News
City touts four projects worth $100M
How would you spend nearly $100 million in taxpayer money?
It is a question the Flagstaff City Council is hoping residents will answer on Tuesday night as it holds a town hall forum on four major projects that will need voter approval to move forward. The meeting will be held in the Sinagua High School Commons from 6 to 8 p.m.
The most expensive of the four proposals is the Lone Tree Railroad Overpass, connecting Butler Avenue to Route 66 just east of downtown Flagstaff. The most recent estimate, according to City Manager Kevin Burke, has the construction of the overpass as well as securing the necessary property costing the city as much as $45 million to build
City planners believe that once Lone Tree is expanded to handle larger traffic volumes and connect to Route 66, traffic volume on Milton Road will decrease. But that prospect will be enhanced only if portions of Lone Tree Road between Butler Avenue and Interstate 40 are widened to four lanes, and a new highway interchange is built.
The widened Lone Tree would force the closure of Kinsey Elementary School, and require the city to compensate Flagstaff Unified School District.
CITY COURT TOO SMALL
A new city court is also being proposed at a cost of between $17 million and $23 million.
A study performed last year by an outside consultant suggested that the city needed a much larger facility -- between 40,000 to 50,000 square feet -- to handle current case loads. The size of the current city court is roughly 15,000 square feet.
The city is also testing the waters on building a new public works yard in west Flagstaff, with an estimated $20 million price tag.
The current facility is no longer adequate to keep up with the city maintenance needs, with at least some work being performed in the yard, not in the garages.
If approved, the city would eventually move the public works yard out of the location near Flagstaff Middle School.
Several departments have expressed interest in the property, but the city's environmental sustainability manager, Rebecca Sayers, said the soil might need to be cleaned up first before any department could move in.
She said large fuel tanks have already been removed but the building might have some surface contamination from being used for decades by the city to repair heavy machinery and vehicles.
LAP POOL FOR AQUAPLEX
The city is also interested in building an eight-lane, 25-meter competitive lap pool adjacent to the Aquaplex for roughly $10 million. A competitive lap pool had been part of the design in the voter-approved 2004 aquatic center bond, but was eliminated to save projected costs of building the current Aquaplex.
Burke said there is some discussion by councilmembers that the city should build an Olympic-size swimming pool, which would be 50 meters long. But if the city moved forward with the larger pool it would need to be build somewhere else and would likely cost more than $10 million.
While the Council has given tacit approval to the four bond proposals, Burke is encouraging residents to speak up about bond projects they might want to see on the November 2010 ballot.
"It is a town hall, so bring it up," he said.
Joe Ferguson can be reached at jferguson@azdailysun.com or 556-2253.
Four bond projects
Lone Tree Railroad Overpass $45M
New City Court $17M-$23M
New Public Work Yard $20M
New Lap Pool $10M
Total: $92M-$98M
If you go...
Town Hall meeting to discuss capital projects
Tuesday, June 23
6-8 p.m.
Sinagua High School Commons
»Subscribe to the Arizona Daily Sun
Ads by Yahoo!
Readers' Favorites
Most commented stories
- Plea deal in abortion scuffle (300)
- FUSD budget override fails (83)
- From illuminated to eliminated (76)
- Student scofflaws now a Target (72)
- Big-city care driving FMC prices (63)
- Locals losing campus contracts (50)
- ADOT to cut plows (49)
- Tired from a tough hike? Rescuers fear Yuppie 911 (32)
- State suspends operations at 13 rest areas (30)
- Detox falling short (28)
Leave your comments below:
A Watchful Eye wrote on Jul 2, 2009 9:27 PM:
" I applaud the city for spending money on infrastructure in a time of crisis. Not only will it soften the current blows we are feeling, it will also position us for a future of economic growth. I agree with hooking the I40 interchange with Lone Tree - great idea.
The courthouse may be a significant need, I do not know. I will have to look at the numbers.
Such a fitness minded area needs an adequate competitive pool. I agree with making it larger than 25 meters in length to accomodate multiple needs.
