Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to approve the meeting minutes of City Council Work Session January 12, 2021, Regular Meeting February 16, 2021, Work Session April 13, 2021, Regular Meeting June 15, 2021, Special Meeting Work Session June 29, 2021, Regular Meeting July 6, 2021, Work Session October 26, 2021, Special Meeting Work Session November 9, 2021, Work Session January 25, 2022, Regular Meeting July 5, 2022, Special Meeting Work Session December 13, 2022, Regular Meeting February 21, 2023, Work Session March 14, 2023, Special Meeting Work Session May 23, 2023, Regular Meeting April 2, 2024, Regular Meeting May 21, 2024, Regular Meeting June 4, 2024, Work Session June 11, 2024, Work Session June 25, 2024, Regular Meeting September 17, 2024, Work Session 24, 2024, Regular Meeting October 1, 2024, Work Session October 8, 2024, Regular Meeting October 15, 2024, Special Meeting Work Session October 22, 2024, Regular Meeting November 5, 2024, Work Session November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting December 3, 2024, Special Meeting Executive Session April 8, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session April 22, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session May 6, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session May 13, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session May 20, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session June 3, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session June 10, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session June 17, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session June 24, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session July 1, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session July 29, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session August 12, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session August 26, 2025, Regular Meeting August 26, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session September 2, 2025, Work Session September 9, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session September 16, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session September 23, 2025, Work Session September 23, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session September 25, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session September 30, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 2, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 3, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 7, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 14, 2025, Work Session October 14, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 17, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 21, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 22, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 24, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 28, 2025, Special Meeting Work Session October 28, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 29, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session October 31, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session November 4, 2025, Joint City/County Work Session November 17, 2025, Special Meeting Executive Session December 2, 2025, Joint City/County Work Session September 23, 2024, Combined Special Meeting/Work Session December 10, 2024, Regular Meeting November 4, 2025, Joint City/Water Commission Special Meeting October 23, 2025, Regular Meeting September 16, 2025, Regular Meeting October 21, 2025, Regular Meeting September 2, 2025, and Regular Meeting October 7, 2025.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Dennis Givens addressed Council and suggested vending machines in the Council Chambers to provide snacks, attract more public participation, and generate revenue. He highlighted healthy options like smoothies and encouraged supporting local businesses such as Morning Glory Café.

Colleen Maring, Chief People Officer at Northern Arizona Healthcare, updated the Council on the Emergency Department renovation. She noted challenges with full inpatient beds causing long ED wait times and explained that Phase One of the renovation created a separate area for lower-acuity patients, improving care and efficiency for serious cases.

Devonnah McLaughlin, CEO of Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, reported on the annual Rental Attainability Report. Rents in Flagstaff had mostly stabilized, with the average two-bedroom at $1,955/month, requiring an income of $78,000 to be affordable. The city saw a net increase of 190 low-income or rent-restricted units. The full report was available at www.housingnaz.org. 

Heather Dalmolin, Mountain Line CEO and General Manager, thanked the City Council and staff for integrating transit improvements into the Cedar Avenue repaving project. Changes included revised striping to improve bus stop space at four stops, relocating the Cedar West stop closer to the crosswalk for safer access, and enhancing efficiency for buses, riders, and vehicles. Mountain Line expressed appreciation and looked forward to continued collaboration on future projects. 

Steven Grubart, former owner of the Pizza Patio, stated that his restaurant closed in late November after eight years of operation, which he attributed to repeated police presence and alleged harassment. He claimed that frequent police visits escalated to large law enforcement responses, resulting in the loss of his business and investment. He has requested a third-party investigation and placement on a City Council agenda but feels those requests had not been addressed. He alleged a lack of transparency from the Flagstaff Police Department, citing denied access to body camera footage, police reports, and records, and expressed concern about internal investigations being handled fairly. He accused the city of selective enforcement against southside businesses, referenced similar challenges faced by other local establishments, and urged the Council to take action to stop what he described as systemic corruption.

Ariana Castruita, student at Kinsey Elementary, addressed Council in support of the name change of Agassiz Peak to O’omaki.

