WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
WORK SESSION
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Evans called the meeting of January 9, 2018, to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Evans called the meeting of January 9, 2018, 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 Barotz read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
The Council and audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilmember Barotz read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
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 |
ABSENT: NONE |
Others present: City Manager Josh Copley 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.
Michael Dunn Jr. addressed Council about the cost of living, the need for affordable housing, the need for more participation in Council meetings and the disappearing scenery of Flagstaff.
Kathryn Jim addressed Council regarding unity and inclusion in Flagstaff including the creation of a liaison between the Police Department and the LGBTQ community. She also spoke about bringing back the City’s co-sponsorship of various festivals.
Kathryn Jim addressed Council regarding unity and inclusion in Flagstaff including the creation of a liaison between the Police Department and the LGBTQ community. She also spoke about bringing back the City’s co-sponsorship of various festivals.
5.
Preliminary Review of Draft Agenda for the January 16, 2018, 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 Bartoz noted a correction needed in item 12B, the staff report states that the ban would be lifted by the Forest Service and it should be the Administration.
Councilmember Putzova requested additional information related to the Rio de Flag ballot measure discussion. She would like to have a list of property owners, the size and value of the properties within the 100 year flood zone that would relate to the Rio de Flag project.
Councilmember Odegaard asked for information about how an Engineer’s estimate is calculated with regard to item 7C and 7D.
Councilmember Odegaard also requested to have the percentages for the different cities presented in the graph in item 12D regarding the Rio de Flag.
Councilmember Putzova requested additional information related to the Rio de Flag ballot measure discussion. She would like to have a list of property owners, the size and value of the properties within the 100 year flood zone that would relate to the Rio de Flag project.
Councilmember Odegaard asked for information about how an Engineer’s estimate is calculated with regard to item 7C and 7D.
Councilmember Odegaard also requested to have the percentages for the different cities presented in the graph in item 12D regarding the Rio de Flag.
6.
Petition - Wayside Horn Inequity; Diminished Quality of Life.
City Engineer Rick Barrett provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:
EASTSIDE WAYSIDE HORN PETITION
BACKGROUND
FLAGSTAFF DESIGNATED QUIET ZONE – MARCH 2010
FIVE RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS THROUGHOUT FLAGSTAFF
SUPPLEMENTAL SAFETY MEASURES FOR QUIET ZONES
FLAGSTAFF’S FIVE GRADE CROSSINGS
WAYSIDE HORNS
DIAGNOSTIC TEAM
STEVES AND FANNING CROSSINGS – OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
Vice Mayor Whelan asked why it was decided that Steves and Fanning were to have wayside horns. Mr. Barrett explained that the initial options were wayside horns at all five intersections or true quiet at all five intersections. True quiet at all five intersections would have been a $1.6 million expenditure. Wayside horns were only needed at two intersections due to safety measures already in place at the other three and it did not make sense to spend money on wayside horns that were not needed.
Mr. Barrett further explained that they looked at the Steves and Fanning intersections to see if they could operate as a one way street and the community rejected that idea. They then looked at the four quadrant gate and median options which resulted in the $1.6 million cost for the construction and redesign.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he feels it is worth reconsidering the median option; he also suggested closing the Fanning crossing.
Mayor Evans stated that the report indicated that the horns operate at a 90 degree angle and she asked if that could be reduced to a narrower width. Mr. Barrett stated that the angle is a function of the system; he is not sure if it can be adjusted but it might be worth looking into other equipment. Community Development Director Mark Landsiedel added that Flagstaff was one of the first in the country to do wayside horns, with the time that has passed the technology may have changed significantly.
Councilmember McCarthy suggested wayside horns that are smaller and lower to the ground, closer to where the cars and pedestrians are. By lowering the horns they may not have to be so loud.
Matt Nicholls addressed Council about the wayside horn noise and stated that residents in the area of the horns have been greatly impacted and it is especially troublesome in the summer when people want to have their windows open. He indicated that the duration of the horns is around 30 seconds and there are approximately 10 horns per train. Flagstaff limits light pollution to value the dark skies, he asked what value is placed on sound.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Nicholls if the wayside horns are better than the old system. Mr. Nicholls stated that it is debatable simply for the amount of time the horns are active. When the trains were blowing their horns it was for a significantly shorter duration.
