Tag Archives: Coconino County

Board of Supervisors adopt National Park Improvement Resolution

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution this week supporting the use of county resources for infrastructure improvements in the United States’ National Parks.

In 2016, the National Park Service estimated a deferred maintenance backlog of nearly $460 million in Coconino County, including necessary repairs to the visitor centers, aging historical structures, trails, sewers, drainage, roads, bridges, tunnels and other vital infrastructure of the county’s six National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas.

“The Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance and value of National Parks to both the county and our many visitors,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “Our goal with approving this resolution is that we can help support the necessary maintenance and improvements of these areas.”

Coconino County hosted more than seven million visitors to its National Parks in 2015. These visits brought an estimated $932 million in revenue to local communities adjacent to national parks in the State of Arizona.

“Coconino County’s economic foundation is built on visitation to National Parks, National Monuments, National Recreation Areas and public lands,” said Supervisor Art Babbott. “By adequately funding critical infrastructure- water lines, roads wastewater- we can strengthen our economies, improve visitor experience to these wondrous places and protect these landscapes for future generations.”

The County will forward on the resolution to Congressional representatives and the National Association of Counties to do further advocacy during federal budget negotiations.

Flagstaff Unified School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board. Effective April 12, one seat will become vacant due to the resignation of Kim Khatibi.

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 can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:

  • Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
  • Deadline to submit is 5 p.m., Thursday, April 27.
  • Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
  • Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
  • Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N. Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointment. Appointment term will end on Dec. 31, 2018.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928 679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.

County/City release Courthouse and Administrative Space Project RFI

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek ideas and opportunities related to the development of a City and County downtown courthouse and additional administrative spaces.

The RFI is the first of a multi-step process. The RFI asks the public to help bring forth ideas. Area residents, downtown business owners, community partners, developers, contractors and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

“This is an open and transparent process that will allow the private sector, community and partners to weigh in on the Courthouse Development and Administrative Space Project,” stated Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “We want to make sure every step is deliberately taken to ensure the needs of our community are met in any courthouse development project. Coconino County has had success with previous public/private partnerships. This could be another opportunity to optimize resources on behalf of our mutual constituents.”

Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff are considering new approaches to leverage existing assets and engage the private sector for ideas. The collaboration between the County and the City for the project is intended to save taxpayer dollars and increase parking in downtown Flagstaff.

In November 2016 City of Flagstaff voters passed Prop 412 which authorized $12 million in bonds to construct a courthouse and parking facility. Mayor Coral Evans said, “We are extremely excited to move this process forward and implement the voters’ decision to build a new courthouse and parking garage. Joint collaboration between the City and County enhances this endeavor and our ability to utilize resources collectively creates cost efficiency.”

There will be a pre-submittal briefing tour at 10 a.m., April 8 at the Coconino County Administrative Center, 219 East Cherry Avenue. All RFI information is due at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 3 at the Coconino County Purchasing Office, 219 E. Cherry Ave. Flagstaff. The RFI will not be an obligation on the part of the partnership to enter into any agreement.

For more information contact the Coconino County Purchasing Office at 928-679-7191 and visit www.coconino.az.gov/Bids.aspx and follow the directions to submit a response to the Request for Information (RFI 2017-01) Optimization of the Court Expansion Facility and Private Sector Development Opportunity.

JLUS Policy Committee awarded Department of Defense Joint Land Use Study Grant

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FLAGSTAFF – The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Economic Adjustment has awarded a $532,700 grant to Coconino County for a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), which provides recommendations for land uses that are compatible with the missions of military installations while also supporting economic development and community values.

In June 2016, Coconino County convened a JLUS Policy Committee, chaired by Flagstaff City Councilmember Celia Barotz, with stakeholders from the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, State of Arizona Departments, U.S. Forest Service, Arizona Army National Guard Camp Navajo, U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Northern Arizona University, Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA), Lowell Observatory, developers, and local businesses and civic associations. The Policy Committee met several times to determine the scope of study for the grant application.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Coconino County for taking the lead on this important planning effort; the stakeholders who are members of the Policy Committee for engaging in this effort thus far; and the DoD Office of Economic Adjustment for awarding the grant for the study. As the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County grow, it’s essential that we plan now to try and minimize future land use conflicts around our local military installations,” said JLUS Policy Committee Chair Flagstaff City Councilmember Celia Barotz.

“We appreciate that the DoD Office of Economic Adjustment saw the value in this project and awarded this grant,” said Supervisor Ryan. “This grant will allow the Policy Committee to study the best uses for this land and determine what is in the best interest of our community while fulfilling the missions of our military installations.”

