TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2019
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
4:30 P.M. AND 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Evans called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held July 2, 2019, to order at 4:01 p.m.
| NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| PRESENT: MAYOR EVANS VICE MAYOR SHIMONI (telephonically) COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER WHELAN |
ABSENT: |
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance and Councilmember Odegaard 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.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to approve the minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of September 18, 2018; Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of September 25, 2018; Regular Meeting of October 2, 2018; Combined Special Meeting/Work Session of October 9, 2018; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of February 7, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of February 12, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of February 26, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 5, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 12, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 15, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 19, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 21, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of March 26, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 2, 2019; April 9, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 16, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of April 30, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of May 7, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of May 14, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of May 28, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of June 4, 2019; Special Meeting (Executive Session) of June 11, 2019; and Special Meeting (Executive Session) of June 18, 2019.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Public Participation enables the public to address the Council about an item that is not on the agenda. Comments relating to items that are on the agenda will be taken at the time that the item is discussed. If you wish to address the Council at tonight's meeting, please complete a comment card and submit it to the recording clerk as soon as possible. Your name will be called when it is your turn to speak. 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. 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.
Mr. Solomon showed the nomination video that recommended Mr. Brown for a Prosecutor Lifetime Achievement award.
The Mayor and Council approached the podium to read and present Mr. Brown with a proclamation in honor of him receiving the Prosecutor Lifetime Achievement Award.
Flagstaff Housing Staff
Councilmember Whelan read a statement regarding the Silar Homes Gas Line incident, after which Mayor and Council asked the Housing staff to join them at the front of the room to be honored and recognized for their efforts.
Jesse Dominguez
Mayor and Council asked Jesse Dominguez to approach the dais and receive a proclamation declaring July 2, 2019 as Jesse Dominguez Day in honor of his 52 years of service to the City of Flagstaff and the Flagstaff Housing Authority.
Mayor Evans opened the public hearing.
Police Sergeant Collin Seay briefly reviewed the application.
There being no public comment, Mayor Evans closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to forward the application to the State with a recommendation of approval.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
All matters under Consent Agenda are considered by the City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion approving the recommendations listed on the agenda. Unless otherwise indicated, expenditures approved by Council are budgeted items.
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Councilmember Salas asked Mr. Solomon about offering an exception to active military personnel. Mr. Solomon indicated that it is a Council decision as to whether they want to provide any sort of exception. There are other municipalities that offer this type of exception but it is really a decision of the Council.
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the ordinance:
- Nicole Olmstead
- Christina Caldwell
- Gabe Smith
- Anastacia Dougi
- Karime Arce-Romero
- Stacey Robbins
- Hunter Owens
- Jolynn Robbins
- Bernice Carver
- This is a very strong ordinance, thank you for taking the matter seriously.
- We hope this ordinance can be a model for other cities in the state.
- The military is working to get tobacco out of the armed forces to make sure troops are as healthy as they can be.
- This is very important to keeping our community healthy.
- Kids are smoking at younger and younger ages, this will help reduce their access to tobacco.
- Keeping tobacco out of youth's hands is paramount to ending a nationwide epidemic.
- This ordinance will curb the addiction to tobacco.
- Military branches has increased education and tobacco cessation efforts.
- Raising the purchasing age to 21 would make it easier for retailers to enforce because vertical licenses would apply to both tobacco and alcohol.
- We are happy to see the Council upholding their mission, to protect and enhance the quality of life for all.
- Delaying tobacco initiation until 21 will help prevent a lifetime of addiction and reduce the rates of addiction in our community.
Mayor Evans expressed appreciation to the young people who have been following and pushing the issue for the last two years.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to read Ordinance No. 2019-24 by title only for the final time including the amendments for the inclusion of education.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-24.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to read Ordinance No. 2019-11 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-11.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to read Ordinance No. 2019-18 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-18.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Councilmember Salas stated that the project is a good example of the public private partnerships that move projects forward.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to read Ordinance No. 2019-23 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-23.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
ORDINANCE 2019-25 CREATING A HOUSING COMMISSION (SECOND READ)
PURPOSE
EIGHT DUTIES – 1 & 2
EIGHT DUTIES – 3, 4 & 5
EIGHT DUTIES – 6, 7 & 8
COMMISSION MEMBERS
13 COMMISSION MEMBERS
COMMISSION MEMBERS
OTHER ITEMS OF INTERESTS
The Council discussed adding a provision to the ordinance that directs the commission to make recommendations on housing policy and housing needs in Flagstaff.
Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to read Ordinance No. 2019-25 by title only for the final time and including the amending B(2) to include make recommendations on housing policy and housing needs in Flagstaff.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-25 as amended.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
The Council expressed their support for the forward-thinking approach to streamline the funding services.
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to approve the acceptance of the grant from the Arizona Department of Administration Office of Grants and Federal Resources in the amount of $720,616.00 for the 911 budget for Coconino County FY2020.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to read Resolution No. 2019-34 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to adopt Resolution No. 2019-34.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Resolution No. 2019-33 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to adopt Resolution No. 2019-33.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to read Resolution No. 2019-29 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2019-29.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to read Resolution No. 2019-37 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2019-37.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to approve the State Lobbying Services Contract with Elevated Advocacy, LLC to provide state lobbying services for the City of Flagstaff, with the first year's monthly fee at five thousand dollars ($5,000), which includes all applicable expenses billed at cost, for a total annual fee of sixty thousand dollars ($60,000). Year two and year three will be at a monthly fee of $5,500, which includes all applicable expenses billed at cost, for an annual fee of sixty-six thousand dollars ($66,000) and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
The 4:30 p.m. portion of the July 2, 2019, Regular Council Meeting recessed at 5:30 p.m.
6:00 P.M. MEETING
Mayor Evans reconvened the Regular Meeting of July 2, 2019, at 6:03 p.m.
| NOTE: One or more Councilmembers may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| PRESENT: MAYOR EVANS VICE MAYOR SHIMONI (telephonically) COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER WHELAN |
ABSENT: |
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance.
Steve Finch with the Flagstaff Lodging, Restaurant, and Tourism Association addressed Council in opposition to the proposed use tax increase.
Mayor Evans asked Ms. Goodrich about the City’s current fund balance. Ms. Goodrich explained that for the General Fund there is a 20% fund balance that is roughly $13 to $14 million. Mayor Evans asked what the standard percentage is to which Ms. Goodrich responded that typically it is somewhere between 10% and 15%
There being no further public comment, Mayor Evans closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Ordinance No. 2019-13 by title only for the final time.
Councilmember McCarthy stated that he will be supporting the measure because the City is in a bad situation with the unfunded pension liability and the proposed use tax is something that can help try and solve the problem. Furthermore, the action will level the playing field so people do not get a discount for purchasing goods outside the city.
Councilmember Whelan expressed that she is not willing to support the proposal because she does not think that it provides a big enough impact on the unfunded liability.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Jamie Whelan
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-13.
Vote: 6 - 1
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Jamie Whelan
Councilmember Salas asked what options would be available should the Council not pass the tax. Ms. Suda indicated that the City could look at raising user fees or make other cuts to expenditures that were approved with the use of the funds.
Councilmember Salas asked how much revenue is generated with the increase to which Ms. Suda stated $130,000.
The following individuals addressed Council in opposition of an increase in the property tax:
- Steve Finch
- Rick Lopez
The following comments were received:
- There is no end to increased taxes.
- Even small increases continue to add on to the impact to residents of Flagstaff.
- People are leaving Flagstaff because they cannot afford to live here.
- Show the residents that you care and do not continue to increase taxes.
- The Council should be directing staff to find funding elsewhere rather than pinching taxpayers even more.
- The City’s budget is 20% higher than it was a year ago, it does not makes sense to continue raising taxes.
Councilmember Shimoni clarified that the 20% increase in overall budget is related to carryover funding for capital projects, it is not funding that can be used for other purposes.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Ordinance No. 2019-15 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 4 - 3
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Charlie Odegaard
Councilmember Jamie Whelan
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-15.
Vote: 4 - 3
- NAY:
-
Councilmember Charlie Odegaard
Councilmember Jamie Whelan
Councilmember Regina Salas
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to appoint and approve the agreement for City Manager effective August 26, 2019 for the City of Flagstaff.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to adopt Resolution No. 2019-31.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to read Ordinance No. 2019-22 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-22.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to read Ordinance No. 2019-20 by title only for the final time.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-20.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to read Resolution No. 2019-36 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Regina Salas, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2019-36.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
PRELIMINARY PLAN BROOKFIELD COMMUNITIES, INC. WOODSHIRE ON BUTLER CONDOMINIUMS
PROPERTY BACKGROUND
VICINITY MAP WITH ZONING
AERIAL
PROPOSED FULL BUILDOUT OF BUTLER AVE. & ROUNDABOUT
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
PRELIMINARY PLAT & AIRSPACE
BROOKFIELD COMMUNITIES PRELIMINARY PLAT FINDINGS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
RECOMMENDATION
Councilmember Whelan asked if there is an estimate on the cost to purchase a unit. Phil Peterson with Brookfield Communities stated that everything they do is aimed at affordability and they try to keep units under $300,000.
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to approve the Preliminary Plat for Woodshire on Butler Condominiums, a 50-unit residential condominium subdivision. The 4.06-acre site is located at 2989 E. Butler Avenue in the HC, Highway Commercial Zone and 3001 E. Butler Avenue in the HR, High-Density Residential Zone; both are in a Resource Protection Overlay (RPO) zone.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to read Resolution No. 2019-18 by title only.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to adopt Resolution No. 2019-18.
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously
Current Planning Manager Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
DOWNTOWN VISION & ACTION PLAN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
PARTNERS & FUNDING AVAILABILITY
STUDY AREA
CONSULTANT SERVICES
Council expressed gratitude for the partnership with downtown and that they are looking forward to seeing a plan come to fruition.
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to approve the agreement with the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA), Coconino County and Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transit Authority (NAIPTA) to hire consulting services for a Downtown Vision and Action Plan.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
Moved by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to cancel the August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting, cancel the August 27, 2019 Work Session, and call a Special Meeting for August 27, 2019.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
General Manager and CEO Erika Mazza stated that Mountain Line continues to pursue options for a connection between Flagstaff and Winslow along with other surrounding areas.
Councilmember Whelan also reported that Senator McSally will be in town on the 3rd to meet with Mountain Line and do a tour of the possible Downtown Connection Center site.
After discussion and upon agreement by three members of the Council, an item will be moved to a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.
Councilmember Aslan stated that he is looking forward to the break and hopes everyone enjoys some time off from Council meetings. He mentioned that he is looking forward to participating in the Fourth of July parade with Council.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that there is a food drive at Sam’s Club tomorrow for the Food Pantry. He also reported that Victor Daniels from Veterans’ Affairs will be in town speaking with the Exchange Club. Congressman O’Halleran will also be speaking at the Chamber. He thanked staff for their hard work and for always being responsive to his questions. He also expressed frustration with recent letters to the editor in the paper that have misinformation contained in them.
Councilmember Salas reported that she attended the Water Services and Housing open houses and did a tour of their facility. She also reported that she will be attending the Sister Cities Convention with CVB Director Trace Ward in a couple of weeks. She wished everyone a happy Fourth of July.
Ms. Goodrich congratulated Shannon Anderson who accepted the position of Deputy City Manager, she shared that Ms. Anderson was formally the Human Resources Director. She also recognized and thanked Police Chief Kevin Treadway who stepped in as Acting Deputy City Manager during the last year and a half of transition.
Councilmember Aslan acknowledged that it was Ms. Goodrich’s last meeting as City Manager. He thanked her for her service to the community and that he appreciates all the work she has done and the character she brought to the Council.
Mayor Evans congratulated and welcomed Ms. Anderson on her promotion. She also thanked Ms. Goodrich and wished her well as she heads into retirement. Mayor Evans also wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held July 2, 2019, adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
| _______________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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_________________________________ CITY CLERK |
CERTIFICATION
I, STACY SALTZBURG, do hereby certify that I am the City Clerk of the City of Flagstaff, County of Coconino, State of Arizona, and that the above Minutes are a true and correct summary of the Meeting of the Council of the City of Flagstaff held on July 2, 2019. I further certify that the Meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
| DATED this 16th day of March, 2021. | |
________________________________ CITY CLERK |