CITY COUNCIL/BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JOINT WORK SESSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
4:00 P.M.
JOINT WORK SESSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
4:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Chairwoman Archuleta and Mayor Evans called the Joint Work Session of November 6, 2017, to order at 4:04 p.m.
Chairwoman Archuleta and Mayor Evans called the Joint Work Session of November 6, 2017, to order at 4:04 p.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement
The audience and members of the Board of Supervisors and City Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The audience and members of the Board of Supervisors and City Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
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/Commissioners may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: MAYOR EVANS VICE MAYOR WHELAN COUNCILMEMBER BAROTZ COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD COUNCILMEMBER OVERTON COUNCILMEMBER PUTZOVA |
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: NONE |
| BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENT: | BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ABSENT: |
| CHAIRWOMAN ARCHULETA VICE CHAIRMAN RYAN SUPERVISOR BABBOTT |
SUPERVISOR FOWLER SUPERVISOR PARKS |
Others present: Deputy City Manager Shane Dille, County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, Deputy City Attorney Kevin Fincel and Deputy County Attorney Rose Winkeler.
4.
Public Participation:
Public Participation enables the public to address the Council about an items that are not on the 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 on an item that is on the agenda 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 an opportunity to speak.
City of Flagstaff Comprehensive Planning Manager Sara Dechter said that they have been working through the summer on the Southside Neighborhood Plan. She had distributed a handout for the first public meeting scheduled for next Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at the Murdoch Center, and invited everyone to join them.
5.
Update on Ban the Box
Flagstaff Human Resources Director Shannon Anderson briefly provided an update to the City's efforts to Ban the Box, noting that as of September 2017 they have joined with the County in banning the box on application forms. It was also noted that earlier in the day Governor Ducey had signed an executive order directing the entire state to follow suit.
Supervisor Babbott asked if any discussion had taken place with regard to a similar effort with housing. Chairman Archuleta said that they have not had those discussions, but would certainly wish to pursue them. She said that she would bring it up to the Justice Reform Council.
Supervisor Babbott asked if any discussion had taken place with regard to a similar effort with housing. Chairman Archuleta said that they have not had those discussions, but would certainly wish to pursue them. She said that she would bring it up to the Justice Reform Council.
6.
Legislative Issues Including Joint Resolution of Support for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE).
Assistant to the City Manager Caleb Blaschke said that he has been working with representatives of the County on this issue, as it was something they were both working on. He said that Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) is an economic development financing tool that is driven by local governments collaborating with commercial property owners and lenders to upgrade properties, create local jobs and revitalize neighborhood commercial centers. These upgrades consist of new windows, roofs, insulation, lighting, HVAC systems, water saving fixtures, and other clean energy improvements. He then introduced Rick Moore with the Grand Canyon Trust who came forward.
Mr. Moore said that he has spearheaded the CPACE efforts this year, working with a legislator on a bill to move it forward. Mr. Moore said that the proposed bill is currently at the Legislative Council, but it has been there a long time and he is becoming increasingly concerned. He will be reaching out to Senator McGee to find out why it is taking so long.
Mr. Blaschke said that this is an issue to address with Richard Travis. He said that he and Mayor Evans were talking with the League staff and they had a number of other individuals that may be willing to open a bill with them if Senator McGee does not come through.
Vice Chairman Ryan said that they had a setback at the County with this. He said that originally the assessors were opposed to the language, but it was restructured to accommodate their concerns. Oftentimes the assessors are updating their boards, so he thinks it may take a little time to move it forward with education of new board members.
Chairman Archuleta said that even though it did not rise to the top of the Board of Supervisors' Legislative Agenda, it remains a priority for Coconino County, and in such a case, they push it themselves.
It was noted that there are a lot of cities supportive of the legislation. There are about 35 states across the country that have CPACE programs. One of the big controversies in Arizona is that it included residential areas, so this time they tried to focus on commercial.
Councilmember Barotz said that she thought that a joint resolution was a great idea, and she hoped they could move that through quickly.
Mr. Moore said that one of the difficulties with moving the bill forward is that they have been waiting for a copy of the draft bill before going and discussing with others, but they have been unable to do that because they have not had the bill available.
Mr. Moore said that he has spearheaded the CPACE efforts this year, working with a legislator on a bill to move it forward. Mr. Moore said that the proposed bill is currently at the Legislative Council, but it has been there a long time and he is becoming increasingly concerned. He will be reaching out to Senator McGee to find out why it is taking so long.
Mr. Blaschke said that this is an issue to address with Richard Travis. He said that he and Mayor Evans were talking with the League staff and they had a number of other individuals that may be willing to open a bill with them if Senator McGee does not come through.
Vice Chairman Ryan said that they had a setback at the County with this. He said that originally the assessors were opposed to the language, but it was restructured to accommodate their concerns. Oftentimes the assessors are updating their boards, so he thinks it may take a little time to move it forward with education of new board members.