The grant will be used to hire a consultant who will conduct the study that will identify land uses that are compatible with United States Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station and the Arizona National Guard Camp Navajo in Bellemont. Additional objectives of the study include increasing public awareness of the military missions and improving communications between the military and community stakeholders.

“This is a fine example of many partners coming together to work on a joint project. I thank my colleagues Supervisors Art Ryan and Art Babbott, and all the staff for their effort on this project. Their hard work and determination in assembling the JLUS Policy Committee and drafting the application made this grant possible,” stated Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “I look forward to the process unfolding and the final recommendations.”

County Supervisor hosts “Grappling with Gridlock” Community Forum

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FLAGSTAFF – “Grappling with Gridlock,” from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Branigar-Chase Auditorium. Participation is limited to the first 100 people who register online at https://gridlock.eventbrite.com. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the forum begins promptly at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend the March 30 event, Babbott has scheduled a follow-up discussion from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., April 6 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 219 E. Cherry Ave. Flagstaff. The public is invited to attend and no registration is required for this event.

Tens of thousands of visitors come to northern Arizona on weekends for recreation. Traffic congestion and gridlock on the Highway 180 scenic corridor north and west of Flagstaff sometimes reach extreme levels, creating negative impacts on emergency services, traffic enforcement, and quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Babbott considers traffic gridlock on the 180 corridor a public safety crisis and is determined to find relief for residents. “When it takes two hours to go eight miles, there is no way first responders — including police and ambulance service providers — can serve our neighborhoods and communities effectively,” said Babbott.

Several participants in the forum will give short presentations on the impacts of 180 gridlock, including local resident Adam Diebel, Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll, Arizona Department of Transportation Engineer Audra Merrick, Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West, and Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.

Babbott will be seeking ideas and perspectives from all participants, especially those directly affected by the traffic congestion. He will also be seeking input on three proposals for relief that fit within current funding and political realities. Two of the proposals would create local funding sources for alternative means of transport to and from recreational hotspots. The third would enable a temporary alternative route to Interstate 40 when needed.

Babbott’s proposals will depend on public-private partnerships to be successful. “The gridlock, congestion, quality of life and public safety issues surrounding peak demand weekends on the Highway 180 corridor can only be addressed by bold and innovative actions,” said Babbott. “I’m counting on everyone to roll up their sleeves to help make gridlock a thing of the past.”

Coconino Community Development annual training

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Community Development will have an all staff training 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 1.

Community Development will be open and limited staff will be available to answer phones. However, subject matter experts will not be available to answer questions. Customers are encouraged to submit payments and ask questions after 1 p.m. on March 1.

Community Development staff undergo training annually to better serve the residents of Coconino County. Training for the department will focus on communication and team building.

For more information or questions, please call 928-679-8850.

Free seasonal flu shots available

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is offering free seasonal flu vaccinations.

The free flu vaccination clinics will be held on Friday, Feb. 24 from 8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm and Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 am to 1 pm at the CCPHSD Clinic located at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. Appointments are available by call 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272. Walk-ins are welcome.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that flu vaccination efforts continue throughout the flu season. According to the CDC, Flu activity can occur as late as May.

“Because flu activity can continue well into spring, it’s not too late to protect yourself from illness by getting a flu shot,” said Marie Peoples, CCPHSD Chief Health Officer.

“A yearly flu vaccination is 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. It’s especially important that the following groups get a flu vaccination either 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
· 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.

Maine Consolidated School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Maine Consolidated School District Governing Board. There are currently two vacant seats.

The appointments will be two-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2018.

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 can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:
· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit is Monday, March 13 by 5 p.m.
· Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
· Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.

Summer ramada reservations available for County parks

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FLAGSTAFF – County Parks and Recreation will begin accepting summer ramada reservations on Feb. 21, 2017. There are 11 ramadas at four County parks available for rental.

Ramadas are used to host parties, reunions and get-togethers. They are available for rent seven days a week, for half or full days.

Customers may reserve a ramada online by going to Coconino.az.gov/Parks/Ramadas. People may also reserve them by going to the Parks and Recreation Administration office located at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, Arizona Regular business hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Prices range from $46-$114 for ramada rentals. A staff member will follow up with a confirmation within one business day. For reservations less than 24 hours in advance or questions, please call the Administration office at (928) 679-8000.

CAVIAT Board Vacancy at Grand Canyon Unified School District

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Governing Board. One vacant seat is eligible to residents of the Grand Canyon Unified School District.

Per CAVIAT Bylaws, the appointment will be a four-year term ending Dec. 31, 2020.

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 can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:
· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit is Monday, March 13 by 5 p.m.
· Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
· Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointment.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.