DRAFT SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES
| SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 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.
Members of the public may join the meeting in person or online, via Microsoft Teams.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Wolkowinsky called the meeting to order 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 CAMERON CARLSON (present - online) COMMISSIONER ALYSSA KUZUKIAN (present - online) |
COMMISSIONER TOM LAMMIE (present) COMMISSIONER AUDREY RIDGE (excused) COMMISSIONER RODGER SCURLOCK (present) |
Presenters and Staff Present:
• Shannon Anderson, Assistant City Manager
• Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
• Mark Gaillard, Fire Chief
• Brian Gall, Airport Director
• Daniel Kelly, Emergency Manager
• Jenna Ortega, Climate Program Manager
• Genevieve Pearthree, Senior Sustainability Planner and Interim Staff Liaison
• Paige Shinall, Sustainability Coordinator I
• Collin Seay, Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations
• Steven Thompson, Sustainability Manager
Public:
• Peter Friederici (Online)
• Michele James (Online)
• Shannon Anderson, Assistant City Manager
• Nicole Antonopoulos, Sustainability Director
• Mark Gaillard, Fire Chief
• Brian Gall, Airport Director
• Daniel Kelly, Emergency Manager
• Jenna Ortega, Climate Program Manager
• Genevieve Pearthree, Senior Sustainability Planner and Interim Staff Liaison
• Paige Shinall, Sustainability Coordinator I
• Collin Seay, Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations
• Steven Thompson, Sustainability Manager
Public:
• Peter Friederici (Online)
• Michele James (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.
Vice Chair Metzger read the Land Acknowledgment.
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 comments were received.
5.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft August 27, 2026 meeting minutes are linked HERE.
Draft August 27, 2026 meeting minutes are linked HERE.
• Motion: Chair Wolkowinsky moved to approve the August minutes.
• Second: Vice Chair Metzger.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
• Second: Vice Chair Metzger.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
6.
BUSINESS
A.
Public Safety Propositions 404 & 405
Shannon Anderson, Assistant City Manager
Mark Gaillard, Fire Chief
Brian Gall, Airport Director
Daniel Kelly, Emergency Manager
Collin Seay, Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations
Information and discussion.
Shannon Anderson, Assistant City Manager
Mark Gaillard, Fire Chief
Brian Gall, Airport Director
Daniel Kelly, Emergency Manager
Collin Seay, Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations
Information and discussion.
Presenters provided an overview of the City’s public safety needs and the November ballot propositions.
• Ms. Anderson noted that public safety services have experienced increased calls, staffing shortages, and aging facilities.
• She explained that the City’s budget history, recession impacts, and cost escalation explained current funding gaps.
• Proposition 404 (sales tax) would fund personnel and ongoing operations.
• Proposition 405 (bond) would fund construction, equipment, and one-time capital needs.
• Fire Chief Gaillard emphasized that Wildland fire risk is the community’s greatest threat and the need for staffing to meet national firefighting and EMS standards.
• Mr. Gall detailed ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) staffing needs, mandated minimum coverage requirements, and operational growth and higher passenger volume.
• Deputy Chief Seay described the need for additional staff, storage and facilities needs.
• Mr. Kelly discussed the need for added staff to maintain plans, communication systems, and multi-agency coordination.
• Presenters summarized community benefits such as improved response times, better wildfire mitigation, and potential positive impacts on homeowners’ insurance costs.
• Commissioners asked clarifying questions related to insurance, fleet electrification, reimbursement for railroad incidents, and long-term planning.
• Ms. Anderson noted that public safety services have experienced increased calls, staffing shortages, and aging facilities.
• She explained that the City’s budget history, recession impacts, and cost escalation explained current funding gaps.
• Proposition 404 (sales tax) would fund personnel and ongoing operations.
• Proposition 405 (bond) would fund construction, equipment, and one-time capital needs.
• Fire Chief Gaillard emphasized that Wildland fire risk is the community’s greatest threat and the need for staffing to meet national firefighting and EMS standards.
• Mr. Gall detailed ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) staffing needs, mandated minimum coverage requirements, and operational growth and higher passenger volume.
• Deputy Chief Seay described the need for additional staff, storage and facilities needs.
• Mr. Kelly discussed the need for added staff to maintain plans, communication systems, and multi-agency coordination.
• Presenters summarized community benefits such as improved response times, better wildfire mitigation, and potential positive impacts on homeowners’ insurance costs.
• Commissioners asked clarifying questions related to insurance, fleet electrification, reimbursement for railroad incidents, and long-term planning.
B.
Vote to establish a Carbon Neutrality Plan (CNP) Update Working Group
Sustainability Staff
Discussion and vote.
Sustainability Staff
Discussion and vote.
Ms. Antonopoulos requested the formation of a small working group (maximum three Commissioners) to help frame an October meeting discussion on the climate goals in the City’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.
• Motion: Chair Wolkowinsky moved to form the working group.
• Second: Vice Chair Metzger.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
Commissioners Kuzukian, Lammie, Metzger, and Wolkowinsky expressed interest. However, due to Open Meeting Law limitations, three Commissioners were selected:
– Commissioner Alyssa Kuzukian
– Commissioner Tom Lammie
– Chair Amy Wolkowinsky
Action Items:
• A working group was established.
• Staff said they would schedule 1–2 meetings with the working group prior to the October Commission meeting.