Chairman Archuleta said that even though it did not rise to the top of the Board of Supervisors' Legislative Agenda, it remains a priority for Coconino County, and in such a case, they push it themselves.
It was noted that there are a lot of cities supportive of the legislation. There are about 35 states across the country that have CPACE programs. One of the big controversies in Arizona is that it included residential areas, so this time they tried to focus on commercial.
Councilmember Barotz said that she thought that a joint resolution was a great idea, and she hoped they could move that through quickly.
Mr. Moore said that one of the difficulties with moving the bill forward is that they have been waiting for a copy of the draft bill before going and discussing with others, but they have been unable to do that because they have not had the bill available.
7.
Briefing on Dark Sky Preservation Efforts
Jeff Hall with the Lowell Observatory came forward and began a PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
A COORDINATED REGIONAL EFFORT FOR DARK SKY PRESERVATION
He noted that there are three separate efforts moving along collaboratively, with a regional effort toward dark skies.
ASTRONOMY
Mr. Hall displayed a copy of the article he wrote with Chris Luginbuhl from the Naval Observatory. He said that it was not just about observatories, but was a broad-based effort to address night sky. They really wanted to promote Flagstaff and its world leading position. He said that Flagstaff is the Gold Standard for dark sky preservation, and they wanted to leverage that in a positive way.
DARK SKY PRESERVATION
1958 First Ordinance Adopted
2001 Flagstaff becomes the first International Dark Sky City
He said that dark sky preservation comes down to three issues:
1) Full cutoff shielding - dark sky ordinance is not a dark ground ordinance
2) Illumination Limits
3) Spectrum Management (for LED Conversion)
He said that the three efforts going at the same time are:
SLEDS - Street Lighting for Enhancing Dark Skies
JLUS - Joint Land Use Study
MCS - Mission Compatibility Study
SLEDS
FLAGSTAFF TODAY
High Pressure Sodium 30%
Low Pressure Sodium 70%
WORLD TODAY
High Temperature White LED
FLAGSTAFF TOMORROW
Low Temperature White LED (0%/20%)
Narrow Band Amber LED (100%/80%)
Mr. Hall noted that the Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) lights are becoming hard to procure, the quality is not as good, and it is not lasting as long. He said that the LED's do not have to be bad. Now they are looking at an LED street light with a narrow band amber, which has a much narrower profile. Four years ago when they started thinking about all of this they were expensive, but they have now improved in cost.
He said that this will be a unique street light solution that he did not know of being used anywhere else in the world. One of the goals of SLEDS is to get it installed and use it as a model for others. He said that they have 200 test fixtures which will be installed in the near future. They will then evaluate how they are working and by some time next year they will come to Council on what should be adopted citywide.
MCS - Mission Compatibility Study
Mr. Hall said that the MCS is trying to balance darky sky protection with economic growth. He said that the Navy and City are trying to answer the questions, "what if Flagstaff is built out under the current zoning and codes?"; and, "what is the impact with the increase in sky glow?"; and "what mitigation would be needed to keep the mission of the Naval Observatory intact?"
The Dark Sky Working Groups have been looking at:
Canopies in LZ1
LZ2 moving to Z3
Review and mitigate nonconforming lighting
Measure LED lumen output correctly
Update residential roadway lighting requirements
Measure average lighting output for residential lighting codes
He said that this was brought on by the Aspen Heights subdivision about five years ago.
JLUS - Joint Land Use Study
He said that this is now underway, and Mr. Christelman with the County will go into more detail with it under the next agenda item.
Mr. Hall said that as with SLEDS, the JLUS will result in a set of recommendations to be brought to the Council and Board of Supervisors for approval.
A COMPREHENSIVE DARK-SKY PLAN
A Model for Other Communities and Regions
Councilmember Overton said that there has been very little movement in the builder world. He asked if they were at a point where they should go to the community to say, "here's what we've done commercially" and look at the residential side. Mr. Hall said that certainly street lights are an important part, but they are just part of it. There are a lot of other areas where this becomes viable.
MEASURE AVERAGE LIGHTING OUTPUT FOR RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CODES
DARK SKY - NOT DARK GROUND
Mr. Hall said that they need to educate the public in that Dark Sky does not mean Dark Ground, and they can save on their energy costs and light their property better.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked Mr. Hall what he meant with his earlier statement re "leveraging." Mr. Hall said that he meant that they could take the Flagstaff solution and use it as a model dark sky solution in other areas. He said that the Verde Valley is actively pursuing dark skies and there are conversations starting in the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley.
A COORDINATED REGIONAL EFFORT FOR DARK SKY PRESERVATION
He noted that there are three separate efforts moving along collaboratively, with a regional effort toward dark skies.
