WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
WORK SESSION
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Evans called the meeting of November 14, 2017, to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Evans called the meeting of November 14, 2017, to order at 6:00 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 work session, the City Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for legal advice and discussion 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.
Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement
The Council and audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilmember Odegaard read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
A moment of silence was held in reflection of the mass shooting at the Rancho Tehama Elementary School in California.
The Council and audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilmember Odegaard read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
A moment of silence was held in reflection of the mass shooting at the Rancho Tehama Elementary School in California.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Flagstaff is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all.
3.
ROLL CALL
| NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| PRESENT: MAYOR EVANS VICE MAYOR WHELAN COUNCILMEMBER BAROTZ COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD COUNCILMEMBER OVERTON COUNCILMEMBER PUTZOVA (arrived at 6:25 p.m.) |
ABSENT: NONE |
Others present: Deputy City Manager Shane Dille and City Attorney Sterling Solomon.
4.
Public Participation
Public Participation enables the public to address the council about items that are not on the prepared agenda. Public Participation appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end of the work session. You may speak at one or the other, but not both. Anyone wishing to comment at the meeting is asked to fill out a speaker card and submit it to the recording clerk. When the item comes up on the agenda, your name will be called. You may address the Council up to three times throughout the meeting, including comments made during Public Participation. Please limit your remarks to three minutes per item to allow everyone to have an opportunity to speak. At the discretion of the Chair, ten or more persons present at the meeting and wishing to speak may appoint a representative who may have no more than fifteen minutes to speak.
Public Participation enables the public to address the council about items that are not on the prepared agenda. Public Participation appears on the agenda twice, at the beginning and at the end of the work session. You may speak at one or the other, but not both. Anyone wishing to comment at the meeting is asked to fill out a speaker card and submit it to the recording clerk. When the item comes up on the agenda, your name will be called. You may address the Council up to three times throughout the meeting, including comments made during Public Participation. Please limit your remarks to three minutes per item to allow everyone to have an opportunity to speak. At the discretion of the Chair, ten or more persons present at the meeting and wishing to speak may appoint a representative who may have no more than fifteen minutes to speak.
Glenn Tamblingson addressed Council regarding the proposed increase in fees for entrance into the Grand Canyon. He urged the City Council to discuss the upcoming fee increase as it will have an impact on local revenues.
Roabie Johnson addressed Council with concerns about possibly lifting the ban on camping in city limits. She expressed concern about campfires and the increased possibility of a catastrophic fire.
Charlie Silver addressed Council thanking them for their work in preserving HURF funds.
Roabie Johnson addressed Council with concerns about possibly lifting the ban on camping in city limits. She expressed concern about campfires and the increased possibility of a catastrophic fire.
Charlie Silver addressed Council thanking them for their work in preserving HURF funds.
5.
Preliminary Review of Draft Agenda for the November 21, 2017, City Council Meeting.*
* Public comment on draft agenda items may be taken under “Review of Draft Agenda Items” later in the meeting, at the discretion of the Mayor. Citizens wishing to speak on agenda items not specifically called out by the City Council for discussion under the second Review section may submit a speaker card for their items of interest to the recording clerk.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he would like to withdraw his request for the item 13C FAIR request, e.g., a" request to discuss the possibility of creating a written communication to the Arizona Board of Regents re Council's concerns."
Councilmember Barotz requested a change to the placement of an item in Item 8B; under Tribal Priorities, the remaining text should be moved under State and Federal Priorities.
Councilmember Odegaard requested that in Item 8B, NAU be listed first in the list of state agencies.
Mayor Evans stated that there are several commission appointments happening and she briefly reviewed the appointment assignments.
Councilmember Barotz requested a change to the placement of an item in Item 8B; under Tribal Priorities, the remaining text should be moved under State and Federal Priorities.
Councilmember Odegaard requested that in Item 8B, NAU be listed first in the list of state agencies.
Mayor Evans stated that there are several commission appointments happening and she briefly reviewed the appointment assignments.
6.