• Motion: Chair Wolkowinsky moved to form the working group.
• Second: Vice Chair Metzger.
• Vote: Unanimous approval.
Commissioners Kuzukian, Lammie, Metzger, and Wolkowinsky expressed interest. However, due to Open Meeting Law limitations, three Commissioners were selected:
– Commissioner Alyssa Kuzukian
– Commissioner Tom Lammie
– Chair Amy Wolkowinsky
Action Items:
• A working group was established.
• Staff said they would schedule 1–2 meetings with the working group prior to the October Commission meeting.
C.
Flagstaff Food Action Plan
Steven Thompson, Sustainability Manager
Information only.
Steven Thompson, Sustainability Manager
Information only.
Mr. Thompson presented the newly developed Food Action Plan:
• He explained that it was developed using USDA funding, multiple community surveys (1,000+ responses), conversations, stakeholder meetings, and steering committee guidance.
• There are four main priority areas:
– Food Access includes affordability, healthy options, and culturally relevant food.
– Local Food Economy means support for community/regional growers, ranchers, and producers.
– Resilience references land, water, and air protection, as well as food waste reduction.
– Network Building is about coordination among regional partners.
• Arizona ranks highest nationally in food waste volume.
• Water access and cost challenges for local growers were discussed.
• The Food Action Plan will go to City Council for adoption on November 24 and December 1, 2026.
Action Item:
• Mr. Thompson requested a statement of support from the Commission.
• He explained that it was developed using USDA funding, multiple community surveys (1,000+ responses), conversations, stakeholder meetings, and steering committee guidance.
• There are four main priority areas:
– Food Access includes affordability, healthy options, and culturally relevant food.
– Local Food Economy means support for community/regional growers, ranchers, and producers.
– Resilience references land, water, and air protection, as well as food waste reduction.
– Network Building is about coordination among regional partners.
• Arizona ranks highest nationally in food waste volume.
• Water access and cost challenges for local growers were discussed.
• The Food Action Plan will go to City Council for adoption on November 24 and December 1, 2026.
Action Item:
• Mr. Thompson requested a statement of support from the Commission.
D.
Flagstaff Sustainability Grant (FSG) Review Process & Logistics
Jenna Ortega, Climate Program Manager
Amy Wolkowinsky, Sustainability Commission Chair
Information and discussion.
Jenna Ortega, Climate Program Manager
Amy Wolkowinsky, Sustainability Commission Chair
Information and discussion.
Ms. Ortega provided an overview of the upcoming grant cycle and a grant review training:
• The annual grant budget is $75,000; projects may request up to $7,500.
• Commissioners will review and score applications using a detailed rubric.
• Staff will support Commissioners with guidance, clarity.
• Chair Wolkowinsky walked through the spreadsheet tools that will allow Commissioners to track scores and ensure consistency.
• Commissioners agreed that grant controversies should continue to be resolved case-by-case.
Action Items:
• Commissioners are to complete conflict-of-interest forms upon receiving assignments.
• Commissioners are to score all assigned applications by November 13, 2026.
• Additional refresher time may be added to the October meeting if needed.
• The annual grant budget is $75,000; projects may request up to $7,500.
• Commissioners will review and score applications using a detailed rubric.
• Staff will support Commissioners with guidance, clarity.
• Chair Wolkowinsky walked through the spreadsheet tools that will allow Commissioners to track scores and ensure consistency.
• Commissioners agreed that grant controversies should continue to be resolved case-by-case.
Action Items:
• Commissioners are to complete conflict-of-interest forms upon receiving assignments.
• Commissioners are to score all assigned applications by November 13, 2026.
• Additional refresher time may be added to the October meeting if needed.
E.
Flagstaff Sustainability Office (FSO) Updates
Genevieve Pearthree, Senior Sustainability Planner
Information only.
Genevieve Pearthree, Senior Sustainability Planner
Information only.
• Ms. Pearthree provided departmental updates and upcoming Council actions.
• She noted one major upcoming item: the second read of the 2024 Building & Fire Codes (including the Energy Code, and the Wildland Urban Interface Code, which contains wildfire-resistant construction standards) is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
• She noted one major upcoming item: the second read of the 2024 Building & Fire Codes (including the Energy Code, and the Wildland Urban Interface Code, which contains wildfire-resistant construction standards) is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
7.
TO AND FROM - ALL
• Ms. Pearthree brought forth a notice that the Safe Streets Master Plan is seeking two Commission representatives. Commissioners Carlson and Kuzukian volunteered and were confirmed. Staff will distribute a related public survey and mapping tool to Commissioners for broader community input.
• The timeline for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants was outlined by Ms. Ortega:
– Applications close September 30.
– Application packets will be released by October 14.
– All scoring is due back to City staff by November 13.
Action Items:
• Commissioners Carlson and Kuzukian will serve on the Safe Streets Master Plan – Stakeholder and Community Advisory Group
• Staff will circulate the Safe Streets survey and mapping link.
• The timeline for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants was outlined by Ms. Ortega:
– Applications close September 30.
– Application packets will be released by October 14.
– All scoring is due back to City staff by November 13.
Action Items:
• Commissioners Carlson and Kuzukian will serve on the Safe Streets Master Plan – Stakeholder and Community Advisory Group
• Staff will circulate the Safe Streets survey and mapping link.
8.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
No additional items were requested.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Wolkowinsky adjourned the meeting at 6:30 P.M.