[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6247612,"mediaKeyId","3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c","parentId",3212660,"title","Flagstaff proposes fees to recover EV charging costs: 39¢/kWh plus per‑minute idling fees; ordinance read for first time","audioSeconds",1532,"startMs",7159000,"endMs",8691000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c&start=7159&end=8691","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c/thumbnail_7159000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6247612/Flagstaff-City/Coconino-County/Arizona/Flagstaff-proposes-fees-to-recover-EV-charging-costs-39kWh-plus-perminute-idling-fees-ordinance-read-for-first-time","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247612-9b3794235b885b8539990a650e903ac3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165710&Signature=WUZiHtZkM624EcBBBorK3C3aVIt3qZ~yskS-RJwPaiQ82rLYPwoEvqxC4pseyRlXRFun-jymR6I13yaFTSAscfvbAG6lEPhpQF3H3ibt2o1tpw~MBZ4xA7PsrXgAXtFhdLjT-F0zSEZ2BW1jit8b9D2cNA4M1Y2hFQXCX~-ujtRJzNm9MuNqGv-g820Qmx3tm90orxmdRk7Rd2xeCOMw7DSxclruxzNbs57Ok974GDz~7e65trarEepp3v48IeNtKZLgODhXQqQxloN7uDIfG2~lqGk2qxyJo57pBUgYDCGUC8AKRW97gihSVQim6Bvw5dozeSlS47otfLQtbi90Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Flagstaff, AZ","date","2025-05-07T02:41:59Z","article","City staff presented a proposal to charge the public for use of 18 city‑hosted electric vehicle chargers and recommended a two‑part fee structure designed to recover energy and operating costs while encouraging turnover.

Under the staff proposal, the hourly energy charge would equal the city’s cost of electricity plus a 10‑percent administrative margin; staff currently estimate that rate at about 39¢ per kilowatt‑hour. A second, per‑minute “idling” fee would apply after a vehicle reaches full charge (or, at the airport, after the posted three‑hour limit) to encourage drivers to move their vehicles. Proposed idling fees are 7¢ per minute at City Hall, the Visitor Center and future downtown locations (about $4.20 per hour), and 4¢ per minute at the Aquaplex (about $2.40 per hour). Airport idling fees would kick in after the three‑hour limit and carry a maximum cap of $100 per session.

Why it matters: The city currently pays about $60,000 a year to operate free public chargers and pays the charging company for billing and operations. Staff estimated the city would spend up to $68,000 next fiscal year if charging remains free and projected revenue under the proposed fees between $47,000 and $85,000 depending on how much idling behavior declines.

Denae Pressler of the Sustainability Office explained the rationale and timing: “Last year, the city council advised implementing a fee for public use of charging stations to recover these costs while also encouraging vehicles to be moved once they’re fully charged,” she said. Staff recommended implementing the fees July 1, 2025, and including station‑screen displays, app notices and signage as part of the rollout.

Council members asked operational questions. Council member Spence requested a market comparison; Pressler said fast Tesla chargers are more expensive and that the city’s proposed level‑2 pricing is in line with other public and institutional hosts locally. Council member House asked how the station detects a full charge and switches to the idling rate; staff said the charging management software (ChargePoint dashboard) will automatically apply the idling price after energy delivery ceases.

Public hearing and action: Staff opened the public hearing and reported no public comments. Council voted to read Ordinance 2025‑10 by title only for the first reading. The ordinance, if adopted after the required readings, would amend city code to add the new fees and set an effective date.