Recognition of Wildland Fuels Crew 1
The City Council recognized the Flagstaff Fire Department Wildland Fuels Crew 1 for their service and assistance in locating a missing woman. Recognition and thanks were offered to the following members of Crew 1:
- Skyler Lofgren
- Pablo Esquivel
- Brett Hall
- Mike Walker
- Justin Roederer
- Payson Oberly
- Charles Sliger
- Rachel Deans
- Chad Cavender
- Jose Martinez-Ramirez
- Matthew Landis
- Kyle Daugherty
- Dakota McNeal
7.
Future of the Mogollon Public Works Yard
Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen addressed Council and provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FUTURE OF THE MOGOLLON PUBLIC WORKS YARD
HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF PROPERTY
MAP OF CURRENT PUBLIC WORKS YARD
AERIAL VIEW OF THE PROPERTY
CONSTRUCTION STATUS
FUTURE OF MOGOLLON PROPERTY
CONCEPT PLAN AERIAL
Vice Mayor Whelan asked if the community garden across Bonito would remain. Sustainability Specialist McKenzie Jones stated that the garden will continue and there is a proposal for an urban farm incubator. The proposal would be for a long-term lease to allow local farmers to lease the land for economic purposes.
Mr. Bertelsen continued the presentation.
PARKS AND RECREATION APPROVAL
PASSIVE RECREATION CONCEPT
HISTORIC ROCK STRUCTURE
FUTURE DISCUSSIONS
Councilmember Odegaard asked if the current yard would be vacated by July 2018. Mr. Bertelsen stated that they are hoping to be completely moved by July 1, 2018 but it is a big facility with many years of stuff.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed multiple options for the area. Mr. Bertelsen stated that the comments from the community and the Commission were for passive recreational use. There were concerns about increased traffic with a more active recreation approach and Francis Short Pond being so close.
Mayor Evans requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission look at options for an appropriate use of the stone building.
Vice Mayor Whelan stated that she would like to allow for the possibility that there be a passive park open to the community but also five to eight units of affordable housing.
Councilmember Barotz offered her support of the Vice Mayor’s comments and added that she likes the idea of different values being supported in the development of the parcel.
Councilmember Overton also agreed but offered that when Council started to get into some different options for the parcel before, there was significant push back from the community. He is willing to entertain those ideas again but he is not willing to go down the road if there is no possibility of moving forward. There are ways to have shared space but he is concerned about the pushback from the neighborhood.
Councilmember Putzova suggested involving the neighborhood in developing a plan that accommodates a number of values and addresses a number of challenges. The challenge will be figuring out a way that the potential affordable housing can fit the neighborhood and the park.
The following individuals addressed Council with regard to the use of the Mogollon property:
Mayor Evans stated that the direction from Council is to add a use for the stone building and an element of affordable housing. Additionally, the community should be involved in the design and redevelopment of the area.
FUTURE OF THE MOGOLLON PUBLIC WORKS YARD
HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF PROPERTY
MAP OF CURRENT PUBLIC WORKS YARD
AERIAL VIEW OF THE PROPERTY
CONSTRUCTION STATUS
FUTURE OF MOGOLLON PROPERTY
CONCEPT PLAN AERIAL
Vice Mayor Whelan asked if the community garden across Bonito would remain. Sustainability Specialist McKenzie Jones stated that the garden will continue and there is a proposal for an urban farm incubator. The proposal would be for a long-term lease to allow local farmers to lease the land for economic purposes.
Mr. Bertelsen continued the presentation.
PARKS AND RECREATION APPROVAL
PASSIVE RECREATION CONCEPT
HISTORIC ROCK STRUCTURE
FUTURE DISCUSSIONS
Councilmember Odegaard asked if the current yard would be vacated by July 2018. Mr. Bertelsen stated that they are hoping to be completely moved by July 1, 2018 but it is a big facility with many years of stuff.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed multiple options for the area. Mr. Bertelsen stated that the comments from the community and the Commission were for passive recreational use. There were concerns about increased traffic with a more active recreation approach and Francis Short Pond being so close.
Mayor Evans requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission look at options for an appropriate use of the stone building.
Vice Mayor Whelan stated that she would like to allow for the possibility that there be a passive park open to the community but also five to eight units of affordable housing.