Darrell Marks addressed Council and shared that in March 2020, students from Flagstaff High School advocated for renaming a peak in the San Francisco Peaks, presenting the history of Agassiz and its inappropriateness. In October 2023, the Geographic Names Board approved restoring the peak’s original Hopi name, O’omaki, meaning “home of the clouds.” He encouraged the city to formally recognize the name change so maps reflect it.

Brent Elmer addressed Council and advocated to restore the original Hopi name for the peaks, O’omaki, meaning “home of the clouds.” He emphasized that it was a restoration of a nearly 1,000-year-old name, respecting Indigenous beliefs and promoting cultural recognition.

Written comments in support of restoring the peak’s original Hopi name, O’omak were submitted by the following:

• MiKayla Shay
• Grace Hardy
• Kierra Sahmea
• Luciana Ramos
• Jeremiah Sarracino
• Jocelyn Pegg
• Bonnie Dee
• Brennon Smith
• John Benko
• Sky Rodrigos
• Jordyn Begay

Councilmember House reported that the Housing Commission recognized the opening of the Lantern, with many attending the housewarming event, and reminded the Council of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 celebration on January 19th in partnership with NAU, featuring a breakfast and keynote speaker.

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to appoint Ian Sharp to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

 
 

Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to appoint Christine Sheehy to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to appoint Duffie Westheimer to the Historical Property Owner seat on the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember House requested Item 8C and Vice Mayor Sweet requested Item 8E be pulled for discussion.

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of Items 8C and 8E.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

ITEM REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

Mayor Daggett explained that it was a great project, and she wanted the public to have an opportunity to hear more about it.

Housing Planning Manager Jennifer Mikelson introduced Devonnah McLaughlin, CEO of Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, who provided an update on the workforce housing project using adaptive reuse bond funds. They were able to purchase a motel that was being renovated by the sellers with kitchens, sprinklers, roofing, electrical, and plumbing already updated, allowing the units to be leased immediately upon purchase in early 2026. The project will provide permanent rental units for households at or near 80% of Area Median Income, helping Flagstaff’s workforce. With this addition, Housing Solutions’ inventory will grow from 100 to 129 units, and two more properties with 31 units were planned for January. She emphasized that the project depended on city investment and bond funding to make financing work and committed to 15 years of compliance serving low-income households.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to approve the loan documents totaling $1,160,000 for the Western Hills property by Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, using Adaptive Reuse Bond Program funds.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Vice Mayor Sweet recognized the Habitat for Humanity Timber Sky project, she thanked staff, development partners, and Council for coordinating the project, calling it an innovative approach to workforce housing.

Eric Wolverton, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona, highlighted the milestone of selling the first 10 of 40 starter homes to Flagstaff residents, emphasizing the opportunity for low-income families to build equity. He explained that the starter home model, which requires a $1,000 down payment, low monthly mortgages, and 0% interest financing, allowed homeowners to accumulate significant equity over time. Homes were deed-restricted and owned for a maximum of 10 years, with equity payouts ranging from $30,000 at three years to $100,000 at ten years. He noted the model had expanded to six other Habitat affiliates nationwide and stressed its role in economic development, workforce support, and affordable homeownership.

Moved by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve the following documents:

1. Restrictive Covenant Agreement;
2. Special Warranty Deed;
3. Ground Lease for the Habitat at Timber Sky Condominium;
4. Declaration of Condominium and Easements for Habitat at Timber Sky Condominium;
5. Declaration of Annexation and Supplemental Declaration to Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Timber Sky;
6. Driveway Maintenance Agreement;
7. Habitat Affordability Plan;
8. Agreement for Subsidy of Association Assessment;
9. Closing Instructions Agreement;

subject to a partial release of the Arizona Department of Housing lien upon the land, delegating authority to the City Attorney to approve minor modifications to the foregoing documents upon approval of the City Housing Division; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the documents.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Airport Director Brian Gall noted a minor modification to the ordinance regarding security badging fees. He noted that city employees and contractors working on airport projects would be exempt from initial and renewal badge fees but would still be responsible for fees for lost badges. 

