Tom Pearson addressed Council and shared that Bill Gates recently shifted his climate strategy and urged a move from focusing solely on carbon neutrality to emphasizing climate adaptation and human welfare. While climate change posed serious risks, especially to the poorest populations, it would not threaten humanity’s survival, and resources should target interventions that most effectively protect vulnerable people. He called for Flagstaff to develop a comprehensive, forward-looking plan to address its dual existential threats of wildfire and flooding, using resources strategically to safeguard lives and communities in the face of growing climate risks.

Dennis Givens addressed Council about community safety issues, including human trafficking, missing persons, drug crimes, and the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the need for effective tools to address them. Flock cameras were seen as helpful for solving major crimes, such as murders and cases of missing Indigenous women, and supporting tribal police across large reservations. He stressed the importance of accountability and oversight and called for a nonpartisan, people-centered approach, including stopping data sharing with federal or state agencies if misuse occurred. Technology could coexist safely with society if regulated, with new laws to safeguard data and punish misuse.

Nadine Hart addressed Council and expressed disappointment in Councilmembers' hesitation regarding Flock cameras and argued that the technology was essential for protecting children and first responders. She also shared personal experiences with dangerous intersections and advocated for prioritizing human life and property over privacy concerns and urged Council to listen to working citizens who supported the cameras.

Colleen Maring, Chief People Officer for Northern Arizona Healthcare, addressed Council and announced that Northern Arizona Healthcare's nurse residency program had earned accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She detailed the program's benefits for recruitment, retention, and professional development of nurses in Flagstaff.

Dapper Dre addressed Council and shared that community events like Halloween Harvest and First Friday benefitted from street closures that enhanced safety, foot traffic, and local engagement. Current methods using cones or temporary signs were ineffective, and bollards provided a safer, permanent solution. Investing in proper bollards would improve safety and streamline closures, reducing the need for staff to act as human barriers. Overall, better infrastructure supported both safety and community-building during events.

Dustin Kulris submitted written comments in opposition of the use of Flock cameras.

Mayor Daggett read and presented the proclamation.

Vice Mayor Sweet reported that MetroPlan, in partnership with Mountain Line, the Downtown Business Alliance, and Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, were hosting a Strong Towns community discussion the following week. The discussion would focus on development and transportation strategies to meet community goals. The event was open to the public. She also provided an update on local Head Start facilities who, despite the national shutdown, local programs had not been impacted and continued to operate without disruption.

Councilmember Spence reported on ongoing liaison work with historic preservation and beautification groups. He highlighted the restored antique log wheel at the Visitor Center, a piece of Flagstaff’s logging history. He made note of the accompanying plaque which contained a wording error which obscured how the wheel worked. The word “axel” should be “tongue.” The agencies involved were working to correct the mistake.

Councilmember Aslan shared that the Tourism Commission received their regular updates and received a presentation on the minimum wage. The Sustainability Commission received a Regional Plan update and were introduced to the Virtual Power Purchase Agreement program. Lastly, he attended a Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Committee meeting where the Mayor of Page was elected to the board. They also received a presentation from the Arizona Department of Water Resources about in state water transfers.

Mayor Daggett reported that the ECoNA advisory board was reviewing possible changes to their bylaws.

Councilmember House requested to pull Item 7C for discussion.

Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Item 7C.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember House explained that she pulled the item because she felt that it was important to draw attention to the work being done to advance the 10-Year Housing plan.

Housing Planning Manager Jennifer Mikelson explained that Elkwood Apartments, located at Butler and 4th Street, were under construction with two buildings expected online in December, another in February 2026, and the final building with retail space in April 2026. She shared that the developer agreed to extend the affordability period from 30 to 50 years, incentivized by the city's bond program, which forgave the loan on a pro rata basis if compliance was maintained for 50 years or more. The 22 affordable units would be distributed across all buildings, with 10% of each building's units designated as affordable as they come online.

Councilmember Matthews inquired about the criteria for ranking applicants, and Ms. Michaelson clarified that the number of affordable units per dollar requested was heavily weighted, with lower cost per unit resulting in higher scores.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve the loan documents totaling $528,000 for Elkwood Apartments by Wexford Developments, utilizing Rental Incentive Bond Program funds.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Director Rebecca Sayers, and Will Harrison and KJ Shah with Kaizen Laboratories, provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

PROSE POINT-OF-SALE AND RESERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
WHAT IS THIS?
WHO ELSE USES THIS SYSTEM?
OTHER NOTEWORTHY LOCATIONS
WHEN?
WHY?
KAIZEN LABORATORIES INC – DEMO
YOUR COMMUNITY HAS IT ALL, SO WE’RE MAKING IT EASY TO SHARE IT
WE BUILD STUNNING RESIDENT-CENTRIC DIGITAL APPLICATIONS
ENGINEERING WITH A PURPOSE
MODERN, USER-FRIENDLY RECREATION SOFTWARE
FEATURED PROJECTS IN ARIZONA AND BEYOND
PIMA COUNTY, AZ – RECREATION SOFTWARE

Councilmember Aslan asked about cyber security and concerns about the evolution of AI. IT Manager Shawn Armour explained that IT reviewed the contract and were comfortable with it. They would also be using single sign on and multi-factor authentication. Mr. Shah added that the city faced constant threats of infiltration, and they actively monitored three critical areas while maintaining an on-call engineering protocol to immediately address any security breaches. That ensures that if a control is compromised, engineers were promptly notified and follow a predefined remediation process. Mr. Shah clarified that AI was not currently natively integrated into any city systems, but there were AI tools on the product roadmap for potential future use, primarily for administrative tasks such as automatically generating program descriptions for Parks and Recreation events. Any adoption of AI would be carefully evaluated in collaboration with city staff to ensure it fit operational needs and remained secure. Ms. Armour added that the city’s IT strategy emphasized closed-system AI, meaning any data entered remained within the system and was owned solely by the city and the vendor, with no external access. 

Councilmember Aslan expressed confidence in the professional assessment of the cybersecurity team, while also highlighting the importance of cautious AI adoption and recommended additional measures like multi-factor authentication to strengthen security. 

Council expressed excitement and support for the new system. There were questions regarding implementation and data transfer from the old system. Mr. Shah explained that they take a phased approach to introduce the system and transition people over slowly to build community confidence for the tool. In terms of data transfer, the best option was to start fresh, but they understood the importance or retaining the critical data. They utilize reports within the existing system to identify and coordinate transfer. 

Councilmember Spence asked how $90,000 per year compares to the annual cost of the current system. Ms. Sayers explained that it was a little more. Initially, the city would pay the Kaizen fee, though Kaizen’s typical model had the end user covering the cost, and staff planned to evaluate incorporating it into rates during the next rate analysis in 12–18 months. Comparisons with the current software system highlight that Kaizen could save the city money by consolidating costs that were currently spread across vendor fees, credit card fees, and unpredictable charges for training and support. The first-year cost was estimated at $90,000 based on $1.8 million in projected revenue, with potential adjustments if Kaizen delivers as promised. Overall, the contract promised more predictable costs than the existing vendor, whose fees were often incremental and hard to forecast, making Kaizen a more financially manageable option for the city in the long term.

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to approve the cooperative purchase contract with Kaizen Laboratories Inc. and execute a contract in an amount not to exceed $90,000 annually and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to read Ordinance No. 2025-22 by title only for the final time.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-22.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

ITEM REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

Human Resources and Risk Management Director Ryan Saxby addressed Council and explained that the ordinance would update the City of Flagstaff employee handbook, Section 1-60-30(D) to remove a reference to the city manager’s role in appointing officers to clarify that positions such as city manager, city attorney, and magistrates were the Council’s responsibility, not the city manager. Another update would provide flexibility for the Mayor and Council when appointing a city manager who had a family member already employed by the city and would allow Council to outline appropriate conditions in the city manager’s employment agreement. The changes did not conflict with Arizona law which prohibited elected or appointed officials from hiring or appointing relatives. The amendments clarified responsibilities and ensured compliance while offering flexibility in appointments.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to read Ordinance No. 2025-27 by title only for the first time.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Mr. Saxby explained that after a comprehensive nationwide search to replace outgoing City Manager Greg Clifton, the Council selected Joanne Keene as the new city manager. The recruitment process, conducted with an outside firm, narrowed dozens of applicants to a small group of finalists. On October 22, 2025, the two finalists, including Ms. Keene, participated in an extensive day of interviews and panels, which included staff and public meet-and-greets, leadership team interviews, presentations, and meetings with community leaders and the Council. The city manager employment agreement was included in the agenda and had been reviewed and approved by outside legal counsel.

