Category Archives: Coconino County

2017 Sustainable Building and Water Conservation Tour

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sustainable Building Program is hosting the annual Sustainable Building and Water Conservation Tour in partnership with the City of Flagstaff Sustainability and Water Conservation Programs, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center and the Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 30 starting at the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, 703 E. Sawmill Rd. Flagstaff.

The tour will offer perspectives from homeowners, builders, and installers about costs, processes, and the economic and environmental benefits of building sustainably. This tour is a part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the American Solar Energy Society’s National Tour.

Six of the buildings included on the tour will demonstrate water conservation methods such as rainwater harvesting for irrigation and potable use, greywater reuse, low-flow fixtures and xeriscaping. A tour of a tiny house on wheels will also be on-site.

The self-guided tour is free, with a suggested donation of $5 to support Willow Bend’s environmental education programs in local schools. Tour packets will be available at Willow Bend the day of the tour.

The tour is made possible through the following partners’ contributions: AP Sawmill & Lumber Products, Coconino Community College, Ezra Builders, Flagstaff Skylights, Loven Contracting, PWMA, Solar Design and Construction, and SolarTerra Design.

For more information visit www.coconino.az.gov/sustainablebuilding or contact (928) 679-8882.

Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is sponsoring a low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 at the Coconino Humane Association, 3501 E. Butler Ave.

Rabies vaccinations will be $10 (dogs and cats). Fees for other vaccinations will vary and will be cash or check only. The Kaibab Veterinary Clinic will provide services.

CCPHSD Animal Management will also be offering the opportunity to license your canine companion for $12 altered and $25 unaltered. Spay/neuter vouchers ($30 value) will also be available for canine owners current with rabies vaccinations and licensing.

Arizona State law requires all dogs to be properly vaccinated and licensed. The CCPHSD strongly recommends that cats be vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord of animals and humans. It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through contact with the live virus.

For more information, call the CCPHSD Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756 or visit www.coconino.az.gov/health.

CCPHSD offers appointments for Seasonal Flu Shot

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is offering seasonal flu shots at the CCPHSD Clinic in Flagstaff. To schedule an appointment, call the Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6 months old and over get a flu shot each year.

The cost for a flu vaccination at a CCPHSD Clinic is $30 for adults and children. As a courtesy, the CCPHSD will bill an insurance company, but individuals seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered. For people without insurance, the Vaccines For Adults/Children (VFA and VFC) programs are available to assist those that are unable to pay.

The following groups should get a flu vaccination because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • Children with special healthcare needs
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
    Health care workers
    Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
    Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes and can cause death.

In addition to getting a seasonal flu shot, good health habits will help you stay well. These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you and others from getting sick:

  • Wash your hands frequently during the flu season.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Don’t share eating utensils, cups, and straws.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

Additional information is available at www.coconino.az.gov/health. Contact your health care provider or call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

Special Saturday Court in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Justice Court and the Superior Court Clerk of the Court will hold a special Saturday Court, from 9 a.m. to noon, September 16 at the Superior Court/Flagstaff Justice Court building, 200 N. San Francisco Street.

Justice of the Peace Howard Grodman, Clerk of Superior Court Valerie Wyant and Chairwoman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Liz Archuleta initiated the Saturday Court services so people can receive court services who normally can’t during the standard operating hours.

Individuals with outstanding warrants can appear before the judge and resolve pending legal issues. Only customers with cases from the Flagstaff Justice Court will be assisted during this event. People with pending warrants from another court should call the appropriate issuing court to discuss options.

Service windows will be open for people to pay court fees and fines by setting up payment plans or reestablishing a payment plan already in place for pending cases.

The Clerk of Superior Court’s Office will also be open to file paperwork, apply for a passport or obtain a marriage license.

For questions please contact Maia Rodriguez at the Flagstaff Justice Court at 928-679-7675.

Supervisors pass anti-hate resolution

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution 2017 – 50, condemning hate and racial supremacy while promoting tolerance, at their regular meeting Tuesday night. The Board considered the resolution due to recent white supremacy rallies and other displays of intolerance in the U.S.

“I’m very proud that the Board stood up on behalf of Coconino County to declare that we will not tolerate any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “We’re a county that values diversity and stands up for the rights of all our citizens. I thank my colleagues who voted today to confirm that we will not waiver on these values.”

Supervisors voted to reaffirm that the County upholds the law and serve all people with equal attention and respect. Coconino County strives to provide programs and services that add value and support to the community, and have a positive impact on quality of life to all residents and visitors.

“I want to thank my colleagues for accepting this resolution,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. “We are all one people who travel on many different paths. Our job at the County will remain to provide services to everyone regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation.”

The County Board of Supervisors officially resolved to maintain cultural, ethnic, geographic and religious diversity to draw upon the expertise of the community. They further resolved that racist propaganda has no place in the County and unequivocally condemns any advocacy of racial supremacy and any discrimination based on religion, culture or sexual orientation.

Assessor visits Page Community Center

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FLAGSTAFF – Assessor Armando J. Ruiz will hold a meeting at the Page Community Center at noon, Monday, August 21 to discuss property tax assistance and exemptions for senior citizens. Assessor Ruiz will present information regarding the Senior Property Valuation Protection Program and other programs that seniors may take advantage of.

“Seniors that meet the eligibility requirement for the program have their property values frozen for three years, meaning the value used to calculate taxes for their home cannot increase whatsoever for three years, which has the effect of reducing the amount of taxes low-income Seniors pay,” said Assessor Ruiz. “This program offers a significant benefit to our constituents who are on a fixed-income and need help with their property tax bill.

Assessor Ruiz is presenting on programs offered by the Assessor’s office while the Page Community Center serves lunch. Staff will be available to assist seniors fill out and process their application starting at noon, Aug. 21, at the Page Community Center, 699 S. Navajo Dr., Page, AZ 86040.

For further questions about property tax assistance, call the Assessor’s office toll free at 877-679-7120 or visit http://www.coconino.az.gov/Assessor.

Historic Fort Tuthill Quad Dedication

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Parks & Recreation dedicated the Historic Fort Tuthill Quad Tuesday. The dedication celebrated the renovation of the Historic Quad, a site that served as the summer training facility of the Arizona National Guard from 1929-1948, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Renovation of the Historic Quad began in 2016 and was engineered by Peak Engineering and built by Kinney Construction Services.

“I want to thank voters of Coconino County for making the renovation of this historic site possible,” Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “This project shows that as a community, we greatly value our parks and open space. I’m proud that we could renovate this historic place to better represent the people who served our country at Fort Tuthill.”

The Historic Quad renovation upgraded the site’s infrastructure, including water, electricity and communication. Crews constructed several major drainage systems to accommodate water flow in the Quad so historic mess halls would be conserved. The electric was upgraded on-site and features connection points for special events. A public announcement system was also installed.

“The renovation of the Historic Quad at Fort Tuthill Park is a beautiful and historic addition to the other attractions and public private partnerships we have here,” said District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan. “I really hope people come out to see and enjoy all the park has to offer.”

The main entrance to the Historic Quad features two sections of concrete stamped with “USA WPA”. These are sections from the Works Progress Administration era of the Quad during the 1930s. Two of the historic fence columns that run along the eastern perimeter of Fort Tuthill County Park were moved to the Historic Quad. The 1930s era columns were salvaged from an ADOT roadway construction project and are located between the two buildings housing the Fort Tuthill Military Museum.

This project used funds from Coconino Parks and Open Space (CPOS) sales tax, a 1/8 cent sales tax approved by voters in 2002 that raised $33 million to acquire open space, develop parks, and make improvements to existing parks. As part of the ballot measure, voters approved to “complete restoration of historic portions of Fort Tuthill and continue fairgrounds improvements.” The project budget is $4.7 million.

For more information on Coconino County Parks and Recreation: http://www.coconino.az.gov/parks

AzCourtHelp.org earns international award

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FLAGSTAFF — The National Association for Court Managers (NACM), in partnership with the International Association for Court Administration (IACA), awarded AzCourtHelp.org top honors for this year’s top 10 Court Technology Solutions Awards.