CONSIDER THIS - We are calling ourselves a City of Innovation, and greatly investing in entrepneurial activity, yet we have PITIFUL high speed internet. Some of this money should be diverted to bringing FIBEROPTIC internet connectivity to the area. With NACET, TGenNorth, NAU, WL Gore, Senestech, Nestle-Purina, JoyCone, Machine Solutions, FMC, etc., etc., ALL OF THEM WILL BENEFIT FROM DOWNLOAD TIMES CONSISTENT WITH OTHER AREAS THAT HARBOR THE HIGH SALARY JOBS WE ALL WANT TO BRING TO FLAGSTAFF. This is our greatest need. "
The courthouse may be a significant need, I do not know. I will have to look at the numbers.
Such a fitness minded area needs an adequate competitive pool. I agree with making it larger than 25 meters in length to accomodate multiple needs.
CONSIDER THIS - We are calling ourselves a City of Innovation, and greatly investing in entrepneurial activity, yet we have PITIFUL high speed internet. Some of this money should be diverted to bringing FIBEROPTIC internet connectivity to the area. With NACET, TGenNorth, NAU, WL Gore, Senestech, Nestle-Purina, JoyCone, Machine Solutions, FMC, etc., etc., ALL OF THEM WILL BENEFIT FROM DOWNLOAD TIMES CONSISTENT WITH OTHER AREAS THAT HARBOR THE HIGH SALARY JOBS WE ALL WANT TO BRING TO FLAGSTAFF. This is our greatest need. "
fire on the mtn wrote on Jul 1, 2009 6:44 AM:
" the city council always forgets its obligations to attach one percent to public arts for any and all of the bonded projects it passes...hmmm.approved years ago.remember? "
Lee Harsh wrote on Jun 26, 2009 5:44 PM:
" The lap pool at the aquaplex was supposed to have been installed at the beginning...NAU was supposed to be on board...someone either overspent or over built which equals poor planning.one only has to look at the amount of people it takes to cover the kiddie pool area . There were also 7 get that 7 employees supervising 5 youngsters playing dodgeball!!Then we(Flag residents) were not notified that "oh dear...no lap pool". It was also supposed to be affordable to the Sunnyside neighborhood. None of that has happened. I think it is imperative that we do not put in the lap pool.this is not the time..what is wrong with using NAU now that High Altitude no longer is an issue?
Lee "
Lee "
what the f... wrote on Jun 25, 2009 8:21 AM:
" none of these projects would be given to flagstaff contractors who are currently hurting just as much as phoenix contractors. these are mostly pork, pure and simple, the result of our "liberal" city government. the only one that might be justified is a new court building.
the city should specify local contractors only whern possible and for that matter, any construction project in Flagstaff should give some tax incentive, something, for contractors using local companies. "
the city should specify local contractors only whern possible and for that matter, any construction project in Flagstaff should give some tax incentive, something, for contractors using local companies. "
Anne wrote on Jun 25, 2009 6:10 AM:
" Government spending may create jobs that aren't really needed but it also devalues the dollar. So you appear to be earning something but the paper money you are paid with becomes virtually worthless. And you will have sold your children and grandchildren into debt slavery even worse than your parents and grandparents sold you into. Like little gerbils running on a wheel such workers never come out ahead though they may think they are gaining something. "
JK wrote on Jun 25, 2009 6:03 AM:
" Added to the mortgage payments in PHX consider about $300/month for air conditioning from April to November and another $200/mo for pool care plus the liability insurance for a pool and whatever medical bills the filthy air causes to your family and the costs of driving everywhere.
