JOINT CITY/COUNTY WORK SESSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
3:30 P.M.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
3:30 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Daggett called the joint meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and Coconino County Board of Supervisors held November 17, 2025, to order at 3:33 p.m.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Daggett called the joint meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and Coconino County Board of Supervisors held November 17, 2025, to order at 3:33 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 regular meeting, 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:
-
- Chairwoman Patrice Horstman
- Vice-Chairman Jeronimo Vasquez
- Supervisor Judy Begay
- Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros
- Mayor Becky Daggett
- Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet
- Councilmember Austin Aslan
- Councilmember Anthony Garcia
- Councilmember Khara House left at 4:20 p.m.
- Councilmember Lori Matthews
- Councilmember David Spence
- Absent:
-
- Supervisor Lena Fowler
- Staff:
- City Manager Joanne Keene; City Attorney Sterling Solomon; County Manager Andy Bertelsen; County Attorney Ammon Barker
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MISSION STATEMENT, AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council, Board of Supervisors, and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Vice Mayor Sweet read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Councilmember Garcia read the 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.
The Council, Board of Supervisors, and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Vice Mayor Sweet read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff, and Councilmember Garcia 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
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.
None.
5.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Wildfire Insurance and Risk Reduction Efforts
Coconino County Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani, Wildland Fire Captain Neil Chapman, and Sustainability Specialist Noah Baker provided PowerPoint presentations that covered the following:
Coconino County presentation:
WILDFIRE INSURANCE CRISIS
HEADWATERS ECONOMICS PRESENTATION
AMERICAN PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE ASSOCIATION (APCIA) PRESENTATION
INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS AND HOME SAFETY (IBHS) PRESENTATION
UPPER RIO DE FLAGSTAFF WATERSHED
MORMON MOUNTAIN REPI
WILDFIRE INSURANCE CRISIS FLYER
Flagstaff Fire Department presentation:
WILDFIRE RISK AND ARIZONA COMMUNITIES
WHERE IS THE WILDFIRE RISK
EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: JACK D. COHEN, RESEARCH PHYSICAL SCIENTIST, U.S. FOREST SERVICE
FIRE SPREAD HEAT, FUEL, OXYGEN
QUESTIONS THAT DRIVE OUR POLICY AND COMMUNITY ACTION
WHY IS WILDFIRE RISK HARD TO MEASURE
WHY IS WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION EVEN HARDER TO MEASURE
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO CLOSE THE INFORMATION GAP BETWEEN HOMEOWNER ACTION AND RISK PRICING ORGANIZATIONS
WHAT DOES ALIGNMENT LOOK LIKE IN ARIZONA
NEXT STEPS FOR FFD: LEAD THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
Councilmember Garcia asked about the economics behind the City and County’s $10 million forest-restoration investment and whether timber sales were helping to recoup costs. Ms. Andreani explained that restoration efforts prioritize high-risk wildfire and post-flooding areas, and that economic modeling shows flood impacts far outweigh fire suppression costs. While new mills in Bellemont and Williams have increased processing capacity, much of the region’s timber is too small to generate strong economic returns, requiring the Forest Service to use a variety of funding structures to meet restoration goals.
Councilmember Garcia asked how the City is reaching residents who do not follow public meetings. Mr. Baker said outreach remains challenging, but staff uses social media, radio, mailers, HOA meetings, and an online scheduling tool for assessments.
Councilmember Garcia also asked about funding for the tool-lending program; Fire Captain Chapman noted the initiative currently receives $100,000 from the General Fund, about a tenth of what is needed, but that seed funding can encourage broader community and private-sector investment. Councilmember Garcia thanked staff for their proactive efforts.
Councilmember Matthews highlighted her recent home-hardening assessment and raised concerns about heavy pine-needle accumulation and dense tree coverage in older neighborhoods. Fire Captain Chapman reported that new development could create buffers for existing neighborhoods and that state grants may support hazardous-tree removal, though they are competitive and must align with specific parcel criteria. Staff is working parcel-by-parcel in older areas to reduce risk. Councilmember Matthews acknowledged the challenges but said the City is moving in the right direction.
Ms. Andreani added that some counties fund wildfire mitigation through dedicated taxes and that additional financial support is becoming available through tribal partnerships, federal programs, and potential involvement from mortgage companies that also have a stake in property risk.
Vice Mayor Sweet asked about a public-facing dashboard to track mitigation efforts; Captain Chapman confirmed IT is developing one, with release expected in the next few months.
Chair Horstman requested the presentation for use with HOAs and emphasized the importance of showing insurers the measurable benefits of mitigation. Captain Chapman noted that counties nationwide are implementing similar tools and that staff continues to provide training.
Vice-Chair Vasquez expressed support for ongoing progress and the need to coordinate resources.
Mayor Daggett concluded by thanking staff and stating that the discussion will help inform communication with residents.