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to read Ordinance No. 2025-30 by title only for the final time and include city employees as exempt from the fees.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-30.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember David Spence to read Ordinance No. 2025-29 by title only for the final time.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-29.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Public Affairs Director Sarah Langley presented the final draft of the priorities based on the conversation and direction from Council at the prior meeting.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to approve the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Fire Chief Mark Gaillard provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

LOCKET RANCHES IGA FOR FIRE SERVICES
HISTORY

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No, 2025-63 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No, 2025-63 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Wilson presented a resolution to continue the long-standing partnership between the City of Flagstaff Fire Department and Coconino Community College for the fire training facility. The updated agreement included minor modifications to improve efficiencies and shared use of facilities and resources.

Councilmember House asked about the program’s impact on recruitment and retention. Deputy Chief Wilson explained that CCC provided local training for Firefighter 1 and 2 and EMT prerequisites, which supported local recruitment. Starting in 2026, EMT would still be required, but Firefighter 1 and 2 would no longer be prerequisites. The agreement also allowed continued access to CCC’s training classrooms and facilities to support ongoing fire academy training.

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to read Resolution No. 2025-64 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

A RESOLUTION OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COCONINO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF FOR SHARING OF RESOURCES

 

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to adopt Resolution No. 2025-64.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Deputy Police Chief Charles Hernandez presented a resolution approving Cost Sharing Addendum #1 to the intergovernmental agreement with Coconino Community College for the High-Country Training Academy. He explained that the partnership allowed for local Arizona POST-certified police training, keeping training dollars in the community and ensuring priority placement for Flagstaff officers. Since 2022, the Academy had graduated 59 officers, with 13 more currently enrolled. 

Councilmember House asked about opportunities to expand the program, class sizes, and officer retention. Deputy Chief Hernandez responded that the Academy served regional officers to help offset training costs, and while the Arizona POST curriculum remained consistent, expansion included enhanced housing options. Having the facility in the Sunnyside neighborhood would bolster the Academy’s presence, and training local recruits helps improve retention and community ties.

Councilmember Garcia asked about the differences in graduates since the Academy moved to the region and how it benefitted the community. Deputy Chief Hernandez explained that training local recruits allowed the curriculum to reflect community expectations for policing, enhanced transparency, and produced officers who are more aligned with community values. Local training also increased the likelihood of officers staying in the area longer.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to read Resolution No. 2025-65 by title only.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to adopt Resolution No. 2025-65.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Deputy Police Chief Collin Seay and Chief Information Officer CJ Perry provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER (ALPR) DISCUSSION WITH THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL FOR THE FLAGSTAFF POLICE DEPARTMENT
THE FLAGSTAFF POLICE DEPARTMENT’S COMMITMENT
FLAGSTAFF PD’S FLOCK SAFETY PROGRAM JOURNEY
FLOCK SAFETY PROGRAM CHANGES AFTER COMMUNITY INPUT
TECHNOLOGY PRIVACY TASK FORCE
CONTRACT AMENDMENT

Councilmember Garcia asked how removing the Flagstaff Police Department from national and certain state databases had been working. Deputy Chief Seay responded that it was still early to fully assess the impact. In one kidnapping-related case, the lack of data sharing limited their ability to prove or disprove aspects of the investigation. However, in a recent auto burglary spree, they successfully identified and arrested a suspect using available partnerships and were able to return stolen property to victims. The department was continuing to collect data to evaluate the effects of the change. In terms of receiving data from other agencies, Flagstaff could still access data if those agencies chose to share it, typically for up to 30 days or according to their retention periods. However, other agencies could not access Flagstaff’s data except for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and NAU Police Department. 

Councilmember Garcia also raised concerns about license plate data and immigration enforcement. Deputy Chief Seay explained that vehicle registration information tied to lawfully displayed plates already existed in Motor Vehicle Division records and was accessible to federal, state, and local law enforcement via systems like NCIC. Flock cameras did not create new personal data beyond what was already available through lawful databases.

Councilmember Matthews asked about the effectiveness of Flock cameras. Deputy Chief Seay stated that the cameras had helped solve or advance investigations in dozens of cases, emphasizing that Flock was a tool to aid investigations, not a standalone solution, and did not identify drivers or occupants. Police Chief Sean Connolly added that a review of departmental reports showed Flock was referenced 319 times over the past 12 months in ways that supported victim services and investigations.

Councilmember Matthews asked what happened when data was obtained from Flock because a vehicle was on a hotlist or reported as part of a crime. Deputy Chief Seay explained that when a vehicle triggered a Flock hot list alert, officers must visually confirm the vehicle, verify information through NCIC, and establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause before stopping or detaining. Officers were trained not to act solely on a Flock alert. 

Councilmember Matthews also asked about hacking into a camera and what benefit would that provide someone. Mr. Perry explained that accessing a camera would only provide images of the backs of vehicles, information that could be captured with a basic camera or smartphone. While details about database security were not publicly discussed, he indicated that the cameras themselves did not present significant additional risk.

The following individuals addressed Council in support of the Flock contract:

• Jen Runge
• Jennifer Yazzie
• Michael Tunink

The following comments were received:

• Flock cameras improve public safety by helping law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, kidnappings, human trafficking, and violent crime offenders.
• ALPR technology provides tools for police to act faster and more efficiently in emergency situations.
• Trust in local law enforcement to use the technology responsibly with proper safeguards.
• Potential to modernize policing, reduce human error, and optimize resources.
• Expanding surveillance technology could streamline governance and reduce liability.
• Flock cameras are a necessary part of a broader public safety toolkit.

The following individuals addressed Council in opposition to the Flock contract:

• Brendan Trachsel
• Oksana Dresher
• Michelle Frankot
• Jan Carlile
• David Carlile
• Stephen Puhr
• Caleb Alexander
• Marsalis Childs
• Patty Hansen
• Michelle James, on behalf of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
• Patrick Garard
• Jill Stephenson
• Laura Rethmann
• Sean Parson
• Marilyn Weissman
• Sandra Lubarsky
• Marcus Ford
• Debra Block
• Sat Best
• Kevin Iannone
• Luis Fernandez
• Izaya Emmanuel
• Michael Glover
• Cal Banks
• Artemis Diaz
• Chelsea Green
• Richard Kozak
• Jane Marks
• Gary Pearlmutter
• Panth Patel
• Kevin McCoy
• Jon Sealy

The following individuals submitted written comments in opposition to the Flock contract:

• Klyn Clayton
• Ira Allen
• Rain Orchard
• Haylee Pilkington
• Mikayla E.
• Savannah Glenn
• Paul
• Nicholas C.
• Kyle Nitschke
• Oksana Dresher
• Robert Breunig

The following comments were received:

• Flock cameras collect extensive personal data beyond license plates, including images of occupants and vehicles.
• AI-powered analysis of collected data creates permanent, searchable records of residents’ movements and activities.
• Insufficient public consent or input before camera installation.
• Risk of misuse by law enforcement, federal agencies, or private contractors including ICE and US Border Patrol.
• Data may be subject to public records laws, judicial orders, or government demands.
• Outsourced workers reviewing surveillance images overseas raise privacy and security concerns.
• Corporate ties and past mismanagement create distrust in Flock’s accountability.
• Potential for abuse in monitoring protests, political activity, or reproductive choices.
• Legal risks related to fetal personhood, abortion, and criminalization of pregnancy loss.
• Contract limits Flock’s liability and does not ensure meaningful data protection.
• Mass surveillance risks normalizing government tracking and eroding civil liberties.
• Ethical concerns about alignment with city values, democratic oversight, and transparency.
• Environmental impacts from data storage partnerships increase energy and water consumption.
• Economic concerns that funds spent on Flock cameras could be used for social services, affordable housing, or public transit.
• The technology is considered a slippery slope toward authoritarian surveillance systems.
• Previous breaches, inaccuracies, and misuse in other jurisdictions demonstrate real-world harm.
• Calls for delaying renewal until a thorough, public review by a technology/privacy task force is completed.

Councilmember House acknowledged the difficulty of the topic and the importance of public input. She expressed appreciation for the Flagstaff Police Department’s willingness to engage with the community and explained that, based on her research and consultations with the National Academy of Public Administration, NYU Law, and the ACLU, the technology had potential benefits but also significant risks. She referenced Cambridge’s recent termination of its Flock contract after unauthorized cameras were deployed, using it as an example of why the city should carefully vet such technology. She recommended pausing the cooperative contract and allowing the citizen task force to thoroughly evaluate the technology, stressing her support for the Police Department while advocating caution before full adoption.

Councilmember Aslan expressed agreement with Councilmember House’s concerns and emphasized trust in the city staff, legal team, and Police Department for their handling of the issue. 

Councilmember Matthews raised questions regarding public record access, federal requests, and privacy protections, while emphasizing the importance of transparency and community trust. She noted the ALPR system’s effectiveness in solving serious crimes, including a recent case involving the rescue of a kidnapped child, and stressed that while the technology is valuable, misinformation and fears among community members needed to be addressed. She also highlighted the role of the citizen task force in providing policy guidance and ensuring community values were represented in technology governance.

Councilmember Garcia asked whether the Police Department would maintain the safeguards they had implemented in response to public concerns. Chief Connolly confirmed the department’s commitment to continuous assessment and adjustment of the system to ensure privacy protections were maintained. Councilmember Garcia expressed appreciation for the Police Department’s proactive approach and encouraged ongoing community engagement and fact-based discussion.

Vice Mayor Sweet reflected on the difficulty of the decision and the need to balance public safety with privacy concerns. She emphasized the importance of the task force and broader evaluation before any contract renewal. She also highlighted the need for a citywide privacy policy encompassing all technologies. 

Councilmember Spence agreed and noted his concerns with unresolved issues with public records and the potential legal risks associated with federal access to data. He supported giving the task force time to assess the technology and provide recommendations before any contractual decisions were made.

Councilmember Matthews asked for additional context regarding the task force. Mr. Perry clarified that its role was focused on policy creation, documenting community values, and guiding Council decisions on privacy and technology. 

Throughout the discussion, the Council repeatedly acknowledged the contributions of city staff, legal advisors, IT personnel, and the Police Department. They stressed that public input had been invaluable in shaping understanding and policies regarding the technology and recognized that the issue required continued attention, oversight, and deliberation. While all of Council acknowledged the utility of ALPR technology in aiding law enforcement, there was broad agreement that the cooperative Flock contract should not move forward at that time. The consensus was to pause the contract, allowing the citizen task force to evaluate the technology, and develop robust policies and safeguards to ensure alignment with community values and protection of individual privacy.
 

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to cancel the contract with Flock Safety.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

A break was held from 7:03 p.m. through 7:18 p.m.

Communication and Civic Engagement Director Stacy Saltzburg led the Council in a discussion regarding the 2026 Commemorative Flag Designations. Following discussion, the Council agreed to the addition of an America 250 flag, a Route 66 Centennial flag, and the removal of the May the Fourth flag.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2025-66 by title only with inclusions and deletions as discussed.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2025-66.

Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously

Customer Service Director Jessica Kittleson provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: 

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATE
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFYING PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
WEBSITE NAVIGATION
ONLINE TOOLS
IMPLEMENTATION & OUTREACH
SUSTAINABILITY & NEXT STEPS

Councilmember House asked if only municipal customers could contribute or if there were ways for multi-family users to donate. Ms. Kittleson clarified that anyone could make a donation, even if they lived in apartments or were part of bulk billing. However, signing up for recurring contributions did require being a city utility customer. The city was also working with its payment provider to eventually offer a “round-up” option for one-time payments.

Vice Mayor Sweet highlighted the contributions of staff members, as well as the Northern Arizona Interfaith group, who helped conceptualize the program. The initiative was inspired by community requests, and the team worked diligently to make it a reality. Mayor Daggett added that there was a lot of anxiety going through the water rate study, having to raise the rates, and the impact that had on community members. She appreciated that staff took the suggestion of a program like this seriously. She asked if there had been any projections on how much money would be needed or how many people would want to take advantage of it.

Ms. Kittleson stated that while the exact level of participation was difficult to predict, estimates suggested that 4,000 to 5,000 households qualified for assistance programs. With the current funding, the program could support roughly 83 to 88 customers for a year. The assistance provided was partial, similar to programs offered by other utilities, which sometimes experience excess donations, and the hope is that the city would realize that as well. 