The awards are given each year to recognize courts that make the best use of technology to improve courts’ service and access to the public. AZCourtHelp.org was selected to receive the award over entries from Dubai, Rwanda and several other states within the U.S.

“I want to congratulate the courts for this great achievement and receiving this worldwide recognition,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “It is the court system’s innovative ideas and dedication to the community which continually make our system more efficient and more accessible for everyone.”

AzCourtHelp.org offers free assistance to people who need help resolving disputes or have legal questions regarding divorce and custody, landlord/tenant issues, civil dispute and criminal charges. Residents outside of Flagstaff can participate due to an onsite and virtual legal self-help program which helps save time, effort and money to more fully understand their legal rights and obligations. It’s also helpful to self-represented litigants who would not have access to legal resources in their area.

Coconino County Superior Court and the Law Library are major stakeholders of AzCourtHelp.org and selected to pilot this program because of available resources and previous success with innovative programs. Other stakeholders that contributed to the development include:

• Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts
• The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
• Arizona State Library, Archives, & Public Records
• The Office of the Arizona Attorney General
• The Department of Economic Security’s Division of Child Support Services

Free live webinars on popular topics are available at AzCourtHelp.org/public-events or you may attend in person at the Coconino County Law Library.

Fleas test positive for plague in additional location in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials confirmed that fleas collected in the Doney Park area, northeast of Flagstaff, have tested positive for plague (Yersinia pestis). Last week fleas collected in the Red Lake area, approximately five miles northeast of Williams, tested positive for plague. The tests were conducted by the Center for Pathogen and Microbiome Institute at Northern Arizona University.

CCPHSD is notifying area residents and the burrows, which are located on private property, will be treated. The area will be closely monitored to determine if further action is required.

Because the disease is endemic in Coconino County, there are likely additional locations with infected fleas. CCPHSD Environmental Health staff will continue to collect and test flea samples from locations throughout the County.

CCPHSD is urging the public to take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to this serious disease, which can be present in fleas, rodents, rabbits and predators that feed upon these animals. The disease can be transmitted to humans and other animals by the bite of an infected flea or by direct contact with an infected animal. To limit possible exposure, people are encouraged to avoid rodent burrows and keep dogs on a leash as required by Arizona State law.

An abundance of active prairie dogs doesn’t indicate disease is present. However, a sudden die-off of prairie dogs and rodents, may be an indicator of plague. Persons noticing a sudden die-off of rodents or rabbits are urged to contact CCPHSD Environmental Services at 928-679-8750.

Joint Land Use Study contract awarded

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors awarded MAKERS Architecture & Urban Design the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) contract during a regular board session this week.

The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Economic Adjustment awarded Coconino County a $532,700 grant for a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) earlier this year. The grant will be used to hire a consultant to provide recommendations for land uses that are compatible with the military missions of Camp Navajo and the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station while also supporting economic development and community values.

The County issued a request for proposals (RFP) soliciting consultants to perform the study in April, 2017. MAKERS submitted the most competitive proposal and after deliberation, the selection committee determined it had the best plan to meet the RFP requirements and community interests.

“We are pleased to have MAKERS working with the County, the City of Flagstaff and the community on this important study,” said Vice-Chair of the Board and District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan. “Our military installations are vital to our economic vitality and our national security and an integral part of Coconino County. It’s important that we all work together. MAKERS has a solid team of experienced professionals and is prepared to conduct the extensive public outreach we requested to develop recommendations.”

MAKERS will start the project by developing a detailed communications and feedback plan for public involvement that includes key stakeholders and community leaders.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to thank all partners for their hard work on the JLUS project,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta.

City of Flagstaff Councilmember and Chair of the JLUS Policy Committee, Celia Barotz said, “I’m pleased MAKERS was awarded the JLUS contract and am enthusiastic about the upcoming stakeholder meetings and community conversations. Given the development pressures in the Flagstaff area, this study couldn’t have come at a better time.”

MAKERS is an award-winning architectural and urban design firm providing services to clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and the United States. Founded in 1972, the firm provides a client-oriented business approach stressing attention to project requirements, design quality and budget.