2022 December District 1
Newsletter
In This Issue
- Greeting From Supervisor Horstman
- City of Flagstaff Detention Basin Tour
- Board Approve Applications for FEMA Grants for Flood Mitigation Projects
- Coconino County Features Emergency Management (Video)
- BOS Approves $5 Million of ARPA Funding for Community Projects
- United Way of Northern Arizona, Thanks Our Community Volunteers
- The Heart of Democracy: County Certifies Elections
- Pathways To Communities Offers A Way Forward
- Flagstaff Community Stuffed the Bus
- Coconino Couty Celebrates the Holidays!
- Winter Parking Ordinance
- County Employee ” Dex” Honored
- Welcome to Michael Jackiewicz Director of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJJC)
- Community Events and Resources
- Contact Us
Greetings From Supervisor Horstman
Patrice Horstman
Hello District, 1 Residents
It is the most wonderful and most hectic time of the year. As we dash to get our holiday messages sent and gifts wrapped, it is important to take time to reach out to our loved ones and remember our blessings. The holiday lights, Santa coming to town, and family gathering certainly brings merriment and excitement. I loved traveling with Santa to greet the children and their families during the downtown tree lighting. The smiles on so many faces warmed my heart. This time of year can also be lonely and challenging for many. What makes Coconino County so special is the way our communities come together to help those in need. Through holiday loneliness, fires, floods, illness, and hard times, we are neighbors helping neighbors through acts of kindness, generosity, and goodwill. Together, we build the community where we want to live and where we want to raise our children.
A very merry holiday season to all,
Patrice
City of Flagstaff Detention Basin Tour
City of Flagstaff Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler- Knaggs and Senior Project Manager Adam Miele toured Supervisors Horstman and Vasquez and City Councilmembers Austin Aslan and Khara House on the City’s newly completed sediment and flood detention basin constructed at the “Y” off Schultz Pass Road and Mt Elden Road.
This settlement detention basin was completed in record time. The project took less than two months and is necessary to assist with flood mitigation in west Flagstaff. The City obtained Emergency Watershed Protection Project Funds (EWPP) of $2.4 million to commence this mitigation project. These retention basins cover 20 acres and can hold 56-acre feet of storage. It is estimated that the retention basin can hold a 2-inch storm flow. In addition, the county is seeking federal funding to further assist in Westside flood mitigation by constructing an alluvial fan in the Schultz creek watershed on the San Francisco Peaks.
Aerial view of detention basin
Walking the basin
South view of detention basin
City Council Members Khara House and Austin Aslan with…
Board Approve Applications for
FEMA Grants for Flood Mitigation
Projects
Engineering for alluvial fans
Constructing alluvial fans
Director of Public Works Christopher Tressler,…
The Board of Supervisors, acting in its capacity as the Flood Control District (FCD), has reviewed recommendations for long-term flood mitigation projects designed to lessen the impact of flooding due to fire damage done to 9 watersheds from the Tunnel and Pipeline fires. Unfortunately, the cost for these long-term mitigation projects is estimated at over $100 million. This far exceeds the financial capacity of the Flood Control District. Therefore, the extent of mitigation efforts the County will be able to undertake is dependent on the ability to obtain federal funding for these mitigation projects.
With this in mind, the FCD approved the submission of applications for three separate grants to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The FCD is applying for a $26.6 million grant from FEMA from its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program for long-term mitigation impacting the Government Tank flood corridor. This includes the Doney Park area in greater Flagstaff. The FCD is also submitting an application for this same project with another FEMA grant program known as the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant.
The FCD is pursuing $3.1 million from the BRIC program for funds to be used to engineer and construct drainage improvements to a culvert on Highway 89 impacted by Schultz/Pipeline post-wildfire flooding. Lastly, the District applied for $1.9 million to the Arizona Department of Emergency Management for a grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program post-fire. This is intended to upgrade the existing flood channel within the Brandis Way flood corridor.
Be assured that the FCD is pursuing all grant opportunities and other federal monies available to assist the FCD for these long-term flood mitigation projects. The County continues to look to its congressional representatives and senators for emergency funding through the congressional appropriations budget.
Supervisor Horstman will continue to provide updates on the progress of these grant applications and the progress of emergency funding through the congressional appropriation budget.
Coconino County Features
Emergency Management
(VIDEO)
Supervisor Horstman shared Coconino County’s pride in its robust and responsive Emergency Management Department at the National Association of County Officials (NACo) meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
BOS Approves $5 Million of ARPA
Funding for Community Projects
As promised, the Board of Supervisors awarded $5 million of the County ARPA funds to community service projects designed to provide direct services and supports to County residents. These ARPA funds were set aside by the Board of Supervisors, who thereafter solicited proposals from nonprofits and service organizations on projects to provide these direct services. The Board identified six priority areas for support, including; behavioral health, housing, business support, workforce development, education, and support for vulnerable populations. The Board also allowed local government entities to propose projects or programs that the County could partner with the government entity to provide services in these priority areas.
The Board awarded funding to 19 projects including: behavioral health care, long-term housing support, mental first aid training certification, substance-abuse treatment, home repairs to ensure healthy and safe homes, construction of a sewer line for Fredonia, support for JoJo’s place, transitional housing, workforce development training, technical assistance for the art communities through Creative Flagstaff, food distribution programs including Flagstaff Family Food Center, funding for DNA Peoples Legal Services, assistance for senior centers, and support for Flagstaff Shelter Services(FSS).
The County received many worthy proposals for programs from our community sponsors. Unfortunately, the total amount for these programs far exceeded the ARPA monies available. Therefore, it was a difficult decision for the County’s independent review committee to review these projects and hone them down to the $5 million available. Awards to the program were based on addressing the most critical needs across Coconino County. These partnerships with our nonprofits and service providers extends the capacity of Coconino County to provide essential services to our residents.
For Information contact Flagstaff Shelter Services at 928-225-2533
Shelter tonight. Home tomorrow. | Flagstaff Shelter Services (flagshelter.org)
Development Director Family Food Center, JB Dewit…
Board Member Dr. Anne Newland, Supervisor Vasquez, Supervisor Horstman and…
United Way of Northern Arizona,
Thanks Our Community Volunteers
Chair Horstman, UWNA volunteer coordinator Sybil Smith, Supervisor Vasquez,…
UWNA CEO Carol Dykes, Supervisor Horstman, Sybil…
United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) CEO Carol Dykes, and staff hosted an event to thank community volunteers who answered the call during The Tunnel and Pipeline fires and the post-wildfire flooding that devasted communities this past summer. UWNA coordinated over 400 volunteers who provided over 160 hours of labor and assisted their neighbors during the over 45 flood events. UWNA volunteers provided relocation assistance cleared debris and built over 1 million sandbags. Neighbors helping neighbors and living up to the United Way motto of “Living United.” A special thank you to all that spent their weekends helping our residents get through this past summer’s devastating events. This is what community is all about.
UWNA CEO Carol Dykes
UWNA CEO Heidi Hanson-Sobek and…
Thank you volunteers!
The Heart of Democracy: County
Certifies Elections
The statewide canvas and the acceptance of each County’s certified election canvass results were completed on December 5, 2022. This started the automatic recount for the offices of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney General, as the votes for these offices had a margin of less than .5%
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors certification of the County’s 2022 election results ensured that the votes of Coconino County are added to the statewide election results. It is the responsibility of each County to oversee the County’s election and make certain that the rights of each registered voter is counted! Unlike in some counties in Arizona, this was done with little fanfare or controversy. It was done with great appreciation to the hard-working staff at the County’s Election Department and County Recorder’s Office. A special thank you to the great volunteers who stepped forward as election workers, poll watchers, ballot counters, etc., and all that helped with an open, transparent, accurate, and safe election for our residence.
Of the 90,829 registered voters in Coconino County, 55,475 turned out for the 2022 midyear election. This was just over 61% of eligible voters. In addition, Coconino County voters continue is to utilize the various early voting options, overwhelmingly through mail-in ballots. Over 76% of voters utilized early voting options.
Election day went smoothly. A total of 963 provisional ballots were issued, with approximately 43% of the ballots being counted. The provisional ballots not counted were primarily rejected (88.38%) due to the voter’s failure to be registered to vote in Coconino County.
All in all, this election was a triumphant display of our democracy.
Pathways To Communities Offers A
Way Forward
Staff offering a tour of the Pathways Program
Pathways facility with private cubicles for services
Coconino County Sheriff’s Department was awarded a grant through the Opioid Litigation Settlement for a Pathways to Community program designed to assist newly released inmates for successful return back to community. Pathways is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Department and Coconino County Health and Human Services, working together in collaboration with many nonprofit community partners. The Pathways program offers a wide range of services and offers a “one stop shopping” for services and assistance. The program operates in a building directly adjacent to the jail. A newly released individual literally walks from the jail through a blue door, which leads directly to the Pathways to Community Center. Pathways offers a warm and inviting space that includes coffee, snacks, access to a phone, bus tickets, and numerous service providers who can counsel and offer services from private cubicle. These services include housing, transportation, addiction counseling, mental health assistance, job training, and numerous other supports.
Program Manager, Amy Bacon, toured Supervisor Horstman, and other community members, around the program space. Ms. Bacon pointed out that the program is designed to reduce recidivism and offers an opportunity for individuals to get back on their feet. CCHHS Division Manager for Recovery and Resiliency, Erica Shaw noted that Pathways was a beautiful nexus between public health and public safety and is intended to improve the overall well-being of our community.
Pathways is in need of warm clothing, including men’s and women’s coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc. If you can help, please reach out to Amy Bacon at: abacon@coconino.az.gov
Flagstaff Community Stuffed the Bus
Our community is known for its generosity and its community spirit. This time of year, accentuates the spirit of giving back. November’s annual Stuff the Bus drive brought in over 8,500 pounds of food and donations totaling $60,000 to the Flagstaff Family Food Center. All three Flagstaff Safeway stores provided collection centers staffed by community volunteers. Mountain Line parked a bus so everyone could literally stuff the bus with frozen and non-perishable food items for holiday meals.
Thanks to all who participated and contributed to our communities most successful Stuff the Bus food drive. Please remember that Flagstaff Family Food Center needs our contributions year-round. The Flagstaff Family Food Center serves rural pantries and communities throughout Coconino County. The Food Center and its partners are expected to serve more than 80,000 families in 2022. Please keep Flagstaff Family Food Center at the top of your giving list.
This community rocks!
Family Food board Center President, Sylvia…
Senior Communications Manager Stephen Pelligrini, Director Coconino County Facilitie…
Coconino Couty Celebrates the Holidays!
Santa Comes to Town and Tree lighting
Supervisor Horstman with Terry Madeksza…
Mayor Paul Deasy, Santa, Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, and Supervisor Horstman
City Council Khara House, Santa, Terry Madeksza Executive Director Flagstaff…
The winter holiday season is in full swing in Coconino County with the arrival of Santa Claus to downtown Flagstaff and the Holiday Tree Lighting at Heritage Square. Over 9,500 residents took part in the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) holiday tree lighting. Children and families munched on cookies and drank hot chocolate while waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus. The Community Choir contributed to the festive mood by serenading the crowd with classic carols. Since Santa’s reindeer were parked outside of town, Supervisor Horstman joined Mayor Paul Deasy, Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, and other city council members to bring Santa to downtown Flagstaff on a city fire truck. Once at Heritage Square, Santa led the community in a countdown to light the downtown holiday tree, which will continue to brighten our downtown for residents, shoppers, and visitors throughout the winter holiday season.
Holiday Light Parade
The Holiday fun continued with the Holiday Light Parade. Coconino County lit up a Public Works snowplow, and an Emergency Management. County staff and their families walked along to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter equinox, or Kwanzaa, this time of year is merry and bright.
All the best of the holiday spirit to each and every one of you.
Deputy County Deputy Andy Bertelsen, an…
Coconino County Parade Participants
Public Works…
Public Works Snowplow
The Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center Holiday Dinner
Supervisor Horstman and County and City Staff joined in the holiday celebration at the Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center. A holiday meal was served and enjoyed by all that participated.
Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, Supervisor…
Local Senior Resident Michael and…
Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet and Supervis…
Winter Parking Ordinance
Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the County’s winter parking ordinance. These amendments enable the Sheriff’s office to enhance enforcement during the winter recreation season and increase public safety on county roads and right of ways.
Coconino County is a winter wonderland that brings an influx of visitors. Unfortunately, this also increases traffic congestion, illegal parking, littering, and trespassing onto private property. To increase safety around roadways and reduce the negative impacts to our neighborhoods, the County’s winter parking ordinance is in effect from November 1, 2022 through April 1, 2022. It prohibits vehicles from parking along County maintained right of ways, facilitates safer snow removal operations, mitigates dangerous snow-related traffic congestion, and reduces parking problems. A violation of this parking ordinance carries a minimum of a $200 fine and may include the towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense. The Board’s recent amendment to the winter parking ordinance, which took effect on December 15, clarifies that the responsible party for the fine and towing expense is the vehicle’s registered owner.
Coconino County continues to work with our partners, including Discover Flagstaff, for safe and approved snow play areas. Partnerships include working with Flagstaff, Williams, the Forest Services, Discover Flagstaff, and others on an educational campaign with maps and materials to guide visitors to approved snow play areas and to inform visitors of prohibited areas and no parking zones.
Coconino County is committed to supporting safe and fun winter recreation.
Winter Parking Information | Coconino (az.gov)
Winter Preparedness Tips | Coconino (az.gov)
Coconino County Parks and Recreation partner, Flagstaff Snow Park, opens December 17th, 2022. Tickets are available online at www.flagstaffsnowpark.com
Coconino County…
County Employee ” Dex” Honored
County Employees “Dex” along with his handler, Captain Ben Waibel of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department, was honored by the Board of Supervisors for their work in locating and safely apprehending three juveniles during a theft and evading arrest investigation. Dex is a three-year-old Belgian Malinois who has been with the Sheriff’s department for under a year. Dex is paired with his two-legged partner, Captain Waibel, a six-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department. This dream team has been instrumental in drug enforcement investigations and working together to keep our community safe. Job well done, Dex and Captain Waibel.
Welcome to Michael Jackiewicz
Director of Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council
Supervisor Horstman welcomes Michael Jackiewicz to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and Coconino County family as CJCC’s Director. Michael Jackiewicz comes to Coconino County with a wealth of experience working in the criminal justice system and serving diverse populations. Michael shares a passion for evidence- based practices, which he plans to apply to this position. He looks forward to using his leadership skills and experience in the efforts of CJCC.
Community Events And Resources
“ZIGGY” From my House to yours, Happy…
Come join your neighbors at some of Flagstaff Winter Fun Community Events
First Friday ArtWalk| Downtown Flagstaff, AZ
Public Service Announcement:
Contact Us