Category: Government

Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line Team Up for Stuff the Virtual Bus

This year’s annual Stuff the Bus community food drive benefitting The Flagstaff Family Food Center will be held virtually November 16 – November 22 continuing the longstanding partnership between Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line.

The need for donations is greater than ever due to COVID-19. The Flagstaff Family Food Center estimates that since the beginning of the pandemic, the demand for its hunger relief programs have increased by 80%. The Center feeds 2,000 people a day, 365 days a year.

City of Flagstaff announces Thanksgiving closures

City administrative offices and operations will be closed Nov. 26 and 27, 2020 for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen on Nov. 30, 2020.

The East Flagstaff Community Library and the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will also be closed on Nov. 26 and 27. and will resume curbside hold pickup, phone reference services, and computer reservations on Nov. 30, 2020.

City of Flagstaff seeks input on McMillan Mesa Natural Area rezone amendment application during meetings of Dec. 14, Jan. 13

Proposition 413 (Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park) was passed by Flagstaff voters in 2016. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The land affected by Proposition 413 is currently zoned as Public Facilities and Rural Residential. The City Council directed staff to amend the Zoning Code to reflect the outcomes of Proposition 413. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment in 2018, the next step is to amend the existing zoning of the area Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space. 

Current Happenings at the Coconino Center for the Arts

The CCA Holiday Store Is Now Open!
Thursday-Saturday, 1-6 pm through December 22nd
(Closed 11/26, and 11/28-29)

Featured Artists:
Cathi Borthwick, Robin Cadigan, Darcy Falk, Katherine Farr, Carli Giese, Chandra Hemminger, Jonah Hill, Julie Jones, Don Nord, Sharon Richards, Ryanne Sebern, Heather Spontak

ECoNA — 4FRI Contractor Acquires Former SCA Facility

Good news on the forest front: NewLife Forest Products has acquired the former SCA Tissue facility in Bellemont, allowing it to scale up operations as the largest contractor in the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, or 4FRI.

The move into the 425,000-square-foot warehouse will allow the company to hire 200 local workers and move forward with its charge to thin roughly 300,000 acres of forest land over the next several years.

Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Focus Group Participants Needed on Nov. 21

NACA’s Native Connections are hosting three upcoming Youth Focus Groups via Zoom at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing of youth in our community. Youth who participate are helping inform our work to support them during this difficult time, and will receive a gift card to either Dutch Bros or Sprouts!

Flagstaff named climate leader

Flagstaff was named one of 88 cities to score top grades on climate action by environmental impact non-profit CDP (the “A list”). CDP’s A List is based on environmental data disclosed by hundreds of cities in 2020. To score an A, a city must disclose publicly and have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target and published a climate action plan. The cities must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future, among other actions.

Applicants sought from Coconino County for multiple Governing Board Seats for Appointment

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to five school districts which include:

Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) in Fredonia (1 open seat)
Coconino Community College District #3 (1 open seat to be filled in January 2021- apply now)
Fredonia-Moccasin USD #6 (2 open seats) 
Maine Consolidated USD #10 (3 open seats)
N.A.T.I.V.E., Tuba City (1 open seat)

Coconino County Recognized with Inclusive Workplace Award by the Diversity Leadership Alliance

Coconino County was honored with the Inclusive Workplace Award recently by the Diversity Leaderships Alliance (DLA).

The DLA works in coordination with the Arizona State affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (AZSHRM) to recognize Arizona individuals, corporations and organizations that lead by example and create an inclusive environment that strengthens the community. Coconino County was recognized with the 2020 Inclusive Workplace Award, selected among other worthy organizations including ADP, Cox Communications, CSAA Insurance Group and the U of A College of Medicine. 

Coconino County Seeks Community Input for Disaster Planning

Natural disasters and climate change impacts are increasing in both frequency and impact nationwide. To meet this challenge, Coconino County is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) – a plan that guides county-wide efforts to reduce the risk of hazards such as fires and floods. However, for this planning effort to be successful, the county needs input from the people who work and live within its boundaries. To start collecting this input, the county has released a Hazard Mitigation Planning Survey on its website, which can be accessed at https://coconino.az.gov/2474/Hazard-Mitigation-Plan.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Safety Tips for Staying Safe in Winter Weather

Plan ahead. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safety. Stay attentive, reduce speed, and leave plenty of room between vehicles.  