Councilmember Overton stated that the wayside horns were meant to mimic the actual train horn and he would be curious about the duration because it does seem to go on for awhile. He suggested looking into whether the duration of the horns could be adjusted. Mr. Barrett stated that Public Works maintains the wayside horn system and he would need to confer with them on the duration. He offered that there are different train horn sounds available that may also be a better option. He will work with Public Works to get some additional information on both those options.
Mayor Evans stated that the minimum requirement for decibels is 92 but the Flagstaff horns are set at 95; she asked if the sound could be lowered to the minimum. Mr. Barrett stated that it was certainly an option to explore.
Councilmember Overton offered that safety is paramount and it is important to keep in mind that there is no compromise of the safety for the sound.
Council was supportive of staff looking at options available with the current system and other technologies that might be available. If those options are not satisfactory then additional options such as intersection re-design can be explored.
EASTSIDE WAYSIDE HORN PETITION
BACKGROUND
FLAGSTAFF DESIGNATED QUIET ZONE – MARCH 2010
FIVE RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS THROUGHOUT FLAGSTAFF
SUPPLEMENTAL SAFETY MEASURES FOR QUIET ZONES
FLAGSTAFF’S FIVE GRADE CROSSINGS
WAYSIDE HORNS
DIAGNOSTIC TEAM
STEVES AND FANNING CROSSINGS – OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
Vice Mayor Whelan asked why it was decided that Steves and Fanning were to have wayside horns. Mr. Barrett explained that the initial options were wayside horns at all five intersections or true quiet at all five intersections. True quiet at all five intersections would have been a $1.6 million expenditure. Wayside horns were only needed at two intersections due to safety measures already in place at the other three and it did not make sense to spend money on wayside horns that were not needed.
Mr. Barrett further explained that they looked at the Steves and Fanning intersections to see if they could operate as a one way street and the community rejected that idea. They then looked at the four quadrant gate and median options which resulted in the $1.6 million cost for the construction and redesign.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he feels it is worth reconsidering the median option; he also suggested closing the Fanning crossing.
Mayor Evans stated that the report indicated that the horns operate at a 90 degree angle and she asked if that could be reduced to a narrower width. Mr. Barrett stated that the angle is a function of the system; he is not sure if it can be adjusted but it might be worth looking into other equipment. Community Development Director Mark Landsiedel added that Flagstaff was one of the first in the country to do wayside horns, with the time that has passed the technology may have changed significantly.
Councilmember McCarthy suggested wayside horns that are smaller and lower to the ground, closer to where the cars and pedestrians are. By lowering the horns they may not have to be so loud.
Matt Nicholls addressed Council about the wayside horn noise and stated that residents in the area of the horns have been greatly impacted and it is especially troublesome in the summer when people want to have their windows open. He indicated that the duration of the horns is around 30 seconds and there are approximately 10 horns per train. Flagstaff limits light pollution to value the dark skies, he asked what value is placed on sound.
Councilmember McCarthy asked Mr. Nicholls if the wayside horns are better than the old system. Mr. Nicholls stated that it is debatable simply for the amount of time the horns are active. When the trains were blowing their horns it was for a significantly shorter duration.
Councilmember Overton stated that the wayside horns were meant to mimic the actual train horn and he would be curious about the duration because it does seem to go on for awhile. He suggested looking into whether the duration of the horns could be adjusted. Mr. Barrett stated that Public Works maintains the wayside horn system and he would need to confer with them on the duration. He offered that there are different train horn sounds available that may also be a better option. He will work with Public Works to get some additional information on both those options.
Mayor Evans stated that the minimum requirement for decibels is 92 but the Flagstaff horns are set at 95; she asked if the sound could be lowered to the minimum. Mr. Barrett stated that it was certainly an option to explore.
Councilmember Overton offered that safety is paramount and it is important to keep in mind that there is no compromise of the safety for the sound.
Council was supportive of staff looking at options available with the current system and other technologies that might be available. If those options are not satisfactory then additional options such as intersection re-design can be explored.
7.
Discussion: Requiring For Sale signs at entrances of mobile home parks and written notification.
Mr. Solomon addressed Council stating that the item initially came forward as a FAIR item to Council to explore if the City has the ability to require mobile home park owners to place for sale signs at the property to notify prospective buyers that the park they are considering purchase in is up for sale or a sale is pending. Mr. Solomon explained that State law requires that 180 day notice be given to current occupants in a mobile home park that a sale or change of use is going to occur; the same statute has a requirement that anyone coming in as a prospective buyer after the notice to occupants has been sent, has to receive the same notice. The requirements are found in the Arizona Mobile Home Park Residential Landlord and Tenant Act that was passed in 1975 and it pre-empts cities from passing laws concerning mobile home parks. Mr. Solomon explained that there is little that the City can do in placing requirements on mobile home parks.
Mayor Evans stated that the current law was passed in 1975 and since then things have changed in how trailer parks operate and how trailers can move in and out of parks. Mobile homes of a certain age are unable be moved unless the wiring is completely re-done. She asked if there is any ability for the City to require mobile home parks to provide notice to people who move into the parks if the mobile home they are moving into can be moved and if they can be moved the requirements to do so. Many people have purchased trailer homes only to find out that the park was for sale or changing use, and now they have 180 days to move but the mobile home they own cannot be moved or must have significant upgrades to be moved.
Mr. Solomon stated that the age of the trailer is an issue and many parks do not allow mobile homes over ten years old. He will do some research regarding the different requirements surrounding the movement of mobile homes and report back to Council.
Councilmember Putzova suggested that the City engage with the owners when they request utilities from the City. Staff could provide them with information about the challenges that may arise with the mobile home. At the least, this would offer people information early on. Mr. Solomon stated that he will look into that option as well.
Councilmember Overton expressed concern about mobile home park owners just keeping the park perpetually for sale and state that the park may or may not be in existence at a later date. This kind of situation would not address the concern. He offered that making MH Zoning more available within the City might have a greater effect. He would like to better understand the State laws that allow the movement of mobile homes and the requirements associated with that transportation. He would also like to look for options to help residents who are displaced rather than just say they cannot move their trailer. He suggested identifying parks that are willing to accept older homes, identifying areas that can be developed as mobile home parks and County options.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked about setting aside monies to assist people faced with relocating their trailers. Mayor Evans stated that she requested that for discussion with the upcoming budget. Mr. Solomon offered that he does not see anything that would prevent Council from setting up this kind of fund.
Councilmember Odegaard asked if there is an agency that provides oversight for compliance by park owners. Mr. Solomon explained that there is not a specific agency that he is aware of but anyone can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office.
Mr. Copley stated that he and Mr. Solomon will research the questions posed by Council and will report back at a later date.
Mayor Evans stated that the current law was passed in 1975 and since then things have changed in how trailer parks operate and how trailers can move in and out of parks. Mobile homes of a certain age are unable be moved unless the wiring is completely re-done. She asked if there is any ability for the City to require mobile home parks to provide notice to people who move into the parks if the mobile home they are moving into can be moved and if they can be moved the requirements to do so. Many people have purchased trailer homes only to find out that the park was for sale or changing use, and now they have 180 days to move but the mobile home they own cannot be moved or must have significant upgrades to be moved.
Mr. Solomon stated that the age of the trailer is an issue and many parks do not allow mobile homes over ten years old. He will do some research regarding the different requirements surrounding the movement of mobile homes and report back to Council.
Councilmember Putzova suggested that the City engage with the owners when they request utilities from the City. Staff could provide them with information about the challenges that may arise with the mobile home. At the least, this would offer people information early on. Mr. Solomon stated that he will look into that option as well.
Councilmember Overton expressed concern about mobile home park owners just keeping the park perpetually for sale and state that the park may or may not be in existence at a later date. This kind of situation would not address the concern. He offered that making MH Zoning more available within the City might have a greater effect. He would like to better understand the State laws that allow the movement of mobile homes and the requirements associated with that transportation. He would also like to look for options to help residents who are displaced rather than just say they cannot move their trailer. He suggested identifying parks that are willing to accept older homes, identifying areas that can be developed as mobile home parks and County options.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked about setting aside monies to assist people faced with relocating their trailers. Mayor Evans stated that she requested that for discussion with the upcoming budget. Mr. Solomon offered that he does not see anything that would prevent Council from setting up this kind of fund.
Councilmember Odegaard asked if there is an agency that provides oversight for compliance by park owners. Mr. Solomon explained that there is not a specific agency that he is aware of but anyone can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office.
Mr. Copley stated that he and Mr. Solomon will research the questions posed by Council and will report back at a later date.
8.
Climate Action Planning: January Update
Climate and Energy Specialist Jenny Niemann provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
PLANNING TIMELINE
THE CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN
CURRENT WORK
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: ANNUAL AVERAGES FOR COCONINO COUNTY
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY VALIDATION
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
ENGAGEMENT PLAN TABLE
1ST OPEN HOUSE - JANUARY
2ND OPEN HOUSE - MARCH
3RD OPEN HOUSE – JULY
ADDITIONAL OUTREACH
STUDENT CLIMATE ACTION CHALLENGE
LOOKING AHEAD
SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS
Vice Mayor Whelan asked what kind of community involvement staff would like to see. Ms. Neiman stated that a lot of people seem excited about the plan and there have been over 100 people sign up for the newsletter. The goal is to involve anyone who wants to be involved and have everyone be aware of the plan.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked if any pieces of the Paris Agreement were going to be incorporated into the plan. Ms. Neiman stated that the Paris Agreement is not something that has been specifically discussed as they have focused more on models of western cities. She offered that staff will bring the agreement up with the consultants for consideration and discussion.
Councilmember Putzova offered her appreciation for the efforts to engage the younger generations. She requested that all events are scheduled using Facebook so they can be shared to help get the word out. Mayor Evans also suggested some type of video that could be shared on social media to allow people who cannot attend functions in person to get the information that way.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he is interested in the electric vehicle charging stations and suggested that through partnerships those could be installed in the more high traffic areas.
CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
PLANNING TIMELINE
THE CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN
CURRENT WORK
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: ANNUAL AVERAGES FOR COCONINO COUNTY
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY VALIDATION
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
ENGAGEMENT PLAN TABLE
1ST OPEN HOUSE - JANUARY
2ND OPEN HOUSE - MARCH
3RD OPEN HOUSE – JULY
ADDITIONAL OUTREACH
STUDENT CLIMATE ACTION CHALLENGE
LOOKING AHEAD
SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS
Vice Mayor Whelan asked what kind of community involvement staff would like to see. Ms. Neiman stated that a lot of people seem excited about the plan and there have been over 100 people sign up for the newsletter. The goal is to involve anyone who wants to be involved and have everyone be aware of the plan.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked if any pieces of the Paris Agreement were going to be incorporated into the plan. Ms. Neiman stated that the Paris Agreement is not something that has been specifically discussed as they have focused more on models of western cities. She offered that staff will bring the agreement up with the consultants for consideration and discussion.
Councilmember Putzova offered her appreciation for the efforts to engage the younger generations. She requested that all events are scheduled using Facebook so they can be shared to help get the word out. Mayor Evans also suggested some type of video that could be shared on social media to allow people who cannot attend functions in person to get the information that way.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he is interested in the electric vehicle charging stations and suggested that through partnerships those could be installed in the more high traffic areas.
9.
Discussion of Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Council Budget Priorities.
Mr. Copley addressed the Council seeking direction on the FY19 Council Budget Priorities. This direction will help guide staff in preparing the budget framework for the upcoming budget retreats.
A break was held from 7:55 p.m. through 8:04 p.m.
Mr. Copley reviewed the goals and the attached changes (Exhibit A) were proposed by Council.
Mr. Copley reviewed the goals and the attached changes (Exhibit A) were proposed by Council.
10.
Review of Draft Agenda Items for the January 16, 2018, City Council Meeting.*
* Public comment on draft agenda items will be taken at this time, at the discretion of the Mayor.
None
None
11.
Public Participation
None
None
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests.
None
None
13.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 9, 2018, adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 9, 2018, adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
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MAYOR |
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ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK |