groundwater Resilience Workshop, where he learned about the state of groundwater in the Coconino Plateau region. The Library Board met and discussed the city’s anti-bullying policy. He shared information about the variety of things the Library had to offer including different equipment someone could check out and the cultural passes that were available for many different places in Flagstaff and Arizona.
Mayor Daggett stated that the Housing Authority Board met and discussed housing vouchers. The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living also met to discuss accessible trails in Flagstaff and code compliance.
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 Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to appoint Stephen Parsons to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to appoint Camile Diab to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to appoint Lisa Lamberson to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Mayor Becky Daggett, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to appoint Brandon Cruickshank to the Transportation Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to appoint Joseph Koenig to the Transportation Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to appoint Matt Mitchell to the Transportation Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to appoint Michele James to the Mountain Line Board.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to appoint Brendan Trachsel to the Mountain Line Board as an alternate.
Vote: 7 - 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 David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
- Approve the Cooperative Purchase Contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for OpenGov Asset Management and Work Order Software in the amount of $102,044.07; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Award the contract to J. Banicki Construction for Rio de Flag channel maintenance in the Cheshire neighborhood for the amount of $463,886.50; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Approve the Construction Contract with B4 Enterprises Inc in the amount of $2,921,628.25 and a contract duration of 180 calendar days;
- Approve a contract allowance of $146,081.41, which is 5% of the lowest responsive bid;
- Approve Change Order Authority to the City Manager in the amount of $146,081.41 which is 5% of the lowest responsive bid; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- Approve the Engineering Professional Services Change Order #5 to WSP USA, Inc. (WSP) in the amount of $511,193.00;
- Approve the time extension of 180 calendar days; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Approve the Assignment of Development Agreement.
Approve the purchase and execution of a professional services contract with PFM Group Consulting LLC in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to conduct a comprehensive staffing assessment of the Flagstaff Police Department.
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to adopt Resolution No. 2025-32.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to read Ordinance No. 2025-12 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-12.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to read Ordinance No. 2025-13 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-13.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
J.W. POWELL BLVD ENGINEERING DESIGN CHANGE ORDER 7
JWP EXTENSION
KEY STAKEHOLDERS
JWP ENGINEERING DESIGN
PROJECT TEAM
PREVIOUS CHANGE ORDERS
CHANGE ORDER 7
Councilmember Matthews asked if the change order would complete the design phase and move into the construction phase. Mr. Pedersen noted that the change order did not cover construction but there would likely be some overlap with the construction phase.
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve Change Order Number 7 with Peak Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $1,044,595.00, add 1,096 calendar days to the design services contract, and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
WILDCAT INTERCEPTOR UPSIZING
CMAR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AGREEMENT PHASE 1 – GMP 1
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT BACKGROUND
SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM CAPACITY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
PROJECT SCOPE
COST AND SCHEDULE
Councilmember Spence asked about the possibility of upsizing the boring capacity to support the future Red Gap Ranch pipeline. Water Services Director Lee Williams explained that the Red Gap Ranch pipeline would diverge from the I-40 corridor near Cosnino, and it would not interact with the interceptor pipeline.
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve the CMAR Construction Phase Services Agreement with Eagle Mountain Construction, Inc. (EMC) in a total amount of $5,374,180.00 for Phase 1 - GMP 1 to initiate construction of the Wildcat Interceptor Sewer Upsizing Project (Project), approve an Owner's Contingency of $131,077.58, which is approximately 2.5% of Phase 1 - GMP 1, and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Councilmember Garcia asked if and how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could work with the Flagstaff Police Department as part of the operations related to the narcotics unit. Deputy Chief Hernandez explained that in his experience there had not been any direct relationship, enforcement actions, or activities with ICE. Those matters came after an arrest through the justice system. They did not have any interaction with any enforcement or removal orders and that would apply to the grant. The grant helped address drug sale, use, and trafficking of drugs within the community.
Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2025-38 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2025-38.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to read Resolution No. 2025-39 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2025-39.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2025-40 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2025-40.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Resolution No. 2025-41 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to adopt Resolution No. 2025-41.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
The second request came from Councilmember Garcia on behalf of the Market of Dreams, a nonprofit small business incubator. The group had built much of its new site through volunteer labor and now needed additional funds for critical finishing touches like outdoor lighting and safety improvements. Councilmember Garcia proposed a $3,500 contribution. Several Councilmembers acknowledged the organization’s impact and indicated support.
Following discussion Council supported $10,000 for NAU Marching Band and $3,500 for the Market of Dreams.
Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to approve the use of the Council Initiative fund to support NAU Marching band in the amount of $10,000 and the Market of Dreams in the amount of $3,500.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
NEIGHBORHOOD SUSTAINABILITY GRANT FY24 REPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS
BUSHMASTER PARK COMMUNITY FRUIT ORCHARD
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
HOSPICE HOME OLIVIA WHITE GARDEN EXPANSION
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMMUNITY GARDEN EXPANSION
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
GARDENER’S MARKET
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FARM TO FOOD CENTER
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FOREST GARDEN FORET
PEACEFULL VALLEY PERMACULTURE
HEALTHY SOILS AND THRIVING GARDENS PROJECT
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FAT C.A.T.S
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
KITCHEN COMPOSTING PROGRAM
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
REDUCING WASTE, CREATING VALUE, SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING
PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY FRIDGES
FLAGSTAFF SHELTER SERVICES’ BIKE PROGRAM
NSG DISCOVERY STROLL: PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABILITY
CURRENT GRANT PROJECTS (FY24-25)
Councilmember Matthews expressed support for the city's efforts and highlighted the positive impact of various individual projects. She shared concern about the complexity of the grant application process, noting that when she had applied a few years ago, it felt as demanding as applying for a much larger grant. She asked whether the application process had been streamlined since then.
Ms. Hatton stated that they had heard similar feedback, and the Sustainability Commission had a working group that had been working to update and simplify the application process. She also noted that they were using the Connect Flagstaff platform and hoped that it would also simplify things and make them cleaner.
Councilmember House expressed gratitude for the program’s impact and highlighted the value of events that showcased project outcomes. She emphasized the importance of making those efforts more visible across neighborhoods so the community could better understand and appreciate their benefits.
Councilmember Aslan highlighted the significant time and effort the Sustainability Commission members dedicated to the grant program. He noted the many hours spent in meetings, work groups, and reviewing applications. He offered recognition to the commission and called them unsung heroes for their behind-the-scenes work supporting meaningful community initiatives.
Councilmember Garcia shared his experience visiting the CATs site and was impressed with the bike repurposing program. He noted how it resembled a professional bike shop and had strong community support. He asked whether the sustainability grant program helped connect similar initiatives, such as the Flagstaff Shelter Services’ bicycle program. Ms. Hatton stated that events like the Discovery Stroll were designed to foster networking and collaboration among groups, organizations, and community.
CCC CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION BOND INFORMATION OVERVIEW
BOND OVERVIEW
PROJECT SCOPE
POTENTIAL TIMELINE
H3 JOBS AND WORKFORCE IMPACT
FOURTH STREET CAMPUS- PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
DRAFT RENDERINGS
ALLIED HEALTH BUILDING – PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
DRAFT RENDERINGS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Concerns were raised regarding the east campus library that was part of the proposed new building. There had been no discussions yet about the future of the library, particularly around security concerns. It would be important for the city to understand the planned security features. There were also reservations about the two-story design. Dr. Heiser clarified that the two-story design was driven by space and cost-efficiency. A single-story option would sacrifice significant square footage and make it more difficult to justify fiscal responsibility to voters.
It was asked what the plan would be if the bond measure did not pass, and whether the board would revisit the question with voters and on what timeline. Dr. Heiser stated that without bond approval, the proposed construction and expansion would be unfeasible. While another attempt could be considered in the future, such a decision would depend on the governing board and would not happen immediately.
Council expressed support for the project, citing its potential for expanded programming and valuable partnerships in technical education. They were optimistic that the community would recognize the broader benefits.
Ms. Keene stated that staff would begin work on an intergovernmental agreement with CCC after the upcoming break to formalize the city’s involvement.
CARE UNIT ANNUAL REPORT
HISTORY
CARE 2024 CALL LOCATIONS
CALLS FOR SERVICE
FPD AND FFD CALLS FOR SERVICE
REDUCTIONS
DIVERSIONS – 2024
DISPATCHES PER QUARTER
RESPONSE TIMES (MINUTES)
RESPONSE OUTCOMES
PRIMARY ISSUE ON SCENE
PROACTIVE OUTREACH
DISTRIBUTION OF BASIC NEEDS IN 2024
REAL EXPERIENCES
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ONGOING CHALLENGES
WHAT’S NEXT
IN CONCLUSION
Council discussed the CARE program’s progress and continued impact on the community. The program had remained true to its original vision, in reducing criminal activity by supporting individuals in crisis. They asked about the biggest challenges the program faced and how those might be addressed with potential new funding.
Staff explained that one of the most pressing challenges was alcohol misuse and the lack of accessible detox facilities. Often, by the time individuals were connected to services, they had already relapsed. A dedicated detox facility offering wraparound services, including mental health and substance use support, was identified as a critical need.
There was enthusiasm for the upcoming downtown ambassador program and gratitude for the extensive list of community partners and proactive outreach strategies. Council asked how the program handled situations when clients refused services and what expanding the program’s hours might entail. Staff responded that they respect client autonomy in such cases and continue to monitor after-hours data to determine potential solutions for extended service. It was noted that call volume typically declined after hours, but ongoing evaluation was being conducted.
There was strong appreciation for the program’s success and its ability to overcome early personnel challenges. Council emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services and wraparound support alongside the ambassador program. Staff discussed potential expansion models, including the addition of a second unit or integration of a Physician Assistant, though cost remained a limiting factor.
Field staff also reported challenges with severely intoxicated individuals and noted an expected increase in calls once the ambassador program was fully underway. There was difficulty in establishing and operating a detox facility in Flagstaff due to insurance coverage issues, however, AHCCCS would cover treatment if the facility was within 100 miles of a person’s residence, which could serve as a short-term solution despite concerns about transporting people out of the area.
Concerns were raised about the low number of CARE clients being referred to the Guidance Center. Staff clarified that many clients presented with medical needs that necessitated hospital care rather than immediate behavioral health placement and noted the need for additional mental health services in the community due to transportation barriers and limited facility capacity.
Council expressed appreciation for the fire department for embracing a non-traditional program and helping it succeed.
After discussion and upon agreement by three members of the Council, an item will be moved to a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
There was requisite Council support to advance the item for a future discussion.
There was requisite Council support to advance the item for a future discussion.
Councilmember Garcia reported that he attended a House of Jacks event which provided an opportunity for individuals interested in becoming firefighters to work out with current crews, interact with equipment, and potentially find a mentor. The program offered insight into the firefighter schedule and lifestyle, and those interested were encouraged to contact the Flagstaff Fire Department or visit their Facebook page for more information. He also shared that there was an upcoming event on July 26, 2025, at Bun Huggers, organized by the nonprofit Rev Up Unity. Volunteers, especially motorcycle riders, were invited to help make sack lunches for individuals experiencing homelessness and then ride across the city to distribute them.
Councilmember Aslan shared that he attended a meeting organized by the Flagstaff Water Group, which included several councilmembers, former councilmembers, city leadership, and the Water Services Director. One of the topics of conversation was biochar. He also shared that he recently visited Red Gap Ranch with Water Services Director Lee Williams and film commissioner Ryan Randazzo. While the site may not be visually remarkable from a water infrastructure standpoint, its scenic and diverse landscape, held strong potential as a filming location. He suggested the idea of using Red Gap Ranch not only for its water and solar potential but also as a city-controlled asset that could generate revenue by attracting film projects.
Vice Mayor Sweet thanked the sustainability team and community members for their efforts in cleaning up an overgrown vacant lot at Mobile Haven, making it Firewise. She noted that Asteroid Day was celebrated with a proclamation reading at Lowell Observatory, which had great attendance. She also reported that Friday was both the downtown Art Walk and the Fourth of July parade which the City Council would be participating in. She thanked Public Works for providing a truck and driver for the parade.
Councilmember House shared that she also attended the presentation by the Flagstaff Water Group on biochar and found the information very interesting. She also attended a Flinn Brown Foundation webinar about the costs and impacts of Medicaid cuts in Arizona. She was also able to provide a presentation on the implications of Medicaid cuts, federal policy changes, and public land sales for northern and rural Arizona. She participated in a National League of Cities conversation which discussed how federal developments affected cities’ abilities to serve diverse communities. Lastly, she wished her nephew a happy birthday.
Councilmember Spence reported that he was registered to attend a Morrison Institute for Public Policy seminar in August.
Mayor Daggett congratulated United Way on the 20th year of Kinder Camp and its partnership with CCC and NAU, which now guaranteed free tuition to all Kinder Camp participants. She highlighted efforts led by Liz Archuletta to support students throughout their schooling by providing resources to families, ensuring readiness for college or technical school. She also addressed recent developments with the Senate passing their version of HR1, which posed significant negative impacts on healthcare access through Medicaid and the insurance exchange. She had been working with the Flagstaff Family Food Center to assess those impacts in Northern Arizona and co-wrote an op-ed on the topic. Approximately 25,000 people in the area risked losing some SNAP benefits, with an additional 14,000 at risk of losing them entirely. Since SNAP eligibility also determined access to free and reduced-price school meals, the potential loss of food assistance for children was heartbreaking. She expressed gratitude to Congressman Crane’s Chief of Staff for taking time to discuss the issues and to the Flagstaff Family Food Center for their collaboration in communicating the impacts to local leaders.
Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene announced that Michelle McNulty was appointed as the new Planning and Development Director. There was excitement around her energy and what she would bring to the position.
_____________________________________ 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 July 1, 2025. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 26th day of August, 2025 | |
________________________________________ CITY CLERK |