Item was rescheduled to the January 6, 2026 meeting.

Russell Randall began by addressing the Council, clarifying that he was not the petitioner, Joseph Spence was the author, but he could not attend the meeting. He read a letter from Joseph, in which he expressed concern that the disability community lacked representation and urged the Council to place the petition on the next agenda to resume the Commission’s work. Mr. Randall, now speaking as a representative of Barrier-Free Flagstaff, emphasized the importance of the Commission’s work, noting its suspension by the former city manager for over four months. He questioned whether such suspensions were allowed under the city charter and stressed that the Commission provided vital services to Flagstaff’s disability community, advocating for inclusion in housing, transportation, employment, and education. He emphasized his commitment to a social justice model of disability and the importance of an accessible community.

Alida Pfeil addressed Council as a member of Barrier-Free Flagstaff and youth liaison to the Commission. She thanked the Council for their engagement with the community and urged that the petition be placed on the soonest possible agenda. She acknowledged concerns about past “toxic behavior” within the Commission but emphasized that addressing individual behavior should not marginalize the disability community as a whole.

Ms. Keene provided context to the temporary suspension, explaining that the Commission had been suspended in September of the previous year while staff and the new city manager evaluated priorities and staff assignments. She stated that the Commission would resume meetings on March 25, 2026 with the current membership and that an outside facilitator would be brought in to guide the restart. She offered her commitment to meet with any members of the disability community and commission members if desired.

Councilmember House noted that submitting the citizen petition could have delayed the process and appreciated the clarification from the City Manager. She indicated her support for the resumption of the meetings in March.

Councilmember Aslan clarified that the previous city manager had consulted with legal counsel and the City Council before suspending the Commission meetings. He expressed confidence in the City Manager’s planned process and supported the March resumption plan.

Councilmember Garcia also supported the Commission but echoed Councilmember Aslan's statements, noting that the March meeting addressed the community’s needs and that a public discussion of the past issues could risk harm to individuals. He did not support the advancement of the petition but expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Commission activities and engagement with the disability community.

There was not requisite support to place the item on a future agenda for discussion.

None

Councilmember House noted that a written public comment regarding the letter supporting the renewal of long-term authorization for annual deposits to the Historic Preservation Fund suggested that individual council members could sign the letter rather than only having a collective signature. She acknowledged that the letter had already been approved, but the suggestion had been noted. She then requested that staff explore what the process would entail for the renaming of Agassiz Peak to O’omaki and bring back an update for further discussion. 

Vice Mayor Sweet briefly thanked everyone for the discussion and wished everyone a happy holiday season.

Councilmember Aslan echoed support for moving forward with the O’omaki discussion, suggesting that O’omaki could be the primary reference, with Home of the Clouds as an acceptable English alternative. He also highlighted recent activities, including the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council’s support for the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument. He also raised a point about allowing credentialed press better access for photography during Council meetings.

Councilmember Garcia shared information about community events, including the Christmas tree lighting and holiday light parade, noting record attendance. He offered holiday greetings and highlighted upcoming art installations at Cleo Murdoch Park.

Councilmember Matthews shared her experiences attending the menorah lighting with Councilmember House, the holiday parade, and the Detox and Healing Center Task Force meeting. She emphasized ongoing efforts to identify needs for a medically assisted detox facility and challenges related to Medicaid eligibility for low-wage workers in Flagstaff. She expressed optimism about progress due to strong engagement from stakeholders and persistence from the County Attorney.

Mayor Daggett shared that she hosted the city’s sister city Navajoa-Sonora delegation for cultural and economic discussions. She attended the NAACP holiday luncheon, participated in the holiday parade, attended a remembrance event for victims of gun violence organized by Moms Demand Action, and the ribbon-cutting at the new Marshall Elementary School.

Ms. Keene reminded the Council of the budget retreat scheduled for Friday, December 19 facilitated by Jeff Kennedy. She also shared that a press release had gone out regarding the cancellation of the Flock Safety automated license plate recognition contract, with immediate deactivation of cameras.

The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held December 16, 2025, adjourned at 8:06 p.m.