Public participants, councilmembers and staff can participate either virtually or in-person.
A priority is to improve our broadband infrastructure to create a long north-south, east-west corridor of fiber through the main arteries in town. This would connect our water facilities and improve cybersecurity for our water system, which is a top security issue for our city. The City of Flagstaff has been in very productive conversations with public and private entities to achieve a more advanced and reliable network citywide in the near future, including the potential for a new internet service provider coming to town. Collaborative efforts have led to a robust city plan for our internet infrastructure that we are working hard to see completed in short order.
Regarding social services, there also have been proposals from myself and other councilmembers to assist with rapid rehousing, and how to create a potential respite center for our unsheltered. This could work in tandem with the Alternate Crisis Response program run through social service providers that the City Council approved at the budget retreat in June. The Alternate Crisis Response model consists of a van with a medic and behavioral health specialist that can respond to certain 911 calls without necessarily the need for police, fire and ambulance. Mental health crises, public intoxication and other types of calls will be responded to in this manner, and the funding for additional facilities and services through ARPA funds can help improve outcomes for these individuals who may otherwise be thrown into the criminal justice system.
Another area we are having big discussions and planning on is with our stormwater infrastructure. On Aug. 26 and 27, an engineering summit was called to brainstorm and lock in feasible ideas to mitigating long-term flooding from the Museum Fire scar. Many minds came together from Coconino County, City of Flagstaff, United States Forest Service and private entities, and I am optimistic about the future. As with many of these large problems, we need resources to do it and a lot of collaboration from all levels of government to see through, but we are committed to doing so.
City Council meetings are now available in a hybrid model. Public participants, councilmembers and staff can participate either virtually or in-person. Meetings are held at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays. FBN
By Paul Deasy, FBN
Paul Deasy is the mayor of Flagstaff.