District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — April/May 2023 District 1 Newsletter

Hello District 1 Residents,

Many of us long timers can attest to the fact that this winter’s snowfall and spring runoff has been one for the record books. I don’t remember ever seeing Lower Lake Mary so full that it spilled over into Walnut Creek. Watching cascading waterfalls flow over long dried lake beds was a welcome sight and gives hope for a shortened and uneventful fire season.

Both Flagstaff and Coconino County have embarked on an ambitious schedule for long term flood mitigation projects this summer, which is intended to assist with potential flooding due to the nine compromised watersheds resulting from last year’s Pipeline and Tunnel Fires. Although these projects will help reduce the flow and volume of water flows from the San Francisco Peaks, it will still be necessary for each of us to take measures to protect our homes and property. This includes maintaining or replacing those sandbags around our homes. And if you haven’t purchase flood insurance yet, now would be a good time to invest in flood insurance. Visit: www.fema.gov/flood-insurance

Preparing for our monsoon season also means that if you haven’t already, please sign up for emergency notifications so you can be notified in the event of an emergency. Also, review the County’s “Ready-Set-Go” program and know your evacuation zone to increase your preparedness for evacuation planning. Prepare that “Go” bag and communicate a meeting plan with your family. Let’s plan a safe summer so we can enjoy all the beauty and variety our summer season brings.

By planning and working together, we create a community where we want to live, and where we want to raise our children.

Onward together!

Patrice

Supervisor Horstman is grateful for the invaluable partnership that the Flood Control District has with the Coconino National Forest, the City of Flagstaff, engineering partners at Natural Channel Design, and contractor Tiffany Construction. Despite being restricted by above average snowmelt and funding timelines, progress toward the goal of constructing minimally invasive watershed restoration measures for the Schultz Creek watershed remains a priority. The extensive work planned for this spring will reduce the level of sediment and debris entering the City’s water detention basins and stormwater system and will be constructed just above the City detention facilities on Forest Service property. The planned measure will also protect the lower part of the Schultz Creek, an area that is popular among recreationists.

Phase 1 construction will begin in late spring with a series of small ponds that cause floodwater to slow down, spread out, and drop sediment before moving downstream. This “plug and spread” design minimizes impacts to the area by using existing topography to reduce sediment flow. During construction, expect some temporary trail closures. Schultz Pass Road will be closed to motorized vehicles through this summer. Phase 1 of the project will continue at least through June. Phase 2 of the Flood Control District construction project will take place further upstream and will begin in Fall 2023.

The Schultz Creek project is anticipated to cost $5.4 million and is funded by the National Forest Service.

Supervisor Horstman is pleased to see the progress being made toward mitigating the post-wildfire flooding impacts in Coconino County. She reminds the community that the Pipeline Fire profoundly changed the local landscape. It’s not possible to completely eliminate flooding impacts from every storm event. The Supervisor urges everyone to maintain their short-term mitigation plans. Keep your sandbags and barriers in place until we see how all the new measures perform during monsoon season.

City Council Meetings May 8th and 15th, 2023:

Meetings & Presentations | Coconino (az.gov)

Schultz Creek Community Meeting

This has been a busy spring and will be a busy early summer as Coconino County works to institute its long-term flood mitigation projects on both the east side along Highway 89 and the west side along Highway 180 before our summer monsoons. These mitigation projects include substantial improvements to Mount Elden Lookout Road at the Schultz Creek crossing. This portion of Mount Elden Lookout Road experienced occasional flooding due to snowmelt and spring run-off. However, since the Tunnel and Pipeline Fires, the volume and duration of water flowing over the road has increased substantially. During last year’s monsoons, this resulted in numerous flooding and closures of the road. This road offers the primary ingress and egress for homes in this area, and therefore, it is critical that improvements be made.