Personally nothing on the city shopping list falls into the category of necessity - even the court house. If that courthouse is overwhelmed with cases then there is something else wrong in the system that needs fixing first... maybe reconsider being a sanctuary city for illegals or lease some of that empty space in the mall for a branch courthouse on the east side of town where there is plenty of parking. A lease will cost less than borrowing since the mall can't currently give away those spaces to anyone else. [FLG doesn't care much for its present buildings as demonstrated by the shameful state of the county courthouse lawn at San Francisco and Birch.... can't the city impose clean ups for the lawn or keep the dogs from "using" that lawn since it is such a highly visible space to visitors to the town. It is also a disgusting place for children to play while waiting for their parents - which is often done. It is a general health menace. The county should know better but, if they don't, it is time for city ordinances to kick in. ]
Are we really willing to borrow $100million for luxury things like a lap pool that will only be used by the wealthier in the city who can afford the usage fees??? Not many families can afford to use the present Aquaplex on a regular basis. Do we REALLY want bigger, faster roads, overpasses, etc.??? Build it and THEY will come -- FLG, the PHX of the future. Freeways and cars are not sustainable technologies as PHX and LA have proven. "
Personally nothing on the city shopping list falls into the category of necessity - even the court house. If that courthouse is overwhelmed with cases then there is something else wrong in the system that needs fixing first... maybe reconsider being a sanctuary city for illegals or lease some of that empty space in the mall for a branch courthouse on the east side of town where there is plenty of parking. A lease will cost less than borrowing since the mall can't currently give away those spaces to anyone else. [FLG doesn't care much for its present buildings as demonstrated by the shameful state of the county courthouse lawn at San Francisco and Birch.... can't the city impose clean ups for the lawn or keep the dogs from "using" that lawn since it is such a highly visible space to visitors to the town. It is also a disgusting place for children to play while waiting for their parents - which is often done. It is a general health menace. The county should know better but, if they don't, it is time for city ordinances to kick in. ]
Are we really willing to borrow $100million for luxury things like a lap pool that will only be used by the wealthier in the city who can afford the usage fees??? Not many families can afford to use the present Aquaplex on a regular basis. Do we REALLY want bigger, faster roads, overpasses, etc.??? Build it and THEY will come -- FLG, the PHX of the future. Freeways and cars are not sustainable technologies as PHX and LA have proven. "
MM wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:39 AM:
" I agree Tom S. Flagstaff needs to spend this money on better places for families to live. Unfortunatly a little too late for some, our family finally had enough this past year and moved from a small two bedroom apartment in flag paying 795.00 to phoenix where we have a 3 bedroom house with a POOL price 795.00! Bad choice i dont think so. "
what the f... wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:07 AM:
" none of these projects would be given to flagstaff contractors who are currently hurting just as much as phoenix contractors. these are mostly pork, pure and simple, the result of our "liberal" city government. the only one that might be justified is a new court building.
the city should specify local contractors only whern possible and for that matter, any construction project in Flagstaff should give some tax incentive, something, for contractors using local companies. "
the city should specify local contractors only whern possible and for that matter, any construction project in Flagstaff should give some tax incentive, something, for contractors using local companies. "
Tom S wrote on Jun 23, 2009 2:43 PM:
" What wasteful projects! If the city really wants to improve itself, how about helping apartment companies build bigger newer and nicer places. We need to drive down the cost of living here if you really want to improve the city.. To many people are being driven away when the only thing you can get in town for 800/mo is a rotting shack in Sunnyside.
Small businesses are struggling to keep good help in this town. Not to mention the absurd rules on new business fronts anywhere in town keep new businesses from moving in.
If the city wants the money to spend on wasteful projects at a time like this, they first need to increase their tax revenue by enticing more people to move to the city. Unfortunately the city chases out businesses, and chases out anyone making less than 100,000 a year. "
Small businesses are struggling to keep good help in this town. Not to mention the absurd rules on new business fronts anywhere in town keep new businesses from moving in.
If the city wants the money to spend on wasteful projects at a time like this, they first need to increase their tax revenue by enticing more people to move to the city. Unfortunately the city chases out businesses, and chases out anyone making less than 100,000 a year. "
cantswiminawadingpool wrote on Jun 23, 2009 12:10 PM:
" The Flagstaff area has a need for far more than eight lanes for competative swimming. The pools currently in Flagstaff do not meet all the needs of competative swimmers and divers. A 50 meter x 25 yard competative pool and diving well should be built as soon as possible to serve the needs of Flagstaff's swimmers.
25 yards is the most common standard length for High School and USA Swimming competition. 50 meters is the standard length for long course and international competition. Finally, Water Polo needs 30 meters x 20 meters x 2 meters deep. That could be accomodated in a 50 meter pool.
Pools currently available to Flagstaff's high school and competative swimmers are as follows: Flagstaff HS pool is 25 yards x 6 lanes. There is no diving board, as the pool isn't deep enough. This puts our divers at a disadvantage at meets, as diving is part of the high school competition. Our divers must forfeit points to the other team because our pool doesn't offer a board. Despite this handicap, Flagstaff Eagles usually finish the season within the top few places at State competition. The pool at Flagstaff HS is suffering from much deferred maintenance, and it is unknown how long FUSD intends to keep this pool open. Six lanes are not enough for the size of the FHS team, and they need a diving board.
One of Flagstaff's two USA Swimming teams practices at FHS. USA swimming is the governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, and is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games. Arizona has produced many Olympic champions, including Janet Evans and Dara Torres. Many of Flagstaff's swimmers dream of the Olympics.
NAU's pool is also home to a USA Swimming team, as well as the university team. This pool has 8 -50 meter lanes, or 12 -25 yard lanes, and is also heavily used.
Sinagua High School, Coconino HS, and the charter schools in Flagstaff do not have pools. The pool at MEMS has been filled in, and was too short for any standard competition, but was good for teaching beginners.
There are swimmers at some of these schools interested in forming a school team, but can't for lack of a pool. Secendary school students should have access to a pool with their physical education program. All students should learn water safety, and should know how to swim.
The pool at Flagstaff's new Aquaplex is too short and shallow for competative swimming, and is only 3 narrow lanes. The other pools in the Flagstaff area belong to private clubs.
A 50 meter x 25 yard pool would provide 8 long course lanes, or 20 short course lanes. The City of Long Beach, CA built 2 pools of this size to host the 2004 US Olympic trials, reportadly at a cost of $2 million. http://www.myrthapools.com/grandiEventi-scheda.asp?SPORT_ID=11
Of course, Flagstaff would need an indoor pool, adding to the costs. The city should consult with USA Swimming about design specifications and construction techniques to fit a budget that this city can afford. Our swimmers deserve nothing less. "
25 yards is the most common standard length for High School and USA Swimming competition. 50 meters is the standard length for long course and international competition. Finally, Water Polo needs 30 meters x 20 meters x 2 meters deep. That could be accomodated in a 50 meter pool.
Pools currently available to Flagstaff's high school and competative swimmers are as follows: Flagstaff HS pool is 25 yards x 6 lanes. There is no diving board, as the pool isn't deep enough. This puts our divers at a disadvantage at meets, as diving is part of the high school competition. Our divers must forfeit points to the other team because our pool doesn't offer a board. Despite this handicap, Flagstaff Eagles usually finish the season within the top few places at State competition. The pool at Flagstaff HS is suffering from much deferred maintenance, and it is unknown how long FUSD intends to keep this pool open. Six lanes are not enough for the size of the FHS team, and they need a diving board.
One of Flagstaff's two USA Swimming teams practices at FHS. USA swimming is the governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, and is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games. Arizona has produced many Olympic champions, including Janet Evans and Dara Torres. Many of Flagstaff's swimmers dream of the Olympics.
NAU's pool is also home to a USA Swimming team, as well as the university team. This pool has 8 -50 meter lanes, or 12 -25 yard lanes, and is also heavily used.
Sinagua High School, Coconino HS, and the charter schools in Flagstaff do not have pools. The pool at MEMS has been filled in, and was too short for any standard competition, but was good for teaching beginners.
There are swimmers at some of these schools interested in forming a school team, but can't for lack of a pool. Secendary school students should have access to a pool with their physical education program. All students should learn water safety, and should know how to swim.
The pool at Flagstaff's new Aquaplex is too short and shallow for competative swimming, and is only 3 narrow lanes. The other pools in the Flagstaff area belong to private clubs.