ASTRONOMY
Mr. Hall displayed a copy of the article he wrote with Chris Luginbuhl from the Naval Observatory. He said that it was not just about observatories, but was a broad-based effort to address night sky. They really wanted to promote Flagstaff and its world leading position. He said that Flagstaff is the Gold Standard for dark sky preservation, and they wanted to leverage that in a positive way.
DARK SKY PRESERVATION
1958 First Ordinance Adopted
2001 Flagstaff becomes the first International Dark Sky City
He said that dark sky preservation comes down to three issues:
1) Full cutoff shielding - dark sky ordinance is not a dark ground ordinance
2) Illumination Limits
3) Spectrum Management (for LED Conversion)
He said that the three efforts going at the same time are:
SLEDS - Street Lighting for Enhancing Dark Skies
JLUS - Joint Land Use Study
MCS - Mission Compatibility Study
SLEDS
FLAGSTAFF TODAY
High Pressure Sodium 30%
Low Pressure Sodium 70%
WORLD TODAY
High Temperature White LED
FLAGSTAFF TOMORROW
Low Temperature White LED (0%/20%)
Narrow Band Amber LED (100%/80%)
Mr. Hall noted that the Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) lights are becoming hard to procure, the quality is not as good, and it is not lasting as long. He said that the LED's do not have to be bad. Now they are looking at an LED street light with a narrow band amber, which has a much narrower profile. Four years ago when they started thinking about all of this they were expensive, but they have now improved in cost.
He said that this will be a unique street light solution that he did not know of being used anywhere else in the world. One of the goals of SLEDS is to get it installed and use it as a model for others. He said that they have 200 test fixtures which will be installed in the near future. They will then evaluate how they are working and by some time next year they will come to Council on what should be adopted citywide.
MCS - Mission Compatibility Study
Mr. Hall said that the MCS is trying to balance darky sky protection with economic growth. He said that the Navy and City are trying to answer the questions, "what if Flagstaff is built out under the current zoning and codes?"; and, "what is the impact with the increase in sky glow?"; and "what mitigation would be needed to keep the mission of the Naval Observatory intact?"
The Dark Sky Working Groups have been looking at:
Canopies in LZ1
LZ2 moving to Z3
Review and mitigate nonconforming lighting
Measure LED lumen output correctly
Update residential roadway lighting requirements
Measure average lighting output for residential lighting codes
He said that this was brought on by the Aspen Heights subdivision about five years ago.
JLUS - Joint Land Use Study
He said that this is now underway, and Mr. Christelman with the County will go into more detail with it under the next agenda item.
Mr. Hall said that as with SLEDS, the JLUS will result in a set of recommendations to be brought to the Council and Board of Supervisors for approval.
A COMPREHENSIVE DARK-SKY PLAN
A Model for Other Communities and Regions
Councilmember Overton said that there has been very little movement in the builder world. He asked if they were at a point where they should go to the community to say, "here's what we've done commercially" and look at the residential side. Mr. Hall said that certainly street lights are an important part, but they are just part of it. There are a lot of other areas where this becomes viable.
MEASURE AVERAGE LIGHTING OUTPUT FOR RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING CODES
DARK SKY - NOT DARK GROUND
Mr. Hall said that they need to educate the public in that Dark Sky does not mean Dark Ground, and they can save on their energy costs and light their property better.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked Mr. Hall what he meant with his earlier statement re "leveraging." Mr. Hall said that he meant that they could take the Flagstaff solution and use it as a model dark sky solution in other areas. He said that the Verde Valley is actively pursuing dark skies and there are conversations starting in the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Paradise Valley.
8.
Update on Joint Land Use Study (JLUS)
Coconino County Community Development Director Jay Christelman then continued the PowerPoint, focusing on JLUS.
JOINT LAND USE STUDY
It:
Seeks to maintain compatible development
Provides a collaborative document
Creates a body of information that supports informed decision making
It DOES NOT:
Directly change any land use decisions or requirements
Authorize or evaluate any new military or community activities
Evaluate individual projects or actions
SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALS
1) Assist and prevent encroachment
2) Preserve and protect public health and safety
3) Protect and preserve military readiness and defense capabilities while supporting continued community economic development
4) Enhance civilian and military communication and collaboration
5) Increase public awareness of the military missions
JLUS PLANNING AREA
Planning Process
Roughly equivalent to the FMPO Boundary
Policy Committee (votes) and Technical Advisory Committee (Does Not Vote)
Ex-officio members (Do Not Vote)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Early and continuous public involvement and participation
Public involvement includes: elected officials, project stakeholders, general public, target groups such as major landowners or lighting committees and the media
Share data collection inventory and mapping
EDUCATION
Present data from public participation and GIS exercise to all stakeholders
Identify areas of conflict or compatibility
Strategize ways to mitigate conflict
Draft an implementation plan for approval by Policy Committee
POLICY COMMITTEE
EX-OFFICIAL MEMBERS
TIMELINE
Policy Committee/Technical Advisory Committee Kickoff Meeting September 2017
Stakeholder Public Involvement Ongoing
Tour Camp Navajo and Interviews this week
Elected officials briefings summer and winter 2018
Councilmember Putzova asked how the public can be engaged and what kind of involvement they are seeking from the public.
Mr. Christelman said that the consultant hires a subconsultant (who is local) and they address media outreach, the website, portal. He said that they are in the early stages; they have not had a community meeting yet, but all of their meetings are posted and open to the public.
He said that the question to consider is, "if military installations' roles greatly expanded, how could that impact the area?" He said that right now they do not have flight operations, but that does not mean they will not in the future. Also, what could happen to state lands if the lands around the base or observatories were developed.
JOINT LAND USE STUDY
It:
Seeks to maintain compatible development
Provides a collaborative document
Creates a body of information that supports informed decision making
It DOES NOT:
Directly change any land use decisions or requirements
Authorize or evaluate any new military or community activities
Evaluate individual projects or actions
SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALS
1) Assist and prevent encroachment
2) Preserve and protect public health and safety
3) Protect and preserve military readiness and defense capabilities while supporting continued community economic development
4) Enhance civilian and military communication and collaboration
5) Increase public awareness of the military missions
JLUS PLANNING AREA
Planning Process
Roughly equivalent to the FMPO Boundary
Policy Committee (votes) and Technical Advisory Committee (Does Not Vote)
Ex-officio members (Do Not Vote)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Early and continuous public involvement and participation
Public involvement includes: elected officials, project stakeholders, general public, target groups such as major landowners or lighting committees and the media
Share data collection inventory and mapping
EDUCATION
Present data from public participation and GIS exercise to all stakeholders
Identify areas of conflict or compatibility
Strategize ways to mitigate conflict
Draft an implementation plan for approval by Policy Committee
POLICY COMMITTEE
EX-OFFICIAL MEMBERS
TIMELINE
Policy Committee/Technical Advisory Committee Kickoff Meeting September 2017
Stakeholder Public Involvement Ongoing
Tour Camp Navajo and Interviews this week
Elected officials briefings summer and winter 2018
Councilmember Putzova asked how the public can be engaged and what kind of involvement they are seeking from the public.
Mr. Christelman said that the consultant hires a subconsultant (who is local) and they address media outreach, the website, portal. He said that they are in the early stages; they have not had a community meeting yet, but all of their meetings are posted and open to the public.
He said that the question to consider is, "if military installations' roles greatly expanded, how could that impact the area?" He said that right now they do not have flight operations, but that does not mean they will not in the future. Also, what could happen to state lands if the lands around the base or observatories were developed.
9.
Northern Arizona Military Advocacy Council (NAMAC) Overview.
Executive Director Julie Pastrick of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce came forward to provide a brief overview of the Northern Arizona Military Advocacy Council (NAMAC). She said that this came at the request of Senator McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, when they realized that northern Arizona was not represented when they were looking at the southern part of the state and its relationship with military installations.
She said that they have a small board that is made up of Department of Defense contractors who can work toward bringing more private investment to the Department of Defense, such as Camp Navajo, and protect the Naval Observatories.
She said that there are several of these types of councils around the State. They are looking at northern Arizona because of Camp Navajo and the large amount of storage they have available with their igloos and warehouses. She said that there are 250 acres of land that is non-Department of Defense and it is being looked at by many private sector entities.
In addition, Ms. Pastrick said, Senator McCain has asked them to look at the national safety concern in the area. They are working with Dr. Shankland at the Naval Observatory and the Lt. Col. at Camp Navajo, focusing on protecting the mission of each facility.
Ms. Pastrick noted that December 7 will be the 75th Birthday Party for Camp Navajo and invitations will be coming to invite everyone to the celebration. She said that they were excited with the JLUS project and they are hoping to keep their small council informed.
Councilmember Barotz asked how the council was funded. Ms. Pastrick said that so far they are not funded; each business is a part of it. They have had offers to fund certain activities, but the military has their own money for the reception. She said that it is more of a thought leadership.
She thanked Vice Chairman Ryan, whose district includes Camp Navajo, who has been working with her on various issues.
She said that they have a small board that is made up of Department of Defense contractors who can work toward bringing more private investment to the Department of Defense, such as Camp Navajo, and protect the Naval Observatories.
She said that there are several of these types of councils around the State. They are looking at northern Arizona because of Camp Navajo and the large amount of storage they have available with their igloos and warehouses. She said that there are 250 acres of land that is non-Department of Defense and it is being looked at by many private sector entities.
In addition, Ms. Pastrick said, Senator McCain has asked them to look at the national safety concern in the area. They are working with Dr. Shankland at the Naval Observatory and the Lt. Col. at Camp Navajo, focusing on protecting the mission of each facility.
Ms. Pastrick noted that December 7 will be the 75th Birthday Party for Camp Navajo and invitations will be coming to invite everyone to the celebration. She said that they were excited with the JLUS project and they are hoping to keep their small council informed.
Councilmember Barotz asked how the council was funded. Ms. Pastrick said that so far they are not funded; each business is a part of it. They have had offers to fund certain activities, but the military has their own money for the reception. She said that it is more of a thought leadership.
She thanked Vice Chairman Ryan, whose district includes Camp Navajo, who has been working with her on various issues.
10.
2017 Winter Recreation Taskforce Update
Flagstaff Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen began the presentation by noting that this year has included a lot of interagency coordination facilitated by Supervisor Art Babbott.
Supervisor Babbott said that there has been a lot of activity by a lot of people to try and help do the reasonable things they can to mitigate the winter period. He recognized that some of the most important work has been done by community and citizen participants, which has been the missing piece. They went from a period of not having focused engagement into one where there is significant engagement.
Mr. Bertelsen reviewed:
AGENCY UPDATE
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Solid Waste/Recycling and Outreach
U.S. Forest Service
Flagstaff Police Department
Arizona Department of Transportation
Coconino County Emergency Management
CVB Director Trace Ward then continued the presentation by reviewing the new four-panel brochure which highlights different information needed by winter visitors.
Councilmember Putzova said that it was noted that Wing Mountain is closed this year, but there are new parking spaces being made available for Snowbowl. She asked what the difference in numbers of cars would be between those two.
Brian Petrosky with the U.S. Forest Service said that part of the Master Development Plan for Snowbowl includes 400 additional parking spots for snow play, but that will not be in place for this winter. They are likely to see it finished for next winter.
VISIT FLAGSTAFFARIZONA.ORG
Mr. Ward said that their focus this year is for visitors to spend the night in Flagstaff and promoting other activities, in addition to skiing.
MESSAGING
Focus on increasing occupancy and overnight visitation
Embrace winter recreation in areas shown on the map
Diversifying what they will be doing here
Mr. Bertelsen then continued the presentation:
SOLID WASTE, RECYCLING AND PORTABLE TOILETS PLANNING
Winter Snow Play Stewards to conduct cleanups, education and outreach
Working Group meeting to determine locations and frequency of service
Dumpsters will have messaging on recycling and environmental stewardship
He said that one thing they have been discussing is the pros and cons of using portable toilets. He said that there is a demand, but managing them can be problematic in terms of when/where and duration. He said that they will need to work through those issues.
Brian Petrosky with the U.S. Forest Service then continued the presentation:
AGENCY COORDINATION
Wing Mountain Closure
Crowley Pit Closure
Elk Ridge Ski Area - Public Comment Period
Mr. Petrosky said that this year they will be monitoring areas and attempting to collect data on what visitors are looking for in the area.
He said that Elk Ridge Ski Area is located in Williams and Mountain Capital Partners is in the process of purchasing it. He said that the public comment period ended last Friday, but in talking with personnel with the Kaibab Forest, they are still open to hearing individuals.
Vice Mayor Wheland said that she was surprised that no one had the data already that they wanted to collect. Mr. Petrosky said that in 2010 the CVB did a good study, but what is missing is multi agencies are looking to other areas and uses, and they do not have that component.
Councilmember Odegaard asked, with Crowley Pit being closed, if there would be other areas available for snowmobiling. Mr. Petrosky said that Walker Lake, a day use area north of Crowley, is still open as well as Peakview, located before the Snowbowl Road.
Supervisor Babbott noted that one of the three longer-range priorities is to identify and build support for parking areas off of 180, to allow people to get off the corridor in a safe manner and enjoy a variety of activities. He asked why they could not have a reservation system for people to have a place to go. He said that they go there because the peaks are there. No amount of messaging or "no parking" signs are going to change the dynamic that the mountain is the magnet.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked about the area east of town, in Doney Park and the Cinder Hills out there. Mr. Petrosky said that there are challenges with snow reliability. He said that they had a concessionaire at 8,500 feet, but last year they had a warm winter and did not have much snow above 8,000.
Mr. Bertelsen added that in communciations with the National Weather Service, they are expecting a warmer and drier winter this year.
Ryan Coons from the Flagstaff Police Department continued the presentation:
FLAGSTAFF POLICE DEPARTMENT
ADOT Traffic Signal Timing to Allow Longer Times
Crowley Pit Closure - Monitoring by USFS Staff
Sign Board - Humphreys/Ft. Valley - Use Alternate Route - Switzer to I-40
Walking Beat Officer Monitors Traffic in Afternoons and directs traffic as needed (Mayo be supplemented with a second officer when needed)
Four Officers (two working overtime) direct traffic in the area of Humphreys and Columbus during Holiday Weekends
Supervisor Babbott said that one thing the agency group talked about, another challenge, is that during the peak snow events, Beaver Street will be closed from the top down, and that will compound the situation. Mr. Coons said that last year if they went to Beaver, they would go south and then head back over to Humphreys so he was not sure it will be that much of a problem.
Chairman Archuleta asked if any discussion has been held about making Humphreys two lanes going in one direction during peak times. Mr. Bertelsen said that there was been some discussion, ADOT is doing the Milton/180 Corridor Study and one of the things they are looking at is reversible lanes in a variety of places. He noted that next year they will have two right-turn lanes at Humphreys and Route 66 and will help.
Discussion was held on the use of police officers and Mr. Dille noted that the City's management team has been placing a great deal of emphasis on creative options that will free up their officers.
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Bertelsen noted that Audra Merritt with ADOT could not be at the meeting tonight, but he reviewed some of the issues they are addressing:
Traffic Light Coordination
Longer north bound/sound bound
Messaging
Signage along Highway 180 (No Parking)
Vice Chairman Ryan said that a piece of discussion throughout has been that they, as a region, are getting an influx of a volume that saturates their capacity. This has been an attempt to find some solution, but a full-blown solution is a challenge.
Todd Whitney, Coconino County Emergency Management Director, continued the presentation.
COCONINO COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Incident Action Plan to address response times during peak congestion recreation events
Weekly Interagency Calls to determine appropriate responses to peak congestion days
Implement Regular Operational Preparedness Measures
He said that in his office they pre-plan, putting things on paper, to determine when severity crews are needed. They have severity call meetings once a week between them, Fire, Snowbowl, Weather Service, to address what traffic looks like and weather projections.
He said that there are a lot of unknowns, but they will be collecting data as they go forward and extrapolating information this year. He said that his office will continue to look for innovative technology to help push out information.
Mr. Whitney said that they do a lot of planning and there has been a lot of coordination between agencies, especially with Summit Fire and Flagstaff Fire Departments. Councilmember Barotz said that this particular issue is on e of the most important concerns of residents so hopefully this will give them some level of comfort.
Mr. Whitney added that part of their plan includes five predetermined landing spaces where Guardian can land in an emergency.
It was noted that tomorrow the County Board of Supervisors will be considering a new ordinance that broadens the Council's ability to enforce parking during the winter. Vice Mayor Whelan said that she understands that the Sheriff's Office is stretched as well. She said that there can be ordinances, but if they are not being enforced it is difficult. She would hate to stretch a department that is already stretched.
Sheriff Driscoll came forward agreeing that they have limited resources. They are currently 14 officers down at this time. It is going to be hard to put a lot of teeth into enforcement, but they will do what they can, moving schedules around to help during peak times. He then introduced Bret Axlund, the new Deputy Chief, who came from Page where he worked for the last 20 years with the Sheriff's Office.
Supervisor Babbott said that there has been a lot of activity by a lot of people to try and help do the reasonable things they can to mitigate the winter period. He recognized that some of the most important work has been done by community and citizen participants, which has been the missing piece. They went from a period of not having focused engagement into one where there is significant engagement.
Mr. Bertelsen reviewed:
AGENCY UPDATE
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Solid Waste/Recycling and Outreach
U.S. Forest Service
Flagstaff Police Department
Arizona Department of Transportation
Coconino County Emergency Management
CVB Director Trace Ward then continued the presentation by reviewing the new four-panel brochure which highlights different information needed by winter visitors.
Councilmember Putzova said that it was noted that Wing Mountain is closed this year, but there are new parking spaces being made available for Snowbowl. She asked what the difference in numbers of cars would be between those two.
Brian Petrosky with the U.S. Forest Service said that part of the Master Development Plan for Snowbowl includes 400 additional parking spots for snow play, but that will not be in place for this winter. They are likely to see it finished for next winter.
VISIT FLAGSTAFFARIZONA.ORG
Mr. Ward said that their focus this year is for visitors to spend the night in Flagstaff and promoting other activities, in addition to skiing.
MESSAGING
Focus on increasing occupancy and overnight visitation
Embrace winter recreation in areas shown on the map
Diversifying what they will be doing here
Mr. Bertelsen then continued the presentation:
SOLID WASTE, RECYCLING AND PORTABLE TOILETS PLANNING
Winter Snow Play Stewards to conduct cleanups, education and outreach
Working Group meeting to determine locations and frequency of service
Dumpsters will have messaging on recycling and environmental stewardship
He said that one thing they have been discussing is the pros and cons of using portable toilets. He said that there is a demand, but managing them can be problematic in terms of when/where and duration. He said that they will need to work through those issues.
Brian Petrosky with the U.S. Forest Service then continued the presentation:
AGENCY COORDINATION
Wing Mountain Closure
Crowley Pit Closure
Elk Ridge Ski Area - Public Comment Period
Mr. Petrosky said that this year they will be monitoring areas and attempting to collect data on what visitors are looking for in the area.
He said that Elk Ridge Ski Area is located in Williams and Mountain Capital Partners is in the process of purchasing it. He said that the public comment period ended last Friday, but in talking with personnel with the Kaibab Forest, they are still open to hearing individuals.
Vice Mayor Wheland said that she was surprised that no one had the data already that they wanted to collect. Mr. Petrosky said that in 2010 the CVB did a good study, but what is missing is multi agencies are looking to other areas and uses, and they do not have that component.
Councilmember Odegaard asked, with Crowley Pit being closed, if there would be other areas available for snowmobiling. Mr. Petrosky said that Walker Lake, a day use area north of Crowley, is still open as well as Peakview, located before the Snowbowl Road.
Supervisor Babbott noted that one of the three longer-range priorities is to identify and build support for parking areas off of 180, to allow people to get off the corridor in a safe manner and enjoy a variety of activities. He asked why they could not have a reservation system for people to have a place to go. He said that they go there because the peaks are there. No amount of messaging or "no parking" signs are going to change the dynamic that the mountain is the magnet.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked about the area east of town, in Doney Park and the Cinder Hills out there. Mr. Petrosky said that there are challenges with snow reliability. He said that they had a concessionaire at 8,500 feet, but last year they had a warm winter and did not have much snow above 8,000.
Mr. Bertelsen added that in communciations with the National Weather Service, they are expecting a warmer and drier winter this year.
Ryan Coons from the Flagstaff Police Department continued the presentation:
FLAGSTAFF POLICE DEPARTMENT
ADOT Traffic Signal Timing to Allow Longer Times
Crowley Pit Closure - Monitoring by USFS Staff
Sign Board - Humphreys/Ft. Valley - Use Alternate Route - Switzer to I-40
Walking Beat Officer Monitors Traffic in Afternoons and directs traffic as needed (Mayo be supplemented with a second officer when needed)
Four Officers (two working overtime) direct traffic in the area of Humphreys and Columbus during Holiday Weekends
Supervisor Babbott said that one thing the agency group talked about, another challenge, is that during the peak snow events, Beaver Street will be closed from the top down, and that will compound the situation. Mr. Coons said that last year if they went to Beaver, they would go south and then head back over to Humphreys so he was not sure it will be that much of a problem.
Chairman Archuleta asked if any discussion has been held about making Humphreys two lanes going in one direction during peak times. Mr. Bertelsen said that there was been some discussion, ADOT is doing the Milton/180 Corridor Study and one of the things they are looking at is reversible lanes in a variety of places. He noted that next year they will have two right-turn lanes at Humphreys and Route 66 and will help.
Discussion was held on the use of police officers and Mr. Dille noted that the City's management team has been placing a great deal of emphasis on creative options that will free up their officers.
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Bertelsen noted that Audra Merritt with ADOT could not be at the meeting tonight, but he reviewed some of the issues they are addressing:
Traffic Light Coordination
Longer north bound/sound bound
Messaging
Signage along Highway 180 (No Parking)
Vice Chairman Ryan said that a piece of discussion throughout has been that they, as a region, are getting an influx of a volume that saturates their capacity. This has been an attempt to find some solution, but a full-blown solution is a challenge.
Todd Whitney, Coconino County Emergency Management Director, continued the presentation.
COCONINO COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Incident Action Plan to address response times during peak congestion recreation events
Weekly Interagency Calls to determine appropriate responses to peak congestion days
Implement Regular Operational Preparedness Measures
He said that in his office they pre-plan, putting things on paper, to determine when severity crews are needed. They have severity call meetings once a week between them, Fire, Snowbowl, Weather Service, to address what traffic looks like and weather projections.
He said that there are a lot of unknowns, but they will be collecting data as they go forward and extrapolating information this year. He said that his office will continue to look for innovative technology to help push out information.
Mr. Whitney said that they do a lot of planning and there has been a lot of coordination between agencies, especially with Summit Fire and Flagstaff Fire Departments. Councilmember Barotz said that this particular issue is on e of the most important concerns of residents so hopefully this will give them some level of comfort.
Mr. Whitney added that part of their plan includes five predetermined landing spaces where Guardian can land in an emergency.
It was noted that tomorrow the County Board of Supervisors will be considering a new ordinance that broadens the Council's ability to enforce parking during the winter. Vice Mayor Whelan said that she understands that the Sheriff's Office is stretched as well. She said that there can be ordinances, but if they are not being enforced it is difficult. She would hate to stretch a department that is already stretched.
Sheriff Driscoll came forward agreeing that they have limited resources. They are currently 14 officers down at this time. It is going to be hard to put a lot of teeth into enforcement, but they will do what they can, moving schedules around to help during peak times. He then introduced Bret Axlund, the new Deputy Chief, who came from Page where he worked for the last 20 years with the Sheriff's Office.
11.
Informational Items To/From Chairman, Supervisors and County Manager/Mayor, Council and City Manager.
Vice Mayor Whelan said that NACOG has requested that the City and County consider a joint resolution regarding CDBG funding. Additionally, for their next joint meeting she requested that they address the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, to discuss timelines, funding options, etc. to keep that project going forward.
Councilmember Barotz commended the County for their Recovery Court. She attended their graduation, noting that it was the largest class ever. She said that to see the graduates express themselves the way they did was wonderful.
Councilmember Putzova asked that during their next Joint Work Session they discuss climate actions to address what each is doing.
Supervisor Babbott said that he supported a discussion on the FWPP and he would like to discuss the 4FRI restoration initiative. He said that he thinks there is a compelling case to make their agencies have a more active role in support that program.
Councilmember Overton commended the supervisors for implement the Ft. Tuthill Master Plan and creating the opportunity for more user groups to take advantage of that facility. He said that there was a marked difference in the leadership from the Board. He believed in the Park and knows it is an asset.
Ms. Seelhammer recognized the Community Development staff with the County and all of the citizens that participated in the Comprehensive Plan, noting that they won the Arizona Planning Association's Statewide Category. Additionally, the County Parks and Recreation staff and citizens won the Natural Resources Award for the Roger's Lake Recreational Plan.
She also reported that today Chairwoman Archuleta was given the keys to a brand new Subaru Outback. Chairwoman Archuleta said that they were quickly turned over to Community Services for the Meals on Wheels program.
Mr. Dille said that he applauded the County and City for their collaboration. He said that after working in other parts of the State, such collaboration does not exist elsewhere.
Mr. Dille also reported that tomorrow night's Council meeting is loaded, and then on Wednesday they had the Rio de Flag tour with NAU representatives at 10:30 a.m. and a Joint Work Session with the Planning and Zoning Commission at 4:00 p.m. to discuss High Occupancy Housing.
Chairwoman Archuleta commended the Flagstaff Police Department and Flagstaff Unified School District for their quick response and handling of the situation last week at Killip School. Her child attends that school and she appreciated the rapid response and work to follow up on the case. She said that the communication was excellent.
She also said that Supervisor Fowler had asked her to distribute the fliers before Council/Supervisors regarding the Navajo Bridge Star Party and invited everyone to attend.
She noted that tomorrow on the County's agenda they will be changing the gavel and Vice Chairman Ryan will assume the duties of Chairman.
She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mayor Evans extended thanks to the County for joining the Council this evening. She said that she always enjoys their joint meetings, and at their next one she would like a presentation on the County's tiny home ordinance.
Councilmember Barotz commended the County for their Recovery Court. She attended their graduation, noting that it was the largest class ever. She said that to see the graduates express themselves the way they did was wonderful.
Councilmember Putzova asked that during their next Joint Work Session they discuss climate actions to address what each is doing.
Supervisor Babbott said that he supported a discussion on the FWPP and he would like to discuss the 4FRI restoration initiative. He said that he thinks there is a compelling case to make their agencies have a more active role in support that program.
Councilmember Overton commended the supervisors for implement the Ft. Tuthill Master Plan and creating the opportunity for more user groups to take advantage of that facility. He said that there was a marked difference in the leadership from the Board. He believed in the Park and knows it is an asset.
Ms. Seelhammer recognized the Community Development staff with the County and all of the citizens that participated in the Comprehensive Plan, noting that they won the Arizona Planning Association's Statewide Category. Additionally, the County Parks and Recreation staff and citizens won the Natural Resources Award for the Roger's Lake Recreational Plan.
She also reported that today Chairwoman Archuleta was given the keys to a brand new Subaru Outback. Chairwoman Archuleta said that they were quickly turned over to Community Services for the Meals on Wheels program.
Mr. Dille said that he applauded the County and City for their collaboration. He said that after working in other parts of the State, such collaboration does not exist elsewhere.
Mr. Dille also reported that tomorrow night's Council meeting is loaded, and then on Wednesday they had the Rio de Flag tour with NAU representatives at 10:30 a.m. and a Joint Work Session with the Planning and Zoning Commission at 4:00 p.m. to discuss High Occupancy Housing.
Chairwoman Archuleta commended the Flagstaff Police Department and Flagstaff Unified School District for their quick response and handling of the situation last week at Killip School. Her child attends that school and she appreciated the rapid response and work to follow up on the case. She said that the communication was excellent.
She also said that Supervisor Fowler had asked her to distribute the fliers before Council/Supervisors regarding the Navajo Bridge Star Party and invited everyone to attend.
She noted that tomorrow on the County's agenda they will be changing the gavel and Vice Chairman Ryan will assume the duties of Chairman.
She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mayor Evans extended thanks to the County for joining the Council this evening. She said that she always enjoys their joint meetings, and at their next one she would like a presentation on the County's tiny home ordinance.
12.
Adjournment
The Joint Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council and Coconino County Board of Supervisors held November 6, 2017, adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
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ATTEST: _______________________________ CITY CLERK |