CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
3:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held February 3, 2026, to order at 3:01 p.m.
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Daggett called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held February 3, 2026, to order at 3:01 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:
-
- 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 Joanne Keene; City Attorney Sterling Solomon
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MISSION STATEMENT, AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Matthews 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 and audience recited the pledge of allegiance, Councilmember Matthews 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A.
Consideration and Approval of Minutes: City Council Regular Meeting of January 6, 2026, Special Meeting/Executive Session of January 6, 2026, Special Meeting/Executive Session of January 13, 2026, City Council Work Session January 13, 2026, Special Meeting/Executive Session of January 20, 2026.
Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to approve the minutes of the meetings of City Council Regular Meeting of January 6, 2026, Special Meeting/Executive Session of January 6, 2026, Special Meeting/Executive Session of January 13, 2026, City Council Work Session January 13, 2026, Special Meeting/Executive Session of January 20, 2026.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
5.
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 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.
Gwen Waring addressed Council and requested a community meeting involving Council, law enforcement, and the public to discuss ICE's activities. She emphasized the need for transparency regarding law enforcement parameters, community rights, and protection of Native Americans.
Nadine Hart addressed Council and requested that they refrain from taking political stances on federal issues like ICE, emphasizing the importance of nonpartisan leadership and focusing on local matters such as water rates and community safety, and expressing concern over the impact of Council actions on students and law enforcement families.
International Travel Trade Manager Meg Roederer briefed the Council on upcoming Arizona America 250 celebrations, the Route 66 Centennial, and related tourism initiatives, highlighting the digital passport app, traveling museum, commemorative beer, and flag displays in partnership with NAU.
Colleen Maring, Chief People Officer for Northern Arizona Healthcare, announced the receipt of a $250,000 grant from the American Cancer Society and Pfizer to improve cancer care coordination for Native American patients, with Northern Arizona University as a partner.
Nadine Hart addressed Council and requested that they refrain from taking political stances on federal issues like ICE, emphasizing the importance of nonpartisan leadership and focusing on local matters such as water rates and community safety, and expressing concern over the impact of Council actions on students and law enforcement families.
International Travel Trade Manager Meg Roederer briefed the Council on upcoming Arizona America 250 celebrations, the Route 66 Centennial, and related tourism initiatives, highlighting the digital passport app, traveling museum, commemorative beer, and flag displays in partnership with NAU.
Colleen Maring, Chief People Officer for Northern Arizona Healthcare, announced the receipt of a $250,000 grant from the American Cancer Society and Pfizer to improve cancer care coordination for Native American patients, with Northern Arizona University as a partner.
6.
PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
A.
Proclamation: The 100th Anniversary of Black History Month
Mayor Daggett read the proclamation.
B.
Proclamation: Career & Technical Education Month
Mayor Daggett read and presented the proclamation.
7.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
Councilmember Aslan noted his attendance at the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council meeting where they received a presentation on Red Gap Ranch from the Bureau of Reclamation. There were discussions around water supply planning involving Erin Young, as well as a presentation on Flagstaff’s energy efficiency and electrification study results from Genevieve Pearthree. Updates were also provided regarding the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) model plans library. He also highlighted accomplishments from the Sustainability Division, which included removing 44,000 pounds of trash and invasive plants from streams, streets, and trails, launching two new programs focused on healthy, resilient homes, hosting 238 events and workshops that engaged 9,000 community members, funding 14 community-led sustainability projects, and graduating 11 local businesses through the sustainability business boot camp. The division also diverted more than 69,000 pounds of waste through its prevention program, demonstrated that all-electric homes are feasible and cost-effective, distributed $177,000 in preparedness resources to residents facing climate hazards, and made it easier to build ADUs by offering 10 pre-approved model home plans. Additional achievements include developing the Flagstaff Food Action Plan and launching Volunteer Flagstaff, which connected over 1,200 community members with volunteer opportunities across the city. Lastly, he reported that the Tourism Commission elected new leadership: Commissioner Regina Salas as Chair and Cody Half Moon as Vice Chair. The Commission also reviewed an attractions report and discussed elevating tourism concerns as a federal legislative lobbying priority, citing issues such as national park price hikes for foreign visitors and policies perceived as unfriendly to tourism.
Vice Mayor Sweet shared updates from attending the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council annual meeting in Phoenix, where discussions focused on recapitalizing the Arizona Smart Fund and improvements to West Route 66. She also noted upcoming meetings, including the MetroPlan Strategic Advance, the Beautification and Public Art Commission meeting, and the NACOG work session.
Councilmember Spence shared that the Transportation Commission would be meeting, and they would be receiving presentations from the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Vice Mayor Sweet shared updates from attending the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council annual meeting in Phoenix, where discussions focused on recapitalizing the Arizona Smart Fund and improvements to West Route 66. She also noted upcoming meetings, including the MetroPlan Strategic Advance, the Beautification and Public Art Commission meeting, and the NACOG work session.
Councilmember Spence shared that the Transportation Commission would be meeting, and they would be receiving presentations from the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
8.
APPOINTMENTS
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).
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).
A.
Consideration of Appointments: Indigenous Commission
Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to appoint Elizabeth Washburn to the Indigenous Commission.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
Consideration of Appointments: Audit Committee
Moved by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember David Spence to appoint Shawn Barker to the Audit Committee.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
9.
CONSENT AGENDA
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.
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 Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember David Spence to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
A.
Consideration and Ratification: Letter of Support for the Grand Canyon National Park Airport’s Terminal Renovation Project
Retroactively approve the letter of support.
B.
Consideration and Ratification of Letter of Support: Letter of Support for SB1064 (Appropriation, U.S. Route 66; improvements)
Retroactively approve the letter of support.
Retroactively approve the letter of support.
C.
Consideration and Approval of Contract: Approve Amendment(s) to the Custodial Services Contract(s) with Pinnacle Janitorial, Inc. dba Pinnacle Building Services ("Pinnacle") to reflect the City of Flagstaff 2026 Minimum Wage Adjustment.
- Approve the Fourth Amendment to the City-Wide Custodial Services Contract with Pinnacle to reflect the 2026 Minimum Wage Adjustment; and
- Approve the Second Amendment to the Airport Custodial Services Contract with Pinnacle to reflect the 2026 Minimum Wage Adjustment; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
D.
Consideration and Ratification of Contract: Ratification of the $33,836 Amendment to the Order Form for the Contract with Placer Labs, Inc. for Placer.ai data analytics software bringing the total contract amount to $129,240.
- Ratify the $33,836 Amendment to the Order Form for the Contract with Placer Labs, Inc. for Placer.ai data analytics software bringing the total contract amount to $129,240; and
- Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
10.
ROUTINE ITEMS
A.
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-03 and Ordinance No. 2026-01: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, declaring as a public record that certain document filed with the City Clerk entitled "PZ-23-00134 - Sign Standards" and an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, amending the Flagstaff City Code, Title 10, Flagstaff Zoning Code.
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to adopt Resolution No. 2026-03.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to read Ordinance No. 2026-01 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF, AMENDING THE FLAGSTAFF CITY CODE, TITLE 10, FLAGSTAFF ZONING CODE, BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THAT CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “PZ-23-00134 – SIGN STANDARDS”; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, SEVERABILITY, AUTHORITY FOR CLERICAL CORRECTIONS, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-01.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
Consideration and Approval of Cooperative Purchase Contract: cooperative purchase contract with CS Construction, Inc. for Construction Services at the Woody Mountain Rd. and West Route 66 Traffic Signal Project (“the Project”) in the amount of $574,500.00.
City Engineer Paul Mood provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
CS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
W. ROUTE 66 AND WOODY MOUNTAIN RD. TRAFFIC SIGNAL
SENATE BILL 1737 AND ADOT IGA
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
EXISTING CONDITIONS
TEMPORARY SPAN-WIRE SIGNAL
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
CONSTRUCTION PLANS 60%
PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Councilmember Matthews expressed appreciation for the upcoming safety improvements to a road that residents have frequently raised concerns about. She thanked staff for prioritizing the work despite it not being on ADOT or the city’s original schedule and acknowledged the growing development in the area, including new housing and activity along Route 66.
Councilmember Spence asked whether the 60% design work for the project accounts for anticipated ADOT improvements on Route 66, specifically if signal poles are placed far enough back to avoid redoing deep foundation work in the future.
City Engineer Paul Mood explained that the traffic signal is designed as a temporary installation. When ADOT’s final improvements are implemented, the temporary signal will be removed. He noted that the project was awarded $1.9 million, with an estimated spend of $750,000–$800,000 for construction, design, and geotechnical work. Any remaining funds will be applied toward future improvements on West Route 66.
