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1.
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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Evans called the meeting of April 11, 2017, 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 regular meeting, 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).
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2.
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Pledge of Allegiance and Mission Statement
The Council and audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Vice Mayor Whelan 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.
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3.
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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
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Others present: City Manager Josh Copley and City Attorney Sterling Solomon. |
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4.
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Preliminary Review of Draft Agenda for the April 18, 2017 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
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5.
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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. |
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Robert Vane addressed Council requesting that they advance the next water rate study by one year to address errors in the previous study, evaluate tiered rates for all users and resolve inequities and disputes relating to reclaimed water.
John Viktora addressed Council with concerns about the name of the Kit Carson mobile home park and how it is offensive to Native Americans.
Library Outreach Services Manager Judy Finney addressed Council to announce National Library Worker’s Day along with National Library Week. |
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6.
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Presentation: 2017 National Travel and Tourism Week.
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Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Trace Ward provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK
VIDEO
TOURISM MATTERS FOR FLAGSTAFF
PROMOTION 1
PROMOTION 2
PROMOTION 3
PROMOTION 4
PROMOTION 5
Councilmember Barotz stated that many in Flagstaff are struggling with the impacts from all the tourists that are attracted to Flagstaff. It is the City’s responsibility to consider impacts as more and more people are brought into Flagstaff and allocate resources to protect the quality of life of the citizens.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that tourism success is causing impacts on other departments and he wants to make sure that where there is success there are funds to support other departments that are affected such as Solid Waste and Parks and Recreation. Mr. Ward shared that the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) is sensitive to the issue and they have taken measures to try and mitigate the impacts. He stated that there is a request in the FY18 budget to help with that mitigation.
Councilmember Putzova asked how the City can start directing more BBB funds to mitigating the impacts of tourism and what the legal capacity is for doing so. Mr. Copley explained that BBB fund distribution is statutorily and budget driven and the Council can further discuss using them during the Budget Retreat.
Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen stated that when the ordinance did go in place for the BBB tax much of it was allocated for tourism; since then the allocation has been reduced from 48% to 33%.
Councilmember Barotz as appreciative as she was that staff is looking at efforts to mitigate the impacts of tourism, she expressed a need to make sure that the public recognizes that the City understands their concerns.
Mayor Evans offered that she is excited for the promotion and thanked staff for all they have done. She stated that there is a disconnect with the permanent residents and the City needs to do a better job of telling the story. There needs to be bigger conversations about the benefits of tourism to the economy of Flagstaff. She suggested that some showcases and community outreach meetings be held to make sure the community knows how much tourism helps the community. |
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7.
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Discussion: An ordinance adopting amendments to Title 13 of Flagstaff City Code entitled "Engineering Design and Construction Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure."
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Development Engineer Gary Miller explained that he will be giving some background on what the Engineering Standards are for, how they are used and why staff is asking for changes.
The Engineering Standards are the main guiding document for public improvements in public right of way. The standards are there to ensure public safety and to make sure streets, sewers, drainage and other things operate well. Additionally, they ensure that the City has compliance with state and federal requirements.
Staff would like to correct some errors in missions in the past, incorporate new technologies and make the standards easier to use. The amendment process began about two years ago when a committee was created that included internal employees and external experts in various areas of the standards. Over a series of meetings, revisions were developed and submitted; most were for public safety and maintenance in the future.
Mr. Miller briefly reviewed the timeline for discussion and consideration of the amendments to the standards.
Vice Mayor Whelan asked if the standards are created by the City. Mr. Miller stated that the standards are developed by and for the City.
Vice Mayor Whelan stated that her questions will be framed from the perspective of how the changes will impact community members and developers.
Councilmember Putzova stated that she will want to understand what the problem is and how to fix it. Additionally, if it is a new standard she would like to understand why the City needs it.
Councilmember Odegaard stated that he would like to see the financial impact on the citizens and the City and what those costs would generally look like. |
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8.
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Discussion and Possible Direction: Current Issues Before the Arizona Legislature, Federal Issues and Administrative Items Before State Agencies. |
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Interim Assistant to the City Manager Gail Jackson introduced the City’s Federal Lobbyist Bob Holmes who was present by telephone.
Mr. Holmes reported that the Washington D.C. trip was really good; many issues were discussed and there was good progress on all of them.
Forest health went very well with the Acting Deputy Secretary promising to try and get the Secretary to visit and tour the Flagstaff area.
He reported that he is still trying to get updates on the Veteran's Home. The challenge is that priority is given to states that have more than 2,000 veterans. Senator McCain will be looking at that priority and trying to change the regulations of the law so it is based on need rather than number.
Vice Mayor Whelan stated that it appears that the programs Flagstaff holds dear are on the chopping block at the federal level and she would like to know how that is dealt with in Washington. Mr. Holmes explained that it is a concern of many people; the President’s budget is only a political document and would likely not come close to passing if it was put to a vote in Congress. It is something that is done every year but Congress has the ultimate power and usually the cuts do not happen at all.
Mayor Evans offered that there has been some historic underfunding of HUD which has caused issues with the City’s Housing Authority. While on par for the units, the administrative costs are only being recouped at around 75%. She suggested that the Council work with the Housing Department to get a clear understanding of the exact needs. She stated that it is concerning to see such deep cuts to CDBG funding in a political document. Mr. Holmes stated that if the Council puts something together he will visit with the people at HUD to make sure the City’s concerns and needs are being heard. He also indicated that he has and is continuing to work with Housing Director Sarah Darr on the issues surrounding the formula for fair market rents.
Mayor Evans also expressed a need for the City to get involved with regards to the funding for the Veteran’s Home. Giving priority based on numbers rather than need is problematic and the law should be changed. Senator McCain seemed very interested and she thinks a letter to Senator McCain that is specific to that change may be advantageous because he said he was willing to look at it. Mr. Holmes agreed but added that there will likely be opposition from the larger states. He suggested including Congressman Gosar on the letter as well.
Councilmember Odegaard added that recognizing the Native American communities that will be accessing the facility is important as well. Mr. Holmes agreed and offered that the facility in Flagstaff will likely be the only facility they could come to and it is an important element to the strategy as well. Mayor Evans suggested inviting the Tribes to accompany the City to Washington D.C. next year to further advocate and coordinate efforts.
Ms. Jackson provided a few updates from State lobbyist Richard Travis. She also reported that the trip to the Hopi Reservation was successful and asked the Council to sign a thank you letter to that effect.
Ms. Jackson then moved to a discussion regarding the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).
Mayor Evans declared a conflict and recused herself from the dais at 7:14 p.m.
Ms. Jackson stated that the ACC held their public comment period in Flagstaff on April 3, 2017. She asked if the Council wants to take a formal action with regard to the APS rate hike.
Councilmember Barotz stated that she would like to see the Council send a formal letter to the ACC taking a position against the proposed rate hike. Parties that have been interveners have come to a settlement but she still thinks the City should voice opposition.
Councilmember Overton offered that he is not always comfortable telling other governing bodies what to do. He asked if other municipalities weigh in often and if the affect was beneficial or detrimental to them.
Councilmember Barotz stated that she attended the meeting and all the comments were in opposition to the rate hike and she feels uncomfortable looking at the decision to weigh in on the matter based on ramifications from APS. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors did send a letter and they outlined in detail the areas they were most concerned about.
Councilmember McCarthy indicated that if there are specific things the City does not like about the case he would supportive of a letter to communicate those points; unless there are specifics, he is disinclined to sign on.
Councilmember Barotz offered that she would also like the letter to identify very specific reasons why the City is opposed. The fixed charge and its impact is a big reason. There is a greater impact if letter is specific.
Vice Mayor Whelan stated that another point of opposition is the 90-day clause that everyone goes in without choice. Another area the letter should highlight are the trends of utilities and that it seems like APS is stuck in fossil fuel which experts say it is not going to last. She feels that it is the Council’s responsibility to let the ACC and APS know that certain points of the rate hike will impact Flagstaff’s citizens greatly. She expressed gratitude for all APS does at the local level for Flagstaff.
Councilmember Putzova stated that she is supportive of the letter and feels it is the Council’s responsibility to reflect the points of its constituents. APS is a publicly traded company and is set up to create profit for its stakeholder; the proposal they put forward is to create revenue not to provide better or greater service.
Mr. Copley suggested having staff draft a letter and put it out for discussion. He asked Council to forward any specific points they would like included in the letter to Ms. Jackson.
Mayor Evans returned to the dais at 7:27 pm. |
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9.
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Review of Draft Agenda Items for the April 18, 2017 City Council Meeting.*
* Public comment on draft agenda items will be taken at this time, at the discretion of the Mayor.
