[ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND AGENDA Tuesday, September 8, 2026 NAVAJO COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL COMPLEX BOARD OF SUPERVISORS' CHAMBERS 100 EAST CODE TALKERS DRIVE HOLBROOK, AZ 86025 One or more supervisors may attend telephonically Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02(H), the public body will have physical access to the meeting place one (1) hour prior to the start of the meeting. The Board may vote to meet in a closed executive session to discuss certain matters and for legal advice on any item as indicated on the following agenda, pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3). Items on the agenda may be considered out of order at the Chairperson's discretion. A copy of the agenda background material provided to the Board, except items to be considered in the executive session, is available for public inspection at the Navajo County website, www.navajocountyaz.gov WATCH THE MEETING LIVE AT: www.navajocountyaz.gov/660 All public comments will need to be made in person or in writing. Written comments will be received by the Clerk of the Board's office twenty-four (24) hours prior to the Board meeting, at leah.thomas@navajocountyaz.gov. Individuals seeking to address the Board during the Call to the Public or when an agenda item is called must fill out a “Request to Speak” form and provide it to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors before the meeting is called to order. Late submissions will not be accepted. The form must indicate whether the item the person wishes to speak on is on the agenda. Members of the public present to speak to the Board on an agenda item must so indicate, and are asked to refrain from speaking during the general Call to the Public. Persons present to address agenda items will be called on during a public comment period by the Board Chairman after the relevant agenda item is called. Individuals addressing the Board during the general Call to the Public are limited to three minutes. Individuals addressing the Board when an item is called are also limited to three minutes, however, additional time may be allotted by the Chairman to address any specific questions asked by members of the Board. Persons with disabilities who need accommodation to attend or participate in the meeting may contact the Clerk of the Board’s office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting, so accommodation can be arranged. “NOTICE TO PARENTS AND LEGAL GUARDIANS: Parents and legal guardians have the right to consent before Navajo County makes a video or voice recording of a minor child, pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-602(A)(9). The Navajo County Board of Supervisors' regular meetings are recorded and may be viewed on Navajo County’s website and social media pages. If you permit your child to attend/participate in a televised Navajo County Board of Supervisors meeting, a recording will be made, and your child’s picture may be posted on Navajo County’s social media pages. You may exercise your right not to consent by not allowing your child to attend/participate in the meeting.” 9:00 a.m. Call To Order: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and 9-11 Tribute ]
[00:00:04]
I'D LIKE TO CALL THIS REGULAR MEETING FOR PRESENT TODAY, AS WELL AS THOSE WHO MAY BE WATCHING, UH, TELL, TELL ME, UH, BROADCAST.
WE'D LIKE TO BEGIN TODAY BY, UH, ATION AND OF ALLEGIANCE SUPERVISOR WHI, THAT THOSE OUR ETERNAL FATHER IN HEAVEN WE'RE GRATEFUL.
THE OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE TO GATHER TOGETHER THIS.
WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR THE LAND, GRATEFUL FOR THOSE THAT WORK FOR NAVAJO COUNTY, OR THE EFFORTS THAT THEY PUT FORWARD.
WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
WE HAVE TO REVIEW THE AGENDA TODAY AND GO THROUGH THAT.
WE ASK A SPECIAL LESSON UPON, WE'LL BE ABLE TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS, TO LEARN, TO UNDERSTAND THE ITEMS THAT ARE ON THE AGENDA, TO MAKE THE DECISIONS THAT ARE WISE, THAT ARE WITHIN THE LAW, AND TO INCORPORATE AS BEST WE CAN, THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE, BLESS US WITH, BLESS US, THINGS THAT WE NEED TO HONOR THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE HAVE.
EVERYBODY'S WITH THIS, THIS DAY OVER THOSE FIRST TED PLUS STRENGTH, PLUS THE COMMUNITIES THAT THEY IN FOR WAYS TO SUPPORT AND SERVE THOSE THAT CONTINUE ON INTO THIS.
CHILDREN PROTECT, LEARN, BLESS, PRAY, SON, JESUS CHRIST, UNITED OF AMERICA, AND EX THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
COME TO TALK WITH YOU, NO STREETS OF STONE.
[00:06:01]
THE 25 YEARS AGO.THIS FRIDAY WAS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST TRAGIC THINGS THAT HAPPENED IN AMERICA, IN OUR LIFETIMES.
AND AS WE PUNTER THAT, AND REMEMBER THAT MAYBE WE ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED AFTERWARDS, THE UNITY, THE PEOPLE THAT WORK THE LARGEST, UH, MARINE THING THAT EVER HAPPENED, WHERE THERE WAS 500,000 PEOPLE TAKEN OFF OF THAT ISLAND THAT DAY BY BOATS, BY VOLUNTEERS, BY PEOPLE WHO LANDED A HAND.
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET THOSE SACRIFICES OF THE PEOPLE THAT WERE ON THE AIRPLANES WHO GAVE THEIR LIFE TO DIVERT FURTHER DEATH AND THINGS THAT HAPPEN.
AND SO WHEN 3000 PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES, I HOPE IT'S A DAY THAT WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN.
AND I HOPE IT'S A DAY THAT WE ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW SPECIAL LIFE CAN BE IN THE THINGS THAT WE SAY TO OTHER PEOPLE THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES.
[1. COUNTY BUSINESS UPDATE: Report from County Manager, County Attorney and Board members.]
DIVE ON THE AGENDAS COUNTY BUSINESS UPDATE A REPORT FROM OUR COUNTY MANAGER.UH, RECENTLY A DEVELOPER HELD A COMMUNITY MEETING, UH, COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEETING REGARDING A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNING AND WANT TO PROPOSE IN THE AREA OF NORTH OR NORTHWEST OF JOSEPH CITY.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT THESE MEETINGS WERE WELL ATTENDED, AND THERE MAY BE RESIDENTS HERE TODAY TO SPEAK ON THAT PROPOSAL AND BOARD.
JUST AS A REMINDER, THE COUNTY ASKED DEVELOPERS TO GO TO THE COMMUNITY FIRST AND TALK TO RESIDENTS FIRST.
UM, THEY, WE ASKED THEM TO GET THAT FEEDBACK.
THAT'S THE FIRST STEP OF THIS WHOLE PROCESS.
ONLY AFTER A DEVELOPER SPEAKS WITH RESIDENTS DO THEY COME TO STAFF WITH THE PROPOSED DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND, AND MAPS.
SO AT THIS TIME, THE COUNTY HAS NOT YET RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL PROPOSAL FROM THAT PARTICULAR DEVELOPER.
UH, SO AS STAFF, WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION YET TO RESPOND OR ANSWER QUESTIONS, BUT WE'RE GLAD THAT PEOPLE ARE HERE TO SHARE THEIR, THEIR COMMENTS AND WE'LL GLADLY ACCEPT THOSE.
UM, IF AND WHEN WE DO GET A PRO PROPOSAL, IT WILL FOLLOW OUR NORMAL PROCESSES OF REVIEW.
LOOK, UH, SUPERVISORS, UH, SUPERVISOR WHITEY, THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN, UM, HAD A CHANCE TO MEET WITH AS, AS MOST OF YOU KNOW, UM, CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE WAY OF FORESTRY IN THE REGION.
UM, WITH REPRESENTATIVE ALLEN NOW BEING OUR REPRESENTATIVE, SHE'S SHOWN INTEREST IN THAT.
SO SET UP A MEETING WITH HER AND WITH ONE OF THE, ONE OF THE, UH, LARGER LOGGERS IN THE AREA.
UM, THERE'S SOME LEGISLATION THAT'S EXISTED, THAT'S THE INTENT OF IT'S BEEN TO SUPPORT THAT INDUSTRY.
UM, IT DOESN'T ALWAYS LAND THAT WAY, AND SO SHE WANTED TO MEET WITH THEM TO SEE SOME OF THE ADJUSTMENTS THAT COULD BE MADE.
I THOUGHT IT WAS A PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATION.
UM, I KNOW WE HAVE ANOTHER MEETING WITH HER, I THINK IN A WEEK DOWN AT THE CAPITOL WHERE THEY'RE LOOKING AT, UH, POTENTIALLY A BILL TO RUN
[00:10:01]
TO KIND OF SUPPORT THEM ON THAT.SO I APPRECIATED HER WILLINGNESS TO TAKE THE TIME, UM, AND SOMETHING THAT MATTERS TO OUR AREA, AND I KNOW IT MATTERS TO HER.
UM, ALSO WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE NINE 11 EXPERIENCE.
THERE'S GONNA BE A LOT GOING ON THIS WEEKEND.
THERE'S A LOT OF, UH, KIND OF SPECIAL EXPERIENCE.
I KNOW A LOT OF THE SPORTING EVENTS, UH, SOME OF THE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS DO A, A NINE 11, UH, GAME WHERE THEY HONOR THE, THE HOLIDAY OR THE, AND THOSE THAT LOST THEIR LIVES AS WELL AS THOSE THAT SERVED AND, AND DEFENDED US DURING THAT TIME.
UM, SO THERE'S A LOT GOING ON WITH THAT.
THERE'S ALSO, I KNOW A LOT OF, UH, SERVICE GOING ON.
UM, NINE AND 11 DAY OF SERVICE IS HAPPENING IN MANY COMMUNITIES.
THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY, TO, TO SERVE, TO HELP, TO COME TOGETHER, UM, AT A TIME THAT HONORS.
WHEN OUR NATION CAME TOGETHER.
UM, I REMEMBER I WAS IN CO I WON'T GO INTO THIS LONG, BUT I WAS IN COLLEGE WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND I WAS WORKING THAT MORNING.
THE MANAGER CAME DOWNSTAIRS, I WAS GETTING ALL THE INSTALL CREWS OUT THE DOOR, AND HE SAID, THE CRAZIEST THING JUST HAPPENED.
A PLANE HIT A TOWER, YOU GUYS GOTTA COME SEE THIS.
AND WE WENT UPSTAIRS, AND AS WE WERE WATCHING IT LIVE, WE WATCHED THE SECOND PLANE COME INTO IT.
AND THE NEXT TWO DAYS, I REMEMBER IT WAS ALMOST SILENT AT WORK.
PEOPLE GOT THEIR WORK DONE, BUT NOBODY TALKED.
I REMEMBER IN AWE STAYING IN FRONT OF THE TV, UH, WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK AND JUST WATCHING, UM, WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND WAS JUST IN SHOCK AND AWE.
UM, I KNOW THAT IT, FOR ME IS SOMETHING THAT I PERSONALLY WILL NEVER, NEVER FORGET.
SO THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE SURE THAT WE, WE RECOGNIZE THAT HERE IN OUR MEETING.
UM, VICE CHAIR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD STAFF, UM, SINCE THE LAST BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING TO PRESENT, UH, JUST ATTENDING LOCAL COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS AS WELL AS MEETINGS.
AND, UM, MORE RECENTLY, I GUESS YOU, AND, AND, UM, AND, AND ALSO IN ADDITION TO OUR COUNTY MANAGERS IS, UM, UM, UPDATE, UH, IN REGARDS TO THE HONEYMOON TRAIL PROJECT.
UM, THAT I BECAME AWARE OF IT THROUGH AN EMAIL INVITATION ON AUGUST 23RD.
SO I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE, UM, THE BACK TO BACK SESSION OR PUBLIC MEETING ON THE, ON THE FIRST OF THIS MONTH.
SO THERE, UM, I WAS ABLE TO, UM, BE, UM, OBTAIN A LITTLE BIT MORE INFORMATION AS TO, UM, THE PROPOSED, UM, PROJECT ON THERE.
AND THAT ALLOWED ME TO, UM, NOT ONLY ATTEND THAT PUBLIC MEETING, BUT ALSO TO LISTEN TO SOME OF THE COMMUNITY CONCERNS, AND THEN ALSO JUST TO CONTINUE THAT, UH, CONVERSE OR TO CONTINUE THAT OPEN DIALOGUE THAT I HAVE WITH SOME OF THE RESIDENTS THERE.
AND SO, IN, IN THAT RETROSPECT, WHAT, UM, WE HAD, UM, COORDINATED WAS, UM, TO, AS FAR AS LIKE, UH, UM, TO PROVIDE A LITTLE BIT TO GET ADD CONTEXT TO THAT.