Neighbors in the Mount Elden Estates area, gathered to hear from Supervisor Horstman, County Public Works Director Christopher Tressler and Mike Kearly from Natural Channel Design about the proposed changes to this portion of the road which, once constructed, would reduce road closures by allowing the flow of larger volumes of water to pass under the road through three newly constructed barrel box culverts.

It is expected that the project will commence in mid to late May and will require utility relocations, channel grading, and the installation of the box culverts. Likely, this will result in a temporary road closure and road detours. Like many of the County’s other flood mitigation projects, the County is hopeful to complete this road project before the monsoons.

Supervisor Horstman, also outlined how the County’s westside mitigation projects which include the installation of alluvial fans upstream from Flagstaff’s newly installed detention basins, will also improve water volume and flows from the Schultz Creek drainage which will assist with flows under Mount Elden Lookout Road.

Supervisor Horstman encourages residents to check for updates on the County’s website provided below.

Mt. Elden Lookout Road Drainage Improvement Project | Coconino (az.gov)

Mt. Eden Community Meeting May 11,2023 Presentation:

Mt. Elden Lookout Project

Supervisor Horstman and Coconino County Public Works department met with the Fort Valley/Baderville community to discuss proposed drainage improvements for South Snowbowl Road. This area of Snowbowl Road was scheduled for improvements due to flooding concerns and issues with the current structure interfering with the natural flow of water from the upstream wetland areas and across the Snowbowl Road to the south side.

A number of neighbors were in attendance as Christopher Tressler, Public Works Director, discussed the replacement of the existing pair of 32 x 48“culverts on Snowbowl Rd with seven new 18 x 24“culverts which would include concrete head walls and inlet/outlet aprons. The project is intended to help mitigate seasonal flooding and with natural flows while maintaining the integrity of the adjacent wetland area.

The neighbors expressed concerns regarding maintaining the upstream wetland areas as the moisture accumulation in this area is essential to recharge their aquifers and wells. The county presented extensive modeling and hydraulic analysis to ensure that the proposed improvements will not have an adverse effect up or down stream from the South Snow Bowl Rd. and that the project would maintain the upstream wetland areas.

It is expected that this project will commence sometime in May.

Snow Bowl Road Drainage Improvement Project | Coconino (az.gov)

April 27th, 2023, Community Meeting Presentation:

Snowbowl Drainage Project

Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff hosted a thank you for the Arizona Department of Fire and Forest Management (DFFM) Director Tom Torres, Arizona Director of Emergency Management Allen Clark, Assistant Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Director Gene Wilkie, and representatives from FEMA and DEMA to thank them for the 41.7 million dollars from the Arizona DFFM Wildfire Fund to the City and County.

Mayor Becky Daggett and Councilmember Miranda Sweet with City staff joined Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, Supervisor Horstman and County staff for this event. Flagstaff and Coconino County had on display some of the essential equipment and vehicles purchased from this fund, which will assist in the flood mitigation efforts for both the County and City.

Supervisor Horstman and Mayor Daggett even got a chance to fly the drone which can provide a bird’s eye view of fires and flooding, essential during emergencies. Although the demonstration was successful, the County drone operators are not in danger of losing their jobs to the Mayor or Supervisor Horstman. Both were pleased to report that no drones were damaged in the demonstration.

After requesting public input, the Flagstaff Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service received a robust community response to the proposal for commercial outfitter and guide services in the Mount Eldon/Dry Lakes area. Given the concerns raised during the public comment process, the Flagstaff Ranger District cancelled the proposals for commercial outfitter and guide services. The outpouring of public comment from elected officials and citizens clearly demonstrates that Coconino County residents are invested in decisions about our National Forest.

Coconino County is nestled amid the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the continental United States. The area proposed for commercial outfitter and guide services included areas impacted by the Pipeline fire and post-wildfire flooding. The Dry Hills area is also recognized as one of heightened wildfire concerns and is vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding.

Supervisor Horstman provided written comment on this proposal, noting the potential unintended consequences from opening this sensitive area to commercial outfitter and guide services. She is pleased that the Flagstaff Ranger District has halted the process and appreciates the thoroughness of the Forest Service review of concerns raised during the public comment process.