Next steps: Staff will monitor usage and revenues after the fee begins and said it could adjust rates if needed. Communications will include in‑station display changes, app notifications, email and social media outreach to users.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Flagstaff City Council Regular Meeting - May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff recommended charging for public use of 18 city‑hosted EV chargers: an energy charge (currently estimated at 39¢ per kWh) plus location‑based idling fees to encourage turnover.","taxTitle","Flagstaff City, Coconino County, Arizona","taxId",4650,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247617,"Flagstaff staff present ‘LAST CAP’ code concepts to balance housing, carbon goals; community forum set for June 13",3382,3554000,6936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c&start=3554&end=6936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c/thumbnail_3554000.jpg","/articles/6247617/Flagstaff-City/Coconino-County/Arizona/Flagstaff-staff-present-LAST-CAP-code-concepts-to-balance-housing-carbon-goals-community-forum-set-for-June-13","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247617-dc4c7260c523736262b7d53997e8d5de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165710&Signature=h6FfLYeHHOHAACyLkwUK-FYiHazp5D7R~U~HZK2zrY~AcClc-z8jm4sdZMLsyTwkRPxcxW9hZLmIRjY7vqOoyx0oFEcfs0WkHHJEWyv7Xl7lyPt9SNgFzkWW9sHqbPetNXVSvM0vUPXswDPKy0JXTI04mxZ10Yk55GFH87ZwBlUu72vMsT1UBLpHTDccIRCsXvgEZJiszEN5eoI7Wqh~QTEb1D-3NcoUzZ3Q07mFj0AakboUMZssPjcGHgY9PRmJ47WPGE0jLlC8wyrYPJC7zm8m05sF5oGnsfYwASKrAo~CPZHmv9EX2cq2e-grP6l1N5dwSxV11oU6b9Z~rbzBQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning and sustainability staff on Tuesday presented high‑level code concepts for the Land Availability, Suitability and Transit (LAST CAP) project, a multistep effort to align zoning rules with Flagstaff’s 10‑year housing plan and the city’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.

The presentation laid out three scenarios that trade off density, sustainability requirements and incentive structures and asked the council to start narrowing options before the project’s next public forum on June 13.

Why it matters: The code changes under discussion would shape where and how Flagstaff grows for decades — affecting housing supply and affordability, transit orientation, parking requirements, tree and land protections, and the city’s path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What staff proposed: Planning Director Michelle McNulty and housing manager Jennifer Michaelson summarized a code diagnostic and three “scenario” approaches: (1) emphasize stronger incentives while leaving base zoning largely unchanged; (2) increase sustainability standards in by‑right code while also increasing allowable density and reducing parking requirements; and (3) prioritize maximum housing production by raising density allowances and reducing parking with fewer built‑in sustainability mandates.

Jennifer Michaelson said scenario 2 produced the strongest combined outcomes for both housing and carbon reduction but noted risks: “If we package increased sustainability standards with increased density and parking reductions, we can see a big increase in our housing production. But we need to be careful calibrating the density and parking reductions to ensure that our affordable housing incentives are still attractive.”

Genevieve Perthree from the Sustainability Office framed the policy choices council will be asked to make: whether to apply zoning changes citywide or target them to areas where driving is already lower; whether to introduce floor‑area‑ratio (FAR) caps to encourage smaller units and more diverse housing types; whether to create a menu or points‑based approach of sustainability options developers may choose from; whether to adopt parking minimum reductions and narrower residential street standards; and how to update the winter parking ordinance to reflect those shifts.

Staff provided technical context: reducing minimum parking is one of the most financially influential levers for making higher‑density housing feasible, the consultants’ financial modeling found. FAR caps — already used in some commercial zones — could be extended to residential neighborhoods to constrain building size and encourage smaller units. The transit‑oriented component of the analysis recommends aligning density to fixed transit routes and improving building orientation and streetscapes to make transit use easier.

Public comment and commissions: Staff said they have briefed multiple commissions and stakeholder groups and will continue outreach. Two members of the public urged broad by‑right changes to increase housing production rather than relying on incentive programs; others wanted careful attention to neighborhood impacts, historic land protections and equity. A community forum, to be facilitated, is scheduled for June 13 at Lowell Observatory; staff said more targeted meetings with neighborhood groups will follow.

Next steps: Staff asked council to review seven decision points and said they will return with a refined proposal after the June forum. The refined code concepts will lead to formal code amendment proposals and, eventually, specific zoning text changes that the council would consider for adoption.