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Councilmember Overton offered compliments to Public Works Project Manager Adam Miele for his excellent work on his staff summaries. The projects are a big deal for the community to understand what is coming up. |
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10.
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Public Participation
None |
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11.
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Informational Items To/From Mayor, Council, and City Manager; future agenda item requests.
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Councilmember Putzova stated that she did not see the item she had requested during the reclaimed water discussion regarding infrastructure to bring reclaim water to new development on the working calendar. Mr. Copley explained that a discussion is scheduled for June 27, 2017 relative to reclaimed water in general; he will work with staff on how that can be folded into the discussion. She clarified that she wants Council to discuss the policy, and if it is the desire of the Council to expand the use of reclaimed water what is needed to change to further that policy.
Councilmember Barotz requested a FAIR item for the consideration of adopting a more current version of the energy code.
Councilmember Barotz also requested a FAIR item for the consideration of pulling ahead the timeline for the next rate study by one year.
Councilmember Barotz thanked staff for all of the work that went into the trip to the Hopi Council.
Vice Mayor Whelan also thanked staff for their work on the Hopi trip; it was a wonderful event. She also attended the kick off to Water Conservation Month and the Mayor’s pledge; it was a great event with an art show to celebrate.
Vice Mayor Whelan stated that she will be requesting a FAIR item at the meeting next week in regard to issues of bullying, safety, asking for a place to be safe. There is a lot the City can do that does not cost much money.
Councilmember Odegaard thanked staff for their work to make the invitation from the Hopi Tribe successful; he is hopeful that there can be more things like that in the future. He also attended the Indigenous Circle meeting; it was a good meeting and he is looking forward to the meeting next month. He also attended the Field of Hope event that was put on by the Exchange Club; the event brought attention to the 87 children that lost their lives because of abuse or neglect in 2016.
Councilmember Odegaard thanked staff for their work with his church for an add-on to their building. He also wished everyone a happy Easter.
Councilmember McCarthy requested a FAIR item to consider minor changes to the Building Code that will facilitate the conservation of potable water.
Mayor Evans reported that the City of Flagstaff is currently in first place with the National Water Pledge. She also thanked Ms. Jackson for her work in coordinating the trip to Hopi; she is looking forward to the upcoming meeting with the Navajo Nation.
Mayor Evans participated on a panel regarding economic development with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
She and Vice Mayor Whelan met with Keeping Flagstaff Together Coalition; it was a great conversation. She also met with Karin Eberhard with the Flagstaff Unified School District regarding a STEM City anniversary event.
Mayor Evans met with Rabbi Mindy. She also visited the STEM Space Makers club at Sinagua Middle school; she got to visit with the students and learn about their hover craft.
Mayor Evans reported that the second Mayors Community Policy Trust meeting went very well. She also attended the NACOG Economic Development Council meeting and learned about the efforts of the City of Prescott and Prescott Valley with regard to forest health.
Mayor Evans attend the ATHENA International lunch celebration and met the new CEO of ATHENA International. She also met with Chris Scully, the owner of the Orpheum, about their upcoming 100th anniversary celebration.
Mayor Evans met with St. Mary’s Food Bank and the Hunger Free Alliance of Flagstaff; they are getting ready to roll out their marketing campaign about the Summer Food Program to make sure that everyone under the age of 18 knows how and where to access hot food. She also attended the Housing Authority Board meeting.
Mayor Evans had the opportunity to be a part of the Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser and she and her dance partner Scott Hancock, President and CEO of NACET, took first place and helped raise the most money with their dance routine.
Lastly, Mayor Evans reported that she has been nominated for one of six awards nationally for the Gabby Gifford Rising Star award through Emily’s List. She is the only nominee coming from the State of Arizona.
Mr. Copley stated that invitations were extended to the Council from the Hopi Tribe staff will be working with the Tribe to coordinate the attendance. He reported that the Joint City/County Work Session will be held next Tuesday at the County Board of Supervisors Chambers and the Council Meeting on April 18, 2017 will be held at Flagstaff High School.
Mr. Copley also reported that staff is arranging a ground breaking ceremony for the Core Services Maintenance Facility and also an Arbor Day celebration to plan a couple of trees in Wheeler Park.
Mayor Evans added that the dedication of the Officer Stewart Memorial is on April 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Clay and Globe; it would be great to have Council there to show respect for Officer Stewart and his family. |
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12.
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Adjournment
The Work Session of the Flagstaff City Council held April 11, 2017, adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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