to approve the minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026 and City Council Special Meeting Executive Session of March 24, 2026.

River Ramuglia addressed Council and urged them to take a public stance on the reported establishment of an ICE presence in Flagstaff. The Council may lack legal authority to stop it; they can still issue a constitutionally protected statement condemning any actions that violate due process and human rights. It is important to speak out. He also questioned spending on police vehicles and hiring software when there are unmet needs of unhoused residents. He advocated for redirecting resources toward shelter and supportive services.

DJ addressed Council with personal statement on his opposition to circumcision. He describes it as a harmful and non-consensual act. He encourages others to speak out against circumcision, claiming that doing so would protect children and spark more honest discussion about the issue.

Eric Wolverton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona, thanked the Council for its support and highlighted the importance of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, noting it has not been updated since 1988. He encouraged more equitable housing policies and emphasized fairness in decision-making. He explained how Habitat homeownership can build equity and improve financial stability and offered continued partnership with the city on affordable housing after the Timber Sky project is complete.

Lindsay Schube, on behalf of Symmetry Companies and STL 405, informed the Council that they are coordinating closely with the city on the JWP extension project. She clarifies that activity on their property is limited to granting access for equipment and supporting project logistics, not new development.

Colleen Maring, Chief People Officer at Northern Arizona Health Care, announced the organization’s expanded Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, “Mental Health Matters.” The program includes region-wide events in partnership with local institutions and supports a first responder counseling initiative for Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport staff. She also promotes a featured film screening about trauma and recovery in first responders. She also highlighted the 988 Lifeline as a key confidential mental health support resource available 24/7.

David Portree spoke about the “Riordan Road Historic Corridor” project. He explains that Milton was once a nearby company town connected to Flagstaff by Milton Road and served as a major lumber industry hub in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He describes efforts by local partners to install historical markers, build a companion website with QR codes, and potentially add art installations to help preserve and share Milton’s history.

Councilmember Spence read and presented the proclamation.

Councilmember Matthews read and presented the proclamation.

Councilmember House read and presented the proclamation.

Councilmember Garcia reported on a Parks and Recreation Commission visit to the Bushmaster Park sports courts, noting improvements in design and noise mitigation that have reduced prior neighborhood concerns and made the facility more successful.

Councilmember Spence shared that the Open Spaces Commission is collaborating on a long-term Parks and Recreation and Open Space strategic plan, which will include community outreach and guide priorities for the next five to ten years, encouraging public participation.

Vice Mayor Sweet shared that she attended a Rural Transportation Advisory Committee meeting in Phoenix and discussions with the Governor’s office about Route 66 improvements and related funding efforts.

Mayor Daggett reports from the PSPRS board meeting, including approval of a return firefighter’s rehire, and notes the upcoming Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting.

to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Current Planning Manager Alaxandra Pucciarelli provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

MILL TOWN THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT
DEVELOPMENT ALLOCATIONS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITMENT
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES IN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL OPTIONS

Councilmember House asks for clarification on the meaning of the 120% Area Median Income (AMI) threshold. She notes that some residents might question whether that level is truly “affordable,” and suggests it is intended to serve the “missing middle” housing segment.

Housing Planning Manager Jennifer explains that for a household of two, the 120% AMI limit is about $105,000. She clarifies that this threshold is intended to target middle-income households rather than only lower-income groups, providing more flexibility given uncertainty about future rental rates.

Councilmember House emphasized that the 120% AMI figure can seem high compared to more familiar 60% or 80% AMI thresholds, but is intended to target middle-income households, which is an important distinction in addressing the missing middle housing need.

to read Ordinance No. 2026-07 by title only for the final time.

to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-07.

to read Resolution No. 2026-13 by title only.

to adopt Resolution No. 2026-13.

Finance Director Brandi Suda introduced Audit Partner Michael Lauzon with HeinfeldMeech who provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

ANNUAL AUDIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS
IMPORTANCE OF THE AUDIT
AUDIT PROCESS
AUDIT METHODOLOGY
REPORTS ISSUED
FINANCIAL AUDIT HIGHLIGHTS – ACFR
SINGLE AUDIT HIGHLIGHTS

Councilmember Matthews expressed appreciation for the city’s finance, grants, housing, airport, IT, and related teams for their work supporting the audit process. She highlights the importance of maintaining an unmodified audit opinion and low-risk auditee status, noting these outcomes strengthen the city’s ability to secure grants. She emphasizes that the results reflect strong internal controls, teamwork, and fiscal responsibility.

Councilmember House also thanks the staff, echoing appreciation for transparency and clear reporting. She notes that the audit results demonstrate strong financial stewardship across divisions and expresses gratitude for the clarity and accessibility of the presentation, even for non-financial audiences.

to approve the FY 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the FY 2024-2025 Single Audit Report.

Capital Improvements Project Manager David Pedersen provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

J.W. POWELL BLVD. EXTENSION
GMP 1 – BANICKI CONSTRUCTION
VICINITY MAP
PROJECT SECTIONS
ENGINEERING UPDATE
CONCEPTUAL RIO DE FLAG CROSSING
TIMELINES
GMP 1 COMPONENTS

Councilmember Aslan asked about wildlife crossings in the Rio de Flag underpass project, specifically whether it will support elk and other animals. Mr. Pedersen explained that the structure includes wider bridge openings that will likely work well for smaller wildlife like deer and coyotes, but elk use is uncertain due to size, depth, and openness ratio concerns. He noted that successful elk crossings typically require extensive fencing to guide animals, and without it, effectiveness drops significantly. They are continuing discussions with Game and Fish and balancing design constraints, emphasizing that wildlife crossing systems are highly dependent on full supporting infrastructure like fencing.

Councilmember Matthews highlights that Flagstaff’s lower speed limits help reduce wildlife collision risk and appreciates the inclusion of lighting and safety features. Vice Mayor Sweet emphasized the importance of continued community communication and outreach.

A written comment was submitted from Marcilita and Rob Schmitt requesting a delay of any actions related to the JWP realignment.

to approve the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) - Construction Phase Services Agreement - Phase 1 - GMP 1 with J. Banicki Construction, Inc. for a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $892,834.98 and a contract period of 150 calendar days and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Interim Deputy City Manager Heidi Hansen provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

LIVED BLACK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM OF FLAGSTAFF
THE LIVED BLACK EXPERIENCE
BACKGROUND
CONTRACT TERM
FINANCIAL IMPACT

to approve the contract for services with Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff, Inc. to implement the Lived Black Experience Program of Flagstaff and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Communication and Civic Engagement Director Stacy Saltzburg explained that the resolution would formally call the Primary and General elections for 2026. The resolution provides notice to the public of the city’s intent to hold the elections. Should additional measures be added to either election, an additional call would occur to properly notice the ballot measures.

to read Resolution No. 2026-17 by title only.

to adopt Resolution No. 2026-17.

Communication and Civic Engagement Director Stacy Saltzburg explained that the resolution would approve the IGA with Coconino County to provide election services for both the primary and general elections.

to read Resolution No. 2026-17 by title only.

to adopt Resolution No. 2026-16.

City Manager Keene, Community Investment Director Dave McIntire, IT Director CJ Perry, Sustainability Director Nicole Antonopoulos, Water Services Director Lee Williams, and Interim Deputy City Manager Heidi Hansen provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

INTRODUCTION TO DATA CENTERS
BACKGROUND ON DATA CENTERS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
TWO PATHS FORWARD
FIRST TYPE
SECOND TYPE
EXAMPLES OF INFORMATION SOUGHT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT’S INTENTION
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF DATA CENTERS
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACTS
ENERGY IMPACTS
AIR QUALITY AND EMISSIONS IMPACTS
EQUITY IMPACTS
NOISE IMPACTS
LAND DEGRADATION IMPACTS
WATER RELATED ENERGY IMPACTS
MORE ON WATER IMPACTS
OVERVIEW
WATER COMMISSION DECISION
DIRECT VS INDIRECT WATER USAGE
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
HYPER-SCALE DATA CENTERS (1 MILLION SQ FT +)
AVERAGE DATA CENTERS (AI TRAINING WORKLOADS)
AVERAGE DATA CENTERS (COLLOCATION OR EDGE DATA CENTERS)
HOW BIG ARE THEY?
WHAT DEFINES A DATA CENTER?
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF DATA CENTERS
ECONOMIC IMPACTS REVISITED – INDIRECT IMPACT
ECONOMIC IMPACTS REVISITED – DIRECT IMPACT
LEARNING FROM OTHERS

Councilmember House asked whether the city’s information gathering process would evaluate both community needs and community values, not just potential economic upside. Her concern was whether policy could require data centers to prioritize serving local needs rather than external demand such as preventing outside users like major streaming services from consuming capacity. Mr. McIntire responded that both factors would be considered: whether a data center improves services like business efficiency, healthcare, logistics, and communications, and whether it fits Flagstaff’s character and zoning values. He also noted that scale matters, suggesting very large facilities (e.g., 500,000–1,000,000 sq. ft.) would likely not fit, though smaller ones might be evaluated case-by-case, along with economic impacts like revenue to the city, county, and schools.

Councilmember House then asked whether Flagstaff has geographic or logistical advantages for data centers. Staff discussed that Flagstaff’s cooler climate could reduce cooling costs compared to Phoenix, but that Flagstaff is not uniquely required for data center placement. The typical drivers are proximity to population centers, latency needs, highway access, and power infrastructure. Arizona offers data center tax incentives, and Northern Arizona’s solar potential and infrastructure access could be attractive factors.

Councilmember Garcia suggested that the city may want to think beyond data centers specifically and instead consider broader categories like high water and energy use industries. He asked about water recapture, wastewater treatment impacts, and concerns raised in presentations that future data centers may rely heavily on liquid cooling. Staff responded that water and cooling systems do involve liquid circulation and potential discharge, which could require treatment coordination and possibly development agreements.

City Manager Joanne Keene shared that policy structure, planning and zoning outcomes, and regulatory questions would be addressed at the upcoming May 5, 2026, meeting.

Councilmember Aslan expressed appreciation for a presentation that helped clarify misconceptions and wished more of the public could see it to reset the tone of the community conversation around data centers. He emphasized that not all data centers are alike and suggested the city use clearer terminology to distinguish smaller-scale facilities, like server rooms or computational hubs, from large industrial data centers, so residents do not conflate very different impacts. He also noted emerging technologies, such as underwater data centers, to illustrate how quickly the industry is evolving.

Councilmember Aslan challenged the road analogy used in the presentation. He argued the comparison breaks down because roads are public goods that broadly distribute benefits, while data centers are privately controlled, profit-driven infrastructure. Data centers often create limited local employment while consuming significant resources, meaning their benefits are narrowly captured while impacts, like water and energy use, are born locally. He advocated for a water productivity policy framework. Instead of simply asking whether the city has enough water, he proposed evaluating whether a project delivers sufficient economic return per gallon of water used, factoring in jobs, tax revenue, and overall community benefit. Flagstaff may not yet be a prime target due to limited broadband capacity; it could become more attractive in the future. He urged policy development to guard against large, water-intensive facilities that generate few local jobs and export profits.

None

Council Member Spence shared that he recently hosted a small listening session at a Dark Skies event in Heritage Square. It was a great way to have more direct community engagement and encouraged his colleagues to consider doing something similar.

Ms. Keene provided an update on the upcoming Public Safety Power Shutoff announced by APS due to high fire danger and forecasted 60 mph winds. She noted that outages could last 12–24 hours, with preparations underway including use of the Aquaplex as a Red Cross shelter and ongoing public updates.

Councilmember Aslan highlighted a community event at Lowell Observatory for viewing the Lyrid meteor shower.

Councilmember Garcia shared an update on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he joined Mayor Daggett, Councilmember Matthews, and city leadership to advocate for key Flagstaff projects. He described meetings with the Bureau of Reclamation, members of Congress, and federal departments. The discussions were productive and aligned with Flagstaff’s priorities and focused on securing final support to move projects forward. He also highlighted the strong teamwork and synergy among the delegation, noting their ability to collaboratively and effectively communicate the city’s needs.

Councilmember Matthews emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with federal and state partners since cities cannot fund major projects alone and are impacted by external policies. She reiterated that the trip focused on critical priorities such as the Rio de Flag flood control project, Red Gap Ranch water supply, forest health, airport infrastructure, transportation, and housing. The trip was fast-paced and demanding but ultimately valuable and productive in advancing the city’s goals.

Vice Mayor Sweet highlighted local events including Palette to Palate, Water Professionals bowling date, and the Viola Award.

Ms. Keene reminded Council about the upcoming budget retreat and additional community events, the High Country Humane brunch, Miss Cleo’s Tea Party, and Drop-Off Day.

Assistant City Manager Shannon Anderson promoted “Go Orange Day,” led by the American Traffic Safety Services Association. She encouraged everyone to wear orange to raise awareness for roadway worker safety.

The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held April 21, 2026, adjourned at 7:42: p.m.