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to appoint Joanne Keene as City Manager and approve the employment agreement effective November 4, 2025 for the City of Flagstaff.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Ms. Keene thanked the Council stating that it was an honor to be selected to serve. She was excited to work with the Council and for the organization, community, and great city staff.

Real Estate Manager Bryce Doty provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITY
VICINITY MAP
OPPORTUNITY
PARTNERSHIP
WHY AUTHORIZE NOW

Councilmember Matthews raised questions about funding, specifically why the $1,000,000 purchase was being split between development impact fees and the police department budget. She noted that there would be enough development impact fees to cover the full cost. Management Service Director Rick Tadder explained that the split was intentional to ensure the use of development fees was legally defensible and proportionate to community growth, while also leaving funds available for other police department needs. He clarified that a formal budget amendment might be required at year-end depending on how the police budget closed out, but it is not guaranteed.

Councilmember Spence asked about the current outdoor shooting facility located six miles down an unpaved road and how that would be affected. Deputy Chief Collin Seay shared that the current range was limited in use, only operational part of the year due to winter road closures, lacked modern amenities, and only allowed officers to train at the basic level with limited frequency. In contrast, the new facility would be closer to town, enable quarterly advanced training for officers, and fill gaps in proficiency training for law enforcement agencies in the area. He added that while the new facility was initially intended for law enforcement use, there may be potential down the road to open it for public use as an enterprise opportunity.

Councilmember Garcia raised questions about potential trade-offs from the police budget to fund the acquisition. Mr. Tadder responded that some items, such as dispatch equipment, software, or other operational needs, could be deferred to accommodate the purchase, but further detail will be provided with the final agreement. 

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No. 2025-24 by title only for the first time.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Communication and Civic Engagement Director Stacy Saltzburg addressed Council and stated that there had been a request to use the Council Initiative Fund to sponsor the furnishing of a room at the Lantern. 

Councilmember House shared that she had recently toured the Lantern facility and highlighted the progress made in preparing the property for community members to move in. The shelter had created an Amazon wish list of basic furnishings, like kitchen equipment and trash cans, for each room, with some items shared across multiple rooms. After the tour, she personally purchased supplies for a room, which totaled around $300, and suggested that Council consider funding the stocking of a room as well. She emphasized that it was a low-cost opportunity to support transitional housing, helping people move from homelessness to permanent housing. It was a way to invest in the value and well-being of community members living at Lantern. She proposed starting with funding one room and exploring further support in the future.

Councilmembers expressed support for funding the furnishing of rooms at the Lantern’s 104 new units. They emphasized the value of discussing it publicly to allow the community to participate in helping supply rooms.

Councilmember Garcia noted the affordability and also committed to personally donate toward furnishing a room. It was a meaningful way to support community members in need.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to authorize the use of the Council Initiative Fund in the amount of $300 to sponsor the furnishing of a room at the Lantern.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Vance Marshall addressed Council and expressed concern about the new development, citing limited information provided by staff. Key points included that the project proposed much smaller lots than surrounding properties, homes up to 35 feet tall, and unclear plans regarding design, sale, or rental status. He questioned whether Flagstaff had a design review process and requested consideration for single-story homes to preserve view corridors. Concerns were also raised about potential connections to the adjacent Western Hills Motel, possible short-term rentals, traffic impacts from nearby schools and existing high-density housing, and whether the developer would contribute to needed infrastructure like a roundabout or stoplight. He emphasized that the project required much more careful review before approval.

Mary Oatman addressed Council and raised concerns about the proposed Shadow Pines development. She highlighted the Ponderosa Parkway and Pine Cliff Drive intersection as already busy and dangerous, noting that all local traffic, including from the new development, would funnel through it, worsening congestion and posing risks in emergencies like wildfires. She shared a personal experience of extreme traffic delays after a local event, emphasizing the limited escape routes on the mesa. Another concern was the impact on local wildlife, as the area was adjacent to McMillan Mesa, a protected open space and critical habitat for elk, deer, and other animals. She urged reconsideration of the subdivision, questioning whether the development was in the best interest of Flagstaff.

