WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE
6:00 P.M.
WORK SESSION
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Evans called the meeting of February 13, 2018, to order at 6:01 p.m.
Mayor Evans called the meeting of February 13, 2018, to order at 6:01 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 Ms. Goodrich read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
The Council and audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Ms. Goodrich 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 (telephonically 6:28 p.m.-7:23 p.m.) |
ABSENT: NONE |
Others present: Interim City Manager Barbara Goodrich 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.
None
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.
None
5.
Preliminary Review of Draft Agenda for the February 20, 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.
None
None
A.
Review of the Proposed High Occupancy Housing (HOH) Specific Plan and Related General Plan Amendments. (SEE ITEM 13-A ON THE DRAFT AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2018, FOR INFORMATION)
Comprehensive Planning Manager Sarah Dechter provided a PowerPoint Presentation that covered the following:
WHAT IS BEING ADOPTED/AMENDED?
ORDER OF COUNCIL ACTIONS
PLANNING & ZONING RECOMMENDATION
WHAT IS BEING ADOPTED/AMENDED?
ORDER OF COUNCIL ACTIONS
PLANNING & ZONING RECOMMENDATION
6.
Discussion: Current Issues Before Arizona Legislature and Federal Issues
Assistant to the City Manager Caleb Blaschke introduced the City’s State Lobbyist Richard Travis who was present via telephone. Mr. Blaschke provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FLAGSTAFF INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES – FEBRUARY 6, 2018
HB2266 DARK SKY LIGHTING SPECIAL PLATES
Mr. Travis stated that the bill passed both the democratic and republican caucus.
SCR 1016 REPEAL THE MINIMUM WAGE AND RESTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Mr. Travis stated that polarity on the issue is expected; the most important bills are those that would give the Department of Transportation the authority to impose VLT fees to fund the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he thinks the City should support the bills because it would help with the sweep of HURF funds and help fund DPS. There has been disparity between regular fuel vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles but at the end of the day they are using the same roads.
Councilmember Overton offered that it seems odd that DPS was picked for the funding. He asked if there was any discussion about just putting the funding into the larger pot and distributing from there. Mr. Travis explained that DPS used to be a part of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and eligible for HURF dollars; when DPS became their own agency they remained eligible for HURF funding but they were primarily funded by the general fund. When the economy dipped and general fund dollars became scarce, funding reverted back to HURF. That is why there is a link between DPS and HURF.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that the money should go to HURF for road construction and repair rather than DPS who do a lot more than protect the highways. DPS should be fully funded by the general fund.
Council agreed to stay neutral.
HB2461 ZONING REGULATIONS; PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Mr. Travis explained that this bill would prohibit a municipality from adopting land use regulations on a private school. He also stated that the League is opposed to this bill.
HB 2500 REAL ESTATE SIGNS; CITIES; COUNTIES
HB2371 MOBILE FOOD VENDORS; STATE LICENSURE
HB2480 URANIUM, RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS; TRANSPORTATION
FLAGSTAFF INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES – FEBRUARY 6, 2018
HB2266 DARK SKY LIGHTING SPECIAL PLATES
Mr. Travis stated that the bill passed both the democratic and republican caucus.
SCR 1016 REPEAL THE MINIMUM WAGE AND RESTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
FROM PASSING A MINIMUM WAGE HIGHER THAN THE STATE AS WELL AS REPEAL
THE MINIMUM WAGE
THE MINIMUM WAGE
SB1146 AND HB2166 VEHICLE FEES; ALTERNATIVE FUEL VLT
Mr. Travis stated that polarity on the issue is expected; the most important bills are those that would give the Department of Transportation the authority to impose VLT fees to fund the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he thinks the City should support the bills because it would help with the sweep of HURF funds and help fund DPS. There has been disparity between regular fuel vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles but at the end of the day they are using the same roads.
Councilmember Overton offered that it seems odd that DPS was picked for the funding. He asked if there was any discussion about just putting the funding into the larger pot and distributing from there. Mr. Travis explained that DPS used to be a part of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and eligible for HURF dollars; when DPS became their own agency they remained eligible for HURF funding but they were primarily funded by the general fund. When the economy dipped and general fund dollars became scarce, funding reverted back to HURF. That is why there is a link between DPS and HURF.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that the money should go to HURF for road construction and repair rather than DPS who do a lot more than protect the highways. DPS should be fully funded by the general fund.
