A | Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-03: A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council naming the tunnel under 1-17 along the Sheep Crossing FUTS Trail in honor of Cosmic Ray (Raymond J. Brutti) | ||||||
Multi-Modal Planner Martin Ince provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: NAMING THE SHEEP CROSSING FUTS TUNNEL IN HONOR OF COSMIC RAY (RAYMOND J. BRUTTI) NAMING THE SHEEP CROSSING FUTS TUNNEL FOR COSMIC RAY NAMING PROCESS NAMING CRITERIA/INDIVIDUALS COMMISSION REVIEW COMMUNITY OUTREACH COSMIC RAY BRUTTI JUSTIFICATION FOR NAMING SHEEP CROSSING FUTS TRAIL AREA MAP MEMORIAL Councilmember House stated that the dedication is an exciting opportunity. She would like to give some space for the concerns of maintaining the history of sheep keeping and the Basque people. She asked if the intent is to just name the tunnel and not the entire Sheep Crossing Trail. Mr. Ince stated that it is only intended for the tunnel to be named, not to rename the trail. Councilmember McCarthy stated that he would like to honor Cosmic Ray but does have some concerns about the location. He suggested looking at other possible locations for the honor. He also suggested that perhaps the matter can be sent back to the commission to identify another trail so that the Sheep Crossing Trail history can be preserved. Councilmember Sweet suggested combining the names to honor both, she suggested “Sheeps Tunnel in honor of Cosmic Ray” Teo Melis addressed Council stating that he and Cosmic Ray frequently rode bikes together and Cosmic Ray was always impressed with the ability to use the tunnel to move under six lanes of traffic. He enjoyed tunnels and took pleasure in ringing his bell and making noise on his way through the tunnel. There was never an intention to eliminate the Sheep Crossing history and perhaps there is a way to do both. Joel Geist addressed Council stating that he is the artist asked to develop some ideas for the project. He believes that there is opportunity to combine the legacy of Cosmic Ray with the sheep history. Adam Shimoni addressed Council and spoke in support of naming the tunnel after Cosmic Ray. He is a local legend who inspired many to travel by bike. Cosmic Ray had a lot of pride in the improved tunnel and trail. Since the trail name is not being changed, only the tunnel, he is supportive of the naming. He encouraged artwork that integrates the two concepts. Marcia Wiesner addressed Council thanking them for their consideration for naming the tunnel in honor of her husband. She spoke about his love for writing, biking, and helping others. She stated that he would be thrilled to know that the naming of the tunnel in his honor is being considered. Councilmember McCarthy stated that he had received a recommendation to name the new tunnel, not yet built, under Route 66 west of Beaver after Cosmic Ray. He asked Ms. Wiesner her thoughts on the suggestion. Ms. Wiesner stated that she would like a place that would allow artwork that expressed Ray’s joy in cycling. The tunnel on the Sheep Crossing Trail offers good opportunity for art murals. Kay Pifer addressed Council in support of naming the tunnel. She stated that it seems to be a perfect place to commemorate the history of the sheep crossing and Basque history in combination with Ray’s memory. He deserves having something in his honor for everything that he has provided in the Flagstaff community. Teo Melissaratos submitted a written comment in support of the naming of the tunnel. Councilmember House stated that she supports the idea of a shared name on the tunnel. There is a distinction between the name of the trail and another name for the tunnel. She also suggested a historic mural that can take people through a journey starting with the history and then emerging on the other end in the present. She would like to find a way to honor both. Councilmember Harris indicated that there is a difference between the tunnel and the trail. She suggested “Cosmic Ray Tunnel on the Sheep Crossing FUTS trail.” This would provide each group their own distinction and identity. Council expressed support of the suggestion from Councilmember Harris. Councilmember McCarthy offered that the designation of FUTS does not necessarily need to be included in the name. |
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Moved by Councilmember Deborah Harris, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Sweet to read Resolution No. 2023-03 by title only with the name of “Cosmic Ray Tunnel on the Sheep Crossing Trail.” | |||||||
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||
A RESOLUTION OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL NAMING THE TUNNEL UNDER 1-17 ALONG THE SHEEP CROSSING FUTS TRAIL IN HONOR OF COSMIC RAY (RAYMOND J. BRUTTI) | |||||||
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Vice Mayor Austin Aslan to adopt Resolution No. 2023-03 as amended. | |||||||
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||