James Gross addressed Council and spoke in opposition to the Shadow Pines subdivision, arguing it conflicted with the city’s mission to “protect and enhance the quality of life for all.” He cited traffic concerns, including congestion at the Gemini and Pine Cliff roundabout near BASIS school and backups on Switzer Canyon Road, warning that additional development would exacerbate those problems and hinder emergency vehicle access. He raised concerns about infrastructure, noting that a lot previously required to have a paved road was now proposed as gravel, suggesting due diligence may be lacking. He also questioned the sewer system, which would rely on a pump through a steep grade, expressing concern about potential failures. He challenged how the development would enhance the community and urged the Council to reconsider.

Trevor Kortsenn, an attorney representing the Shadow Pines development addressed concerns raised by neighbors, emphasizing that the project was a 47-lot single-family subdivision on an 18.6-acre R-1 zoned site, which allowed single-family development by right. The development used a Planned Residential Development approach, permitting slightly smaller lots of about 5,000 sq. ft. while complying with all city zoning codes. He noted that city staff was reviewing the preliminary plat, addressing concerns, and ensuring due diligence was followed. A traffic impact analysis was conducted, and no traffic or road improvements were required; the sewer system was gravity-fed, not a lift station, and Lot 7 would provide emergency access. It was a by-right development intended to meet housing needs while following all Flagstaff regulations, providing predictability and fairness for current and future residents.

Nathan Whitcomb and Susan Shomler submitted written comments in support of the petition.

There was not requisite support to advance the matter to a future agenda for discussion.

Councilmember Garcia thanked citizens for submitting the petition and their participation regarding the Shadow Pines development. He shared a personal story about a popular neighborhood dirt bike area that was eventually developed despite community opposition, illustrating how property rights ultimately allowed owners to determine land use. It highlighted that while community attachment and activism were understandable, the legal rights of property owners took precedence. He emphasized that because the developer legally own the land, their right to develop it according to zoning laws was clear.

Councilmember Matthews noted the development was legally permitted under existing zoning, and no rezoning was requested. She expressed concerns about traffic, referencing difficulties during the drone show, but trusted staff to address those issues through the standard review process. She emphasized that the Council did not have authority to stop a by-right development. 

Mayor Daggett encouraged the public to review the report materials in the agenda for more details about the development. She encouraged the developer to engage with neighbors to address questions.

None

Vice Mayor Sweet shared her experience touring a vehicle-free, multimodal development in Phoenix. She was particularly impressed by a business-incubator model where ground-floor retail spaces allowed entrepreneurs to run businesses while living in apartments behind their shops. She connected the idea to Flagstaff, noting many empty ground-floor storefronts in student housing and other developments. She suggested exploring a similar model locally to support entrepreneurs who struggle to start businesses. She emphasized the potential of this approach and expressed enthusiasm about revisiting the Phoenix development to learn more.

Councilmember Matthews shared that Stuff the Bus would be at the Cedar Safeway to collect donations that weekend. The Capitol Christmas Tree would also make its only Arizona stop at the mall on Friday afternoon. She highlighted concerns about food insecurity and shared her personal commitment to make November a month of gratitude and Thanksgiving. She would be helping provide a Thanksgiving meal for 150+ shelter clients on November 19th, including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. She invited the community to contribute additional food if they wished.

Mayor Daggett shared that she, Vice Mayor Sweet, and Councilmember House, met with the Associated Students of Northern Arizona University leadership to discuss collaboration between city government and student government. They explored ideas like a joint community service day and city or staff participation in student Senate meetings. Their discussion emphasized strengthening the relationship between NAU and the city and was a positive step in fostering ongoing cooperation between the city, county, and university.

Ms. Keene reported that given the increased community need due to the federal shutdown and SNAP benefit issues, the city would be offering double volunteering hours at upcoming events. Events included the Stuff the Bus event, the Flagstaff Family Food Center distribution event on November 25th, and other events at the food center. Additionally, it was NAU homecoming weekend, bringing many people to town. It would be a busy weekend with multiple community activities and increased volunteer efforts.

The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held November 4, 2025, adjourned at 5:05 p.m.