Council agreed to stay neutral.
HB2461 ZONING REGULATIONS; PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Mr. Travis explained that this bill would prohibit a municipality from adopting land use regulations on a private school. He also stated that the League is opposed to this bill.
HB 2500 REAL ESTATE SIGNS; CITIES; COUNTIES
HB2371 MOBILE FOOD VENDORS; STATE LICENSURE
HB2480 URANIUM, RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS; TRANSPORTATION
7.
Discussion/Direction: Ballot Measure for Rio de Flag Project on the November 2018 Election
Councilmember Putzova joined the meeting telephonically at 6:28 p.m.
Management Services Director Rick Tadder addressed Council with a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
RIO DE FLAG PROJECT
SALES TAX CLARIFICATION
Councilmember Barotz stated that she has heard from constituents about the concern that the increase will also affect those local people who eat here but do not stay overnight. Councilmember McCarthy added that Flagstaff is in the ballpark for hotel tax but is substantially higher for food tax.
SALES TAX COMPARISON
FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS
0.25% SALES TAX – 7 YEARS NO STORMWATER FEE
0.20% SALES TAX – 7 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
0.15% SALES TAX – 7 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
0.20% SALES TAX – 5 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
0.15% SALES TAX – 5 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
NO SALES TAX AND 100% STORMWATER FEE
Councilmember McCarthy pointed out that the tax relies on people who do not live in Flagstaff. All the options raise the same amount of money; when the sales tax rate is lowered the stormwater fee increases.
Councilmember Odegaard asked the status of the design process for Rio de Flag. Senior Project Manager James Duval stated that the Army Corp has reached a settlement with the contractor and it is within the budget they have for this fiscal year’s work program. It is estimated that the design will be complete in about 12 months.
Mayor Evans stated that she has been pushing the project for the last ten years. She understands that the project needs to get done but does not feel that a sales tax is appropriate. There is a large percentage of the community who do not understand the magnitude and ramifications of a 100-year flood. She would like to see the City spend the next 18 months educating the public. She believes that a stormwater fee should be collected and built up so when it comes time to ask the voters to match the funds there is something to show for the progress made.
Councilmember Odegaard agreed stating that he is not supportive of a sales tax right now but rather putting money aside for the project. It will show the Army Corp that the City is still serious about the project. He is supportive of a stormwater fee adjustment to start saving.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that if the City does not come up with some funding, it will not look good when the Army Corps goes through their funding process. He is not in favor of a sales tax but is supportive on an increase to the stormwater fee.
Councilmember Odegaard offered that he is supportive of the $.92 per ERU stormwater fee; it will generate $1 million per year and in year two there may be a better understanding of where the project is with the Army Corp.
Mayor Evans stated that she could support that direction.
Councilmember Overton stated that the fee will only be captured from the property owners with a water meter and $1 million per year does show progress but it is still really short. The City will have to quadruple the fee midway through the increase to cover the cost. Additionally, not all people will pay the fee unlike a sales tax. Putting all the funding in the stormwater fee will have a big impact; rent and the cost of living will increase. The City has raised this fee once before and it was not well received.
Councilmember Putzova stated that the Rio de Flag is a stormwater infrastructure project and she is supportive of increasing the stormwater fee.
Councilmember Barotz stated that she does not support going out for a sales tax. From a policy standpoint there is a direct relationship between the stormwater fee and the stormwater project.
A majority of Council is not interested in a sales tax.
Council asked for staff to look at other time options, maybe 7, 10, and 12 years with no debt.
Mr. Solomon stated that the purpose of the stormwater fee is to fund all stormwater projects, the first of which is the Rio Project.
Vice Mayor Whelan suggested that as the City prepares for doing the projects itself that a working group be organized that includes City staff, hydrologists, Friends of the Rio, and other experts to look at the different options and ideas for the project.
Councilmember Barotz suggested the possibility of tying the Rio de Flag project to the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project and taking advantage of the resources, they offer.
Councilmember Putzova left the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
Management Services Director Rick Tadder addressed Council with a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
RIO DE FLAG PROJECT
SALES TAX CLARIFICATION
Councilmember Barotz stated that she has heard from constituents about the concern that the increase will also affect those local people who eat here but do not stay overnight. Councilmember McCarthy added that Flagstaff is in the ballpark for hotel tax but is substantially higher for food tax.