CS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
W. ROUTE 66 AND WOODY MOUNTAIN RD. TRAFFIC SIGNAL
SENATE BILL 1737 AND ADOT IGA
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
EXISTING CONDITIONS
TEMPORARY SPAN-WIRE SIGNAL
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
CONSTRUCTION PLANS 60%
PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Councilmember Matthews expressed appreciation for the upcoming safety improvements to a road that residents have frequently raised concerns about. She thanked staff for prioritizing the work despite it not being on ADOT or the city’s original schedule and acknowledged the growing development in the area, including new housing and activity along Route 66.
Councilmember Spence asked whether the 60% design work for the project accounts for anticipated ADOT improvements on Route 66, specifically if signal poles are placed far enough back to avoid redoing deep foundation work in the future.
City Engineer Paul Mood explained that the traffic signal is designed as a temporary installation. When ADOT’s final improvements are implemented, the temporary signal will be removed. He noted that the project was awarded $1.9 million, with an estimated spend of $750,000–$800,000 for construction, design, and geotechnical work. Any remaining funds will be applied toward future improvements on West Route 66.
Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet to approve the Cooperative Purchase Contract with CS Construction, Inc. (“Contractor”) for Construction Services in the amount of $574,500.00 and a contract time of (150) calendar days, approve a contract allowance of $43,087.50, which is 7.5% of the Cooperative Purchase Contract amount, approve Change Order Authority to the City Manager in the amount of $57,450.00 (10% of the contract amount, less allowances), and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
11.
REGULAR AGENDA
A.
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-02: A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council, approving a submission of a grant application between the State of Arizona through the Arizona Department of Transportation and City of Flagstaff for the Arizona State Match Advantage for Rural Transportation (AZ SMART) Match Reimbursement for the Seligman Sub Big Fill Lake Project (Big Fill Lake).
Water Services Stormwater Section Director Ed Schenk provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
RESOLUTION FOR SUBMITTAL OF AN AZ SMART MATCH GRANT FOR “BIG FILL LAKE”
AZ SMART MATCH RESOLUTION
WHAT IS “BIG FILL LAKE”
BNSF EMBANKMENT VIEW
PROJECT (2022 TO PRESENT)
PROJECT DETAILS
PROJECT SCOPE AND DESIGN
WHAT’S THE BENEFIT?
PROJECT BENEFITS
WHAT’S THE COST?
FRA GRANT
AZ SMART MATCH GRANT REQUIREMENTS
Councilmember Aslan asked what flood frequency the project is intended to mitigate and how completion of the Rio de Flag project would affect the east-side floodway. Mr. Schenk explained the effort is not designed to a specific “design storm”; the 1% (FEMA) event is ~3,100 cubic feet per second (CFS), which cannot be passed without removing the Route 66 embankment. Instead, the project aims to pass roughly 2,200 CFS, lowering the base flood elevation behind the dam by about 10 feet and reducing the deepest pool from about 22 feet to about 12 feet, significantly shrinking the ponded area. He added that the Rio de Flag project will remove substantial floodplain/floodway downtown and on the Southside while accelerating flows toward the east and that the Big Fill Lake project complements this by moving water further east, where it more readily infiltrates and diminishes a few miles downstream.
Councilmember Spence then asked whether the lake’s historic “bottomless pit” sinkhole could relieve flooding going forward. Mr. Schenk said the feature is included in FEMA analyses and is assumed to drain around 54 CFS which is helpful but minor relative to 3,100 CFS inflows.
Councilmember Spence followed by asking if construction would disrupt the two BNSF rail lines or require rerouting a gas pipeline. Mr. Schenk responded that there will be no rail service disruption. The team will use horizontal jack-and-bore under the BNSF embankment. The El Paso natural gas line is not in the project area, so no reroute is needed, and the Wildcat interceptor project is adjacent and coordinated to avoid conflicts.
RESOLUTION FOR SUBMITTAL OF AN AZ SMART MATCH GRANT FOR “BIG FILL LAKE”
AZ SMART MATCH RESOLUTION
WHAT IS “BIG FILL LAKE”
BNSF EMBANKMENT VIEW
PROJECT (2022 TO PRESENT)
PROJECT DETAILS
PROJECT SCOPE AND DESIGN
WHAT’S THE BENEFIT?