Last month, Arizona State Attorney General Kris Mayes met with the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and other County officials in Flagstaff, Arizona! A week later, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also traveled to Flagstaff to meet with the BOS, County Elections office, and our County Recorder’s office. This visit was the first time in decades that either the Arizona Attorney General or Arizona Secretary of State visited with County officials in Flagstaff.

In meeting with AG Kris Mayes, the Board and County officials presented a wide variety of challenges facing Coconino County, including the county’s commitment to upholding voter rights, the opioid crisis, protecting the Grand Canyon from mining, water scarcity, forest restoration, the roll back of women’s health rights, and a plethora of other issues.

At the meeting with our Attorney General, Supervisor Horstman underscored the need for local control over Coconino County’s water supply and for new ground water management laws that provide rural counties the ability to manage their ground water.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez amplified the Supervisor’s call for increased local control and the need for flexibility to meet local community needs. Our County Attorney Bill Ring stressed the importance of working collaboratively and in partnership with the Attorney General’ office to address criminal justice reforms and other legal challenges.

The following week, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes visited Coconino County and passionately defended voter rights and made clear that any threats, intimidation, or violence against our election workers or the County’s election process would be dealt with swiftly and aggressively by the office of the Secretary of State.

The Board and County officials appreciated the opportunity to meet our State elected officials and to discuss the challenges and concerns facing Northern Arizona.

Education is foundational to the well-being of our community, and Supervisor Patrice Horstman is proud to be a sponsor of the annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Award. It was inspirational to be in the room full of committed educators teaching in Coconino County, there to be honored for their excellence. Congratulations to all the extraordinary teachers recognized at the Coconino County Teacher of the Year award ceremony on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget announced the Teacher of the year winner, Emily Fisher, Marshall Magnet School. Also honored are the 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year, Josie Teegardin of Mount Elden Middle School and the Lifetime Achievement award winner from Grand Canyon School, Brad Houston.

Teacher of the Year Emily Fisher currently teaches 5th grade at Marshall Elementary School, where she has been an educator for 13 years. She’s an inspiration to her students and colleagues, reaching beyond the classroom to serve as her school’s Positive Behavior Support committee and chair of the Science Council. It was especially wonderful for Supervisor Horstman to watch her next-door neighbor receive this well-deserved recognition.

Rookie Teacher of the Year Josie Teegarden began teaching full time at Mount Elden Middle School (MEMS) in August 2021, after completing her student teaching requirement at the same school. She’s an active role model, leading outdoor expeditions for Alpine programs, providing after-school tutoring, and serving as both coach and referee for the girls’ soccer team.

Lifetime Achievement winner Brad Houston moved into education from the high-tech industry. His experience helps students make real world connections between math and science.

Teachers invest in our children’s lives. Coconino County is so fortunate to have a school system rich in talent and commitment. Thank you to Emily, Josie, and Brad, for your excellent service to the students of the FUSD in Coconino County.

Speaking of sustainability and carbon reduction, Mountain Line is going electric! Mountain Line Bus Transportation Company recently unveiled its first all-electric commuter bus. Supervisor Horstman was on hand to celebrate this breakthrough moment in the efforts to go green in Coconino County. What a thrill to watch the future roll into our community. This first bus is just the beginning of our efforts to reach the community’s carbon neutrality goals. Full transition to all electric vehicles will reduce carbon emissions by 68%…this one bus alone is the equivalent of removing almost ten passenger vehicles from our roads!

Congratulations to Mountain Line, and a thank you to the Federal Transit Administration and APS for awarding the funding for Mountain Line to launch this initiative to get the first two electric buses on the road. Further federal grant funding is expected to support the transition to an all-electric fleet with additional buses and infrastructure in the future. Supervisor Horstman applauds the efforts of Mountain Line to drive Coconino County into a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Home – Mountain Line | Fixed Route Service in Flagstaff Mountain Line | Fixed Route Service in Flagstaff (az.gov)

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman was pleased to join hundreds of community members in the 2023 Earth Day festivities at Bushmaster Park on April 22nd. The festivities included dozens of informative booths with engaging activities for children and adults. This special day reminds us that we have an important role to play in the protecting our planet for future generations. Local organization “Friends of Coconino County Parks” hosted a community-led trash clean-up day at Ft. Tuthill and the County sponsored clean-up along Highway 180 and other communities across Coconino County.

The Board of Supervisors, County Leadership, and the Green Team fully support the cause of Earth Day and make every day a celebration of our beautiful planet as we commit to sustainability, water conservation, and carbon reduction.

Supervisor Horstman is grateful for a large financial settlement from the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds Agreement. The national settlements against opioid distributors will result in payments to Coconino County over a course of eighteen years of up to $2,896,212 and up to $1,174,195 for use by cities and towns within our County. Additionally, the County anticipates participating in five additional opioid settlements currently being pursued by Arizona State Attorney General Mayes to bring another $2.2 million to Coconino County and another $900,000 to cities and towns in the County. Supervisor Horstman notes that these funds will be used to address opioid addiction in our County by providing resources, education, and outreach to help prevent opioid overdose and reduce substance abuse.

Opioid Az State Guidelines

The Coconino County Sherriff’s office and Coconino County Emergency Management announce the creation of evacuation zones focusing on neighborhoods, communities, and residential areas throughout Coconino County.

These pre-identified zones will assist the County with a standardized evacuation plan and assist with the efficiency of the overall emergency notification system, including the County’s “Ready, Set, Go” program. Your neighborhood and the new evacuation zones may be found on the map included in the QR code below.

Supervisor Horstman urges all community members to review the map and save the information in case of emergency. Be prepared and know your evacuation zone!

In addition to the QR code, an interactive map may be found at

www.coconino.az.gov/evacmap.

It was Supervisor Horstman’s great honor to read the Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclamation to honor the memory of long time Coconino County employee, Alta Edison, and name the Tuba City Election Office the Alta Edison Native American Outreach Center. Alta was a 40 year member of the Coconino County family and her work in the County Recorder’s office and tireless commitment to voter outreach and to ensure the right to vote, especially among our Indigenous communities, is legendary.

In recognition of 24 years of leadership and extraordinary service to the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), Coconino County Board of Supervisors declared May 11th, 2023 as “Carol Dykes Day”. Carol Dykes has long been the backbone for the United Way of Northern Arizona, including serving as its President and CEO commencing in 2019. UWNA has a long-standing partnership with Coconino County and for decades has provided needed services, financial assistance, volunteers, and help whenever our community faces emergencies. Last year, during the Tunnel and Pipeline Fires and the over 50 separate post-wildfire floods, Carol oversaw UWNA’s response which included providing over 1636 volunteer hours to our community. UWNA and Carol Dykes exemplify the motto of “Living United” with neighbors helping neighbors and provided vital help and financial assistance during times of crisis.

Carol has earned her retirement. However, she will never retire from her community; clearly, being a public servant is who she is. Supervisor Horstman and the Board of Supervisors were honored to recognize Carol Dykes and declare May 11 as “Carol Dykes Day” in Coconino County.

Supervisor Horstman was delighted to attend the annual Miss Cleo’s Tea Party to benefit the Southside Community Association on Sunday, April 30, 2023. The historic Murdoch Center was filled with fancy hats, elegant china, community supporters, and Girl Scouts! As a lifelong Girl Scout, the Supervisor was impressed by their handmade fascinators, bounteous raffle baskets, and enthusiasm for living the teachings of the legendary educator, Miss Cleo Murdoch. The namesake of the Murdoch Center, Miss Cleo was instrumental in promoting equal education and rights for all citizens. Thanks to Girl Scout Troop 6520 for supporting this community event, and Southside Community Association for continuing the legacy of Miss Cleo.