","City planning and sustainability staff presented three high‑level zoning scenarios and asked the Flagstaff City Council for guidance on density, parking and sustainability tradeoffs ahead of a June 13 community forum.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247622,"Flagstaff council approves $2.17 million contract to remake Bushmaster Park courts amid debate on trees, parking and noise",3567,2509000,6076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c&start=2509&end=6076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c/thumbnail_2509000.jpg","/articles/6247622/Flagstaff-City/Coconino-County/Arizona/Flagstaff-council-approves-217-million-contract-to-remake-Bushmaster-Park-courts-amid-debate-on-trees-parking-and-noise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247622-5f5c38355e763515273c15c3a438459d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165710&Signature=TinTFwk-lLAJOvHri0dMfIM-xrvk8YKTrfwzBamWZ2lpXmAac4nsFjksKqJ05JxUVcBIe9q04fgwFDGosx2EKtIujAK9F9yyY1dkVFD6bXTVhmAurjlarwvRjrr8baWlj-UkE79h3x1ZdHGR2Hf1Ifq669Y3oEip5FpCp8mu0A2gQvY7KZhBSjBqjPu6e7sjvZYVJ42yeeWr4GZOkaFeXK0B57G4i7Vdf7EPrq9b9s1E2UK7mW3P27kb6eGM0dqcuRI4H23B5jbu6KDbme8aF2tUr-oJGk1G0Szy9-~FBijH-X1Tea2xepEejbEH3MWg6HKFdDY-q0pEjRwhulsVjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Flagstaff City Council on Tuesday approved a $2,168,892 contract with Hope Construction to rebuild the sport courts at Bushmaster Park, adding eight dedicated pickleball courts, resurfacing two tennis courts and replacing two basketball courts.

The project will be paid from the BBB Recreation special revenue fund balance, with $100,000 contributed by Beautification Arts & Sciences for landscaping, council heard. The city will also replant trees proposed for removal and install new shrubs and site landscaping.

Why it matters: The council’s approval responds to heavy and growing community demand for pickleball courts, addresses safety problems with cracked surfaces at Bushmaster and aims to keep local players from traveling to other towns. Supporters also argued new courts could spur tournaments and bring visitors to Flagstaff; opponents warned about tree loss, nearby parking capacity and noise for adjacent neighborhoods.

City parks staff told council the project appears after multiple prior discussions and two design efforts. Amy Hagan, parks project manager, said design documents were completed after an initial design-build step and bids returned higher than expected. “We pulled the project off and created a second set of drawings,” Hagan told council, before saying the lowest responsible bidder for the preferred design was Hope Construction at $2,168,892.

Council and staff recapped the project’s history: the courts were dual-striped for pickleball in 2019, the city later added two permanent pickleball courts at Ponderosa Park, and council in 2023 gave staff direction to proceed with a courts project while limiting lighted-court hours and minimizing tree loss. Staff said construction documents completed in winter 2024 showed higher costs that prompted rework and a formal invitation to bid in April 2025.

Supporters from the local pickleball community spoke in favor during public comment. Alicia Hendricks, president of the Flagstaff Pickleball Association, said Bushmaster draws up to 40 players daily and that the current cracked surfaces create safety risks. “This project will dedicate space not only for pickleball, but also for tennis and basketball,” Hendricks said. Christine Sturgeon, a USA Pickleball district ambassador, urged council to approve construction and said regional tournaments would support local hotels and restaurants.

Opponents and concerned residents raised three consistent issues: tree removal, parking and noise. Council member Spence said Bushmaster is a forested park and argued the location is wrong for a major pickleball complex. He pointed to limited on-site parking and suggested other city-owned parcels — including a site by the National Guard armory and Foxglen Park — that he said would offer room for courts and more parking. Spence concluded he would vote no, saying the project was “the wrong place, the wrong amount, and the wrong time.”

Key technical clarifications from staff: construction will remove 13 existing trees and replace them with 13 new trees of different species and approximately 76 shrubs; lighted courts across the park system are subject to a city code change adopted in 2023 that requires lights to end by 9 p.m.; the design includes perimeter fencing of 8 feet on the north and south ends of the multi-court pickleball areas and 10-foot fencing where tennis courts are required.

Staff said the city solicited bids for two alternate designs; the low bid on the chosen design came in at $2,168,892 while the alternate contractor’s price on that same plan exceeded $3.8 million. Parks staff told council the design work was already paid for and that the current contract request covers construction only.

Council action: The council moved and seconded approval of the contract with Hope Construction and the motion passed with one recorded dissent. The council directed staff to proceed with procurement and construction scheduling.

What’s next: Staff said construction scheduling will follow procurement and permitting and that the project includes replanting and landscape elements funded in part by the Beautification Arts & Sciences contribution. Council asked staff to monitor parking and noise during design and construction; staff emphasized that no specific noise abatement measures are part of the current construction documents.

The vote capped a multi‑year public process that included petitions, community meetings and Parks and Recreation Commission review.

","The Flagstaff City Council on Tuesday approved a $2,168,892 contract with Hope Construction to rebuild the sport courts at Bushmaster Park, adding eight dedicated pickleball courts and resurfacing tennis and basketball courts.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247602,"Flagstaff names Rio de Flag bridge at Picture Canyon for community steward Jack Welch",1186,7908000,9094000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c&start=7908&end=9094","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c/thumbnail_7908000.jpg","/articles/6247602/Flagstaff-City/Coconino-County/Arizona/Flagstaff-names-Rio-de-Flag-bridge-at-Picture-Canyon-for-community-steward-Jack-Welch","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247602-db0f09246d4d153ae1ec6d7b8ab21e79/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165710&Signature=bCeAGNyRCsDLiVWQ7uWZcEvPYFlXhugwSPfkgNNcZ6womSjszn4~BMMRTwQ6AC4j21aIyKaaCmJ73tJqf7OgVwx8FaXtofQlHlbx4qo5nWyTAPVzw7FpjZPYyT-T8tnoehrQGqCCOwdzEyAxVB3qNo1KRwNk7yplh542y5w1aShjmh-~IxF1M50GzlvPmV2v3UZPUVeGrGoFwUQUyo0T-HSb1ep95w1gNmrFxpJ9zrSOAr1gGRlGb6UzBqPDs5gMEQYRwUtsGmTbfZlhVlF1rwOzcg9exHm~XkM2EAQfhVXEl60CsOAQ7X6T5Pe0P2dCPjLnWEPFBo1Ak~qSe6szGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Flagstaff City Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution naming the bridge over the Rio de Flag at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the “Jack Welch Memorial Bridge,” honoring the late community advocate and longtime steward of Picture Canyon.

The naming request, brought to council through a citizen petition and referred to the Open Space Commission for review, was presented by Open Space staff and the petitioners’ representative, Karen Mellis Clark. Robert Wallace of the Open Space section introduced the item and explained the process staff followed with the Friends of Jack Welch.

The petitioners described Welch’s local history of stewardship — organizing walks, serving on the Open Space Commission and helping to mobilize community support to preserve Picture Canyon. Karen Mellis Clark told council the group had raised funds for a commemorative plaque and that a private group would manage procurement and installation in collaboration with open space staff.

Council members praised Welch’s local contributions and unanimously approved the resolution. “Jack connected so much of us and bridged so much for our community,” a petitioner told the council before the vote.

Practical details: Staff said the plaque procurement will be funded privately and the Friends of the Rio de Flag are holding the donations. The open spaces staff will coordinate installation and memorial signage according to city procedures for naming features on city‑managed preserves.

Next steps: Staff and the petitioners will finalize plaque design, procurement and installation logistics under the city’s naming policy and coordinate a dedication when work is complete.