The biggest cause of slips and falls when exiting a vehicle is human error and failure to follow the “Three Point Rule”. The Three Point Rule requires three of four points of contact to be maintained with the vehicle at all times – two hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand. 

ECoNA Virtual ‘Open Houses’ on Milton Road and US 180 Next Week

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will be holding two virtual “open houses” next week to discuss the future of two major traffic corridors in Flagstaff that often suffer from congestion, particularly during the summer and winter months when tourists come to escape the heat and play in the snow.

The focus of the two online meetings will be Milton Road and the U.S. 180 corridor, primarily Fort Valley Road and Humphreys Street. Often gridlocked at the best of times, these roadways need improvements to keep up with university, population and visitation growth.

LAUNCH Flagstaff — We’re Counting on You – Thank You!

I ended my first email by saying that with your help we can make a difference in the educational outcomes for every child in Flagstaff.  So, I’ll start this final email by focusing on you.  
 
I mentioned that LAUNCH Flagstaff is foremost an idea that leverages existing community organizations, businesses, policy makers, and citizens that produces systemic changes through collaborative action.  
 
The changes we seek happen in the hearts and minds of each person and each organization in Flagstaff.  I thank you for your current level of engagement in this important work and I invite you to consider additional ways you can help improve outcomes for our kids.
 
Here are some ideas:

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County lifts fire restrictions in coordination with other agencies

Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest, as well as other agencies in the area.

Coconino County offices and COVID-19 testing site closures for Veterans Day

All Coconino County offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day, a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The COVID-19 testing site located at Fort Tuthill County Park will also be closed in recognition of the holiday. Testing will resume on Thursday, November 12. Testing site hours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Veterans Day With Gratitude Honoring All Who Served

“Each year, Coconino County honors those who have sacrificed to serve the country. We express special gratitude to the National Guard. Coconino County has benefited from a National Guard Team, who has supported our COVID-19 response. This group of dedicated individuals has been away from their family and friends during an especially challenging time to assist us with testing operations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This year and every year, thank you to those who serve,” said County Manager, James Jayne.

City of Flagstaff Fire restrictions lifted

The city of Flagstaff has lifted all fire restrictions within city limits effective Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. The restrictions were lifted due to the increased moisture received in the greater Flagstaff area. While restrictions are lifted, residents and visitors are asked to use caution while using ignition sources for barbecue, charcoal, and propane stoves. No open burning is allowed in the city of Flagstaff.

LAUNCH Flagstaff — Educational Executive Leadership Development

25% of a student’s educational success relies on the quality of the educational leadership of the school administrator.  This means that the school principal is the second most important school influence on student success, after high quality teaching.

Great school leaders create a culture of excellence, drive school performance, teacher retention and student outcomes.   The partners of LAUNCH Flagstaff recognize the critical need for executive leadership developmentcoupled with the building of collaborative, collegial relationships among educational leaders across the community.

This is why LAUNCH Flagstaff partnered with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) in 2017 to bring their educational executive leadership training to Flagstaff.   

Commentary — Thanks to all who have voted and are waiting for democracy to do its work

Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.

No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.

Now, the hard part begins. Patience.

As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.

Those news services include:

Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump

However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.

Tuba City School District seeking Governing Board Applicants for Appointment

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment to the Tuba City School District Governing Board.

One seat will be vacant. This position will be filled prior to December 24, 2020 so the appointee can start their duty on January 1, 2021 as a new board member.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment.  Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

ECoNA — APS ‘SizeUp Arizona’ Tool Helping Small Businesses

APS has rolled out a free digital tool that help small and medium businesses fine-tune their business models and be more competitive by connecting them with market research and business intelligence for their sector.

The SizeUp Arizona platform allows businesses to input their specific information, such as annual revenues, number of employees, average salaries and more, and then instantly compare themselves to similar businesses locally, statewide and nationally.

“Access to this information allows smaller companies the competitive intelligence necessary to establish and grow their businesses,” said Kelly Patton, APS Senior Economic Development Consultant for Statewide Programs.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — November is Native American Heritage Month

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently proclaimed November to be Native American Heritage Month.

Coconino County embraces 22 Native American tribes in Arizona, and takes pride in the six tribes calling Coconino County home; whose economic contributions, foods, medicines, remedies, art and literature are vital contributions to American life and endeavors.

We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American culture in the community, education and workforce.

Coconino County — November 3 General Election Information

Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen released the following helpful information for the November 3 General Election.

Who is eligible to vote:  All registered voters  

Deadline to return voted early ballot:  November 3, 7:00 pm 

Locations to drop off voted early ballots:  

Commentary — YES, Every Vote Counts — VOTE!

Given the news reports out there that the many have not turned in their mail-in ballots, it’s time to remind them about the election of 2016.

YES, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!, whether you live in Miami or Flagstaff, Detroit or Page, Scranton or Williams.

Nov. 3 is creeping up fast. If you have a ballot, fill them out ASAP and drop them off at OFFICIAL BALLOT BOXES. It’s too late to use the U.S. Post Office.

Otherwise, plan to take advantage of in-person early voting on Friday, Oct. 30.

Coconino County voters who may have health concerns or worry about contracting the COVID 19 coronavirus may participate in emergency early voting at several locations across the county on Saturday, October 31 and Monday, November 2.

ECoNA Camp Navajo Moves Closer to Economic Development

As we get ready to close out our celebration of Manufacturing Month, we set our sights on Bellemont, which may soon be primed for significant economic development.

Provisions in both the U.S. House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act 2021 (NDAA) would transfer about 3,000 acres – almost 5 square miles – of land at Camp Navajo to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. That move would allow businesses to more easily locate in and around the military base.

Winter Parking Ordinance begins this Sunday, Nov. 1

Coconino County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance 2017-11 will be in effect between this Sunday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, April 1, 2021.

Coconino County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance 2017-11 will be in effect between this Sunday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, April 1, 2021. The ordinance requires parking restrictions from County maintained rights-of-way during snow season and for the enforcement of parking restrictions either by citation or towing. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Important Information About Voting

Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.

NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID.

How can I return my voted early ballot?

Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time).

See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot…

County Fire Ban Remains in Effect; Open Fires for Warmth Indoors Allowed

Residents may light indoor fires in stoves and fireplaces for heating and warmth

Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance remains in effect due to dry conditions throughout the County. The open fire ban has been in place since earlier this spring due to dry conditions and lack of monsoon rains. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Important Information About Voting

Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.

NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID. 

How can I return my voted early ballot?

Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time). 

See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot.

Early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, November 3, 2020. 

Where can I go to vote on Election Day?

You may find your polling location online by searching your residence address or by looking up this list of polling places.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Today (Oct. 23) is the LAST DAY to request your Mail In Ballot!

Today, Friday, October 23, 5:00 pm, is the deadline for voters to request an early ballot to be mailed to them. The Elections Office has already sent out almost 70,000 ballots to our registered voters. In the first ten days of early voting, over 30,000 voted ballots have been returned. Our voter registration team is very busy verifying signatures and processing the voted early ballots.

If you want to check to see if your voted early ballot has been processed and accepted, go to: https://my.arizona.vote/PortalList.aspx

Please note that it takes the team a few days to process an early ballot after it arrives. 

‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Sticker’ — Coconino County offering drive-up ballot drop off on Oct. 24, 31

  The Coconino County Elections Office is offering drive up/ballot drop off service this coming Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31.  The service will be available from 9 am to 1 pm in the parking lot at 110 E Cherry Ave, Flagstaff.

Willard Springs Transfer Station open two extra weekends until November 14

Coconino County will keep the Willard Springs Transfer Station open two extra weekends this year to help residents maintain defensible spaces against wildfire around their homes.

Coconino County will keep the Willard Springs Transfer Station open two extra weekends this year to help residents maintain defensible spaces against wildfire around their homes. The station normally closes for the winter season on the last Saturday of October; however, because the threat of wildfire remains extremely high, the station will remain open during its normal hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through Saturday, November 14 for the free deposit of green waste only. 

Fourth Street bridge lane closure

The outside southbound lane on Fourth Street will remain closed across the new Fourth Street bridges until the completion of the planned widening of Fourth Street from Soliere Avenue to Sparrow Avenue This widening will begin in late winter/early spring of 2021.This project will include:

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Agassiz Street renaming

The Flagstaff City Council provided direction to rename Agassiz Street due to Louis Agassiz’s history of racism at their June 16, 2020 meeting. In August and September of 2020, city staff held virtual town hall meetings to collect suggestions for a new street name from the public. Each suggestion was vetted by Emergency Services, the Postal Service, the city of Flagstaff and Coconino County to ensure that it could be implemented safely. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Victim Witness Services for Coconino County is doing a Campaign for Healthy Relationships throughout Coconino County. While it is important to recognize that domestic violence is a real problem that people deal with daily, we also want to recognize a way to prevent it is by knowing about and striving for healthy relationships.

They are hosting a video series. You can watch the vide below. This video highlights the Page Office for Victim Witness and invites you to send a letter of gratitude to someone. Please subscribe so you get notified of the new videos. Also, please forward this and share with whoever you know or can. They will continue releasing these videos every Monday and Friday of the month.

They are also doing a Community Word Search in Flagstaff, Williams, Page, and Tuba City! Find at least 2 words posted at local businesses and agencies and then go to our website to enter to win prizes! All the words are related to healthy relationships.

For more information go to our website www.vwscoconino.org/chr

African Diaspora Advisory Council to Host “Democracy in Action Voter Town Hall” on Oct. 19

The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is hosting a free, virtual Democracy in Action Voter Town Hall this Monday, October 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is hosting a free, virtual Democracy in Action Voter Town Hall this Monday, October 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Town Hall will feature Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen presenting on the elections calendar, voting options and procedures, what documents are required to vote and other resources for residents of Coconino County. The event is not a candidate debate but rather an opportunity for residents to learn about safeguards to ensure their right to vote and the voting process is secure.

ECoNA Virtual Startup Weekend Starts Oct. 23

As we continue to celebrate manufacturing month, we wanted to let you know about an upcoming virtual event designed to cultivate tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, including those in the advanced manufacturing sector.

ECoNA is very pleased to announce that we are a launch partner for Arizona’s first-ever, statewide, online Techstars Startup Weekend, which will kick off on Friday, Oct. 23.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Small Business Relief Grant Program Opens Today!

The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) is pleased to announce a new Small Business Grant Relief Program to help small businesses as they continue to face the financial impact related to COVID-19. The first round of this program has contributions totaling $30,000, provided by the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County and Northern Arizona University. 

Water Conservation Program awarded EPA WaterSense award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the city of Flagstaff Water Conservation program with a 2020 WaterSense Excellence Award for promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2019. The Water Conservation Program offers rebates to both businesses and homeowners to install WaterSense labeled toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators. This resulted in thousands of fixture replacements in 2019.

Hispanic Heritage Month continues with Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos (Oct. 13), Día de los Muertos Altar / Ofrenda (Oct. 14) and ‘The Diary of a Dreamer’ Virtual Presentations (Oct. 15)

Coconino County and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) are offering a number of interactive events throughout the month that are open to the public. We invite you to join! See below for a calendar of events taking place this month!

Jail Commander Named Administrator of the Year

Matthew Figueroa, Commander of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility, was recognized by the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) as Administrator of the Year for the western region.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is honored to share the announcement that on September 28, 2020 Matthew Figueroa, Commander of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility, was recognized by the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) as Administrator of the Year for the western region.  

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Fight the Flu: Get your Flu shot!

October 9, 2020 Coconino County Government ELIZABETH C. ARCHULETA Supervisor, District 2 Special Edition Supervisor Liz Archuleta; (928) 679-7152; larchuleta@coconino.az.gov Theresa M. Munoz, Executive Assistant; (928) 679-7162; tmunoz@coconino.az.gov In This Newsletter: Quote of the Day Doney Park Timberline Fernwood Community Survey…

Early Voting Has Started for November 3 General Election

The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed 65,300 early ballots to registered voters for the upcoming November 3 General Election.  Early voters that are on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) and have not received their ballots by Tuesday, October 13 should call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to make sure there is not a problem with their voter registration status or mailing address.

Jay Lively Activity Center limited reopening

The Jay Lively Activity Center, which is the City’s ice rink, will begin a tiered reopening on Oct. 12 at 12 p.m. The center will only open to the following groups: Flagstaff Avalanche High School Hockey, Flagstaff Figure Skating Club, Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association, and Just for Fun Hockey Club, based on rental agreements and ice time reservations. During the first tier of reopening, the ice arena will not be open to the general public.

[ECoNA] 2020 Not Slowing Down Food & Beverage Manufacturers

When you ask local manufacturers to describe 2020, the words that keep popping up are things like unexpected, rollercoaster and whirlwind. For the food and beverage sector, one more word could be added to the list: expanding.

Despite the challenges of this year, several local manufacturers of food and drink have taken the plunge with plans to expand current facilities or move growing companies into new locations. Some pivoted their businesses to produce other items needed because of COVID-19. Still others found themselves scrambling to meet exploding demand.