Councilmember Barotz offered her support of the Vice Mayor’s comments and added that she likes the idea of different values being supported in the development of the parcel.
Councilmember Overton also agreed but offered that when Council started to get into some different options for the parcel before, there was significant push back from the community. He is willing to entertain those ideas again but he is not willing to go down the road if there is no possibility of moving forward. There are ways to have shared space but he is concerned about the pushback from the neighborhood.
Councilmember Putzova suggested involving the neighborhood in developing a plan that accommodates a number of values and addresses a number of challenges. The challenge will be figuring out a way that the potential affordable housing can fit the neighborhood and the park.
The following individuals addressed Council with regard to the use of the Mogollon property:
- Dawn Tucker
- Roabie Johnson
- The rock structure could be used as a visual art studio or an option for the Indigenous Circle community center.
- Affordable housing would be ideal because it is walking distance from an elementary and high school.
- A draft plan would be helpful showing where housing would go and how high.
- More affordable housing is needed.
- There is fear and distrust because of the Hub and the Standard; small housing would be appropriate in this area.
- A combination of passive park and affordable housing would be great.
- Any new buildings need to be sure to be protected as affordable and not for use as a second home or Air BnB.
Mayor Evans stated that the direction from Council is to add a use for the stone building and an element of affordable housing. Additionally, the community should be involved in the design and redevelopment of the area.
8.
Discussion of Water Services Temporary Stormwater Rate Increase to Fund Large Capital Projects
Stormwater Manager Chris Kirkendall addressed Council and provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
STORMWATER RATES
OVERVIEW
BACKGROUND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Management Services Director Rick Tadder continued the presentation.
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: CAPITAL PLAN
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: FINANCIAL PLAN
Councilmember Overton asked why staff is recommending shifting the funding from the General Fund to stormwater fees. Mr. Tadder explained that it is a capacity issue; the General Fund does not have the capacity to continue funding the Rio de Flag project and stormwater fees should pay for some of the project.
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: PER ERU
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: RESIDENTIAL
3-YEAR TEMPORARY RATE INCREASE: COMMERCIAL
TIMELINE
Council offered support for the staff recommendation.
STORMWATER RATES
OVERVIEW
BACKGROUND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Management Services Director Rick Tadder continued the presentation.
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: CAPITAL PLAN
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: FINANCIAL PLAN
Councilmember Overton asked why staff is recommending shifting the funding from the General Fund to stormwater fees. Mr. Tadder explained that it is a capacity issue; the General Fund does not have the capacity to continue funding the Rio de Flag project and stormwater fees should pay for some of the project.
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: PER ERU
3-YEAR RATE TEMPORARY INCREASE: RESIDENTIAL
3-YEAR TEMPORARY RATE INCREASE: COMMERCIAL
TIMELINE
Council offered support for the staff recommendation.
9.
Discussion of the 2017 Zoning Code Amendments - Transect Code
Zoning Code Manager Brian Kulina addressed Council and provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS TRANSECT ZONING
WHY ARE WE HERE?
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
DOWNTOWN REGULATING PLAN MAP
COUNCIL SCOPED AMENDMENTS
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
APPROVAL
DENIAL
PHYSICAL & ARCHITECTURAL BREAK
MODIFY LIVE/WORK
10-50.110 (BUILDING TYPES)
10-40 (BUILDING TYPES)
10-50.120 (FRONTAGE TYPES)
10-40 (FRONTAGE TYPES)
DENIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDING
MAIN STREET BUILDING
DOWNTOWN BUILDING
PHYSICAL SEPARATION
10-40 (BUILDING TYPES)
10-40 (FRONTAGE TYPES)
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE
The following individuals addressed Council regarding Transect Code amendments:
Mr. Kulina stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission focused on T4 and its compatibility as well as trying to visually decrease the bulk in T5 and T6. The result was a limit of 36 feet in T4 and the requirement of façade variations and structural jogs in T5 and T6 to break up the mass.
A break was held from 8:19 p.m. through 8:31 p.m.