SALES TAX COMPARISON
FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS
0.25% SALES TAX – 7 YEARS NO STORMWATER FEE
0.20% SALES TAX – 7 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
0.15% SALES TAX – 7 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
0.20% SALES TAX – 5 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
0.15% SALES TAX – 5 YEARS AND STORMWATER FEE
NO SALES TAX AND 100% STORMWATER FEE
Councilmember McCarthy pointed out that the tax relies on people who do not live in Flagstaff. All the options raise the same amount of money; when the sales tax rate is lowered the stormwater fee increases.
Councilmember Odegaard asked the status of the design process for Rio de Flag. Senior Project Manager James Duval stated that the Army Corp has reached a settlement with the contractor and it is within the budget they have for this fiscal year’s work program. It is estimated that the design will be complete in about 12 months.
Mayor Evans stated that she has been pushing the project for the last ten years. She understands that the project needs to get done but does not feel that a sales tax is appropriate. There is a large percentage of the community who do not understand the magnitude and ramifications of a 100-year flood. She would like to see the City spend the next 18 months educating the public. She believes that a stormwater fee should be collected and built up so when it comes time to ask the voters to match the funds there is something to show for the progress made.
Councilmember Odegaard agreed stating that he is not supportive of a sales tax right now but rather putting money aside for the project. It will show the Army Corp that the City is still serious about the project. He is supportive of a stormwater fee adjustment to start saving.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that if the City does not come up with some funding, it will not look good when the Army Corps goes through their funding process. He is not in favor of a sales tax but is supportive on an increase to the stormwater fee.
Councilmember Odegaard offered that he is supportive of the $.92 per ERU stormwater fee; it will generate $1 million per year and in year two there may be a better understanding of where the project is with the Army Corp.
Mayor Evans stated that she could support that direction.
Councilmember Overton stated that the fee will only be captured from the property owners with a water meter and $1 million per year does show progress but it is still really short. The City will have to quadruple the fee midway through the increase to cover the cost. Additionally, not all people will pay the fee unlike a sales tax. Putting all the funding in the stormwater fee will have a big impact; rent and the cost of living will increase. The City has raised this fee once before and it was not well received.
Councilmember Putzova stated that the Rio de Flag is a stormwater infrastructure project and she is supportive of increasing the stormwater fee.
Councilmember Barotz stated that she does not support going out for a sales tax. From a policy standpoint there is a direct relationship between the stormwater fee and the stormwater project.
A majority of Council is not interested in a sales tax.
Council asked for staff to look at other time options, maybe 7, 10, and 12 years with no debt.
Mr. Solomon stated that the purpose of the stormwater fee is to fund all stormwater projects, the first of which is the Rio Project.
Vice Mayor Whelan suggested that as the City prepares for doing the projects itself that a working group be organized that includes City staff, hydrologists, Friends of the Rio, and other experts to look at the different options and ideas for the project.
Councilmember Barotz suggested the possibility of tying the Rio de Flag project to the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project and taking advantage of the resources, they offer.
Councilmember Putzova left the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
8.
Presentation on City Efforts to Address Litter Accumulation
Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen introduced Volunteer and Event Coordinator Maggie Twomey and Code Enforcement Manager Reggie Eccelston.
Ms. Twomey provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
CITY OF FLAGSTAFF LITTER PREVENTION PROGRAMS
LITTER PREVENTION
COMMUNITY STEWARDS PROGRAM
Mr. Eccelston continued the presentation.
COMMUNITY CODE COMPLIANCE
CHALLENGES WITH LITTER ABATEMENT
Mayor Evans stated that often larger or additional trash bins are needed and asked if that is something that could be addressed. She also suggested possibly increasing the number of service days for pickup in those areas.
Mr. Bertelsen stated that Public Works has looked at some of problem areas and they are getting larger bins but in many cases the areas do not have the room necessary to get the bins and equipment in and out. Many property owners have been working with Mr. Eccelston and his crew to try to mediate the issue as well.
Ms. Twomey continued.
IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSIDERATION
QUESTIONS
Mayor Evans stated that she did not know about the program in Denver and she would like to see something like that in Flagstaff. There needs to be a tool in place to address repeat offenders. More attention is needed in areas and properties that need additional bins. The City used to have a beautification program where every quarter an award was given for the best kept house, apartment and business; the winners would get a plaque and a posting in the newspaper. She is interested in reinvigorating the program.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that it is important to have consistency in the trash and recycle containers. Right now, there are different and opposite colors for businesses and residential containers. Mr. Bertelsen stated that they are aware of the issue and they are working on getting the bins switched out across the City to have consistent coloring.
Councilmember Barotz suggested that there should be training with the collectors on how to avoid windblown litter. Additionally, the NAU Liaison can assist with education in the neighborhoods. She also suggested increasing the number of community cleanups if there is support from the volunteers.
Ms. Twomey provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
CITY OF FLAGSTAFF LITTER PREVENTION PROGRAMS
LITTER PREVENTION
COMMUNITY STEWARDS PROGRAM
Mr. Eccelston continued the presentation.
COMMUNITY CODE COMPLIANCE
CHALLENGES WITH LITTER ABATEMENT
Mayor Evans stated that often larger or additional trash bins are needed and asked if that is something that could be addressed. She also suggested possibly increasing the number of service days for pickup in those areas.
Mr. Bertelsen stated that Public Works has looked at some of problem areas and they are getting larger bins but in many cases the areas do not have the room necessary to get the bins and equipment in and out. Many property owners have been working with Mr. Eccelston and his crew to try to mediate the issue as well.
Ms. Twomey continued.
IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSIDERATION
QUESTIONS
Mayor Evans stated that she did not know about the program in Denver and she would like to see something like that in Flagstaff. There needs to be a tool in place to address repeat offenders. More attention is needed in areas and properties that need additional bins. The City used to have a beautification program where every quarter an award was given for the best kept house, apartment and business; the winners would get a plaque and a posting in the newspaper. She is interested in reinvigorating the program.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that it is important to have consistency in the trash and recycle containers. Right now, there are different and opposite colors for businesses and residential containers. Mr. Bertelsen stated that they are aware of the issue and they are working on getting the bins switched out across the City to have consistent coloring.
Councilmember Barotz suggested that there should be training with the collectors on how to avoid windblown litter. Additionally, the NAU Liaison can assist with education in the neighborhoods. She also suggested increasing the number of community cleanups if there is support from the volunteers.
9.
Discussion of a Resolution of the Flagstaff City Calling for the Federal Government to Adequately Fund National Parks.
Mr. Blashke presented Council with a draft resolution calling for the Federal Government to adequately fund National Parks. He also provided a brief background on the issue.
Council was supportive of moving the resolution forward to a future meeting for consideration and possible adoption.
Council was supportive of moving the resolution forward to a future meeting for consideration and possible adoption.
10.
Review of Draft Agenda Items for the February 20, 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.
Councilmember McCarthy reported that he recently went to the library and saw that they have a new automated system for sorting materials; it automatically checks things back in and sorts them. He stated that it is a pretty neat system and encouraged the Council to go and take a look.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that the ADOT Board will be coming to Flagstaff in April. He suggested that Council attend the meeting so they can hear the challenges with funding.
Councilmember Odegaard requested that the Council and County Board of Supervisors get together for dinner to get to know each other and build relationships.
Vice Mayor Whelan shared that she is very proud of how hard the Council worked over the last couple of days.
Councilmember Barotz requested that her FAIR item on March 6, 2018 be considered for removal at the next meeting.
Ms. Goodrich thanked the Council for all their hard work at the recent budget retreat.
Mayor Evans thanked Ms. Goodrich for leading the Council through the budget process and added that the Council is excited for her to join them at the dais.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that the ADOT Board will be coming to Flagstaff in April. He suggested that Council attend the meeting so they can hear the challenges with funding.
Councilmember Odegaard requested that the Council and County Board of Supervisors get together for dinner to get to know each other and build relationships.
Vice Mayor Whelan shared that she is very proud of how hard the Council worked over the last couple of days.
Councilmember Barotz requested that her FAIR item on March 6, 2018 be considered for removal at the next meeting.
Ms. Goodrich thanked the Council for all their hard work at the recent budget retreat.
Mayor Evans thanked Ms. Goodrich for leading the Council through the budget process and added that the Council is excited for her to join them at the dais.
13.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held February 13, 2018, adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held February 13, 2018, adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
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MAYOR |
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ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK |