CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
6:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
211 WEST ASPEN
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Mayor Evans called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 14, 2020, to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Evans called the meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 14, 2020, 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 McCarthy read the Mission Statement of the City of Flagstaff.
The Council and audience recited the pledge of allegiance and Councilmember McCarthy 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 SHIMONI COUNCILMEMBER ASLAN COUNCILMEMBER MCCARTHY COUNCILMEMBER ODEGAARD COUNCILMEMBER SALAS COUNCILMEMBER WHELAN |
ABSENT: |
Others present: City Manager Greg Clifton; 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.
The Montessori Robotics Club presented information about dog waste in parks and residential lawns. They spoke about microbes, eco-friendly waste containers, and the use of the methane produced for providing light.
Anthony Garcia addressed Council to provide a brief update on the Beautification and Public Art Commission’s budget process.
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen provided a progress report on the Flagstaff Local campaign. She stated that the business tool kit is now available for pickup at the CVB.
Devonna McLaughlin addressed Council on behalf of 124 local non-profits encouraging people to participate in the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
Anthony Garcia addressed Council to provide a brief update on the Beautification and Public Art Commission’s budget process.
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen provided a progress report on the Flagstaff Local campaign. She stated that the business tool kit is now available for pickup at the CVB.
Devonna McLaughlin addressed Council on behalf of 124 local non-profits encouraging people to participate in the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
5.
Recognition: Vans Contest Winners
Mayor and Council approached the podium and the Mayor read and presented Flagstaff High School Students Alyssa William, Nicole Dougherty and Instructor Kayley Quick with a formal recognition for winning the Van’s Custom Culture Contest Grand Prize.
6.
Review of Draft Agenda for the January 21, 2020 City Council Meeting
Citizens wishing to speak on agenda items not specifically called out by the City Council may submit a speaker card for their items of interest to the recording clerk.
Mayor Evans announced that due to the awards ceremony, a number of items will be moved to the Consent Agenda. She encouraged Council to reach out to the City Manager with any questions on those items.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that he has a FAIR item on the agenda that he will likely request to withdrawn.
Councilmember Odegaard asked for additional information for Option 2 in Item 14A.
Councilmember McCarthy noted that he has a FAIR item on the agenda that he will likely request to withdrawn.
Councilmember Odegaard asked for additional information for Option 2 in Item 14A.
7.
Discussion: Southside Community Specific Plan 60-day Public Review
Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planner Sara Dechter provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY PLAN
60-DAY PUBLIC REVIEW
HIERARCHY OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS
SOUTHSIDE PLAN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
THE SOUTHSIDE STAKEHOLDER GROUP
60 DAY PUBLIC REVIEW OBJECTIVES
PLAN CONTENT
SOUTHSIDE SUBAREAS
PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN AMENDMENT
LIVE/MAKE CENTER
SOUTHSIDE MAIN STREETS
VARIATIONS IN SCALE AND ARCHITECTURE BY SUBAREA
LIVE/WORK NEIGHBORHOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD CORE
RIO DE FLAG FLOOD CONTROL
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
TRANSPORTATION MAP
O’LEARY STREET FUTS CONNECTION
Mayor Evans noted concerns about the lack of enforcement of issues such as loitering and litter. Ms. Dechter stated that staff has proposed mitigating opportunities such as clearing excess vegetation and encouraging more passage by pedestrians and cyclists. Having more activity in the area may discourage inappropriate behavior.
Councilmember Odegaard acknowledged the challenges with mistrust in the neighborhood due to the lack of follow through on projects. Continued conversations and outreach are vital to the success of the plan.
Ms. Dechter continued the presentation.
INCOMPLETE INFRASTRUCTURE
OFF-SITE PARKING AND PARKFLAG
PARKS ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
PARK CONCEPTS IN THE SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY PLAN
1 – MIKES PIKE POCKET PARK
4 – UNDER LONE TREE PARK OPPORTUNITIES
Mayor Evans stated that she would be interested in seeing what other park locations might exist. There may be additional locations throughout the southside that could be redeveloped as civic and park space.
Ms. Dechter concluded the presentation.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
ONLINE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT POTENTIAL STRATEGIES
PUBLIC REVIEW ENDS ON FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Council expressed appreciation for the staff’s work and that they look forward to seeing the plan come to fruition.
A break was held from 7:51 p.m. through 8:01 p.m.
SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY PLAN
60-DAY PUBLIC REVIEW
HIERARCHY OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS
SOUTHSIDE PLAN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
THE SOUTHSIDE STAKEHOLDER GROUP
60 DAY PUBLIC REVIEW OBJECTIVES
PLAN CONTENT
SOUTHSIDE SUBAREAS
PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN AMENDMENT
LIVE/MAKE CENTER
SOUTHSIDE MAIN STREETS
VARIATIONS IN SCALE AND ARCHITECTURE BY SUBAREA
LIVE/WORK NEIGHBORHOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD CORE
RIO DE FLAG FLOOD CONTROL
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
TRANSPORTATION MAP
O’LEARY STREET FUTS CONNECTION
Mayor Evans noted concerns about the lack of enforcement of issues such as loitering and litter. Ms. Dechter stated that staff has proposed mitigating opportunities such as clearing excess vegetation and encouraging more passage by pedestrians and cyclists. Having more activity in the area may discourage inappropriate behavior.
Councilmember Odegaard acknowledged the challenges with mistrust in the neighborhood due to the lack of follow through on projects. Continued conversations and outreach are vital to the success of the plan.
Ms. Dechter continued the presentation.
INCOMPLETE INFRASTRUCTURE
OFF-SITE PARKING AND PARKFLAG
PARKS ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
PARK CONCEPTS IN THE SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY PLAN
1 – MIKES PIKE POCKET PARK
4 – UNDER LONE TREE PARK OPPORTUNITIES
Mayor Evans stated that she would be interested in seeing what other park locations might exist. There may be additional locations throughout the southside that could be redeveloped as civic and park space.
Ms. Dechter concluded the presentation.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
ONLINE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT POTENTIAL STRATEGIES
PUBLIC REVIEW ENDS ON FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Council expressed appreciation for the staff’s work and that they look forward to seeing the plan come to fruition.
A break was held from 7:51 p.m. through 8:01 p.m.
8.
Discussion: Water Resources Master Plan Draft Scope of Work
Water Resources Manager Erin Young provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
FLAGSTAFF WATER RESOURCES MASTER PLAN
WHY NOW?
PROPOSED PROJECT TEAM
Ms. Young introduced Katie Vanyo, and Robert McCandless from Brown and Caldwell who continued the presentation.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
MAJOR ELEMENTS
BACKGROUND
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH
WORKSHOPS
WATER DEMAND PROJECTIONS
DEVELOP WATER BALANCE
DEFINE ALTERNATIVES
ASSESS WATER RATE IMPACTS AND ECONOMIC VALUE OF WATER
ASSESS ALTERNATIVES
REPORTING
SCHEDULE
Councilmember Whelan expressed a desire to move through the stakeholder and community engagement process thoughtfully and thoroughly. She indicated that she does not want the process to be rushed.
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that he would like to see a component of the plan address future water needs without utilizing Red Gap Ranch.
Councilmember Odegaard asked if the study will evaluate best practices for the use of surface water. Ms. Young explained that there is a separate study where they are looking at that specifically.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if there is a component of the study that will be looking at chemicals of emerging concern. Ms. Vanyon stated that it is part of the scope of work to build in discussion and education around that topic.
Mr. McCandless stated that water quality is a key issue and is a critical component of the study; the alternatives developed will be identifying where additional treatment might be needed. Part of the challenge in developing alternatives is that there is an ability to measure and detect chemicals but there is no science that measures the levels that are safe for human health. Ms. Young stated that Flagstaff would be creating its own standard for how clean is clean, what the concerns are, and how to educate everyone accordingly.
Councilmember Aslan indicated that he is only interested in utilizing Red Gap Ranch only as a very last resort. He also expressed concern about water conservation becoming a mechanism for growth.
Councilmember Salas requested that an emergency component be added to the master planning efforts to ensure that the city is able to respond appropriately to unexpected emergencies. Defining the decisions and priorities necessary to mitigate the impact to the distribution of water.
FLAGSTAFF WATER RESOURCES MASTER PLAN
WHY NOW?
PROPOSED PROJECT TEAM
Ms. Young introduced Katie Vanyo, and Robert McCandless from Brown and Caldwell who continued the presentation.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
MAJOR ELEMENTS
BACKGROUND
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC OUTREACH
WORKSHOPS
WATER DEMAND PROJECTIONS
DEVELOP WATER BALANCE
DEFINE ALTERNATIVES
ASSESS WATER RATE IMPACTS AND ECONOMIC VALUE OF WATER
ASSESS ALTERNATIVES
REPORTING
SCHEDULE
Councilmember Whelan expressed a desire to move through the stakeholder and community engagement process thoughtfully and thoroughly. She indicated that she does not want the process to be rushed.
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that he would like to see a component of the plan address future water needs without utilizing Red Gap Ranch.
Councilmember Odegaard asked if the study will evaluate best practices for the use of surface water. Ms. Young explained that there is a separate study where they are looking at that specifically.
Councilmember McCarthy asked if there is a component of the study that will be looking at chemicals of emerging concern. Ms. Vanyon stated that it is part of the scope of work to build in discussion and education around that topic.
Mr. McCandless stated that water quality is a key issue and is a critical component of the study; the alternatives developed will be identifying where additional treatment might be needed. Part of the challenge in developing alternatives is that there is an ability to measure and detect chemicals but there is no science that measures the levels that are safe for human health. Ms. Young stated that Flagstaff would be creating its own standard for how clean is clean, what the concerns are, and how to educate everyone accordingly.
Councilmember Aslan indicated that he is only interested in utilizing Red Gap Ranch only as a very last resort. He also expressed concern about water conservation becoming a mechanism for growth.
Councilmember Salas requested that an emergency component be added to the master planning efforts to ensure that the city is able to respond appropriately to unexpected emergencies. Defining the decisions and priorities necessary to mitigate the impact to the distribution of water.
9.
Discussion: Cell phone tower ordinance to require that the coverage map provided in the application be done by an independent 3rd party
Mayor Evans stated that she had brought this up as a FAIR item and after looking at the information she believes that the discussion is more about the Conditional Use Permit process and the fees associated with permitting. She requested that the discussion be included in the permitting fee discussion that is coming to Council.
Council agreed to the suggestion.
Council agreed to the suggestion.
10.
Discussion: The creation of a City Veterans' Liaison Coordinator position
Councilmember Odegaard requested that the City Manager identify possible staffing opportunities to carry forward issues concerning veteran’s in the community. Having a city representative to be at the table on veteran issues as well as providing assistance with research and outreach would be beneficial. Mr. Clifton noted that he will look at the availability of resources both internally and externally and how information can be coordinated.
Ms. Hansen offered that in speaking with the Arizona Veteran project manager about the veteran home, they stated that they will have a lot of staffing that will be able to assist veterans in Northern Arizona with services and resources. Mr. Clifton stated that there are services coming in and there are services already existing in the community; he would like the opportunity to develop ideas on how to coordinate efforts to make sure that people know about the services and resources.
John Davison addressed Council stating that veterans want and need people locally to talk with them about issues. He encouraged the City to continue down the path of being involved and doing advocacy for veterans.
Ms. Hansen offered that in speaking with the Arizona Veteran project manager about the veteran home, they stated that they will have a lot of staffing that will be able to assist veterans in Northern Arizona with services and resources. Mr. Clifton stated that there are services coming in and there are services already existing in the community; he would like the opportunity to develop ideas on how to coordinate efforts to make sure that people know about the services and resources.
John Davison addressed Council stating that veterans want and need people locally to talk with them about issues. He encouraged the City to continue down the path of being involved and doing advocacy for veterans.
11.
Public Participation
None
None
12.
Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests
Councilmember Aslan stated that the climate crisis declaration is coming to Council soon and that he has concerns about the language. He will be working with community groups to weigh in on possible changes. He also made statements regarding the minimum wage study and his desire to have a new study done that has input and buy in from both sides of the issue.
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that Census 2020 is right around the corner and encouraged everyone to engage with the community and get them excited to participate. He thanked Economic Vitality for their work with Flagstaff Local. He also announced that he will be holding a Martin Luther King event next Monday to hear the head of the NAACP speak.
Mayor Evans stated that she, along with other members of Council, had the opportunity to present a proclamation to the Women’s League of Voters celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement. She also stated that the Council is invited to the Martin Luther King breakfast at NAU on Monday.
Councilmember Salas reported that tomorrow is the Flagstaff Trails Initiative open house at Flagstaff High School. She also announced that the Tourism Commission will be engaging in a SWOT analysis of the CVB and their collaborations within the community. She reported that the Airport Commission met last week and presented information about the budget.
Councilmember Odegaard reported that he attended the Beautification and Public Art Commission last week where they welcomed their newest commission member.
Vice Mayor Shimoni stated that Census 2020 is right around the corner and encouraged everyone to engage with the community and get them excited to participate. He thanked Economic Vitality for their work with Flagstaff Local. He also announced that he will be holding a Martin Luther King event next Monday to hear the head of the NAACP speak.
Mayor Evans stated that she, along with other members of Council, had the opportunity to present a proclamation to the Women’s League of Voters celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement. She also stated that the Council is invited to the Martin Luther King breakfast at NAU on Monday.
Councilmember Salas reported that tomorrow is the Flagstaff Trails Initiative open house at Flagstaff High School. She also announced that the Tourism Commission will be engaging in a SWOT analysis of the CVB and their collaborations within the community. She reported that the Airport Commission met last week and presented information about the budget.
Councilmember Odegaard reported that he attended the Beautification and Public Art Commission last week where they welcomed their newest commission member.
13.
Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 14, 2020, adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held January 14, 2020, adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
___________________________________ MAYOR |
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| ATTEST: |
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| _________________________________ CITY CLERK |