Coconino County presentation:
WILDFIRE INSURANCE CRISIS
HEADWATERS ECONOMICS PRESENTATION
AMERICAN PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURANCE ASSOCIATION (APCIA) PRESENTATION
INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS AND HOME SAFETY (IBHS) PRESENTATION
UPPER RIO DE FLAGSTAFF WATERSHED
MORMON MOUNTAIN REPI
WILDFIRE INSURANCE CRISIS FLYER
Flagstaff Fire Department presentation:
WILDFIRE RISK AND ARIZONA COMMUNITIES
WHERE IS THE WILDFIRE RISK
EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: JACK D. COHEN, RESEARCH PHYSICAL SCIENTIST, U.S. FOREST SERVICE
FIRE SPREAD HEAT, FUEL, OXYGEN
QUESTIONS THAT DRIVE OUR POLICY AND COMMUNITY ACTION
WHY IS WILDFIRE RISK HARD TO MEASURE
WHY IS WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION EVEN HARDER TO MEASURE
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO CLOSE THE INFORMATION GAP BETWEEN HOMEOWNER ACTION AND RISK PRICING ORGANIZATIONS
WHAT DOES ALIGNMENT LOOK LIKE IN ARIZONA
NEXT STEPS FOR FFD: LEAD THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
Councilmember Garcia asked about the economics behind the City and County’s $10 million forest-restoration investment and whether timber sales were helping to recoup costs. Ms. Andreani explained that restoration efforts prioritize high-risk wildfire and post-flooding areas, and that economic modeling shows flood impacts far outweigh fire suppression costs. While new mills in Bellemont and Williams have increased processing capacity, much of the region’s timber is too small to generate strong economic returns, requiring the Forest Service to use a variety of funding structures to meet restoration goals.
Councilmember Garcia asked how the City is reaching residents who do not follow public meetings. Mr. Baker said outreach remains challenging, but staff uses social media, radio, mailers, HOA meetings, and an online scheduling tool for assessments.
Councilmember Garcia also asked about funding for the tool-lending program; Fire Captain Chapman noted the initiative currently receives $100,000 from the General Fund, about a tenth of what is needed, but that seed funding can encourage broader community and private-sector investment. Councilmember Garcia thanked staff for their proactive efforts.
Councilmember Matthews highlighted her recent home-hardening assessment and raised concerns about heavy pine-needle accumulation and dense tree coverage in older neighborhoods. Fire Captain Chapman reported that new development could create buffers for existing neighborhoods and that state grants may support hazardous-tree removal, though they are competitive and must align with specific parcel criteria. Staff is working parcel-by-parcel in older areas to reduce risk. Councilmember Matthews acknowledged the challenges but said the City is moving in the right direction.
Ms. Andreani added that some counties fund wildfire mitigation through dedicated taxes and that additional financial support is becoming available through tribal partnerships, federal programs, and potential involvement from mortgage companies that also have a stake in property risk.
Vice Mayor Sweet asked about a public-facing dashboard to track mitigation efforts; Captain Chapman confirmed IT is developing one, with release expected in the next few months.
Chair Horstman requested the presentation for use with HOAs and emphasized the importance of showing insurers the measurable benefits of mitigation. Captain Chapman noted that counties nationwide are implementing similar tools and that staff continues to provide training.
Vice-Chair Vasquez expressed support for ongoing progress and the need to coordinate resources.
Mayor Daggett concluded by thanking staff and stating that the discussion will help inform communication with residents.
6.
REGULAR AGENDA
A.
Consideration and Possible Approval: Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Bylaws
Senior Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson introduced the CJCC Director Dianna Kalandros who asked for approval of the bylaws and was available to answer any questions.
Moved by Councilmember Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve the Bylaws of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Vote 7 - 0 - Unamnimously.
Moved by Supervisor Begay, seconded by Supervisor Ontiveros to approve the Bylaws of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Vote 4 - 0 - Unamnimously.
Moved by Councilmember Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve the Bylaws of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Vote 7 - 0 - Unamnimously.
Moved by Supervisor Begay, seconded by Supervisor Ontiveros to approve the Bylaws of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Vote 4 - 0 - Unamnimously.
7.
RECOGNITIONS
A.
Presentation of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Awards
CJCC Director Dianna Kalandros provided some history on why the awards were established and introduced Coconino County Presiding Judge Reed.
Judge Reed presented the annual CJCC Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to justice and community wellbeing. He first announced the Collaboration and Partnership Award, honoring the North Star Task Force, led by Detective Bethany Hyde of the Flagstaff Police Department and Michelle Rucker of the Northland Family Help Center. Judge Reed highlighted the task force’s survivor-informed, multi-agency approach to combating human trafficking, noting their significant investigative successes and their leadership in unifying law enforcement, prosecution, and victim-service partners. He emphasized that their commitment to centering survivor voices and breaking down agency silos exemplifies the power of collective action.
Judge Reed then presented the Innovation in Criminal Justice Award to Stuck Community Acupuncture’s Mobile AcuDetox Team. He praised the team for delivering trauma-informed, low-barrier holistic care directly to justice-involved and unsheltered individuals across Northern Arizona. With more than 2,300 treatments provided in the past year, the program has offered an accessible tool for stress relief and healing while empowering individuals with lived experience to become certified providers. Judge Reed noted that this grassroots, community-driven model is reshaping how rural and justice-impacted populations access support.
Finally, Judge Reed awarded the Courage in Justice Award to Amanda Gallegos, the Family Treatment Court’s first Peer Recovery Support Specialist. He commended her extraordinary courage in using her lived experience with substance use and incarceration to guide and support families navigating the child welfare and court systems. Judge Reed emphasized that her empathy, honesty, and leadership have built trust, reduced stigma, and fostered a more humane and hopeful approach within the system. He noted that her contributions have been transformational for both court participants and the professionals who work with them.
Councilmember Matthews, serving as the CJCC liaison, reflected on how the award recipients exemplify the Council’s mission. She noted that recent discussions have pushed members outside their comfort zones, emphasizing that justice is not about arresting and incarcerating people, but about helping individuals address the challenges they face and keeping them out of jail whenever possible. She stated that the recipients’ work demonstrates the difficult but transformational efforts underway and expressed pride and gratitude for everyone involved.
Chair Horstman thanked Ms. Kalandros and the CJCC Board for developing the awards and helping the community better understand the work taking place. She highlighted the extensive collaboration among members to advance equity and justice and stated that the CJCC represents the justice system at its best. She expressed admiration for the award recipients and gratitude for their courage and commitment to serving the community.
Judge Reed presented the annual CJCC Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to justice and community wellbeing. He first announced the Collaboration and Partnership Award, honoring the North Star Task Force, led by Detective Bethany Hyde of the Flagstaff Police Department and Michelle Rucker of the Northland Family Help Center. Judge Reed highlighted the task force’s survivor-informed, multi-agency approach to combating human trafficking, noting their significant investigative successes and their leadership in unifying law enforcement, prosecution, and victim-service partners. He emphasized that their commitment to centering survivor voices and breaking down agency silos exemplifies the power of collective action.
Judge Reed then presented the Innovation in Criminal Justice Award to Stuck Community Acupuncture’s Mobile AcuDetox Team. He praised the team for delivering trauma-informed, low-barrier holistic care directly to justice-involved and unsheltered individuals across Northern Arizona. With more than 2,300 treatments provided in the past year, the program has offered an accessible tool for stress relief and healing while empowering individuals with lived experience to become certified providers. Judge Reed noted that this grassroots, community-driven model is reshaping how rural and justice-impacted populations access support.
Finally, Judge Reed awarded the Courage in Justice Award to Amanda Gallegos, the Family Treatment Court’s first Peer Recovery Support Specialist. He commended her extraordinary courage in using her lived experience with substance use and incarceration to guide and support families navigating the child welfare and court systems. Judge Reed emphasized that her empathy, honesty, and leadership have built trust, reduced stigma, and fostered a more humane and hopeful approach within the system. He noted that her contributions have been transformational for both court participants and the professionals who work with them.
Councilmember Matthews, serving as the CJCC liaison, reflected on how the award recipients exemplify the Council’s mission. She noted that recent discussions have pushed members outside their comfort zones, emphasizing that justice is not about arresting and incarcerating people, but about helping individuals address the challenges they face and keeping them out of jail whenever possible. She stated that the recipients’ work demonstrates the difficult but transformational efforts underway and expressed pride and gratitude for everyone involved.
Chair Horstman thanked Ms. Kalandros and the CJCC Board for developing the awards and helping the community better understand the work taking place. She highlighted the extensive collaboration among members to advance equity and justice and stated that the CJCC represents the justice system at its best. She expressed admiration for the award recipients and gratitude for their courage and commitment to serving the community.
8.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors and City Councilmembers expressed gratitude for the staff and collaboration efforts.
Chair Horstman reported that the County remains actively involved in rebuilding the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, an important economic asset, and is working to expedite the reopening of the Arizona Lodge. She also noted that during the recent federal shutdown, the Board of Supervisors stood ready to support WIC and SNAP services for vulnerable residents, though federal funding ultimately continued without requiring County intervention.
Vice-Chair Vasquez offered congratulations to the award recipients and gave a special acknowledgment to Ms. Gallegos, noting that he had taught her children at Killip and had watched her progress through the program. He commended Ms. Gallegos for being an inspiration to others.
Chair Horstman reported that the County remains actively involved in rebuilding the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, an important economic asset, and is working to expedite the reopening of the Arizona Lodge. She also noted that during the recent federal shutdown, the Board of Supervisors stood ready to support WIC and SNAP services for vulnerable residents, though federal funding ultimately continued without requiring County intervention.
Vice-Chair Vasquez offered congratulations to the award recipients and gave a special acknowledgment to Ms. Gallegos, noting that he had taught her children at Killip and had watched her progress through the program. He commended Ms. Gallegos for being an inspiration to others.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
The Joint City/County Work Session held November 17, 2025, adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
_____________________________________ 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 Joint City/County Work Session held on November 17, 2025. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 16th day of December, 2025 | |
________________________________________ CITY CLERK |