Councilmember Odegaard asked what the vote was for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Kulina explained that it was a four to one vote; two members were absent and the Chair issued the dissenting vote. Councilmember Odegaard asked what the rationale was for the dissenting vote. Mr. Kulina stated that it was the removal of Commercial Block from T4.
ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS TRANSECT ZONING
WHY ARE WE HERE?
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
DOWNTOWN REGULATING PLAN MAP
COUNCIL SCOPED AMENDMENTS
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
APPROVAL
DENIAL
PHYSICAL & ARCHITECTURAL BREAK
MODIFY LIVE/WORK
10-50.110 (BUILDING TYPES)
10-40 (BUILDING TYPES)
10-50.120 (FRONTAGE TYPES)
10-40 (FRONTAGE TYPES)
DENIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDING
MAIN STREET BUILDING
DOWNTOWN BUILDING
PHYSICAL SEPARATION
10-40 (BUILDING TYPES)
10-40 (FRONTAGE TYPES)
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE
The following individuals addressed Council regarding Transect Code amendments:
- Nancy Branhan
- Dawn Tucker
- These amendments still allow for bulk and mass.
- Alleyways are not civic spaces; if an alleyway breaks up a building it will not provide a good space.
- There seems to be a disconnect in the way things are zoned and how things have grown in the neighborhoods.
Mr. Kulina stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission focused on T4 and its compatibility as well as trying to visually decrease the bulk in T5 and T6. The result was a limit of 36 feet in T4 and the requirement of façade variations and structural jogs in T5 and T6 to break up the mass.
A break was held from 8:19 p.m. through 8:31 p.m.
Councilmember Odegaard asked what the vote was for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Kulina explained that it was a four to one vote; two members were absent and the Chair issued the dissenting vote. Councilmember Odegaard asked what the rationale was for the dissenting vote. Mr. Kulina stated that it was the removal of Commercial Block from T4.
10.
Discussion on Amendments to/Repeal of the Zoning Code
Mr. Kulina addressed Council and provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:
DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS TO/REPEAL OF PORTIONS OF THE ZONING CODE
SECTIONS OF ZONING CODE
TRANSECT STANDARDS IN CONVENTIONAL ZONING
Councilmember Barotz stated that given the previous conversation she is not supportive of a repeal of the Transect Zone; she feels that the amendments will do what is necessary to address some of the challenges.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that his highest priority is to get the Zoning Code changes done and he is concerned that repealing the code will take time away from making the necessary changes. He would like to continue moving forward with the staff proposed amendments.
Charlie Silver addressed Council stating that it is important to work through the issues of the Transect Code and get it right. It is a mixing and matching of the staff recommended amendments and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations.
Councilmember Putzova stated that she supports continuing to work intensely on the amendments discussed earlier rather than repeal.
Councilmember Overton offered that he is supportive of transect zoning and believes that seeing the amendments through is the best option.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he is not interested in a repeal.
Mayor Evans stated that she originally brought the item up for consideration. It is important to get the Code fixed and if it is unable to be fixed then it needs to be suspended until it is right. Fixing something here and there will not address the issue; it should be a holistic approach.
A majority of Council would like to move forward with the amendment process rather than a repeal.
DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS TO/REPEAL OF PORTIONS OF THE ZONING CODE
SECTIONS OF ZONING CODE
TRANSECT STANDARDS IN CONVENTIONAL ZONING
Councilmember Barotz stated that given the previous conversation she is not supportive of a repeal of the Transect Zone; she feels that the amendments will do what is necessary to address some of the challenges.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that his highest priority is to get the Zoning Code changes done and he is concerned that repealing the code will take time away from making the necessary changes. He would like to continue moving forward with the staff proposed amendments.
Charlie Silver addressed Council stating that it is important to work through the issues of the Transect Code and get it right. It is a mixing and matching of the staff recommended amendments and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations.
Councilmember Putzova stated that she supports continuing to work intensely on the amendments discussed earlier rather than repeal.
Councilmember Overton offered that he is supportive of transect zoning and believes that seeing the amendments through is the best option.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he is not interested in a repeal.
Mayor Evans stated that she originally brought the item up for consideration. It is important to get the Code fixed and if it is unable to be fixed then it needs to be suspended until it is right. Fixing something here and there will not address the issue; it should be a holistic approach.
A majority of Council would like to move forward with the amendment process rather than a repeal.
11.
2017 Intergovernmental Priorities Discussion
Assistant to the City Manager Caleb Blaschke reviewed the Intergovernmental Priorities and Council proposed the attached changes (Exhibit A).
Mr. Blaschke explained that the Council would review and adopt the priorities at the meeting of November 21, 2017.
Mr. Blaschke explained that the Council would review and adopt the priorities at the meeting of November 21, 2017.
12.
Review of Draft Agenda Items for the November 21, 2017, City Council Meeting.*
* Public comment on draft agenda items will be taken at this time, at the discretion of the Mayor.
None
None
13.
Public Participation
None
None
14.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests.
Councilmember Odegaard requested a FAIR item to discuss the increase in fees at the Grand Canyon and its impact to Flagstaff.
Councilmember Barotz requested that the Energy Code be added to the Working Calendar.
Councilmember Barotz also offered thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Ray Garcia, the Joint Land Use Study Committee and other stakeholders for the tour of the Camp Navajo area. It was a fascinating tour that offered some history of the area.
Councilmember Putzova stated that the tour of Flagstaff Shelter Service was excellent and informative.
Councilmember Putzova also attended an event hosted by Arizona Planned Parenthood that discussed the various healthcare services Planned Parenthood provides. It was an excellent and illuminating discussion and she appreciates Planned Parenthood providing services in the community and throughout Arizona.
Mr. Dille thanked Council for their time and effort during last week’s numerous meetings. He reminded the Council that the Executive Session on November 28, 2017 has been moved to 3:30 p.m. due to the number of items on the agenda. Additionally, the Havasupai trip has been rescheduled to December 4, 2017.
Mayor Evans stated that the Council and Leadership attended a tour of the Rio de Flag with NAU President Cheng. It was a good tour and a good start to a dialogue about a possible partnership.
Mayor Evans attended the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Bellemont. Police Chief Kevin Treadway was there along with Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrom whose son was killed in the line of duty to present an award in his name. Mayor Evans also received a beautiful afghan from Billie Weldon with the Purple Heart Association.
Additionally, she attended the Girls on the Run 5K at the Coconino County Fair Grounds; it was awesome to see all the girls and their supporters.
Mayor Evans also reported that the Council visited Flagstaff Shelter Services. It was an interesting visit and they were able to talk about Front Door, what it is and how it works.
Councilmember Barotz requested that the Energy Code be added to the Working Calendar.
Councilmember Barotz also offered thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Ray Garcia, the Joint Land Use Study Committee and other stakeholders for the tour of the Camp Navajo area. It was a fascinating tour that offered some history of the area.
Councilmember Putzova stated that the tour of Flagstaff Shelter Service was excellent and informative.
Councilmember Putzova also attended an event hosted by Arizona Planned Parenthood that discussed the various healthcare services Planned Parenthood provides. It was an excellent and illuminating discussion and she appreciates Planned Parenthood providing services in the community and throughout Arizona.
Mr. Dille thanked Council for their time and effort during last week’s numerous meetings. He reminded the Council that the Executive Session on November 28, 2017 has been moved to 3:30 p.m. due to the number of items on the agenda. Additionally, the Havasupai trip has been rescheduled to December 4, 2017.
Mayor Evans stated that the Council and Leadership attended a tour of the Rio de Flag with NAU President Cheng. It was a good tour and a good start to a dialogue about a possible partnership.
Mayor Evans attended the Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Bellemont. Police Chief Kevin Treadway was there along with Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrom whose son was killed in the line of duty to present an award in his name. Mayor Evans also received a beautiful afghan from Billie Weldon with the Purple Heart Association.
Additionally, she attended the Girls on the Run 5K at the Coconino County Fair Grounds; it was awesome to see all the girls and their supporters.
Mayor Evans also reported that the Council visited Flagstaff Shelter Services. It was an interesting visit and they were able to talk about Front Door, what it is and how it works.
15.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held November 14, 2017, adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held November 14, 2017, adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
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MAYOR |
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ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK |