Patrice Horstman — Coconino County District 1 Newsletter — February 2022

Dear District 1 Resident,

February is Black History month. A time to recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse history of the African Diaspora. It also is a time to take stock of where systemic racism and discrimination persists and engage in meaningful discussion and action for change. Check out the County website for a list of informative and inspiring events being held throughout the month.

The Board continues to ensure that the almost $28 million dollars of one-time ARPA funds are being put to the highest and best use to serve the vast needs in our communities. I discuss this more fully in this newsletter.

I want to extend my deep sadness over the tragic events that occurred last month on State Highway 180. The Highway 180 corridor has long presented safety concerns, especially during winter holiday and snow weekends. Although this is a state highway and managed and enforced by Arizona Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety, the County Sheriff and County have worked with the state to institute safety measures and no parking and traffic enforcement of this corridor. This includes increased visitor education, signage, and no parking/traffic enforcement. Patrols and enforcement are only part of the solution. The County is pursuing electronic signage, cellular notification systems, public service announcements as well as increased enforcement during snow weekends. We also need to identify additional safe snow play areas. Fort Tuthill offers safe snow play but more venues are needed. By working together, we can continue to address this challenge.

Onward to 2022! Together we build the kind of community where we want to live.

Patrice Horstman

Supervisor Horstman recently hosted a Facebook Live conversation with Coconino County Health and Human Services Director, Kim Musselman and Epidemiologist, Matt Mauer, to discuss the current level of transmission of COVID-19, the Omicron Variant, and vaccines in our community.

It is imperative, now more than ever that we all get vaccinated. Vaccines protect us against infection and dramatically reduces the severity of the disease. Please, if you have not, get the shot. It takes all of us to do our part and protect ourselves, our family, and our community.

To view Coconino County’s weekly COVID-19 reports and see up-to-date data, please visit the County’s COVID-19 Website.

On January 11, 2021, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of emergency notification sirens as part of the continued response to the Museum Flood Area. The siren will serve as an additional warning for residents of the Museum Flood Area in Paradise, Grandview and Sunnyside.

Currently, Coconino County Emergency Management uses the Rave Mobility Emergency Notification System (ENS) to alert residents of an emergency. These alerts can be sent through text messages and email, and are posted on social media. The addition of an audible siren will augment the current system and bridge any possible gaps. The addition of an audible warning system will be extremely beneficial to those who may not have their cellphone with them, specifically children.

This additional warning system will be funded by he Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the County Flood Control District budget and the City of Flagstaff.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents. Attendees have the opportunity to engage in second-to-none policy and educational sessions, interact with federal officials and participate in congressional briefings and meetings.

Supervisor Horstman is looking forward to virtually attending the NACo Legislative Conference in her capacity as a member of the Public Lands Steering Committee (PLSC) and the elected alternate representative from Arizona to the Western Interstate Region (WIR).