","The Flagstaff City Council adopted a resolution naming the Rio de Flag bridge at Picture Canyon the 'Jack Welch Memorial Bridge' after a community petition and Open Space Commission review. Friends of Jack Welch have raised funds for a plaque and will procure it privately; the plaque will be installed by agreement with open spaces staff.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6247603,"Flagstaff opens public hearing to align city tax code with state model; new 2.486% sales/use rate proposed",1175,7707000,8882000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c&start=7707&end=8882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3212660-02a674cc35967fc5b80df343569f711c/thumbnail_7707000.jpg","/articles/6247603/Flagstaff-City/Coconino-County/Arizona/Flagstaff-opens-public-hearing-to-align-city-tax-code-with-state-model-new-2486-salesuse-rate-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6247603-5e280464a541d58fbf7187d77db6233a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165710&Signature=gk8XqdeQeQqVaBQYjL0NQVnsXQqysD0R1jDovw4OqJzTPqG7jgR2xWuWptNkmvn-uMnmE3fk2vHOV6Ls5GXBcbrj6C5nduYPe0qBuzsQ-HU8qFebru3mx9dBtXvv1qBiUJOhioxlpS7imWkXtnJT1pLJ~M4o03gv1Xe60JGzt1Xt6rz~kinp1EUEUbioAHdnKGUck9P9WCYm6dBJ15FMzq9fmaB5VeEnXEdKsQUsXHU5ziBFyDLc~5lYuI9XsDadTgEQ0kjQu8jJYHfr8NvWYrq2xCYMVBKKPbIUaaD9j4AderenDE-w7kSmrn6G67BJXhEhCl~7m-F9y5MSL~bC~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance and legal staff presented proposed updates to the Flagstaff tax code on Tuesday, asking council to adopt amendments that will align local language with the state Model City Tax Code and reflect voter‑approved rate changes from recent elections.

Rick Tatter, management services director, said the package updates three components: incorporation of voter‑approved rate changes, an increase in the city use tax rate so it matches sales tax rates, and a broad set of conforming edits required because the Arizona Department of Revenue now administers municipal tax collections under the Model City Tax Code.

Staff noted recent voter actions: voters extended the city’s general 1% sales tax and extended the city’s BBB (bed, board and beverage) tax through June 30, 2043; voters also approved an increase to the public transit tax rate, which raised the city’s overall effective sales tax to 2.486 percent for most categories, staff said. To maintain fairness between purchases made inside Flagstaff and purchases made elsewhere and brought into the city, staff proposed increasing the use tax to 2.486 percent as well.

Assistant Senior Attorney Anya Bridal explained that the Model City Tax Code is a uniform municipal code used across Arizona and administered by the Arizona Department of Revenue; the city’s existing local ordinance has not been fully updated since 2019 and must be brought into conformance. The proposed package includes a suite of definitional clarifications, new and expiring exemptions that track state law, and updates to filing frequency thresholds for businesses.

Staff opened the public hearing and reported no in‑room public comment. Council read a resolution (2025‑25) and read an ordinance title for the record (ordinance number listed in the packet) and continued the public hearing until the May 20, 2025 council meeting to allow more review time.

What’s next: Staff will return on May 20 with the continued public hearing and proposed final ordinance language for council action. The administration must submit conforming language to the Arizona Department of Revenue once adopted to ensure correct tax administration.

","City staff told council they will update the Flagstaff Tax Code to conform with the Model City Tax Code administered by the Arizona Department of Revenue and to reflect recent voter‑approved measures. Staff said the city’s combined sales tax rate will be 2.486% for most categories effective July 1, 2025, and recommended increasing the use tax to","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Flagstaff proposes fees to recover EV charging costs: 39¢/kWh plus per‑minute idling fees; ordinance read for first time

Flagstaff staff present ‘LAST CAP’ code concepts to balance housing, carbon goals; community forum set for June 13

Flagstaff council approves $2.17 million contract to remake Bushmaster Park courts amid debate on trees, parking and noise

Flagstaff names Rio de Flag bridge at Picture Canyon for community steward Jack Welch

Flagstaff opens public hearing to align city tax code with state model; new 2.486% sales/use rate proposed