DRAFT AUGUST MEETING MINUTES
| SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026 |
HYBRID MEETING STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM AND MICROSOFT TEAMS 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE 4:30 P.M. |
Vision: The City of Flagstaff is a culture and community that thrives in response to the Climate Crisis.
Mission: To advise Sustainability Division Staff on matters related to climate and sustainability, support community projects through Neighborhood Sustainability Grants, and provide feedback to the City Council on sustainability issues.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Sustainability Commission was called to order by Chair Wolkowinsky at 4:31 P.M.
2.
ROLL CALL
| NOTE: One or more Commissioner may be in attendance through other technological means. |
| AMY WOLKOWINSKY - CHAIR (Present) MARY METZGER - VICE CHAIR (Present) COMMISSIONER ALYSSA KUZUKIAN (Present) COMMISSIONER AUDREY RIDGE (Absent) |
COMMISSIONER CAMERON CARLSON (Present) COMMISSIONER RODGER SCURLOCK (Present) COMMISSIONER TOM LAMMIE (Present) |
Staff Present:
- Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
- Mary Goodman, Deputy City Manager
- Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
- Genevieve Pearthree, Senior Sustainability Planner
- Pamela DiSalvo (Public, online)
3.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Sustainability Commission 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 Sustainability Commission 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.
Commissioner Carlson read the land acknowledgement.
4.
PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please use the Teams Chat function: simply type in "public comment" to indicate to the Chair that you would like to comment. The Chair will then recognize you when it is time for public comment, and staff will unmute your microphone if needed.
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please use the Teams Chat function: simply type in "public comment" to indicate to the Chair that you would like to comment. The Chair will then recognize you when it is time for public comment, and staff will unmute your microphone if needed.
No public comment was given.
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Chair Wolkowinsky, and seconded by Commissioner Scurlock: Approve the minutes for the June 25, 2026 Sustainability Commission meeting.
Vote: All in favor, motion passed unanimously.
Vote: All in favor, motion passed unanimously.
6.
BUSINESS
Introduction – Deputy City Manager Mary Goodman
Deputy City Manager Mary Goodman introduced herself. She has been with the City for four months and previously served as Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Gilbert.
Deputy City Manager Mary Goodman introduced herself. She has been with the City for four months and previously served as Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Gilbert.
A.
Renewable Energy Purchasing Overview
Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
Information and discussion.
Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
Information and discussion.
Ms. Antonopoulos provided an overview of the City’s clean-energy commitments and progress:
• In 2017, the City Council committed municipal operations to 100 percent clean energy, a goal now reflected in the Carbon Neutrality Plan.
• The City continues efficiency upgrades, invests in renewable energy credits (RECs), and pursues clean-energy technologies.
• A multi-year energy and water conservation project improved lighting, building weatherization, irrigation controls, electric vehicles and charging stations, and optimized utility rates—saving several hundred thousand dollars annually.
• Renewable energy purchasing: The City purchases low-cost Hoover Dam power, saving about $35,000 per year, and was the first participant in APS’s Green Power Partners (GPP) program. We have ended our participation in GPP, and are soon to be purchasing energy from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA)
• Solar installations at Rio de Flag, the Aquaplex, and other sites save about $137,000 yearly; additional savings are expected once loans are paid off in 2029.
• A 2011 solar power-purchase agreement also stabilizes long-term energy costs.
• Efficiency remains the foundation of the City’s clean-energy strategy.
• Ms. Antonopoulos also reported rising APS REC prices and the City’s transition to lower-cost RECs from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, expected to save about $20,000 annually.
• The City is exploring a regional Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with NAU, ASU, Phoenix, Sedona, and Tempe; the first bid was not competitive, and a new solicitation will be issued.
Action Items:
• Staff will update the Commission on street-lighting conversions funded by Bond 418.
• Staff will continue VPPA development and provide updates when new bids are received.
• Staff will add solar-panel recycling information to public materials.
Ms. Antonopoulos explained the City’s exploration of a fourth phase of renewable-energy projects, including potential solar arrays, battery storage, and electric-vehicle charging. Staff are in the initial planning and exploration steps.
• Consultants are reviewing City sites for feasibility, and limited capital funds mean the project would likely use a power-purchase agreement.
• Emergency Management and Facilities staff are helping evaluate battery-storage needs, and viable sites for future renewables are limited.
Action Item:
Staff will present Phase IV feasibility findings to leadership before any formal solicitation.
• In 2017, the City Council committed municipal operations to 100 percent clean energy, a goal now reflected in the Carbon Neutrality Plan.
• The City continues efficiency upgrades, invests in renewable energy credits (RECs), and pursues clean-energy technologies.
• A multi-year energy and water conservation project improved lighting, building weatherization, irrigation controls, electric vehicles and charging stations, and optimized utility rates—saving several hundred thousand dollars annually.
• Renewable energy purchasing: The City purchases low-cost Hoover Dam power, saving about $35,000 per year, and was the first participant in APS’s Green Power Partners (GPP) program. We have ended our participation in GPP, and are soon to be purchasing energy from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA)
• Solar installations at Rio de Flag, the Aquaplex, and other sites save about $137,000 yearly; additional savings are expected once loans are paid off in 2029.
• A 2011 solar power-purchase agreement also stabilizes long-term energy costs.
• Efficiency remains the foundation of the City’s clean-energy strategy.
• Ms. Antonopoulos also reported rising APS REC prices and the City’s transition to lower-cost RECs from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, expected to save about $20,000 annually.
• The City is exploring a regional Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with NAU, ASU, Phoenix, Sedona, and Tempe; the first bid was not competitive, and a new solicitation will be issued.
Action Items:
• Staff will update the Commission on street-lighting conversions funded by Bond 418.
• Staff will continue VPPA development and provide updates when new bids are received.
• Staff will add solar-panel recycling information to public materials.
Ms. Antonopoulos explained the City’s exploration of a fourth phase of renewable-energy projects, including potential solar arrays, battery storage, and electric-vehicle charging. Staff are in the initial planning and exploration steps.
• Consultants are reviewing City sites for feasibility, and limited capital funds mean the project would likely use a power-purchase agreement.
• Emergency Management and Facilities staff are helping evaluate battery-storage needs, and viable sites for future renewables are limited.
Action Item:
Staff will present Phase IV feasibility findings to leadership before any formal solicitation.
B.
City Budget Process Overview
Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
Information only.
Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
Information only.
Nicole Antonopoulos presented an overview of the Sustainability Division’s upcoming budget. Prior-year numbers are still estimates until the fiscal year is officially closed.
• The budget shows roughly $5 million in required grant “placeholder” entries, which can cause confusion because they are not actual grant awards. Staff must put these placeholder entries in the budget, in case we receive grant awards.
• The division’s actual operating revenue is about $1.1 million, supplemented by General Fund support.
• Major costs include staff, administrative and contractual expenses, EV-charging operations, energy-efficiency contracts, custodial services, and the EcoPASS contribution.
• The division is in the final year of using federal funding from a previous multi-year allocation.
• Of more than $1 million requested in new funding, only about $200,000 could be supported due to limited resources.
She also reviewed the Environmental Management Fee (EMF):
• The EMF, created in 2002 and updated in 2018, is based on each customer’s water use and trash service.
• Consultants are determining whether the fee covers current program costs, and a future Council rate adjustment may be needed.
• Staff are analyzing survey results and studying how actions like energy conservation translate to measurable community benefits.
Action Items:
• Staff will present the fee study and any recommended changes once the analysis is complete.
• Staff will examine whether a flat-fee option is appropriate for vacant or very low-use homes.
• The budget shows roughly $5 million in required grant “placeholder” entries, which can cause confusion because they are not actual grant awards. Staff must put these placeholder entries in the budget, in case we receive grant awards.
• The division’s actual operating revenue is about $1.1 million, supplemented by General Fund support.
• Major costs include staff, administrative and contractual expenses, EV-charging operations, energy-efficiency contracts, custodial services, and the EcoPASS contribution.
• The division is in the final year of using federal funding from a previous multi-year allocation.
• Of more than $1 million requested in new funding, only about $200,000 could be supported due to limited resources.
She also reviewed the Environmental Management Fee (EMF):
• The EMF, created in 2002 and updated in 2018, is based on each customer’s water use and trash service.
• Consultants are determining whether the fee covers current program costs, and a future Council rate adjustment may be needed.
• Staff are analyzing survey results and studying how actions like energy conservation translate to measurable community benefits.
Action Items:
• Staff will present the fee study and any recommended changes once the analysis is complete.
• Staff will examine whether a flat-fee option is appropriate for vacant or very low-use homes.
C.
Flagstaff Sustainability Grant Overview
Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
Information and discussion.
Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
Information and discussion.
Jenny Niemann announced that the Sustainability grants opened August 15th and close September 30th.
• A total of $75,000 in funding is available, including up to three $2,500 microgrants.
• Eligible projects must focus on community health and resilience, food, transportation, energy, or waste.
• She encouraged commissioners to help promote the program, as many applicants hear about it through personal networks.
• A recent workshop had strong attendance, and the September Commission meeting will include a 1.5-hour grant-review training.
• Final funding decisions will take place in late November or early December to avoid Thanksgiving conflicts.
Action Items
• Staff will send Commissioners all grant materials, timelines, and instructions.
• Commissioners are encouraged to suggest residents who may help review applications.
• A total of $75,000 in funding is available, including up to three $2,500 microgrants.
• Eligible projects must focus on community health and resilience, food, transportation, energy, or waste.
• She encouraged commissioners to help promote the program, as many applicants hear about it through personal networks.
• A recent workshop had strong attendance, and the September Commission meeting will include a 1.5-hour grant-review training.
• Final funding decisions will take place in late November or early December to avoid Thanksgiving conflicts.
Action Items
• Staff will send Commissioners all grant materials, timelines, and instructions.
• Commissioners are encouraged to suggest residents who may help review applications.
D.
2026 Update to the Carbon Neutrality Plan and Climate Action Dashboard
Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
Information and discussion
Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
Information and discussion
Ms. Niemann reported that staff will present an update on the Carbon Neutrality Plan (CNP) to City Council on September 22nd.
• A new public dashboard showing climate-goal progress is expected in October, and the updated plan is tentatively scheduled for Council adoption on November 17.
• The plan is now organized into five main focus areas, with each target area summarized in a clearer two-page format.
• The long-term emissions graph has been extended to 2050 to show continued work beyond the 2030 neutrality goal.
• Staff built a new digital dashboard for residents to explore strategies and track progress.
• Future website upgrades may include interactive maps and climate-impact calculators.
Action Item
Staff will share the updated dashboard with Commissioners after the Council work session and any revisions.
• A new public dashboard showing climate-goal progress is expected in October, and the updated plan is tentatively scheduled for Council adoption on November 17.
• The plan is now organized into five main focus areas, with each target area summarized in a clearer two-page format.
• The long-term emissions graph has been extended to 2050 to show continued work beyond the 2030 neutrality goal.
• Staff built a new digital dashboard for residents to explore strategies and track progress.
• Future website upgrades may include interactive maps and climate-impact calculators.
Action Item
Staff will share the updated dashboard with Commissioners after the Council work session and any revisions.
E.
Future Agenda Item Request: Recycling Update
Amy Wolkowinsky, Chair
Discussion and vote
Amy Wolkowinsky, Chair
Discussion and vote
Chair Wolkowinsky noted the need for a deeper review of Flagstaff’s recycling system, referencing earlier presentations from resident Ward Davis that highlighted gaps in data on emissions, contamination, materials handling, and costs.
• The Commission expressed interest in partnering with NAU to analyze materials and estimate carbon impacts.
• Commissioners requested a future Solid Waste presentation with specific questions prepared beforehand.
• A working group was proposed to develop these questions and outline possible partnership steps.
A motion was made by Chair Wolkowinsky, and seconded by Vice Chair Metzger:
To request an agenda item for a recycling update and working-group session at a future meeting, likely in January or later.
Vote: Unanimously approved.
Action Item
Staff will coordinate with Solid Waste staff to plan attendance and a presentation for the future meeting.
• The Commission expressed interest in partnering with NAU to analyze materials and estimate carbon impacts.
• Commissioners requested a future Solid Waste presentation with specific questions prepared beforehand.
• A working group was proposed to develop these questions and outline possible partnership steps.
A motion was made by Chair Wolkowinsky, and seconded by Vice Chair Metzger:
To request an agenda item for a recycling update and working-group session at a future meeting, likely in January or later.
Vote: Unanimously approved.
Action Item
Staff will coordinate with Solid Waste staff to plan attendance and a presentation for the future meeting.
F.
Vote to Establish a Rail Pollution Working Group
Amy Wolkowinsky, Chair
Discussion and Vote
Amy Wolkowinsky, Chair
Discussion and Vote
• The Commission revisited concerns about rail-related pollution, including particulate matter, noise, safety issues, and the lack of local air-quality monitoring.
• Commissioners noted potential partnerships with the University of Arizona’s PurpleAir sensor network and NAU public health researchers.
• A working group was proposed to gather initial data and determine what issues the Commission can meaningfully address.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, and seconded by Chair Wolkowinsky: To establish a Rail Pollution Working Group.
Vote: Motion approved unanimously.
Action Items
• The Rail Pollution Working Group is formed, with Commissioner Carlson serving as lead.
• Additional Commissioners will coordinate roles and timing (Commissioner Ridge had previously shown interest).
• Commissioners noted potential partnerships with the University of Arizona’s PurpleAir sensor network and NAU public health researchers.
• A working group was proposed to gather initial data and determine what issues the Commission can meaningfully address.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carlson, and seconded by Chair Wolkowinsky: To establish a Rail Pollution Working Group.
Vote: Motion approved unanimously.
Action Items
• The Rail Pollution Working Group is formed, with Commissioner Carlson serving as lead.
• Additional Commissioners will coordinate roles and timing (Commissioner Ridge had previously shown interest).
G.
Vote to Establish a Recycling Working Group
Amy Wolkowinsky, Chair
Discussion and Vote
Amy Wolkowinsky, Chair
Discussion and Vote
A motion was made by Chair Wolkowinsky, and seconded by Vice Chair Metzger: To formally establish the Recycling Working Group.
Vote: Motion approved unanimously.
Action Item
Working group membership was confirmed: Chair Wolkowinsky, Commissioner Scurlock, and Commissioner Lammie.
Vote: Motion approved unanimously.
Action Item
Working group membership was confirmed: Chair Wolkowinsky, Commissioner Scurlock, and Commissioner Lammie.
H.
Sustainability Office and City Council Updates
Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
Information only.
Jenny Niemann, Deputy Sustainability Director
Information only.
• Sustainability grant applications close on September 30th.
• The Be Ready Flagstaff emergency-preparedness outreach is ongoing.
• The public is encouraged to participate in the Wildfire Resilient Home Initiative.
• The Green Business Boot Camp is accepting applications, with the next cohort starting in October.
• A bulk-purchase heat-pump campaign through Switch Together will launch in September.
• A member of the public asked in the chat whether the solar bulk-buy program includes home battery systems, and if batteries can be purchased separately. Staff confirmed that the program does include battery options.
• Staff provided links to both the City’s Northern Arizona Solar Co-op webpage and the Switch Together campaign site for more information.
• Fall Drop-Off Day will take place on October 24th.
• An electric-vehicle “Ride & Drive” event is scheduled for September 19th in downtown Flagstaff.
• The 2024 building and energy code updates will be presented at a Council work session on September 8th, with the first reading on September 15 and the second on October 6th.
• The Food Action Plan draft review is planned for October.
Action Item
Staff will send the Sustainability newsletter directly to Commissioners by email.
• The Be Ready Flagstaff emergency-preparedness outreach is ongoing.
• The public is encouraged to participate in the Wildfire Resilient Home Initiative.
• The Green Business Boot Camp is accepting applications, with the next cohort starting in October.
• A bulk-purchase heat-pump campaign through Switch Together will launch in September.
• A member of the public asked in the chat whether the solar bulk-buy program includes home battery systems, and if batteries can be purchased separately. Staff confirmed that the program does include battery options.
• Staff provided links to both the City’s Northern Arizona Solar Co-op webpage and the Switch Together campaign site for more information.
• Fall Drop-Off Day will take place on October 24th.
• An electric-vehicle “Ride & Drive” event is scheduled for September 19th in downtown Flagstaff.
• The 2024 building and energy code updates will be presented at a Council work session on September 8th, with the first reading on September 15 and the second on October 6th.
• The Food Action Plan draft review is planned for October.
Action Item
Staff will send the Sustainability newsletter directly to Commissioners by email.
7.
TO AND FROM - ALL
The Commission agreed to move the November meeting from Thursday November 26th to Thursday November 19th.
8.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
• Commissioners requested updates on major transportation and development projects such as the Downtown Mile, JW Powell Extension, and Lone Tree improvements, with emphasis on climate, biodiversity, and land-use impacts.
• Commissioners asked for a presentation outlining the top five community-wide climate actions Flagstaff should focus on to reduce emissions and improve resilience.
• Commissioners asked for a presentation outlining the top five community-wide climate actions Flagstaff should focus on to reduce emissions and improve resilience.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Wolkowinsky adjourned the meeting at 6:38 P.M.