A 50 meter x 25 yard pool would provide 8 long course lanes, or 20 short course lanes. The City of Long Beach, CA built 2 pools of this size to host the 2004 US Olympic trials, reportadly at a cost of $2 million. http://www.myrthapools.com/grandiEventi-scheda.asp?SPORT_ID=11
Of course, Flagstaff would need an indoor pool, adding to the costs. The city should consult with USA Swimming about design specifications and construction techniques to fit a budget that this city can afford. Our swimmers deserve nothing less. "
GRYFIS wrote on Jun 23, 2009 10:09 AM:
" "Bad ideas" has it right when he/she talks about the work required for the city yard going out of town. Even before the construction, you can bet that virtually all of the up-front design work for these projects is going to out of town companies. That's work and dollars that could be going to in-town designers that is now going to be spent to stimulate the Phoenix economy. "
Dont Get These Comments wrote on Jun 23, 2009 7:13 AM:
" I don't get these comments that say don't spend money now. Government spending money in a depression or recession creates jobs. That's a good thing in anyone's book. Government spending without appropriate taxation to cover it during BOOM times creates disaster -- that's what Bush did and I bet these same belly-achers weren't criticizing two off-the-books and unfinanced wars with money flowing to private contractors without any supervision. Or the billions tossed to the pharmaceutical companies without any price controls as Bush touted Medicare Part "D" to get re-elected in 2004. Now that the government needs to spend money -- and is trying to do so in an accountable way - shut your mouths and go to meetings to make rationale suggestions. "
Jeff Johnson wrote on Jun 23, 2009 6:44 AM:
" The Lone Tree Road improvements should be tied to a new interchange at I40. Without the interchange, Lone Tree offers no benefit whatsoever. Tying the north end into Route 66 midway between downtown and Switzer Canyon is also of little benefit. It's just another road to nowhere. Lone Tree should feed into downtown at Elden, or into Switzer Canyon. We still need a north-south traffic corridor that can carry traffic through town between I40 and US180. "
Jobless wrote on Jun 22, 2009 11:00 PM:
" Why couldn't some of this money be used to save the 12 positions of the City that were layed off, raise insurance premiums, and reduce incomes? The City wants to spend $100M but not save jobs? What else will the city do to make their employees feel worthless....come on now... "
Remove the Old Jail wrote on Jun 22, 2009 5:34 PM:
" Spend $100 million, you are kidding, right?
It sounds like the only real need is for a new city court. The solution is actually simple. Instead of spending $10 million on swimming pools, use the money to tear down the old jail next to the county courthouse. Build the city courthouse there. Include a parking garage that the city can charge for parking. All court related business for the city/county/state can be done on the same city block, with parking. "
It sounds like the only real need is for a new city court. The solution is actually simple. Instead of spending $10 million on swimming pools, use the money to tear down the old jail next to the county courthouse. Build the city courthouse there. Include a parking garage that the city can charge for parking. All court related business for the city/county/state can be done on the same city block, with parking. "
RG wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:45 PM:
" Bob, watch to see what happens to the block where the court now sits, with so many vacant buildings. Buy out Budget, buy out the motel at the corner of Humphreys and there's a whole lot of room for city expansion. There's a whole plan in someone's drawer for all of the property facing Humphreys on that block facing city hall, and across from Wheeler Park as well! "
RG wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:41 PM:
" Tom's got it right -- "Stop spending!" How much more evidence is needed that we are in some deeply troubled times?
It's planning alright, like a bulldozer in slow gear. The Lone Tree overpass has been in the plans for a long time, and nothing is likely to stop it, regardless of the unlikely benefit, or the state ever coming through with a Lone Tree interchange on I-40. Except it can be delayed by the voters in the fall.
This is not criticizing everything the city does. It is called being prudent in very unpredictable times. Just yesterday we learned of the "surprising" continued downturn in consumer spending and the resulting lower tax revenues splashed across the top front of this paper.
It will be interesting to see if a very pained electorate will even reauthorize the sales tax, let alone approve of BORROWING MONEY. That's it folks -- borrowing money. There is not some extra $100 million in a pot that can be handed back out to citizens as Flag suggests below. This is asking voters in the fall for authorization to borrow money (bond issues).
Write it down -- today, June 22, 2009 -- there will be additional cuts forced in the city in FY2010 due to lower revenues. "
It's planning alright, like a bulldozer in slow gear. The Lone Tree overpass has been in the plans for a long time, and nothing is likely to stop it, regardless of the unlikely benefit, or the state ever coming through with a Lone Tree interchange on I-40. Except it can be delayed by the voters in the fall.
This is not criticizing everything the city does. It is called being prudent in very unpredictable times. Just yesterday we learned of the "surprising" continued downturn in consumer spending and the resulting lower tax revenues splashed across the top front of this paper.
It will be interesting to see if a very pained electorate will even reauthorize the sales tax, let alone approve of BORROWING MONEY. That's it folks -- borrowing money. There is not some extra $100 million in a pot that can be handed back out to citizens as Flag suggests below. This is asking voters in the fall for authorization to borrow money (bond issues).
Write it down -- today, June 22, 2009 -- there will be additional cuts forced in the city in FY2010 due to lower revenues. "
Bob wrote on Jun 22, 2009 4:15 PM:
" Bad ideas: The surcharge on your traffic ticket is called the Judicial Collection Enhancement Fund (JCEF). That money goes directly to the state, and is earmarked for things like court employee training and maintaining the statewide court database. It can't be used to fund construction of new facilities. There's also a local court fee, which is usually just enough to make up the difference in operating costs. (Remember, the court doesn't get to keep the fines; that money goes to the city, county or state treasury, depending on the law involved and which court it is.)
The bottom line is that if the city needs a new court facility, then the city is going to have to come up with the money to pay for it. Of course, there's still the question of where to build a new facility. Downtown would perhaps make the most sense, but where is there any space downtown to erect a new building? "
The bottom line is that if the city needs a new court facility, then the city is going to have to come up with the money to pay for it. Of course, there's still the question of where to build a new facility. Downtown would perhaps make the most sense, but where is there any space downtown to erect a new building? "
Reg wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:42 PM:
" Just curious why one or two of the MANY vacant buildings cannot be utilized for 1 or 2 of these projects. The City Court has certainly outgrown it present location - but why not utilize an existing building. Why waste money on a new building. Come on Mayor and Council - no more bonds unless it is absolutely necessary. I'm not sure the majority of these projects qualify as absolutely necessary. Maybe Court and new Public Works facility. And it should be mandated that "LOCALs only" can bid on the jobs. There are enough quality professionals here to get these jobs done. Keep the local money local..... "
David wrote on Jun 22, 2009 2:52 PM:
" Flagstaff is run by liberals. They love to spend our money. They should return this money to the tax payers. That will increase spending and create growth. A lap pool. What a waste. "
Bad ideas wrote on Jun 22, 2009 2:14 PM:
" The Lone Tree project is a big price tag for minimal, if any, benefit.
The lap pool should have been in the last bond, but the city combined the pool and multi-gen projects so that they could reduce the pool size and increase the multi-gen component and add some meeting rooms. Let's not reward poor judgement and deceipt with more millions.
I am not afraid to admit that I know nothing about the need for a court expansion. But isn't that what the surcharges on our traffic tickets are for?
The city yard will go to a Phoenix contractor unless it is divided into smaller components so the locals can compete for it.
Otherwise, the whole thing will consist of local taxes, paid to Phoenix contractors. "
The lap pool should have been in the last bond, but the city combined the pool and multi-gen projects so that they could reduce the pool size and increase the multi-gen component and add some meeting rooms. Let's not reward poor judgement and deceipt with more millions.
I am not afraid to admit that I know nothing about the need for a court expansion. But isn't that what the surcharges on our traffic tickets are for?
The city yard will go to a Phoenix contractor unless it is divided into smaller components so the locals can compete for it.
Otherwise, the whole thing will consist of local taxes, paid to Phoenix contractors. "
JK wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:40 PM:
" I'm amazed that the city is opting to spend that much money on anything -- I assume they will be borrowing it?? A poor strategy for a recession. It does sound like it will keep some construction firms in business at taxpayers expense. "
Kevan Taylor-Perry wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:13 PM:
" And spending the $100 million like this will create long-term jobs how? "
Bob wrote on Jun 22, 2009 11:28 AM:
" I don't know about some of these projects they're proposing; shouldn't we be more focused on a downtown parking structure than a new lap pool at the Aquaplex? But I agree that the city court needs a new building. I've been there on days where they tried to pack 100+ people into a courtroom that's only supposed to hold 48, and it seems to be a regular occurrence. Frankly, the whole building looks like a firetrap.
At any rate, even if all these measures are approved for the ballot, the election won't be until next November, so we've all got plenty of time to think about it and see what happens. "
At any rate, even if all these measures are approved for the ballot, the election won't be until next November, so we've all got plenty of time to think about it and see what happens. "
Question wrote on Jun 22, 2009 11:16 AM:
" Couldn't the existing pool at MEMS be re4paired and reopend for less than $10 Million? "
Luv Flag wrote on Jun 22, 2009 10:41 AM:
" This is called planning. These funds to be discussed are for capital projects down the road not operational funds. Just because there is a recession you don't stop planning. These are projects up for discussion, they are not yet approved. Some people criticize anything the city does, come on! You have to start planning now, you can't wait until the last minute and then decide you need a new bridge, road, whatever it be. "
AzWebFoot wrote on Jun 22, 2009 10:06 AM:
" The new Lone Tree "corridor" will indeed help with the Milton traffic. It will also make it easier to get to downtown. "
Flag wrote on Jun 22, 2009 9:07 AM:
" How about sending all citizens of Flagstaff a small check instead? We could all use the money at a time like this. 100,000,000/50,000=2,000 "
tom wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:58 AM:
" Quit spending!!! Has anyone notuced we are in a recession? These projects are based on wants, not needs. The words," City planners believe ", leave me with fear about their ability to manage anything. Look at the budget shortfall and get a clue. QUIT SPENDING!!!!!!!! "
Jeremy wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:39 AM:
" I think these are all decent projects however why is a lap pool costing 10 million???? "
Concerned wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:23 AM:
" Why is the city looking to borrow money when sales taxes are on a decline? I'm sorry, but when my household income is decreasing...I am not going to try to buy a new car, or new furniture!!! I think we need to be conservative through this recession, or we will be in deeper than we already are!!! "
RG wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:12 AM:
" This is going to be nothing but interesting to watch.
They will no doubt have one of those Monopoly game exercises at the open house where you are given money to spend on each project, thus voting or allocating your money. How about if you don't put it in any of the ballot box and take it home with you. That's what you'd like to do with your money. "
They will no doubt have one of those Monopoly game exercises at the open house where you are given money to spend on each project, thus voting or allocating your money. How about if you don't put it in any of the ballot box and take it home with you. That's what you'd like to do with your money. "
All comments will be reviewed before being posted. Comments that contain profanity or are obscene, resort to name calling, are libelous in nature, or make personal attacks won’t be approved. Criticism should focus on the ideas or arguments presented — not the person.
Comments are not always reviewed immediately, especially when posted on weekends or nights.
We reserve the right to delete any comments that, upon further review, fail to meet our guidelines.
Do we edit user comments? No. The writers are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide.
Click to see the complete policy
Advertisement
News Photos Slide Show
Top Jobs
Arizona Central Credit Union
Branch Manager
Blair Worldwide
Consultants
Flagstaff Preferred
Salespeople
High tech dental practice
Dental Hygenist
Mack Corporation
Ofc Mngr/Bookkeeper
New Generation
Fun Travel Job
Praxair Healthcare Services
Client Care Assoc
Southern California Water Dist
Millwright/Mechanic
Unspecified
CAD drafter
Unspecified
Opto-tech engineer
Branch Manager
Blair Worldwide
Consultants
Flagstaff Preferred
Salespeople
High tech dental practice
Dental Hygenist
Mack Corporation
Ofc Mngr/Bookkeeper
New Generation
Fun Travel Job
Praxair Healthcare Services
Client Care Assoc
Southern California Water Dist
Millwright/Mechanic
Unspecified
CAD drafter
Unspecified
Opto-tech engineer
Advertisements
Site Index
[ About Us |
Contact Us |
Job Opportunities |
Advertise |
Terms of use |
Privacy policy |
Legal Statement ]
The Arizona Daily Sun, Copyright 2009 © 1751 S. Thompson, Flagstaff, AZ
The Arizona Daily Sun, Copyright 2009 © 1751 S. Thompson, Flagstaff, AZ
Darrel wrote on Jul 6, 2009 7:10 PM: