City of Flagstaff Blog

Reusable Bags & Parking, oh my!

2007-10-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you're all doing well and are enjoying the cool fall weather and beautiful changes in the environment.

Speaking of environment, as you all know, Flagstaff is big on helping preserve the natural beauty that surrounds our lovely mountain town. To help out, we at the city are a new program where we are giving away FREE reusable bags at locations across the city to help reduce the waste paper and plastic bags can cause. Until November 4, you can pick up a free reusable bags at several grocery stores around town and can contribute to this worthy cause. Check out the official city Web site at: http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/ for a complete list of stores and locations you can get your free bag.

On another note, as the weather cools and snow storms become more likely, the Streets Division crews will be working hard to clear streets to make your drive safer during the winter months. To help them out, from November 1 to April 1, 2008, the annual winter parking ordinance will be in effect. This means that you cannot park on city streets or alleyways from midnight to 7 a.m. every night. Some downtown streets have a no parking between 3 to 7 a.m. policy.

I know it's a pain, but if you ignore the ordinance, you may end up getting a ticket or even towed if it is snowing (the ordinance is in effect whether it's snowing or not). So, be sure to park your cars off the streets. If you have issues doing so, contact your property manager to make arrangements. For more information on specifics, contact FPD at 556-2319.

And, lastly, in case I don't blog before Halloween, I hope you and yours have a safe and scary Halloween! Here's some events you could look forward to for family-friendly Halloween fun:

“Howl-o-Ween” at the Thorpe Park Bark Park is a dog friendly event that includes pet costume contests, pet adoptions, pet related merchants and lots of canine tricks and treats! The event will occur from 1 to 3 p.m., Sat., Oct. 27 at Thorpe Bark Park. Any donations received will benefit the Second Chance Center for Animals.

The Flagstaff Recreation Center will host its annual Halloween Carnival from 5 to 7 p.m., Sat., Oct. 27. Admission is free and the event is designed for children ages 5 to 15.

Have a great one!

Join us for the The Marketplace Grand Opening!

2007-10-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

As most of you in Flag. know, The Marketplace at Flagstaff Mall is almost ready to open its doors for your shopping pleasure. The Marketplace is a whole new addition of shops to the mall, including Best Buy, Marshalls and many more! These new shops will be an exciting addition to the mall and provide new jobs and shopping choices for local residents. We hope you can join us this weekend for a the opening ceremonies and many other fun activities!

See the mall Web site for more details:

http://www.flagstaffmall.com/redevelopment/flagstaffmall/communitynews.asp

Have a great time enjoying the new shops!

2007-10-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Long time, no blog. In case you missed the last couple of entries last month, this is Michelle Talsma, the PIO intern for the City of Flagstaff. So, hello from our beautiful little mountain town!

Anyways, we first of all wanted to thank everyone who came out to last week's first annual CityFest here at City Hall. The event was a big success with plenty of public attendance and input. We really appreciate all those who were able to make it! Your input means a lot to us. And, in case you weren't able to make it, no biggie! Kim Ott (the city's PIO) was on the scene interviewing all of the department gurus about the info they had for Flagstaff residents. Those interviews and more will be airing on local Channel 59 next week, so tune into Channel 59 for times of the show.

In other City news, nominating petitions for the Mayor (who serves a two year term) and City Councilmember (who serve four year terms) positions are now available. Candidates for these positions must be registered voters and live within Flagstaff city limits. Petitions are due by Jan. 11 and must contain between 473 and 945 signatures from qualified voters... so if you or someone you know is looking to run for one of these positions, you should get started right away! Nomination petitions are available at City Hall and for more specifics, call Margie Brown, City Clerk, at 779-7607.

And, since it is now October and the sounds of ghouls and goblins are in the air, there are some exciting Halloween events just around the corner:

If you want your pooch to enjoy Halloween, take him or her to the "Howl-O-Ween" festival at Thorpe Park on Sat., Oct 27. It is a dog-friendly event with activities for both pets and their humans.

Be sure not to miss the Halloween Harvest, on Halloween, from 4-8 p.m., at the Jay Lively Ice Arena. It will be a fun event full of trick or treating, a costume contest, ice skating, games and more!

That's about all from your favorite City Hall... have a great and safe fall!

Upcoming Community Events

2007-09-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Here are some community-wide events we believe you should know about:

Public information meetings:

The City of Flagstaff Street Division will hold three community meetings to provide information to interested citizens about the Chemical De-Icing Pilot Program that will be implemented in select areas of the Flagstaff community this winter.

The public is invited to join us to learn about the program and ask questions during these meetings:

Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Thomas Elementary School
Thursday, Sept. 20 at Flagstaff City Hall – Council Chambers
Wednesday, Sept. 26 at DeMiguel Elementary School

All three meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude no later than 8 p.m.

The meetings will include a presentation on: environmental information, product information, route maps that show accident locations due to ice build up, areas where de-icing chemicals will be used, and a question and answer session.

The pilot program is a new initiative aimed at using chemicals to effectively de-ice roads to prevent accidents and other hazards due to ice build up on city streets.

For more information, please call the city's Public Works Department at (928) 779-7662.

Flagstaff Airport Openhouse

What buzzes throughout the day and has to get shorter before it gets longer? It’s Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport and the Runway Extension Project! Come see for yourself what the buzz is really all about from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 29 at the Pulliam Airport Open House.

- See military and other aircraft on display.
- Learn about Flagstaff’s runway extension.
- Fly, drive or take a free Mountain Line bus.
- See unique aircraft displays by the Experimental Aircraft Association, sponsors of the Young Eagle flight program.
- Food and drinks available! FREE FUN for the whole family.

For more information, contact 556-1234, ext. 10.

That's about it for this week's update, as stated before, please keep checking out this blog and the City of Flagstaff's Web site (flagstaff.az.gov) for more info on upcoming events.

Hello from Flagstaff!

2007-09-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great summer and are having a successful fall so far. I am Michelle Talsma, Kim Ott's new public information intern. I am a communication student at Northern Arizona University (located in the beautiful pines of Flagstaff, see nau.edu for more details!) and am very excited to help Kim keep you updated on the happenings around town. Please keep coming back to this blog for regularly updated info on community events, town happenings, and much more! Also, if there's anything you would like to see here, please let us know and we'll be sure to make it happen.

Be sure to also keep up with the City's Web site, www.flagstaff.az.gov, because we're working to keep that updated and fresh for you too!

Thanks, will blog some more this afternoon!

Michelle

A snapshot of Flagstaff today!!!!

2007-06-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

It’s warm in Flagstaff…but still so much fun to be outside!

The 4th of July Parade in downtown Flagstaff is almost here. So are the Horse Races….and Fireworks are still a go!

Forests are still open…but no open burning. If you come to visit please obey the rules so we all can enjoy the beauty of the high country.

Water conservation is critical. We use more water in the summer months so helping to conserve is even more important. Please – no watering between 9 and 5 each day and remember to only water on your designated day.

Mini Bonds mature on July 1st. If you were one of the lucky people who purchased City Capital bonds in the early 90’s you need to go to the City website (www.flagstaff.az.gov) to learn how you can redeem your bonds.

Wednesday’s in Wheeler Park bring music and other entertainment for all ages, now through the month of July. It’s free and starts at 5:30 p.m. (Closed on July 4th….cuz there is just too other stuff going on).

Still looking for a City Manager….

The 2007 Flagstaff Xeriscape Contest closes on July 15th – call 779-7646 if you want find out what xeriscaping is.

We always need people to volunteer for our boards and commissions…wanna know more? Go to our website or call our City Clerks Office at 779-7607.

Oh yeah….City Council will be on vacation from the end of June until July 23rd. Some of them might still be in town…but there will be no formal Council meeting.

Okay – I think that is enough rambling for now….seriously I’ll try to be better at keeping my blogs current!

Happy 4th!

Summer hours, Airport blasting, and preparing for Fire Season

2007-05-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, it’s that time of year…when the City of Flagstaff officially switches over to summer hours! We’ll be running from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m. until early September. I see this catch a lot of folks off guard who come in to pay their water bill or sign up for recreation programs after 4 p.m. Sorry! Better to schedule a stop during your lunch hour…than to take time off of work at the end of the day and find out you missed it by an hour.

Blasting and extended shifts for the airport runway extension project will be going for several more months. Blasting times are scheduled for early to mid-afternoon (usually around 2 p.m.) at times that do not conflict with regularly scheduled commercial flights.
The contractor, seismic monitors, and airport operations staff monitor all blasts.

Also, the work at the airport is being done on a double shift schedule. Daytime shift work runs from 4:00 am to 2:00 pm. The evening shift runs from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am. The double shift work is expected to continue for the next several months.
Double shifting is needed for this stage of the runway extension in order to complete the entire project before the winter. When the earthwork is complete, the project will revert to a single day shift.

It’s already fire season folks! There is a lot you can do to be prepared and now is the time to get started. It’s YOUR responsibility to create a defensible property. During some fires it may not be possible for firefighters to protect every home. Once FireWise, your home or property is better able to survive a wildfire without direct intervention of fire suppression forces.

· Reduce density of surrounding vegetation.

· Thin and prune trees and shrubs, then dispose of debris properly.

· Prune branches to 10’ above the ground.

· Mow grass and weeds.

· Remove dead limbs, leaves, debris and other litter.

· Stack firewood away from structures.

· Keep roof and gutters free of debris.

· Remove branches that overhang structures.

· Install non-flammable roofing and siding material.

· Annually assess and treat your property to maintain its FireWise characteristics.

Prepare family evacuation plans in case of an emergency.

Here are some numbers and websites that will provide additional information about becoming FireWise and how you can protect yourself, your family, your home, and your neighborhood.

(928) 556-1207
(928) 779-7688
www.flagstaff.az.gov/fuelmanagement
www.firewise.org
www.firewise.org/usa/
www.azstatefire.org/FireWise/Firewise
www.cals.arizona.edu/firewise

Think Water Conservation Now

2007-03-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

With a few days of exceptions here and there…the temperature is warming in Flagstaff, giving us the chance to get outside to either play or do some long awaited yard work. It’s warm enough that some of us are starting to water our plants and lawns…thus the yearly reminder of the importance of water conservation. It’s critical for our community. With very little winter snowfall…we need to conserve as much as we can. The City of Flagstaff would like to remind our water customers to follow the established landscape-watering schedule that was set up several years ago because of winters like the one we just had (or didn’t have)! Here are the rules….in case you forgot:

Landscape Watering is strictly prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday.
Even numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday.

Hand watering is allowed any day of the week before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Hand watering requires that the water conveyance (hose, bucket, etc.) be in hand for the duration of a watering session. Hoses running freely, or sprinklers attached to hoses are not considered hand watering.

Landscape Establishment Permits are available at the Utilities Department in City Hall. Permits authorize daily irrigation for a maximum of 30 days to establish new landscapes. There is a $10 fee and permits should be obtained prior to new landscape installation. Irrigation hours still apply.

Commercial Provisions are available for businesses that require daily outdoor water use for the business to succeed, such as landscape nurseries. Requests for a Commercial Provision must be made in writing to the Utilities Director. Commercial provisions will not be approved for aesthetic landscaping.

Vehicle washing with a positive cut-off nozzle and bucket is allowed.

Non-compliance with these regulations could result in a fine assessed to your water bill. The fine will double with each repeat violation.

If you have questions about water restriction you can call or e-mail our water conservation guru -- Ellen Ryan -- 213-4827, eryan@ci.flagstaff.az.us.

If you are traveling to Flagstaff for a visit, let Flagstaff.CC provide you with Flagstaff information.

City of Flagstaff Needs Volunteers

2007-03-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

This Friday, Join a Downtown Parking Workshop!
The Downtown Parking Planning Team is holding a workshop at the Flagstaff Library (300 W. Aspen Avenue) on Friday, March 16th from 10 a.m. to Noon.
The workshop will include the City’s Parking Consultant, case study comparisons and of course public discussion. Please attend if you can. If you would like more information contact Kimberly Sharp at 928-779-7632 x7217 or ksharp@ci.flagstaff.az.us

The City of Flagstaff Needs Volunteers for Boards & Commissions
The City Council uses every opportunity to establish community participation programs to allow for citizen involvement and input. Boards, commissions, and committees are created to allow Flagstaff citizens to take an active role in City government. The members of the City's boards and commissions, and most committee members, are appointed by the City Council to three-year terms, unless a different term length is set by law.
All City board and commission members must be residents of Flagstaff at the time of their appointment and for the full duration of their term in office (with the exception of the Youth Commission). Appointments are approved at public meetings and individuals are selected solely at the discretion of the City Council. If you are interested in serving on a City board or commission, please go to the City Clerk's Office page on the City website: www.flagstaff.az.gov to obtain an application form, or call 779-7607.
Please check out the list of boards and commissions and what they do. A more detailed list of responsibilities can be found on the City’s web pages. Many currently have vacancies! We need YOU!!!!!!

Airport Commission
The Commission is responsible for reviewing and reporting to Council on the development of the Airpark and on matters affecting the operation and efficiency of the airport.

Board of Adjustment
The Board holds hearings on requests for variances and zoning decision appeals.

Flagstaff Clean & Green Committee
The goal of the committee is to encourage people to change their behavior and attitude toward solid waste. The emphasis is on education in the areas of litter control, recycling, solid waste management, and beautification.
Disability Awareness Commission
The committee's goals are to expand educational opportunities; improve access; have greater participation and opportunity; and expand and strengthen rehabilitative programs and facilities.

Commission on Diversity Awareness
The mission of the commission includes, but is not limited to, fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and awareness among all citizens; recognizing the different economic, cultural, social, racial, religious, and ethnic groups.

Flagstaff Housing Authority
The board oversees the functions of the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority implements the City's public housing programs.

Flagstaff Public Art Advisory Committee
The primary purpose of the committee is to make recommendations to the City Council regarding public art and public art projects.

Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission locates sites of historic interest in the City, advises the City Council on all matters relating to historic preservation, and reviews development projects in the downtown design review district.

Library Board
The Library Board serves as a citizen's advisory board to the Library Director.

Open Space Commission
The City is seeking candidates to appoint to this recently established commission to advise and make recommendations on all matters related to open spaces.

Parks and Recreation Commission
The commission makes recommendations to the Council regarding City parks and recreational programs, including the annual budget and capital improvements.

Personnel Board
This board conducts hearings to insure that permanent, classified employees' rights are protected and that proper procedure is followed by the City concerning dismissal, demotion, or suspension.

Planning and Zoning Commission
This commission serves as an advisory board to the Council on matters relating to the growth and physical development of the City.

Tourism Commission
The mission of the Tourism Commission is to develop, promote, and maintain Flagstaff as a year-round visitor destination with professional visitor services.

Traffic Commission
The Traffic Commission reviews requests for changes in traffic regulations and formulates and recommends traffic-related policies and ordinances to the Council.

Water Commission
The commission meets to review extensions of the water and sewer collection systems, treatment and use of water furnished by the City, treatment and disposal of the City’s sewage system effluent, and water/sewer rates.

Youth Commission
The commission's purpose is to provide input to the City Council on issues affecting youth, including employment and recreation.

Additional commissions include Audit Committee, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, Industrial Development Authority, Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board, and the Self-Insurance Trust Fund Board.

For tourist information about Flagtaff go to Flagstaff.CC.

Can You Picture This?

2007-01-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Are you a photography buff? If you live in Flag or were just visiting recently and took a great photograph …then I have just the contest for you!

It’s the Winter Wonderland Theme Photography Contest, sponsored by the City of Flagstaff Parks & Recreation Division!

Okay, here are the rules:

As long as its clean (you know what I mean)….your picture can be of anything…snowfall, recreation, holiday stuff, whatever. All entries can be shot with a digital or film-based camera at any time. The contest is open to all amateur photographers. Although digitally manipulated entries are allowed, our Recreation staff is asking that you let them know the technique you used to create the picture.

You can get an entry form in the City Hall Park & Recreation office, 211 W. Aspen Avenue or you can go to the City Website: www.flagstaff.az.gov and click on the link in the calendar section.

The entry deadline is February 28th by 5:00 p.m. The age categories are: 8 to 12 year olds (no change to enter), 13 to 17 year olds ($2.50 per entry), and 18 and above ($5.00 per entry. The limit is two entries per person.

Prizes will be awarded in each class and age category…. $50.00 for first place, $25.00 for second place and $10.00 for third place!

Winners and finishers photo will be displayed at City Hall in the month of March…maybe I’ll even place a few on this blog!

SNOW issues….

Just a gentle reminder that there is no parking on City streets from midnight to 7:00 a.m. We had to tow 39 cars last weekend and we would rather not do that. Please, remember to park off the street overnight! Also be sure to clear your sidewalk after a snow storm…It’s the law!!!

2006-12-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Okay….So I blew it!

The guys were pleading with me to get something on the City of Flagstaff blog about the holiday lighting ceremonies…and I just ran out of time! Sorry.

However, my negligence doesn’t mean you’ve missed out on all the fun.

Flagstaff and downtown are holiday happenings for weeks…all the way through the New Year. Here is a very brief outline so you can come on down and enjoy some or all of the fun:

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, up to the New Year, downtown will feature holiday seasonal activities. Walk historic downtown to view holiday lighting displays, decorations and snowflake projections. Strolling carolers will entertain all ages from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. You can warms up with come cocoa, cider and cookies provided by various downtown businesses.

Lowell Observatory offers the Holiday Skies Program every Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas. At 7:30 p.m., for a small fee, you can hear a presentation about the mythology and science of the winter sky, including a discussion of the Star of Bethlehem.

I can’t fit all the fun on my blog but there is the APS Northern Lights Parade in downtown on Saturday, December 9th…the BNSF Toys for Tots Santa Comes To Town event in Heritage Square on Saturday, December 16th…the Annual Luminaries in the Coconino Estates neighborhood on Sunday, December 17th…the Chanukah Celebration and Grand Menorah Lighting in Heritage Square at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17th…The Great Pine Cone Drop at the Weatherford Hotel on New Years Eve. This doesn’t even include all the great lights and attractions around Flagstaff…like Little America, the Flagstaff Mall, and Riodran Mansion etc.

You want more info? Call the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau and ask about "The Flagstaff Holiday Times"...or a verbal rundown.

Don't forget to keep track of Flagstaff Attractions on Flagstaff.CC.

Hope you have a great holiday season. I wish you peace and happiness whatever time of year it is!

Are We Going To Get Snow This Year?

2006-11-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I’m Kimberly Ott – Public Information Officer for the City of Flagstaff. No, I don’t’ get to carry a gun…so I’m not sure why the “officer” is included in my title…but I am the “mouthpiece” for the City. I love my job! Sure it can be challenging at times…but the good stuff far outweighs the bad.

Since I’ve been asked to blog by Jeff and Paul…I though I’d spend most of my time not boring you with the latest results of the City Council business meetings…but rather providing you with timely, interesting, and sometimes fun information about your City and how this affects you!

So here we go! Are we going to get snow this year? I hope so, and if I could answer this question I would be wealthy and not working as a PIO. The yearly snow question brings me to the topic I wanted to talk to you about…Winter Parking!!!!!!

If you have lived in Flagstaff for a long time you are already familiar with this particular City Ordinance. If you are relatively new this might prove a little frustrating. The ordinance states “there is no parking on streets or alleyways from midnight to 7:00 a.m. beginning November 1st and continuing through April 1st”. Seems simple enough…but here is where people get frustrated. This is in effect 7-days a week – snow or not snow! I get more calls each year from folks who receive a ticket complaining that there was no snow, or very little snow when they parked on the street. We (the City) have had to make this rule very black and white to avoid just that kind of an argument. You don’t know how many times our crews are prevented from effectively clearing the streets of snow by cars lining the roadway -- and then we get yelled at for not doing our jobs. If we left the parking issues up to interpretation – we would get lots of great excuses like -- “but when I went to bed last night the news said it wasn’t supposed to snow – it’s their fault, not mine!”

In order to avoid this problem the Winter Parking Ordinance remains in effect whether it is snowing or not—we all just need to remember to park off the street from November 1st through April 1st.

These first few weeks will probably see a lot of warnings – and I emphasize “probably” meaning I can’t guarantee it. When we start getting our winter weather the ticketing will begin – and if it is snowing and you are parked in our way, your vehicle will be towed! Bummer! Nothing worse that having to wake up early to shovel only to find your car is gone and you have to pay a lot of money to get it back.

Bottom line –help yourself and your community by parking off the street until April 1st, 2007! And when to plan to visit the city of Flagstaff, visit Flagstaff.CC