PROJECT BENEFITS
WHAT’S THE COST?
FRA GRANT
AZ SMART MATCH GRANT REQUIREMENTS
Councilmember Aslan asked what flood frequency the project is intended to mitigate and how completion of the Rio de Flag project would affect the east-side floodway. Mr. Schenk explained the effort is not designed to a specific “design storm”; the 1% (FEMA) event is ~3,100 cubic feet per second (CFS), which cannot be passed without removing the Route 66 embankment. Instead, the project aims to pass roughly 2,200 CFS, lowering the base flood elevation behind the dam by about 10 feet and reducing the deepest pool from about 22 feet to about 12 feet, significantly shrinking the ponded area. He added that the Rio de Flag project will remove substantial floodplain/floodway downtown and on the Southside while accelerating flows toward the east and that the Big Fill Lake project complements this by moving water further east, where it more readily infiltrates and diminishes a few miles downstream.
Councilmember Spence then asked whether the lake’s historic “bottomless pit” sinkhole could relieve flooding going forward. Mr. Schenk said the feature is included in FEMA analyses and is assumed to drain around 54 CFS which is helpful but minor relative to 3,100 CFS inflows.
Councilmember Spence followed by asking if construction would disrupt the two BNSF rail lines or require rerouting a gas pipeline. Mr. Schenk responded that there will be no rail service disruption. The team will use horizontal jack-and-bore under the BNSF embankment. The El Paso natural gas line is not in the project area, so no reroute is needed, and the Wildcat interceptor project is adjacent and coordinated to avoid conflicts.
Moved by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to read Resolution No. 2026-02 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF ARIZONA FOR THE ARIZONA STATE MATCH ADVANTAGE FOR RURAL TRANSPORTATION (AZ SMART) FUND FOR THE SELIGMAN SUB BIG FILL LAKE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE UPON AWARD
Moved by Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to adopt Resolution No. 2026-02.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-08: A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council, approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Coconino County Community College District related to joint ownership and use of a firearms training facility
Real Estate Manager Bryce Doty provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following
JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITY
VICINITY MAP
JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITY
VICINITY MAP
Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to read Resolution No. 2026-08 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL, APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH COCONINO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT RELATED TO JOINT OWNERSHIP AND USE OF A FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITY
Moved by Councilmember David Spence, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to adopt Resolution No. 2026-08.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
12.
OPEN CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None
13.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Vice Mayor Sweet highlighted the Art Walk on Friday and the Chocolate Walk in downtown on Saturday, where she will be handing out 500 pieces of handmade fudge.
Councilmember Garcia gave a brief shout-out to Flagstaff High School students for inviting them to a listening session focused on immigration and national climate issues. He noted how impactful it was to hear students express concerns and solutions in a respectful and community-oriented manner.
Mayor Daggett shared that she had participated in meetings for the US Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. She shared that she would be testifying in support of HB2804, a rural affordable housing tax credit bill introduced by Senator Rogers. She emphasized the bill’s importance for revitalizing the LIHTC program for rural communities and invited the public to support the bill.
Ms. Keene reminded the Council and the public about the upcoming budget retreat scheduled for Thursday at the Aquaplex. The purpose of the retreat was to provide opportunity to review the city’s financial position, discuss emerging needs, and set priorities for the upcoming budget.
Councilmember Garcia gave a brief shout-out to Flagstaff High School students for inviting them to a listening session focused on immigration and national climate issues. He noted how impactful it was to hear students express concerns and solutions in a respectful and community-oriented manner.
Mayor Daggett shared that she had participated in meetings for the US Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. She shared that she would be testifying in support of HB2804, a rural affordable housing tax credit bill introduced by Senator Rogers. She emphasized the bill’s importance for revitalizing the LIHTC program for rural communities and invited the public to support the bill.
Ms. Keene reminded the Council and the public about the upcoming budget retreat scheduled for Thursday at the Aquaplex. The purpose of the retreat was to provide opportunity to review the city’s financial position, discuss emerging needs, and set priorities for the upcoming budget.
14.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held February 3, 2026, adjourned at 4:15 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 Meeting of the Council of the City of Flagstaff held on February 3, 2026. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 3rd day of March, 2026 | |
________________________________________ CITY CLERK |