UM, WE'RE OUR CLERK LEAH, AND ALSO, UM, AND, AND THE LOCAL JOSEPH CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OR COORDINATING, UM, TO SCHEDULE A DATE TO WHERE WE CAN HAVE A, A MEETING THERE WITH THE, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY JUST TO, UM, VERIFY SOME DETAILS AND THEN ALSO TO, UM, ADDRESS SOME OF THE CONCERNS THAT WERE PRESENTED TO ME, BUT NOT ONLY TO ME, BUT ALSO TO THE DEVELOPER THEMSELVES.
AND SO BASICALLY THE GOAL, AND IN THAT IS JUST TO CORRECT, UM, THE SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION AS WE'VE BEEN SEEING A RISE IN MISINFORMATION GOING INTO SOCIAL MEDIA AND TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC, UM, RECEIVES THE ACCURATE AND FACTUAL INFORMATION.
SO THAT'S THE INTENTION BEHIND THIS MEETING THAT WILL BE SCHEDULED, UM, WITH THE, UH, LOCAL JOSEPH CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
BUT OTHER THAN THAT, AND THEN IN ADDITION TO THAT, UM, I WAS ABLE TO, UH, SUPPORT, UH, SUPERVISOR INGER, UM, ON SATURDAY.
BUT I'LL LET HER ADD INTO THAT AS WELL.
SUPERVISOR ALI, THANK YOU, CHAIR SUPERVISORS.
UM, I DID GO AND, UH, TO
AND WE SPOKE ABOUT, UM, HOW TO GET, UM, A ROAD ON THE TTIP AS WELL AS, UM, HOW LONG ON THE LIST IS.
AND ALSO THE LIST FROM THIS FIVE YEARS MIGHT BE EXCLUDED OVER TO THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, IS THAT
[00:15:01]
THE NAVAJO NATION HAS, UM, THEIR COUNCIL DELEGATE REGIONS RECEIVE, UM, MONIES FOR PROJECTS LOCALLY.SO THAT WOULD BE GREAT BECAUSE SOME OF MY ROADS NEED SOME OF THAT FUNDING.
AND I TRAVEL AROUND, UH, MY, MY DISTRICT OF HAVING TO, UM, SURVEY THE ROADS AND, UM, TO SEE, UH, THAT MY ROOTS ARE WASHED OUT AND IF THEY'RE BEING REPAIRED YET, OR IF THEY NEED TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN.
SOME OF THEM HAVE WASHED OUT A COUPLE OF TIMES, SO THEY HAD TO BE, UM, REPAIRED, UM, MULTIPLE TIMES, UNFORTUNATELY.
UM, A LOT OF LABOR AND, UM, TIME TAKEN AWAY FROM, FROM OTHER DUTIES THAT THE NO AND BIA NEED TO DO, UM, TO HELP, UM, MAINTAIN THE ROADS.
THE ROAD I DROVE THIS MORNING WAS PRETTY BUMPY, SO, AND THAT JUST TELLS YOU, UM, HOW BAD IT IS ON THE DIRT ROADS.
UH, WE'RE REALLY GRATEFUL FOR THE RAIN, REALLY APPRECIATE CUTS BEING SENT AS A BLESSING TO THE AREA.
AND THEN THE OTHER THING IS, I JUST WANT TO MENTION ABOUT NINE 11 AS WELL, OVER AT IN WINSLOW, WHICH IS PART OF MY DISTRICT, THERE'S A REMEMBRANCE GARDEN, UM, ON HISTORIC ROUTE 66, WHICH IS, UM, ON TRANSCOM ROAD AND THIRD STREET EVERY YEAR WE DO HAVE A CELEBRATION, UM, REMEMBRANCE, UM, THERE, WITH THE COMMUNITY GATHERING, A LOT OF KIDS COME OUT.
'CAUSE THEY, THEY ALSO NEED TO LEARN ABOUT NINE 11.
UM, IT WAS BACK IN 2002 WHEN, UM, DE RODRIGUEZ, SHE'S A NOW RETIRED WINSLOW COUNCILWOMAN, UH, SHE RECEIVED $300 AND WANTED TO DO SOMETHING WITH IT.
SHE LEARNED THAT, UM, NEW YORK CITY WHERE THE TWIN TOWERS WERE, SHE'S ABLE TO, UM, GET, UH, BEAMS OF THE TOWERS.
SO SHE HAD TO GO AND GET IT HERSELF FROM OUT THERE.
SO SHE GOT IT TRUCKED OUT OVER HERE TO, TO WINSLOW, UM,
AND THEY WERE 14 TO 15 FEET TALL, RESPECTIVELY.
AND WHEN THOSE BEAMS ARRIVED, THE PEOPLE CAME OUT LIKE ANGELS.
SHE SAID THEY VOLUNTEERED AND, UM, HELPED OUT, UM, TO CONSTRUCT THE SITE CONTRACTORS, BUSINESS PEOPLE, SCHOOLS, AND UM, AND OTHERS, UM, AS WELL AS, UM, ARMED FORCES.
AND NOW IT'S BUILT AND THEY'VE BEEN HAVING AN ANNUAL GATHERING THERE.
IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN THIS FRIDAY AT 6:00 PM I INVITE YOU.
THEY WANNA TOUCH THE BEAMS BECAUSE IT'S AN IN INSPIRATION TO THEM.
AND, UM, AS YOU DRIVE ALONG, UM, THIRD STREET, YOU'LL HIT SOME RUMBLE STRIPS.
IF YOU'RE PAYING ATTENTION, DRIVE ON THAT RUMBLE STRIPS, AND YOU'LL HEAR THE EAGLE SONG, UH, UP A VERY SHORT PORTION.
SO THE FIRST TIME I WAS, I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION,
SO, SO IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE THERE, YOU KNOW, TAKE A TIME TO STOP THERE AND TAKE A LOOK BECAUSE NINE 11, WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
THANK YOU, SUPERVISOR
UM, I WANTED TO, I GUESS, UM, OFFER MY GRATITUDE TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO WORKED ON PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE RECENTLY DURING THEIR, UM, TRIBAL FAIR AND RODEO.
UM, I APPRECIATE SUPERVISOR
UM, AS HE CONTINUALLY COMES OUT.
THERE WERE SEVERAL STAFF MEMBERS WHO ALSO JOINED, UM, THIS PAST SATURDAY AS WE WENT THROUGH THE PARADE AND, UM, OFFERED OUR SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY.
UM, THANK YOU TO THE NAVAJO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SHERIFFS.
[00:20:01]
PARTNERSHIP, AND I KNOW THAT, UM, THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY APPRECIATES THAT AS THERE IS A LIMITATION IN THE AMOUNT OF OFFICERS THAT ARE AVAILABLE.AND, UM, THAT WAS VOCALIZED TO ME AND JUST BEING ABLE TO HAVE, UM, SO MANY REGIONAL PARTNERS WHO WERE AVAILABLE.
UM, WE, FOR THE THIRD YEAR, WE WERE, UM, ONE OF THE SPONSORS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL RODEO, UM, AND OUR SPONSORSHIP, WHAT IT DOES IS IT BUYS COWBOY HATS FOR, UM, THE INDIVIDUALS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCEPTIONAL RODEO.
THE ACCESS EXCEPTIONAL RODEO, UM, IS OFFERED BY THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY AND OPEN THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS ALL THE WAY FROM SNOWFLAKE, CHOLO, AND OTHER AREAS WHO COME TO THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE.
AND THIS IS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN, UM, WHO MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A RODEO.
AND THEY HAVE LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS WHO COME TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT, UM, THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE TO RIDE HORSES, UM, TO BE ABLE TO ROPE, UM, CALVES, SHEEP.
AND THEY HAVE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT THINGS.
AND WE'RE JUST SO HONORED AND GRATEFUL TO BE A PARTNER TO THAT SPECIAL EVENT.
UM, I HAVE CONTINUED TO SERVE ON THE FIRST THINGS FIRST REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP, UM, COUNCIL, WHICH SERVES ZERO TO FIVE CHILDREN.
WE ARE RECENTLY TALKING ABOUT OUR NEEDS AND ASSET REPORTS, WHICH BETTER PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE, THE SPECIFIC DATA WITHIN OUR REGION, ABOUT THE NEEDS FOR OUR COMMUNITY, AND HOW OUR BUDGET RESOURCES CAN BE USED, AND WHAT CAPACITY TO BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE PROVIDING THE BEST SERVICES FOR ZERO TO FIVE YEAR OLDS.
UM, IT'S MY BELIEF THAT, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF, WHEN WE THINK ABOUT, UM, OUR CHILDREN COMING INTO OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS, WHAT ARE THOSE SUPPORT SYSTEMS THAT ARE NEEDED IN ORDER FOR OUR CHILDREN TO BE MOST SUCCESSFUL? UM, I BELIEVE THAT'S IN OUR HOMES, THAT WHEN WE HAVE STRONG HOMES, THAT WE WILL HAVE CHILDREN WHO ARE STRONG AND CAPABLE.
AND, UM, SO HOW DO WE BEGIN TO SUPPORT BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES? AND SO, AS I SERVE ON THE FIRST THINGS FIRST REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL THAT, UM, CONTINUES TO BE PRIORITY FOR ME.
UM, ONE OF THE THINGS IS VOTER OUTREACH AND MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE, UM, SPENDING TIME AND BEING ABLE TO REACH OUT TO VOTERS ABOUT ONE REGISTRATION, UM, REGISTERING TO VOTE.
HOW DO YOU, UM, ENSURE THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE AND REACHING OUT TO OUR LOCAL PARTNERS AND MAKING SURE THAT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.
UM, I RECENTLY JOINED THE WHITE MOUNTAIN, WHAT IS IT? THE NAVAJO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS THEY DID A PRESENTATION TO THE WHITE MOUNT APACHE TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND A REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP EFFORTS, UM, AND A, UM, A FATALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
AND SO, UH, THIS WAS APPROVED.
AND I'M GRATEFUL TO BOTH ORGANIZATIONS WHO WORK ON BEHALF OF OUR COMMUNITIES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW WE CAN BEST SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES, UM, WHO ARE IN NEED.
UM, I THINK, YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE THINGS I THINK ABOUT IN REMEMBERING NINE 11 IS CERTAINLY THE HEROES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO SERVED, UM, ON THAT DAY.
BUT I ALSO REMEMBER THE DAYS FOLLOWING, UM, AND HOW WE CAME TOGETHER AS A NATION THAT WE WERE, WE TOOK THE TIME TO HONOR AND RESPECT ONE ANOTHER, THAT WE DIDN'T CARE WHAT COLOR OF THE ROAD WE WERE ON, IF WE WERE BLUE OR RED, THAT, UM, THAT IT WAS A TIME THAT YOU COULD GO TO YOUR NEIGHBOR AND ASK FOR A CUP OF SUGAR OR GO TO YOUR NEIGHBOR, UM, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY STOOD ON POLITICAL VIEWPOINTS AND KNOW THAT YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE COMPASSIONATE AND CARE.
UM, THOSE WERE THE THINGS THAT I REMEMBER ABOUT NINE 11.
AND I HOPE THAT, UM, IN THE YEARS TO COME, THAT I CONTINUE TO CARRY THAT WITH ME IN AN EFFORT TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY HEROES WHO SERVED THAT DAY, OUR COMMUNITIES, UM, OR THE COMMUNITY OF NEW YORK.
BUT ALSO WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE VOICES THAT STOOD OUT TO BE ABLE TO BUILD OUR NATION, UM, AS WE WERE ALL HURTING THOSE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED.
AND WE WANTED TO BE ABLE TO BE IN A NATION THAT WE COULD FEEL SAFE.
AND I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR THOSE VOICES WHO BUILT US AND HELPED US TO BE ABLE TO BUILD A COMMUNITY
[00:25:01]
THAT WE CAN HAVE COMPASSION AND CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER.I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT INTERRUPTION ON MY PHONE.
OH, NO, UH, ATTORNEY MR. BRAD CARLINE NOT TO WAIT.
I JUST WANNA SHARE A FEW THINGS.
IT WAS AN INTERESTING MEETING.
UH, I'M A MEMBER OF THE, THE COMMITTEE THERE.
UH, THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT THEY HAVE IN OUR, THAT FALL WITHIN NAVAJO COUNTY AS A KTA PARISH, UH, CREEK CROSSING BOX CULVERT, AND ALSO THE SHOW LOW EAST OF WILFORD ROAD CROSS EXTENSION.
THEY'RE ALSO WORKING ON A BUS ROUTE TRYING TO GET MORE RIDERSHIP THAN A TRANSIT SYSTEM ON THE NAVAJO NATION.
THEY HAVE 110 CHAPTERS THAT THEY'RE TRYING TO PROVIDE RIDERSHIP WITH, UH, THROUGH DIFFERENT TRIBAL EMPLOYEES.
AND TO BE ABLE TO HAVE SAFE AND STABILIZED AND RELIABLE, UH, TRANSPORTATION THERE, MODERNIZE THE TECHNOLOGY AND THE DATA THAT THEY HAVE, AND ALSO TO MAKE SURE IT'S A FINANCIAL STABILITY, UH, PROCESS AS THEY MOVE ALONG.
REMIND, UH, OUR PUBLIC WORKS AND OUR PLANNING AND ZONING.
THERE'S AN ARIZONA RURAL POLICY SUMMIT, AND THAT'S OCTOBER 14TH AND 15TH AND FLAGSTAFF, WHERE THEY'LL TALK ABOUT RURAL ROADS AND, AND NEEDS THAT ARE IN, WITHIN OUR COUNTY HERE.
IT'S INTERESTING THAT APACHE COUNTY IS SUBMITTED $10,000,544 MILLION FOR PROJECTS IN THEIR COUNTY.
WE HAVE SEVERAL PROJECTS WITHIN OUR CITIES AND COMMUNITIES, BUT I JUST URGE YOUR, OUR COUNTY TO BE ABLE TO FIND OTHER PROJECTS THAT MAY FALL WITHIN NCOS MONIES.
THERE'S NOT THAT MUCH MONEY, BUT YOU HAVE TO GET ON THE LIST TO BE ABLE TO WORK TOWARDS IT.
UH, I JUST WANNA SHOUT OUT TO OUR PUBLIC WORKS AND ALSO TO OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM.
UH, KATRINA, IT, UH, WE HAD OUR MEETING, LAST MEETING AND WE TALKED ABOUT, UH, PREPAREDNESS.
THE SEPTEMBER IS THE MONTH OF PREPAREDNESS.
I'M SURE THE PEOPLE IN HEBREW DID NOT, WERE NOT PREPARED OR THOUGHT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THEY LOST THEIR WATER SUPPLY.
THEY HAD A 3000 GALLON WATER TANK IMPLODE AND COMPLETELY LOST ALL OF THEIR WATER SUPPLY JUST IN A MATTER OF, OF MINUTES.
AND THEN LATER AFTER THEY GOT THAT FIXED AND HAD TEMPORARY WATER ON, THEY SUFFERED A MAJOR WATERLINE BREAK, THEN THEY LOST THEIR WATER AGAIN.
IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE.
BUT WE JUST WANT TO THANK THE HEBREW CHAMBER OVER THERE, THE HEBREW FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY, HORON AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS, AS WELL AS SOME OF OUR LOCAL, UH, BUSINESSES THAT WERE WILLING TO SEND WATER AND PEOPLE WHO RESPONDED TO HAVE WATER ON HAND FOR THOSE PEOPLE.
UH, THE NACO NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION MEETING, THERE'S JUST A LOT OF CHANGES THAT ARE HAPPENING WITH, UH, FUNDING THROUGH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF WHAT WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF.
IT JUST CHANGES, UH, SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT COME DOWN.
I KNOW KEN WORKS WITH THAT, AS WELL AS OUR OTHER STAFF MEMBERS ARE LOOKING AT PROJECTS THAT THEY OFFER.
AND SO, SO THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT THAT MATTER MOST TO PEOPLE.
FAR AS NINE 11, UH, HAD AN OPPORTUNITY OF GOING THERE AND TOOK MY SON TO NEW YORK SHORTLY AFTER IT HAD HAPPENED, AND IT WAS STILL SMOLDERING AND, AND STILL THE RUBBLE AND STILL THE THINGS ARE THERE.
I REMEMBER WHERE I WAS EXACTLY THAT DAY, EXACTLY THE THOUGHTS OF WHERE IT WAS AND WHAT HAPPENED.
AND I'M SURE ALL OF YOU MAYBE CAN REMEMBER EXACTLY WHERE YOU WERE.
AND IT'S THE REASON, AND AND I APPRECIATE VICE, UH, CHAIR FOR HER COMMENTS ABOUT WHAT WE CAN DO AND WHAT WE DID DO.
AND MAYBE WE CONTINUE TO DO IT.
WE TALK ABOUT ELECTIONS, WE TALK ABOUT, I DON'T KNOW, WE HAVE 70,000 BALLOTS.
AND I'M GONNA GIVE A CHALLENGE HERE TODAY TO, TO OUR ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT AND STAFF OF WHAT WE CAN DO TO BE BETTER.
I HEARD A STORY RECENTLY ABOUT, UH, AN AIRPORT.
AN AIRPORT IN JAPAN JUST OUTSIDE OF A QUA JAPAN, A LITTLE PLACE CALLED CON CONSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THEY HANDLE 10 MILLION BAGS A DAY, I MEAN A YEAR ANNUALLY THAT GO THROUGH THAT AIRPORT.
HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER LOST A BAG AT THE AIRPORT? YEAH, QUITE A FEW OF US HAVE.
THAT'S YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENTRUSTED TO ANOTHER PERSON, AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IT NEEDS TO BE CARED FOR.
WITH THE SAME RESPECT THAT AIRLINE DOES, THAT AIRPORT DOES.
IN 30 YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER LOST A BAG.
AND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THAT, WHY? IT'S BECAUSE
[00:30:01]
FOCUSING ON LITTLE THINGS.WHAT CAN WE DO TO IMPROVE? THEY WIPE THE BAGS DOWN.
IF A BAG IS DAMAGED, THEY LABEL IT, THEY NOTE IT, THEY PUT THE HANDLES WHERE WHEN IT COMES OFF THE TURNPIKE, IT'S RIGHT THERE.
EASY FOR THE PEOPLE TO PULL OFF THEIR CUSTOMERS, THEIR PEOPLE FOR YEARS CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE'S BELONGINGS AND WHAT THEY HAVE.
AND SO I PLACE THAT INTO OUR BALLOT SYSTEM INTO WHAT WE CAN DO.
WE DEAL WITH 70,000 BALLOTS APPROXIMATELY THAT GET CAST.
I MEAN, THAT'S HOW MANY VOTERS WE HAVE IN NAVAJO COUNTY.
WE PROBABLY GET 25,000 VOTES THAT ARE PLACED.
AND THEN MY CHALLENGE IS HOW DO WE CARE FOR THOSE? HOW DO WE CARE FOR THOSE NAMES THAT ARE ON THE REGISTER? CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE SEEING THAT EVERYBODY GETS THEIR BALLOT, THAT EVERYBODY GETS THEIR BAG, THEIR PIECE OF LUGGAGE THAT THEY SO MUCH WANT? 24 TO 36 MILLION BAGS ARE LOST EVERY YEAR IN THE WORLD.
2.28 MILLION IN THE US AND THAT EQUATES TO 5,600 BAGS.
SO THAT AIRPORT THERE IN JAPAN, BASED ON THE NUMBERS, SHOULD HAVE LOST ABOUT 70,000 BAGS PER YEAR.
AND IT'S NOT JUST A COINCIDENCE.
IT'S BECAUSE OF THE EFFORT AND THE WORK.
IT'S ABOUT US AS PEOPLE AS WELL.
HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE IN OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM, IN OUR RECOVERY SYSTEM, IN OUR JAIL SYSTEM THAT'S TRYING TO FIND A WAY BACK.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN WE CHANGE THEIR LIFE JUST BY SAYING HI? JUST BY REACHING OUT.
WHAT USED TO BE NOT ACCEPTABLE IS NOW ACCEPTABLE.
BUT HOW WE TALK AND HOW WE FEEL AND HOW WE SHARE NEEDS TO BE LIKE IT WAS AFTER NINE 11, BECAUSE THAT'S REALLY WHEN PEOPLE HAVE COMPASSION AND THAT DOESN'T GO AWAY.
THAT'S AN EFFORT THAT WE DON'T NEED TO LOSE.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TODAY TO THAT.
[2. CONSENT AGENDA: These items are considered to be routine or administrative in nature and will be approved in a single motion. A Board member may request for any item to be removed from the consent agenda and considered on the regular agenda:]
CONSENT AGENDA.IS THERE ANY ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED OR PULLED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? NOT, I'LL LOOK FOR A MOTION CHAIRMAN.
I'LL MAKE A MOTION, BUT I DO WANNA RECOGNIZE ITEM 11, IF THAT'S OKAY.
JUST APPRECIATE, UH, THE TEAM LOOKING AT, I KNOW ONE OF OUR SENIOR CENTERS WAS IN NEED OF SOME SUPPORT AND APPRECIATE STAFF LOOKING FOR A WAY TO, TO FIND A SOLUTION TO HELP 'EM OUT.
UM, SO ON ITEM 11, THEY WERE LOOKING TO HELP THE SILVER CREEK SENIOR CENTER WITH THE VEHICLE THAT WAS NEEDED.
ITEM L YOU MEAN? WHAT'S THAT ITEM? LL, YES.
AND I'D BE HAPPY TO MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
YOU HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL? IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND.
I HAVE A SECOND BY VICE CHAIR.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? NEXT ITEM IS ITEM THREE, NAVAJO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICT.
I NEED A MOTION TO MOVE INTO THE HEALTH DISTRICT.
I HAVE A MOTION BY VICE CHAIR.
IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND BY SUPERVISOR ALI.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[a. CONSENT AGENDA: The following item(s) are considered to be of a routine or administrative in nature and will be approved as a group unless a member of the Board wishes to discuss a particular item: ]
HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICT.FIRST ITEM WE HAVE IS THE CONSENT AGENDA.
UH, IS THERE ANY ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA THAT NEED TO BE TOLD OR DISCUSSED? MM-HMM.
I'LL LOOK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.
A MOTION BY BOARD MEMBER WHITING TO APPROVE.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
THE NEXT I NEED A MOTION TO MOVE BACK INTO REGULAR SESSION.
I HAVE A MOTION BY VICE CHAIR.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVORS? AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? SEE THAT, THAT PASSED.
WE'RE NOW BACK INTO REGULAR SESSION BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
[a. Consideration and approval of a proclamation declaring September 16 through September 19, 2026, as "Navajo County Fair Days".]
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 16TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19TH OF NAVAJO COUNTY AFFAIRS DAY.UM, AS THEY'RE COMING FORWARD RIGHT NOW, JUST WANT TO TELL THEM THANK YOU.
UH, THE NAVAJO COUNTY FIRE IS PART OF THE FABRIC OF NAVAJO COUNTY THAT'S BEEN AROUND FOR GENERATIONS OF FACT THIS YEAR.
AND YOUR GUYS', UM, THEME IS HONORING OUR PAST AND SHAPING
[00:35:01]
OUR FUTURE.UH, REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU GUYS DO.
IT GIVES US A CHANCE TO BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE, UM, SOME OF OUR HISTORY, SOME OF OUR AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS.
WE HAVE A CHANCE ALSO TO SEE SOME OF THAT BEING PASSED ON WITH SOME OF, WITH MANY OF THE YOUTH THAT WORK THROUGH FOUR H, UM, AND WORK COUNTLESS HOURS.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK NOT JUST RUST, YOU WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AS THE FAIR BOARD PRESIDENT, BUT THE WHOLE FAIR BOARD, IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THEM AND MAKE SURE THEY KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE IT, BUT NOT JUST TO THEM, ALSO TO ALL THE MANY VOLUNTEERS.
WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT VOLUNTEER AND SUPPORT AND HELP, UM, UNDER YOUR GUYS' LEADERSHIP.
THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO SERVE AND, AND HELP WITH THE VILLE COUNTY FAIR.
IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BRING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.
AND SO WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE YOU HERE TODAY, UH, TO PRESENT TO US KIND OF AN UPDATE ON THE FAIR AND THE PROCLAMATION.
THANK YOU, UH, SUPERVISOR WHITING.
UM, THANK YOU CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR AND AND STAFF AND THE REST OF THE BOARD MEMBERS, UH, FOR HAVING US HERE THIS MORNING AND DOING THIS PROCLAMATION.
UM, SOME MILESTONES THIS YEAR.
UM, AND YOU'LL SEE DURING THE FAIR, 250 YEARS FOR OUR NATION, A HUNDRED YEARS CELEBRATING OF ROUTE 66 AND 95 YEARS OF OUR FAIR, UH, CONTINUOUS OF OUR FAIR.
UM, AND ONE OTHER MILESTONE THAT I WANT TO BRING ATTENTION TO IS 40 YEARS OF JOSE BEING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS AND BEING OUR MAINTENANCE MAN.
UM, HE'S RETIRED TWICE THAT I KNOW OF AND STILL WORKING 40 HOURS A WEEK, SOMETIMES 60.
UM, SOME OF OUR, UH, ONE THING I'D LIKE TO THINK IS, IS OUR COUNTY, UM, AND, AND OUR DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS AND WHAT THEY BRING TO THE FAIR.
UM, UH, EVERYTHING FROM OUR, UM, FINANCE TO, UH, PUBLIC WORKS TO FACILITIES, UM, STRAIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD, ALL OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND, AND WHAT THEY DO, AND SIGNUPS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR FAIR, WE WANT TO THANK ALL OF THOSE DEPARTMENTS.
UH, WE WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP.
WANNA THANK MR. LAYTON FOR WHAT HE DOES FOR US FOR THE YEAR.
UM, SOME OF THE THINGS THAT, UH, YOU'LL SEE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR.
WHEN YOU COME INTO THE FAIRGROUNDS, WE'VE ADDED SOME FLOWER POTS AND, UH, WE MOVED A TOWER THAT USED TO OVERSIGHT THE RACING.
AND INSTEAD OF DOING AWAY WITH IT, WE MADE IT KIND OF A SIM IN OUR ENTRANCE, UH, FOR SOME HISTORY THERE.
PUT A SIGN ON IT, WHAT EXPLAINED WHAT IT WAS.
YOU'LL ALL SEE, SEE SIX FLAG POLES WITH OUR, UH, NOT ONLY OUR NATION FLAGS AND OUR STATE, BUT ALL OF, UH, THE TRIBAL FLAGS WILL ALSO BE HUNG THERE.
UM, UM, STATING OUR, UM, OUR, UH, WHITE MOUNTAIN AP OR NAVAJO AND OUR HOPI FLAGS.
UM, UH, OUR OPEN CLASS BUILDING, YOU'LL SEE A NEW FRONT ON THAT.
UH, MY, UH, THANKS TO THE FACILITY, WE ARE GONNA PUT A NEW ROOF ON THAT, THAT HAD TO GO OUT FOR BID.
SO, UM, WE WILL NOT, UH, HAVE THAT DONE COMPLETED, BUT THE FRONT OF IT LOOKS REALLY GREAT.
UM, OUR CAN CANTINA, WE TOTALLY REDONE THAT.
UM, PUT NEW ROOF ON IT WITH FACILITY, UM, SEATING AREA IN THE ARENA.
WE ADDED 150 SEATS, SO, UH, HOPEFULLY, UH, WE DIDN'T WASTE OUR TIME.
HOPEFULLY THOSE PEOPLE THAT WE HAD TO GIVE A HUNDRED TICKETS TO LAST YEAR, WE'LL COME BACK THIS YEAR AND WE'LL HAVE SEATING FOR THEM.
UM, OUR STAGES, IF YOU COME TO THE OPENING CEREMONIES, WHICH MIKE HAS BEEN WORKING ON VERY HARD, UM, WE ARE GONNA ACTUALLY TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR.
WE'RE GONNA HAVE TWO DIFFERENT STAGES.
ONE FOR OPENING CEREMONIES, ONE FOR CONCERTS.
SO WHEN YOU COME, THE OLD STAGE WILL ACTUALLY HAVE VENDORS IN FRONT OF IT.
UM, THE GRASSY AREA TO THE SOUTH WILL ACTUALLY BE OUR OPENING CEREMONIES.
SO IF YOU COME TO OUR OPENING CEREMONIES BOARD, PLEASE, UH, MIKE WILL DIRECT YOU DOWN THAT WAY.
UM, AND THEN THERE'LL BE NO REST FOR THE WEEKEND.
NEXT, NEXT WEEKEND, THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND AFTER THE FAIR, WE'RE GONNA WELCOME THE HIGH SCHOOL ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION, WHICH BRINGS ABOUT 400 MEMBERS.
AND SO WE'LL ONLY HAVE ONE WEEK TO PREP FOR THAT.
OTHER THAN THAT, THANK YOU GUYS VERY MUCH FOR, UH, BRINGING US HERE.
UM, AND I HOPE YOU, UH, UM, COME TO THE DINNER, UH, WHICH WILL BE WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIGHT AFTER OPENING CEREMONIES.
UH, THAT'S FOR OUR VIPS AND DIGNITARIES.
WE'RE GONNA TRY A NEW FUN RUN.
UH, THAT'S AT, UH, SEPTEMBER 19TH AT 6:00 AM THROUGH SIGNUPS.
I KNOW YOU'LL ALL BE THERE AND WANT TO BE IN THAT.
UM, AND THEN OUR, OUR SECOND ANNUAL GOLF MATCH, UH, WHICH IS AT THE HIDDEN GROVE GOLF COURSE.
THAT SIGNUPS ARE AT EIGHT O'CLOCK.
UM, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE YOU ENTERED BY WEDNESDAY.
'CAUSE WE'RE GONNA DO A LITTLE COW CUTTER DEAL AT THE VIP DINNER FOR THEM, FOR THEM TEAMS. SO OTHER THAN THAT, I'M GONNA INTRODUCE, UH, DJ, WHICH IS OUR, OUR NEW, UH, ACCOUNTANT, UH, FAIR MANAGER.
AND HE'S GONNA READ THE PROCLAMATION.
[00:40:01]
I JUST HAVE TO SAY THE REASON WHY SUPERVISOR PASTOR KAI STARTED A FUND RUN BECAUSE HE USED TO BE ALWAYS VERY GOOD AT THE PIG SHOWING.AND SO HE MUST NOT WANNA SHOW PIGS ANYMORE AND RATHER GO ON A FUN RUN.
UM, WHEREAS THE NAVAJO COUNTY FAIR PROBABLY CELEBRATES THE 95TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, AND WHEREAS SINCE THE 1930S, THE NAVAJO COUNTY FAIR HAS REMAINED A BELOVED TRADITION AND AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR COUNTY'S HISTORY.
AND WHEREAS THE FAIR PROVIDES CITIZENS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO SHOWCASE GARDEN AND HOMEMADE GOODS, ARTISTIC CREATIONS, LIVESTOCK, AND A WIDE VARIETY OF PERSONAL HOBBIES.
AND WHEREAS THE ANNUAL EVENT OFFERS WHOLESOME, ENJOYABLE, AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE BEEN CHERISHED FOR GEN BY GENERATIONS OF RESIDENTS.
AND WHEREAS THE NAVAJO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE RESIDENTS OF NAVAJO COUNTY DEEPLY APPRECIATE THE MANY BE BENEFITS THE FAIR BRINGS TO OUR COMMUNITIES.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE NAVAJO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HEREBY PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER 16TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2026 AS NAVAJO COUNTY FAIR DAYS IN NAVAJO COUNTY AND EXTENDS HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS WHO DECA, WHOSE DEDICATION, TIME AND ENERGY MAKE THE FAIR A CONTINUED SUCCESS.
THE BOARD URGES ALL RESIDENTS AND ALL NAVAJO COUNTY STAFF TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVITIES AND JOIN IN CELEBRATING THE 95TH ANNUAL NAVAJO COUNTY FAIR DONE IN CONCURRENCE WITH THE NAVAJO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING THIS, THIS EIGHTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2026.
THANK YOU GUYS FOR WHAT YOU DO AND FOR EVERYBODY WHO WORKS, UH, WITH THE FAIR, WITH STAFF AND, AND MANY VOLUNTEERS THAT HELP, UH, WITH I, I KNOW A LOT OF THE MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS REALLY GET OUT AND SUPPORT THE FAIR.
THAT'S ONE OF THE BEST FAIRES IN THE STATE.
AND I JUST ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO BE OUT AND TO, TO PARTICIPATE WHERE YOU CAN, WHAT YOU CAN.
WANNA HAVE A BOARD PICTURE WITH THE, THE BOARD IF YOU GUYS LIKE TO COME UP, HAPPY TO DO THAT.
OH, WE'LL APPROVE IT AFTER WE TAKE THE PICTURE.
I NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE, UH, THE PROCLAMATION, YOUR HONOR.
I'LL MAKE A MOTION APPROVE PROCLAMATION.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
WE HAVE A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR BANAL.
ANY DISCUSSION?
SUPERVISOR BY SECOND BY SUPERVISOR
[b. Consideration of a Proclamation, proclaiming September 11, 2026, Patriot Day 2026.]
UH, CONSIDERATION OF A PROCLAMATION FOR SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2026.PATRIOT DAY PRESENTED BY SUPERVISOR FIRM, BE SUPERVISOR, HANG ON.
THANK YOU CHAIR, VICE CHAIR AND SUPERVISORS.
UM, GONNA DO THE NAVAJO COUNTY PROCLAMATION.
PATRIOT DAY 20 26, 20 FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001,
[00:45:04]
REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION.WHEREAS ON SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001, OUR NATION ENDURED THE DEADLIEST TERRORIST ATTACK IN ITS HISTORY.
24, 24 YEARS LATER, WE HONOR TO WE PAUSE TO HONOR THE LOST INNOCENT LIVES, THE HEROES WHO ANSWERED THE CALL OF DUTY AND ALL WHO CONTINUED TO BEAR THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SCARS OF THAT DAY.
WHEREAS AT 8:46 AM AMERICAN AIRLINES, FLIGHT 11 STRUCK THE NORTH TOWER OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AT 9:03 AM UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 1 75 STRUCK THE SOUTH TOWER AT 9:37 AM AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 77 CRASHED INTO THE PENTAGON AT 9:59 AM THE SOUTH TOWER COLLAPSED AT 10:28 AM THE NORTH TOWER COLLAPSE.
MEANWHILE, THE PASSENGERS AND CREW ABOARD UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 93, HAVING LEARNED OF THE EARLIER ATTACKS, COURAGEOUSLY CONFRONTED THE HIJACKERS.
AND AT 10:03 AM THE AIRCRAFT CRASH NEAR SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA PREVENTING ANOTHER ATTACK ON OUR NATION'S CAPITOL.
WHEREAS A TOTAL OF 2,977 INNOCENT PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES ON SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001, INCLUDING 2,753 IN NEW YORK CITY, 184 AT THE PENTAGON IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, AND 40 PASSENGERS.
AND FOUR CREW ABOARD FLIGHT 93 IN PENNSYLVANIA.
WHEREAS WE ALSO REMEMBER THE THOUSANDS OF FIREFIGHTERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, RECOVERY WORKERS, VOLUNTEERS, MILITARY MEMBERS AND SURVIVORS WHO WERE EXPOSED TO TOXIC DUST AND DEBRIS AND THE RESCUE RECOVERY AND CLEANUP EFFORTS.
IN THE YEARS SINCE THOUSANDS OF MEN AND WOMEN HAVE DIED FROM ILLNESSES DIRECTLY LINKED TO EXPOSURES TO THESE TOXINS.
AND MANY WERE AND MANY MORE CONTINUE TO SUFFER FROM CANCERS, RESPIRATORY DISEASES, AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS CAUSED BY THEIR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE.
WHEREAS TODAY, WE HONOR EVERY VICTIM, EVERY SURVIVOR, EVERY FIRST RESPONDER, EVERY RECOVERY WORKER, EVERY MEMBER OF OUR ARMED FORCES, AND EVERY FAMILY WHOSE LIVES WERE FOREVER CHANGED.
WE WE RECOMMIT OURSELVES TO PRESERVING THE MEMORIES OF THOSE WE LOST, SUPPORTING THOSE WHO CONTINUED TO SUFFER THE LASTING CONSEQUENCES OF THE ATTACKS.
AND ENDURING THAT THE COURAGE, UNITY RESILIENCE, SHOWN ON SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001 WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
WHEREAS THE HONOR SACRIFICE GIVEN THE COURAGE, BRAVERY, AND SPIRIT AS WE OBSERVE PATRIOT DAY, LET US LOWER OUR FLAGS TO HAVE STAFF OBSERVE MOMENTS OF SILENCE AND REFLECT UPON THE EXTRAORDINARY BRAVERY DISPLAYED IN OUR NATION'S DARKEST HOUR.
MAY WE FOREVER HONOR THE MEMORIES OF THOSE WHO PERISHED, THOSE WHO LATER SUCCUMB TO ILLNESSES CAUSED BY THEIR SERVICE AND THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO DEFEND THE IDEALS OF FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND PEACE WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
NOW THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED BY THE NAVAJO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
DO YOU HEAR BY CLAIM SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2026 AS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001, REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION PATRIOT DAYS 2026 IN NAVAJO COUNTY, ARIZONA, IN, AND
[00:50:01]
WE ALL REMEMBER WHAT WE WERE DOING THAT DAY AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHERE WE WERE AT.APPRECIATE YOU BRINGING THAT BEFORE US.
ANY QUESTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS? COMMENTS? LOOK FOR A, A MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION.
I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE BY SUPERVISOR MODAL.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? I PASS ANY REMEMBRANCE? LET'S TAKE 30 SECONDS, UH, OF A PAUSE AND AS EACH SECOND GOES BY, A HUNDRED PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES.
[a. Consideration of Task Agreement 2 between the White Mountain Apache Tribe Division of Transportation and Navajo County for Guardrail Repair.]
FIVE, PUBLIC WORKS.CONSIDERATION OF A TASK AGREEMENT TWO BETWEEN THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE, DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION, AND NAVAJO COUNTY FOR GUARDRAIL REPAIR.
GOOD MORNING CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRWOMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD UNDER THE CURRENT MOA WITH THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE.
THE DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION HAS REQUESTED NAVO COUNTY FOR ASSISTANCE ON THE EAST FORK ROAD GUARDRAIL REPAIR PROJECT.
THIS PROJECT IS A PRIORITY FOR THE TRIBE DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS FOR THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE RESIDENTS, MOTORISTS, AND SCHOOL BUSES WHO USE IT DAILY.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST APPROXIMATELY $60,000 AND THERE'S CURRENT CAPACITY IN THE HERF F BUDGET.
THIS PROJECT WAS ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE COUNTY'S TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP PROCESS, THEREFORE, STAFF IS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL.
I'M AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ON THIS? CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR.
UM, AND JUST TO GIVE SOME, I GUESS SOME BACKGROUND.
THERE'S A LOT OF, UM, WHEN WE THINK ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES, AND I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP HERE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THAT, UM, WE HAVE A LIMITATION ON THE AMOUNT OF DOLLARS THAT WE HAVE ACCESS TO.
AND THE MORE THAT WE WORK TOGETHER, UM, THE BETTER THAT WE CAN PROVIDE SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND FAMILIES WHO LIVE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND THIS IS ONE OF THOSE OPPORTUNITIES AS WE WORK TOGETHER WITH ALL OF OUR TOWNSHIPS, UM, TRIBAL COMMUNITIES, UM, WE LOOK FOR PARTNERSHIPS TO ENHANCE, UM, ROADWAYS, UM, SUPPORT STRUCTURES THAT THOSE COMMUNITIES MIGHT BE IN NEED OF.
AND THIS IS ONE OF THOSE PARTICULAR PARTNERSHIPS.
WE'RE GRATEFUL, UM, TO BE ABLE TO STAND AS NAVAJO COUNTY TO PROVIDE SOME OF THOSE SUPPORT SYSTEMS. AND THIS IS AN ONGOING CONVERSATION AS LAST FISCAL YEAR, WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT, UM, TO THE COMMUNITY OF CBI Q IN THE WAY OF GUARD RAILS AS WELL.
SO THANK YOU TO NICOLE IN THE WORK THAT SHE HAS DONE TO BE ABLE TO, UM, DEVELOP THIS PARTNERSHIP.
SO WITH THAT, I MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
YOU HAVE A SECOND VICE SUPERVISOR,
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL FOR THE VOTE? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[b. Consideration of Task Agreement 3 between the White Mountain Apache Tribe Division of Transportation and Navajo County for the Industrial Road Striping Partnership Project.]
IS ITEM B, UH, CONSIDERATION OF TASK AGREEMENT THREE BETWEEN THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE TRIBE, DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION IN NAVAJO COUNTY FOR INDUSTRIAL ROADS STRIPING PARTNERSHIP PROJECT MS. NICOLE RUSKY.ALRIGHT, THE WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION HAS ALSO REQUESTED ASSISTANCE FROM NAVAJO COUNTY ON A RES STRIPING PROJECT ON INDUSTRIAL ROAD.
THIS ROAD WAS CHOSEN DUE TO CONCERNS ABOUT THE LACK OF VISIBILITY FOR DAILY COMMUTERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.
THIS PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST $16,000 AND THERE'S CURRENT CAPACITY IN THE HERF BUDGET.
THIS PROJECT WAS ALSO ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE COUNTY'S TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP PROCESS AND THEREFORE STAFF IS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL.
I'M ALSO AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS.
I APPRECIATE YOUR WORK ON THIS.
I THINK THAT THIS IS JUST IMPORTANT WHEN WE LOOK ABOUT THE VISIBILITY AND SAFETY OF
[00:55:01]
OUR BUSES OR JUST ROADS THAT ARE TRAVELED, I THINK STRIPING IS A, A VERY IMPORTANT THING.I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY ON TWO 60, BUT I KNOW THERE WAS SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON A HEAD ON COLLISION.
AND SO I THINK, UH, UH, ANYTHING WE CAN DO TOWARDS SAFETY IS, IS A VERY BIG IMPACT.
SO YESTERDAY, LOOK FOR A MOTION.
A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR ALI, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? THAT PASS? THANK YOU.
[c. Consideration of Attachment I to Navajo Nation IGA for N8065 Road Maintenance Materials]
ITEM IS CONSIDERATION OF ATTACHMENT I TO NAVAJO NATION.IGA FOR N 8 0 6 5 ROAD MAINTENANCE MATERIALS.
NAVAJO DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION HAS REQUESTED ASSISTANCE WITH GRAVEL MATERIAL FOR 80 65 FOR THE ROAD FOR 80 65 IS ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT.
UH, 80 65 IS AN UNPAVED ROADWAY THAT PROVIDES ACCESS TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES FOR SCHOOL BUSES, RESIDENTS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.
THE ESTIMATED PROJECT COST IS ABOUT $55,000 AND THERE IS CURRENT CAPACITY IN THE HERF BUDGET.
THIS PROJECT WAS ALSO ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING THE COUNTY'S TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP PROCESS.
THEREFORE, STAFF IS RECOMMENDING APPROVAL.
I'M AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS, ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? I DON'T HAVE A COMMENT.
THANK YOU, UM, NICOLE FOR FAITHFULLY WORKING ON THIS AND UM, THIS HAS BEEN LONG TIME COMING.
WE HAVE ISSUE WITH EQUIPMENT AND UM, AND UM, THAT HAS REALLY SLOWED DOWN THE PROJECT, BUT I'M HAPPY EVEN I WANTED TO GET IT DONE BEFORE THE MONSOONS, BUT HERE WE ARE, I GUESS DURING THE MONSOONS AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL PREVENT ANY VEHICLES FROM GETTING STUCK ON THIS ROAD AGAIN.
UM, THIS AREA GETS REALLY, REALLY MUDDY AND AS I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE, THE GRAVEL DOES REALLY STABILIZE THE ROAD SO THAT, UM, PEOPLE DON'T END UP GETTING STUCK.
AND THEN MONSOONS COME AND, UM, OR SNOW, SNOW STORMS, SNOW MELT, WHATEVER.
THIS ROAD GET TO BE REALLY UGLY DURING THOSE TIMES.
AND, UM, LAST WEEKEND I DID HAVE TO DRIVE THAT ROAD BECAUSE THEY HAD A, A CHAPTER MEETING.
UM, BARELY MADE IT THERE, BUT EVERYBODY, UM, WAS NOT THERE.
SO WE COULDN'T HAVE A MEETING.
AND THOSE THINGS OFTEN HAPPEN ON THE RESERVATIONS BE BECAUSE THE ROADS ARE, ARE NOT IMPROVED AND THEN, UM, NOT MAINTAINED.
BUT THIS, UM, GRAVELING PROJECT WILL HAVE, UM, A GOOD EFFECT ON IT.
AND, UM, HOPEFULLY WE'LL HAVE MORE GRAVELING PROJECTS TO FOLLOW.
BE ANY DISCUSSION ON FOR A MOTION.
YOU HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
THANK YOU NICOLE, FOR ALL THAT YOU DO TO HELP IN THESE AREAS.
[d. VICTORY HEIGHTS ROAD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT: Board of Directors Session:]
D, VICTORY HEIGHTS ROAD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT.I NEED A MOTION TO MOVE INTO THE VICTORY HEIGHTS ROAD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT BOARD.
I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR PEKA.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? HAVE SECOND BY BOARD MEMBER OR SUP? I DON'T KNOW IF WE'RE A SUPERVISOR OR A BOARD YET.
ARE WE STILL A SUPERVISOR? UNTIL WE GET INTO THERE, I GUESS WE, SUPERVISOR CHAIR.
ANY OPPOSED? CASE? WE'RE NOW ON THE VICTORY HEIGHTS BOARD.
IT IS JUST TO RENEW A CONTRACT THAT WE HAVE FOR THE ROAD MAINTENANCE THERE.
UM, ANY DISCUSSION ON THAT? I'LL LOOK FOR A MOTION.
JOHN, MOTION FOR APPROVAL? WE HAVE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL FROM BOARD MEMBER WHITING.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
NEED A MOTION TO MOVE BACK INTO REGULAR SESSION? SO MOVED.
I THINK YOU GUYS WERE A TIE ALMOST ON THAT ONE.
[01:00:01]
AYE.ANY OPPOSED THAT PASS? DID YOU HAVE A COMMENT? SUPERVISOR? WHITEY OR SOMETHING? OKAY.
[a. Discussion and possible action regarding a Development Agreement with Chimney Canyon Energy Center 1, LLC for the development and operation of an up-to 975-megawatt solar energy facility in Navajo County. Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3) the Board may convene in Executive Session to receive legal advice from its attorney.]
SIX, ADMINISTRATION SERVICE, UH, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH CHIMNEY CANYON.AND TURN THE TIME OVER TO COUNTY MANAGER, MR. LEIGHTON.
CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR SUPERVISORS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
RESIDENTS HAD ASKED THE BOARD FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK ON THE PROPOSED ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND ASKED FOR MORE INFORMATION, MORE DETAILS, AND TO SEE THE TERMS OF THAT AGREEMENT.
THE BOARD HEARD THAT REQUEST AND DIRECTED STAFF TO NEW TO IMPLEMENT A NEW TWO STEP PROCESS THAT YOU SEE HERE.
AND TODAY WE'RE HERE FOR THE REPORTING BACK IN POSSIBLE ACTION.
AT THE PREVIOUS MEETING, THE TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROPOSED CHIMNEY CANYON DEVELOPMENT WERE LAID OUT AND RESIDENTS WERE ASKED TO COMMENT, PROVIDE SUGGESTIONS, BOTH IN PERSON AND ONLINE.
A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF INFORMATION OF THAT DEVELOPMENT, UH, POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WAS PLACED ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE.
AND IF I COULD ASK LEAH TO JUMP OVER TO THE COUNTY WEBSITE, I'D LIKE TO WALK THAT JUST REAL QUICKLY, SEE WHAT WAS ON.
SO IF YOU NAVIGATE TO THE COUNTY WEBSITE, THEN RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COUNTY INFORMATION CENTER, YOU CLICK ON THAT.
AND THEN ON THE LEFT THERE'S A CHINEY CANYON SOLAR.
SO WITHIN TWO CLICKS YOU CAN GET TO THIS INFORMATION.
FIRST WE HAVE SOME DETAILS AT A GLANCE, AND IF YOU GO DOWN, WE START TO GET INTO, UH, WHAT DOES THE PROJECT CONSIST OF THE PROJECT MAP.
BELOW THAT, WE HAVE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF WHAT'S REQUIRED FOR, UH, LAND, WATER, UH, ENVIRONMENT SAFETY, UH, AND THEN ESPECIALLY THE END OF END OF LIFE, UH, DECOMMISSIONING AND RESTORATION.
AND THEN ALSO LINKS THERE IF YOU SEE THE ASSESSMENT IN STUDIES.
AND LEAH, WOULD YOU, WOULD YOU MIND CLICKING THERE? MAYBE ON THAT LAST ONE, THE ARIZONA GAME AND FISH.
UH, SO WE PROVIDED THIS SO YOU CAN SEE EXACTLY WHAT WAS SAID AND, AND WHAT'S AGREED UPON.
AND THEN, UH, WE HAVE, WE TRY TO MAKE THIS AS EASY AS TO POSSIBLE TO SEE.
SO AS YOU SCROLL DOWN HERE, WE HAVE ALL THE REQUIREMENTS FROM THE ORDINANCE.
SO YOU SEE E EVERY SEE EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT IS THERE AND IT'S CHECKED OFF WHETHER IT MEETS THAT REQUIREMENT OR NOT.
AND SO YOU SEE IT'S VERY EXTENSIVE.
AND THEN WE GET DOWN TO ADDITIONAL NEGOTIATED COMMITMENTS.
AND THESE ARE ELEMENTS THAT COME INTO PLAY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY NEGOTIATED.
AND YOU SEE, UH, THE CHECK MARKS THERE OF WHERE THE, UH, THAT THESE WERE AGREED TO AND, AND, AND SET INSIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
AND JUST A LITTLE BIT FURTHER DOWN, MA'AM, YOU HAVE AN ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT AND THIS CAME FROM THE COMMUNITY INPUT ASKING FOR SOIL TESTING.
AND YOU SEE THAT'S CHECKED AND THAT'S IN THE AGREEMENT AS WELL.
AND BELOW THAT WE HAVE A LETTER FROM SRP.
AND THAT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE THAT'S A LETTER OF SUPPORT.
'CAUSE SRP IS THE POTENTIAL CUSTOMER FOR THIS PROJECT.
THANK YOU, LEAH, YOU CAN JUMP BACK THERE.
ADDITIONALLY, THAT LAST TIME WE MET, WE PROVIDED THIS HANDOUT AND YOU HAVE A COPY OF THIS AND COPIES OF THIS ARE, ARE IN THE LOBBY AS WELL.
UH, WITH THAT INFORMATION, A LOT OF THAT YOU SAW ALREADY ON THE WEBSITE.
AND THEN WE ALSO DEVELOPED A PART TWO OF THIS HANDOUT, WHICH IS IN THE LOBBY.
AND YOU HAVE A COPY THERE AS WELL.
AGAIN, THIS IS GOING THROUGH A LOT OF THE, THE QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS THAT WE HEARD BACK FROM.
SO, UH, THAT'LL BE PLACED ON THE WEBSITE IF YOU CLICK ON IT ONE MORE TIME.
SO ONLINE, YOU SEE ON THE RIGHT THERE, UM, WE HAD A COMMENT SECTION SO UH, ANYBODY COULD GET ON THERE AND SHARE THEIR COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS.
UH, WE ALSO RECEIVED COMMENTS BY EMAIL, PHONE IN PERSON, UH, ONLINE.
THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 22 COMMENTS.
WE DID RECEIVE A COUPLE OF, UM, CALLS FROM FOLKS WHO SAID THAT THIS COMMENT SECTION WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY ON, ON ALL WEB BROWSERS, SO WE ASKED THEM TO JUST EMAIL US DIRECTLY.
AND SO THOSE HAVE BEEN INCLUDED, SO, AND YOU HAVE, UH, COPIES OF THAT AS WELL.
SO I'D LIKE TO GO THROUGH SOME OF THOSE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MIGHT HELP.
[01:05:03]
THERE WE GO.IF, IF WE COULD TAKE SOME TIME TO EXPLORE THESE AND PROVIDE SOME ADDITIONAL DETAIL.
SUPERVISORS, WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LAND.
WE HAVE LOTS OF DIFFERENT BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN NAVAJO COUNTY.
SO THE IMAGE OF SOLAR PANELS, DERELICT, STAYING FOREVER, UM, KIND OF ROTTING IN THE SUN IS A HAUNTING IMAGE.
THAT'S ALSO NOT WHAT HAPPENS, BUT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IS MORE LIKE A TYPICAL LAND LEASE COMING DUE.
SO FIRST THERE'S AN AGREEMENT SIGNED, AND THIS IS A CONTRACT THAT SAYS THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO TAKE DOWN THE EQUIPMENT.
SECOND, WHEN THE AGREEMENT IS SIGNED, THERE'S A CLOCK THAT STARTS, UH, AND THAT WILL EVENTUALLY TRIGGER THE OBLIGATION AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT.
AND THEN THIRD, BEFORE ANY CONSTRUCTION HAPPENS, THE DEVELOPER MUST POST A SECURITY BOND AS A BACKUP ASSURANCE.
THIS BOND IS SET ASIDE, UNTOUCHABLE BY THE DEVELOPER, SPECIFICALLY EARMARKED FOR REMOVING THE SOLAR PANELS AND REVEGETATING THE LAND.
THIS IS NOT A GOOD FAITH GESTURE.
THIS IS A FINANCIAL GUARANTEE AND THIS GUARANTEE IS SOMETHING THE COUNTY HOLDS ONTO UNTIL THE RESTORATION IS COMPLETED PROPERLY.
THE BOARD HAS ALSO HEARD AND DISCUSSED A LOT OF CONCERNS ABOUT WATER AND LONG-TERM WATER SUSTAINABILITY, AND THAT IS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL.
WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE AQUIFER.
SO WHEN SOME FOLKS IMAGINE IN SOLAR FIELD, THEY MAY IMAGINE THAT IT'S JUST ANOTHER STRAW STICKING DOWN INTO THE AQUIFER AND PULLING FROM A VERY LIMITED GLASS OF WATER.
THAT CONCERN ISN'T IRRATIONAL, IT'S PROTECTIVE INSTINCT, BUT HERE'S THE PART THAT GETS LOST.
THE SOLAR PANEL CONVERTS SUNLIGHT DIRECTLY INTO ELECTRICITY.
THE ONLY WATER NEEDED IS IN OCCASIONAL RENTS.
BUT EVEN THAT HERE IS VERY RARE.
AND IF IT IS NEEDED, THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT HAS STRICT LIMITATIONS ON HOW MUCH WATER CAN BE USED.
LET'S COMPARE THAT TO NUCLEAR NATURAL GAS OR EVEN COAL.
ALL THREE OF THESE WORK IN BASICALLY THE SAME FUNDAMENTAL WAY.
UH, YOU TAKE WATER, YOU HEAT IT UP INTO STEAM, STEAM GOES INTO A TURBINE AND THE TURBINE CREATES ELECTRICITY.
STEAM POWERED TURBINES ARE A TRIED AND TRUE TECHNOLOGY THAT HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR OVER A HUNDRED YEARS.
HOWEVER, THAT PROCESS CONSUMES REAL WATER EVERY SINGLE DAY, MOSTLY LOST TO EVAPORATION AND COOLING TOWER TOWERS.
SO THE HONEST PICTURE HERE IS ALMOST THE RESERVE, THE REVERSE OF THE FEAR.
SOLAR USES PRACTICALLY NO WATER.
AND NOW SUPERVISORS, THIS SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS BEING CRITICAL OF NUCLEAR OR NATURAL GAS.
THAT'S JUST THE REALITY OF BASE LOAD ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION RIGHT NOW.
SO LET'S, LET'S STAY ON NUCLEAR FOR A MOMENT.
THERE IS SOMETHING VERY UNDERSTANDABLE ABOUT HOPING FOR NUCLEAR POWER.
IT DOESN'T TAKE UP A LOT OF LAND.
IT RUNS DAY OR NIGHT RAIN OR SHINE, WIND OR NO WIND.
NEXT GENERATION NUCLEAR SEEMS VERY PROMISING THAT THAT HOPE DESERVES REAL EFFORT AND WORK, BUT THAT HOPE DESERVES HONESTY AS WELL.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY BEING DISCUSSED, AND PARTICULARLY AT THE SMALL, SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR REACTORS, DOES NOT EXIST YET IN ARIZONA, AND IT WON'T FOR A LONG TIME.
REALISTIC ESTIMATES PUT COMMERCIAL DEPLOYMENT AT LEAST 15 YEARS AWAY.
THAT IS NOT A DELAY TACTIC OR A BUREAUCRATIC EXCUSE.
SRP IS NOT DRAGGING THEIR FEET.
A PS IS NOT DRAGGING THEIR FEET.
IT'S AN HONEST TIMELINE FOR A TECHNOLOGY THAT'S STILL MOVING THROUGH DESIGN, CERTIFICATION, LICENSING, AND THEN CONSTRUCTION.
UH, EVEN BUILDING A FULL-SIZE NUCLEAR REACTOR SIMILAR TO PALO VERDE, UH, WOULD BE ON A SIMILAR TIMELINE.
NOW, NONE OF THIS MEANS THAT NUCLEAR ISN'T WORTH WATCHING FOR OR HOPING FOR, BUT IT DOES MEAN THAT THE NARRATIVE SAYING THAT WE CAN CHOOSE NUCLEAR TODAY IS FALSE.
IT SIMPLY IS NOT AN OPTION THAT EXISTS RIGHT NOW.
SOME OF THE OTHER COMMENTS THAT THE BOARD HAS RECEIVED AREN'T ABOUT ENERGY.
THEY'RE ABOUT PROCESS, PARTICULARLY USING PERMITS VERSUS A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
A LOT OF OTHER TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT GO THROUGH, UH, A SPECIAL USE PERMIT OR A REGULAR PERMIT.
AND SOME HAVE ASKED IF WE SHOULD GO BACK TO THAT.
I THINK THE INTENTION, THE INTENTION HERE IS GOOD BECAUSE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT IS A VERY STRONG WAY TO HOLD DEVELOPERS ACCOUNTABLE.
IT'S JUST NOT THE BEST TOOL FOR EVERY TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT.
SUPERVISORS THINK OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AS ALMOST A RECIPE CARD.
IT'S FIXED, IT HAS LIST INGREDIENTS, IT HAS STEPS, AND THEY'RE CHECKED OFF ONE AT A TIME.
AND THIS WORKS VERY WELL FOR STANDARDIZED DEVELOPMENT.
TAKE RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDING, FOR EXAMPLE.
UH, IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OF THE TYPE OF HOME, UH, TO HOMES USUALLY HAVE THE SAME BASIC REQUIREMENTS OR COMPONENTS.
A FOUNDATION, PLUMBING, BATHROOM, SINK, TOILETS, UH, ELECTRICAL KITCHEN, MAYBE A GARAGE OR A CARPORT.
[01:10:01]
A RECIPE STYLE CHECKLIST WORKS VERY WELL FOR THIS BECAUSE IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S DONE OVER AND OVER AGAIN.AND CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES ARE FAIRLY STANDARDIZED.
THIS RECIPE DOES, DOESN'T NEED TO CHANGE BECAUSE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CAKE REALLY DON'T CHANGE.
A UTILITY SCALE PROJECT IS NOT A CAKE THAT'S BEEN BAKED THE SAME WAY FOR DECADES AND DECADES.
THE TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS ALL EVOLVE.
SO DEPENDING ON, SO PUTTING, PUTTING OUR, OUR, UM, FOCUS ON A STATIC CHECKLIST TO REGULATE A HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND RAPIDLY EVOLVING INDUSTRY IS NOT GONNA WORK.
UM, IT JUST DOES NOT PROTECT RESIDENTS IN THE SAME WAY.
USING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IS THE MOST CAPABLE PROCESS AVAILABLE TO CONTRACTUALLY HOLD DEVELOPERS TO THE HIGHEST AND MOST CURRENT STANDARD.
UH, LAST TIME WE ALSO TALKED A LOT ABOUT WATER.
I HAD A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT FLOOD WATER IN PARTICULAR.
SO IN NAVAJO COUNTY, WE'RE ALL VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE HABITROL LIKE THIS, A DRY WASH.
UM, BUT WE'RE ALL, WE ALSO KNOW THAT WHEN DARK STORM CLOUDS COME IN, THAT DRY WASH CAN BECOME A TORRENT OF WATER VERY, VERY QUICKLY.
SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR SOLAR PANELS? IF WE HAVE ACRES OF SOLAR PANELS OUT AND THE RAIN HITS THAT AND RUNS OFF, WHERE DOES THE WATER GO TO MANAGE THIS? IT TAKES PLANNING AND ENGINEERING AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THE AGREEMENT REQUIRES.
NOW THE ORDINANCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT HAVE A VERY CLEAR STOP SIGN BEFORE ANY CONSTRUCTION CAN HAPPEN.
THIS IS A CIVIL ENGINEERING DRAWING OF THE PROJECT SITE THAT SHOWS THE EXISTING TERRAIN, THE ELEVATIONS, AND THEN THE PROPOSED TERRAIN AND ELEVATIONS AFTER CONSTRUCTION.
THE PURPOSE IS, PURPOSE OF THIS IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SITE IS PROPERLY SHAPED AND SLOPED FOR SAFETY IN STORMWATER.
SECOND, A DRAINAGE REPORT IS REQUIRED.
THAT'S AN ENGINEERING DOCUMENT THAT EVALUATES HOW STORM WATER CURRENTLY FLOWS ON THE, ON THE SITE, AND THEN HOW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL CHANGE THOSE DRAINAGE PATTERNS AND WHAT ENGINEERING ME MEASURES ARE NECESSARY TO MANAGE SAFELY MANAGE THAT RUNOFF.
THIRD, WE HAVE A STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN, AND THAT'S REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE WATER RUNOFF IS NOT POLLUTED OR CONTAMINATED DURING CONSTRUCTION OR DURING ONGOING OPERATION.
THIS IS REQUIRED UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT NOW ONLY, UM, ONLY WITH ALL THESE ENGINEERING REPORTS CAN THE DEVELOPER THEN APPLY FOR A PERMIT WITH THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.
AND THEN A DUST CONTROL PLAN IS ALSO REQUIRED FOR THE CHIMNEY, UH, CANYON PROJECT THAT'S BEEN PROPOSED.
THE DEVELOPER WILL NEED TO FOLLOW ALL THESE STEPS AS WELL AS CREATING AN EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANS.
AN ESTIMATED 15 RETENTION BASINS ARE, UM, A PLAN FOR THIS PROJECT NOW BAKED INTO OUR POLICY.
AND THE, THE WORDING OF THE CONTRACT SUPERVISORS IS A RULE WITH NO WIGGLE ROOM.
THE DEVELOPMENT CANNOT INCREASE DRAINAGE FLOW ONTO ADJOINING PRO PROPERTIES.
NOT MINIMIZE, NOT SLOW DOWN, IT CANNOT SUPERVISORS.
HERE'S A VERY DELIBERATE LAYERING OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND COUNTY POLICY AND REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE IN PLACE TO REQUIRE THE ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS FOR STORM WATER CONCERNS AND KEEP POLLUTANTS OUT.
GROUNDWATER ADDED INTO THIS IS A NEW SOIL TESTING REQUIREMENT THAT, UH, WILL DOCUMENT SOIL CONDITIONS AND RAISE THE FLAG IF SOMETHING CHANGES.
THIS IS NOT A ONE AND DONE PROCESS.
THESE REQUIREMENTS, THESE ARE REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MAINTAINED FOR THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT.
FIRE IS ALSO SOMETHING THAT'S COME UP QUITE A BIT HERE.
UH, NAVAJO COUNTY IS NO STRANGER TO FIRE RISK.
THE BOARD HAS HEARD MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT RISK AND FIRE DANGER, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE BATTERY STORAGE, BECAUSE WITH BATTERIES, UH, THE CONCERN DOESN'T STOP WITH FIRE, RIGHT? IT'S A FIRE THAT BECOMES, UH, VERY, VERY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT OUT TO EX EXTINGUISH.
AND THAT'S, UH, SOMETHING CALLED THERMAL RUNAWAY.
THERMAL RUNAWAY IS THE CENTRAL HAZARD THAT A NATIONAL FIRE CODE WAS BUILT TO PREVENT.
THAT CODE IS CALLED NFPA A 8 55.
THIS IS THE FIRE SAFETY STANDARD THAT THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT REQUIRES.
SO NFPA 8 55 WAS RECENTLY UPDATED THIS YEAR IN 2026.
AND HERE'S A GRAPHIC MAYBE TO SHOW A LITTLE BIT MORE OF, UM, WHAT THAT THAT FIRE REQUIREMENT, UH, HAS INCLUDED IN IT.
THERE'S SPACING BETWEEN THE BATTERIES, SMOKE, GAS, AND HEAT DETECTION, VENTILATION SYSTEMS, FIRES, SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS, AND 24 7 MONITORING.
AND JUMPING BACK TO THIS PICTURE, YOU'LL NOTICE THAT, UM, THE GROUND HAS BEEN CLEARED AND VEGETATION HAS BEEN CLEARED ALL, ALL AROUND THE BATTERIES.
AND SO, UM, THE REMOVAL AND SPACING OF POTENTIALLY FLAMMABLE FLAMMABLE MATERIALS IS ALSO PART OF THAT CODE AS WELL.
[01:15:02]
AND THEN HERE'S THE COMPANION PIECE, UH, TO THAT PLAN.UH, THIS IS INDEPENDENT TESTING CALLED UL 9 5 4 0 A.
SO IN THIS TESTING, RESEARCHERS DELIBERATELY TRIGGER THERMAL RUNAWAY.
UH, FIRST THIS IS DONE ON THE INDIVIDUAL CELL LEVEL, THEN THE MODULE, THEN THE FULL BATTERY UNIT.
UH, THIS IS DONE SO RESEARCHERS CAN MEASURE EXACTLY HOW MUCH HEAT AND GAS IT RELEASES AND WHEN, AND THAT THAT'S RELEASED, AND EXACTLY HOW THAT BEHAVES AS IT OVERHEATS AND BURNS.
SO WHEN WE COMBINE NF PA 8 55 AND UL 95, 40 A, UH, WE GET A REAL WORLD UNDERSTANDING OF HOW FIRE REACTS IN THAT WORST CASE SCENARIO.
AND IT'S BASED ON THE PARTICULAR BATTERY THAT THE DEVELOPER IS GOING TO USE.
UH, IT HAS EARLY DETECTION SYSTEMS, SAFETY AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS, AND THEY'RE ALL PROFESSIONALLY ENGINEER, ENGINEERED AND CUSTOMIZED FOR THAT SITE.
SO THAT PLAN, UH, THAT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN, THAT FIRE SAFETY PLAN THAT ACTUALLY COME, THAT'S MADE BY THE DEVELOPER, ONCE THEY UNDERSTAND ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT, IT'S MADE BY THE DEVELOPER, THEN IT COMES BACK TO THE COUNTY.
UH, WE, WE NEED AND WANT THAT TO COME BACK TO THE COUNTY BECAUSE IT NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED.
UH, WE WANT TO SIT DOWN THEN WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND THE LOCAL RESPONDING FIRE AGENCY.
IN THIS CASE, THE, UH, CLOSEST RESPONDING AGENCY WOULD BE, UH, JOSEPH CITY FIRE.
UH, WE WANT TO SIT DOWN WITH THOSE FOLKS AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE OKAY WITH IT.
WE WALK 'EM THROUGH IT, UM, MAKE, MAKE SURE IT HAS ALL THE ELEMENTS THAT THEY NEED AND DO A BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEVELOPER IF NEEDED.
AND JUST AS A REMINDER, UH, SUPERVISORS, THE JOSEPH CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT RECEIVE PROPERTY TAX FROM THIS.
UH, BUT THERE, THE PROVISION WITHIN THE CONTRACT DOES ALLOW THE BOARD TO SHARE, UH, SOME OF THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PAYMENT IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL RESPONDING FIRE DISTRICT.
UM, WE ALSO TALKED A LOT ABOUT WILDLIFE.
SO CONCERN FOR THE NATIVE WILDLIFE IN AND AROUND SOLAR PANELS IS A SIGNIFICANT QUESTION.
UH, ONE OF THE FEARS IS THAT WILDLIFE, COYOTE, WILDLIFE LIKE COYOTES, RABBITS, AND ANIMALS WILL JUST DISAPPEAR.
UM, THIS IS A VERY UNDERSTANDABLE QUESTION BECAUSE FOR A LONG TIME NOBODY HAD GOOD EVIDENCE EITHER WAY.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, RESEARCHERS, RESEARCHERS AT THE ARAGON NATIONAL LABORATORY, A US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL LABORATORY, SET OUT TO WATCH, THEY USED AI ASSISTED ALWAYS ON CAMERAS, AND THEY RECORDED DAYTIME ACTIVITY AT FIVE OPERATING SOLAR SITES WITHIN THE US.
AND TWO OF THESE FACILITIES OBSERVED WERE RIGHT HERE IN ARIZONA.
ALTOGETHER, THEY RECORDED 19 OVER 19,000 HOURS OF FOOTAGE, AND THEY ANALYZED IT.
THE RESULTING STUDY WAS A PEER REVIEWED AND PUBLISHED IN THE FEBRUARY 20, 26 EDITION OF DIVERSITY, A SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL INDEX FOR ITS RESEARCH QUALITY SUPERVISORS.
WHAT THE CAMERAS FOUND WAS NOT A DEAD LANDSCAPE, BUT RATHER EVIDENCE THAT ANIMALS AND INSECTS ADAPTED TO THE PANELS AS PART OF THEIR TERRAIN.
ANIMALS WERE USING THE LAND NOT AVOIDING IT.
BIRDS AND BIRDS OF PREY WERE DOCUMENTED LIVING AND HUNTING AMONG THE PANELS.
BUT SUPERVIS, THIS STUDY DOES NOT SAY THERE WAS NO DISRUPTION IN WILDLIFE ACTIVITY, BUT THIS IS REAL MULTI-YEAR PEER-REVIEWED EVIDENCE FROM HERE IN ARIZONA THAT POINTS TO WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE.
THE MAJOR KEYS TO WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE FOR THIS PROJECT ARE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARIZONA GAME AND FISH RECOMMENDATION FOR WILDLIFE FRIENDLY FENCING.
AND YOU'LL NOTICE IN THAT PICTURE, SUPERVISORS THAT THE CHAIN LINK PART OF THAT FENCE DOES NOT TOUCH THE GROUND.
THERE'S A SIX TO EIGHT INCH GAP THERE THAT ALLOWS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF SMALL GAIN TO PASS THROUGH, AND IT CAN ALSO KEEP OUT LARGER APEX PREDATORS.
NOW THIS GOES IN COORDINATION WITH WILDLIFE QUARTERS THAT RANGE FROM 150 FEET WIDE TO 2000 FEET WIDE.
NOW, HERE'S A CONCERN THAT MANY OF YOU HAVE HEARD.
YOU KNOW, WIND AND SOLAR KEEP COMING AND NOBODY TELLS ME WHERE IT STOPS.
AND FROM THERE IT'S PROBABLY A SHORT STEP TO PICTURING SOLAR FIELDS AND TURBINES COVERING EVERY OPEN SPACE OF THE COUNTY.
LET'S, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE REAL QUESTION UNDERNEATH THAT, WHICH IS, WHERE DOES IT STOP? AND SUPERVISORS, THERE IS AN ANSWER.
IT'S WRITTEN DOWN AND IT'S IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
AND THAT WAS SHAPED BY INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CALLS FOR A DI DIVERSE ECONOMY, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AGRICULTURAL, RANCHING, AND INDUSTRIAL, NOT ONE DOMINATED BY A SINGLE INDUSTRY.
THE BOARD HAS ALSO COMMITTED TO COORDINATING WITH OTHER CITIES, TOWNS, AND AGENCIES TO KEEP THAT BALANCE.
UH, YOU AS A BOARD WERE CLEAR THAT NO SINGLE LAND USE SHOULD DOMINATE THE LANDSCAPE SO DIRECTLY.
NO CONVERTING ALL UNDEVELOPED LAND TO SOLAR WOULD NOT BE CONSISTENT WITH A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
[01:20:02]
THE PLAN ALSO SAYS SOMETHING VERY SIMPLE.OPEN HOR CHARACTER IS A COMMON COMMUNITY LOVE AND IS DESIRE TO BE RE RETAINED.
NOW THAT LINE COMES, COMES FROM THE PLAN WORD FOR WORD, BECAUSE RESIDENTS PUT IT THERE AND THE BOARD APPROVED IT.
THE PLAN SEEKS TO BALANCE THE RULE CHARACTER WITH LANDOWNER, LANDOWNER'S RIGHTS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, AND ITS NEWEST UPDATE.
THE PREFERRED CRITERIA PROVIDES ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE WHERE RENEWABLE ENERGY FITS BEST.
UM, LAND CLOSE TO EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINES IN LOCATIONS THAT AVOID CONFLICT WITH RESIDENCES, WATER CULTURE, AND USING SETBACKS AND BUFFERS TO PROTECT FUTURE GROWTH.
THAT ISN'T A SUGGESTION FROM THE PLAN.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IS ADOPTED.
POLICY RESIDENTS SHAPED IT, THE BOARD ADOPTED IT, AND IT'S THE OFFICIAL BASIS FOR EVALUATING PROJECTS LIKE THE ONE FOR YOU THAT YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU HERE TODAY.
SO LOOKING AT THE MAP, HERE'S THE, THAT POLICY IN ACTION, THE BOLD YELLOW LINES THAT YOU SEE THERE, ALMOST THAT KIND OF TRIANGLE TYPE SHAPE ARE THE COUNTY'S MAJOR TRANSMISSION CORRIDORS.
THE BLUE AND GREEN AREAS ARE WHERE RENEWABLE PROJECTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED.
NOTICE SUPERVISORS, HOW CLOSELY THEY TRACK WITH THE TRANSMISSION LINES.
IT'S ECONOMICS AND IT'S THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
WORK AND DEVELOPMENT HAS FOLLOWED THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE.
SO THE PROJECT THAT'S IN FRONT OF YOU TODAY FITS WITH THAT PATTERN.
IT SITS NEAR AN EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINE AND IS AN AREA THAT WAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED AS SUITABLE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY.
SO PROJECT TODAY DOES ALIGN WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
NOW SUPERVISORS ON THAT PROJECT MAP IT THERE, IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS ONE EXCEPTION THERE, THAT SOLAR DEVELOPMENT SITE ON HIGHWAY 77 NORTH OF HOLBROOK.
NOW THAT WAS APPROVED BEFORE THE PLANS UPDATE THAT ADDED THE NEW QUOTE, MINIMAL VISUAL CRI, MINIMAL VISUAL IMPACT CRITERIA NOW.
AND YES, I'M SURE SOMEONE'S PROBABLY THINKING RIGHT NOW, HOW CAN YOU TALK ABOUT MINIMAL VISUAL IMPACT WHEN DEVELOPMENTS LIKE WIND TURBINES ARE SO TALL? AND THAT'S A FAIR QUESTION.
EVERY DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES TRADE-OFFS.
WIND TURBINES ARE MORE VISIBLE, BUT THEY USE VERY LITTLE LAND AND STILL ALLOW FOR GRAZING, RANCHING, HUNTING AND RECREATION UNDERNEATH THEM.
SOLAR IS LESS VI VISIBLE, INCORPORATES WILDLIFE, BUT USES FAR MORE LAND SUPERVISORS.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUPPORTS REMOVAL ENERGY, BUT IT ALSO PROTECTS RURAL CHARACTER, WILDLIFE, CULTURAL SITES AND EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS, AND USES THOSE PRIORITIES TO GUIDE WHERE PROJECTS MAKE SENSE.
AS THIS MAP SHOWS, THERE'S A PLACE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTY, BUT IT COMES WITH GUIDELINES AND IT IS NOT EVERYWHERE.
SO REPORTING BACK ON THE DIRECTION THAT WAS RECEIVED LAST TIME, THERE WAS, UH, A NUMBER OF CHANGES, UPDATES, AND ADDITIONS THAT WERE REQUESTED.
SO HERE ARE ALL THE, UH, ELEMENTS THAT ARE DIFFERENT IN THIS PLAN.
IT INCLUDES A ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN.
THIS IS A, A SAFE DRIVING POLICY, AS WE'VE TALKED ABOUT ON MCC CLAUSE ROAD.
WE'VE HAD TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES WITH THE DEVELOPER, THE BEHAVIOR OF THEIR CONTRACTORS DRIVING ON THAT ROAD.
UH, THIS DEVELOPER FOR, UH, CLEARWAY FOR JIMMY CANYON, UM, HAS BEEN VERY PROACTIVE IN THIS AREA, HAS VOLUNTEERED, UH, CREATING THIS SAFE DRIVING POLICY WITH, UH, PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR DRIVERS, CONTRACTORS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS ARE ALL BEHAVING VERY APPROPRIATELY AND BEING GOOD NEIGHBORS ON THE CLAUSE.
UH, NUMBER TWO IS THE SOIL TESTING THAT WE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT, AND THAT'S INCLUDED TO ENSURE THAT THE SOIL TOMORROW LOOKS LIKE THE SOIL TODAY.
SO THOSE PLANTS AND NATIVE VEGETARIAN VEGETATIONS THAT ARE THERE CAN REGROW IN THE FUTURE AS WELL.
THE EMERGENT, AND THIS IS MORE CLEANUP LANGUAGE SUPERVISORS, THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN IS APPROVED BY THE COUNTY, WHICH IS THEN REVIEWED BY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND THE LOCAL FIRE DISTRICT.
UH, THIS HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED, BUT WE TIGHTEN UP THE LANGUAGE JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT IS REQUIRED TO COME BACK TO THE COUNTY.
THE BEST NOW, BEST IS THAT BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT EARLIER.
THOSE MUST MEET OR EXCEED AND FPA AND FIRE CODE, AND THOSE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COUNTY AS WELL.
AND THE DECOMMISSIONING BOND ESTIMATE MUST BE PREPARED BY AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, NOT A DEVELOPER EMPLOYEE.
NUMBER SIX, THE COUNTY MAY AUDIT THAT BOND ESTIMATE WITH A THIRD PARTY ENGINEER AT THE DEVELOPER'S EXPENSE.
NUMBER SEVEN, THAT BOND AMOUNT CAN ONLY INCREASE.
IT CAN NEVER DECREASE, AND THE PROPERTY OWNER MUST ALLOW FOR COMPLETION OF THE DECOMMISSIONING PLAN.
AGAIN, THIS IS MORE JUST TIGHTENING UP LANGUAGE TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING HAPPENS THE WAY IT'S INTENDED.
UH, NUMBER NINE, THE WHITE HOUSE RECENTLY ISSUED A NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER REGARDING HOW SYSTEMS FOR ENERGY ARE PROCURED AND NOT JUST RENEWABLES.
[01:25:01]
PRODUCTION IN TOTAL.SO THE CONTRACT, UH, INCLUDES LANGUAGE TO MAKE SURE THAT, JUST MAKE SURE AND REINFORCE THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLY WITH ALL THOSE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND THAT THEY MUST LET US KNOW IF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FLAGS, UM, ANY ELEMENT OF THEIR PROJECT AS NEEDING TO BE, NEEDING TO BE REPLACED.
AND THEN LASTLY, THIS IS A BEST PRACTICE THAT WE'VE ADDED, THAT THE DECOMMISSIONING ESTIMATE MUST INCLUDE A CONTINGENCY LINE ITEM.
THE ESTIMATE ALREADY INCLUDES AN INDIRECT COST OVERHEAD LINE ITEM.
UH, BUT A CONTINGENCY LINE ITEM IS SOMETHING THAT WE USE IN PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND BUILDING PROJECTS.
AND WE FOUND THAT OTHER ENTITIES INCLUDED THIS.
WE THOUGHT THAT WAS APPROPRIATE AND A, AND A GOOD WAY TO, UM, REINFORCE AND MAKE SURE THAT THAT DECOMMISSIONING ESTIMATE CAN CAPTURE ALL FUTURE COSTS FOR DECOMMISSIONING.
SO FOR PROCESS STEPS, UM, UH, A DEVELOPMENT LIKE CHIMNEY CANYON DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL AT ONCE.
UM, AND IT DOES NOT END HERE TODAY.
SO IF WE COULD JUST REVIEW THIS REALLY QUICKLY.
SO AS I SPOKE EARLIER, UH, THE DEVELOPER HOLDS PUBLIC MEETINGS.
THAT'S THE FIRST STEP THAT THE BOARD WANTS THE DEVELOPER TO GO SPEAK WITH THE PUBLIC FIRST AND RECEIVE THEIR INPUT.
THEY ALSO BEGIN THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL, WILDLIFE, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL STUDIES AS WELL.
SO WHEN THAT'S COMPLETE, THEN THEY COME AND LET THE COUNTY KNOW THEY SUBMIT THEIR INITIAL DESIGNS AND DOCUMENTS AND, AND MEET WITH STAFF TO DISCUSS.
IF THAT TECHNICAL REVIEW, UH, CHECKS OUT, THEN THE DEVELOPER MUST AGREE TO THE ENTIRE FRAMEWORK AND REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS OF BOTH THE ORDINANCE AND THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IF IT PROCEEDS.
FROM THERE, WE DO AN ADDITIONAL, AN INITIAL BRIEFING TO THE BOARD AND TO RESIDENTS.
THAT'S WHAT SAT THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST MEETING, UM, AND RECEIVE YOUR FEEDBACK AND YOUR GUIDANCE.
IF BOTH SIDES AGREE ON THOSE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, THEN IT'S BROUGHT BACK.
UH, WE REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD AND THEN THE BOARD CONSIDERS POSSIBLE ACTION.
IF, IF THAT, UM, ITEM IS, IF THAT PROJECT IS APPROVED, THEN THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED AND IT SETS OFF A WHOLE NOTHER SET OF PROCESSES, WHICH IS ACTUALLY A LOT OF WORK.
SO ONCE THE CONTRACT IS SET AND ALL THE PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS ARE AGREED TO, THE DEVELOPER THEN HAS TO GO PROCURE A POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
AGAIN, THIS IS A CONTRACT, A LONG TERM CONTRACT FROM EITHER SRP OR A PS TO BUY THAT POWER.
IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO US THAT THEY HAVE A BUYER IN PLACE AND AGREED UPON SET BY A CONTRACT.
THEY ALSO HAVE A, HAVE TO HAVE AN INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT, WHICH MEANS THEY HAVE TO HAVE A WAY TO GET THAT POWER ON THE TRANSMISSION LINES AND TRANSPORT IT TO THEIR CUSTOMER.
AND THIS, AS WE TALKED EARLIER, THIS IS WHEN IT KICKS OFF THE GRADING PLAN, DEVELOPING OF THE GRADING PLAN, THE DRAINAGE REPORT, STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN, THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN, THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN.
THERE'S ALSO A NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL PLAN, THE ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN, THE ROAD USE PLAN, AND THEN ONCE ALL THAT IS COMPLETE, THEY CAN SECURE A SECURITY BOND.
NOW THESE ARE ALL LEGAL, TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING REPORTS THAT COME BACK TO THE COUNTY.
THE COUNTY REVIEWS THOSE AND THE COUNTY NEEDS TO ACCEPT THOSE.
THEN IF THOSE DOCUMENTS ARE ACCEPTED, THEN A BUILDING PERMIT COULD BE ISSUED.
SO BOARD THAT IS, THAT CONCLUDES OUR REPORT BACK.
UH, STAFF ASSESSMENT CONCLUDES THAT THE PROJECT ONE MEETS ALL THE ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS.
UH, TWO, IT AGREES WITH ALL THE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT WERE ASKED OF THEM.
AND THREE, THE LOCATION IS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
THE SUPERVISORS, UM, WE'RE AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
THE DEVELOPER IS ALSO HERE, UM, IF THEY WISH TO PROVIDE ANY, ANY COMMENTS OR YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OF THEM.
AND THEN AS WE'VE DISCUSSED EARLIER, IT CAN GET TIME FOR THE BOARD TO THEN OPEN UP FOR RESIDENT FEEDBACK.
AND BEYOND THAT, IF THE BOARD DESIRES, UH, TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND FOR THE DISCUSS IT.
THANK, THANK YOU FOR THAT, UH, PRESENTATION THIS TIME.
UH, TURN TO THE BOARD, UH, HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
WE'LL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AFTER THE PUBLIC SPEAKS FOR QUESTIONS.
SO ARE THERE ANY DISCUSSIONS OR QUESTIONS AT THIS TIME? OKAY, NOT THANK YOU.
UH, WE'LL TURN IT, UH, OPEN THIS UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
UH, JUST REMIND EVERYBODY THAT YOU'RE LIMITED, UH, THREE MINUTES, REMIND YOU NOT TO DISCUSS, UH, OTHER THINGS OTHER THAN THIS ITEM AND BOARD MEMBERS CAN ASK YOU QUESTIONS,
[01:30:01]
UH, CONCERNING ANY OF YOUR COMMENTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE, UH, GOING FORWARD.SO AT THIS TIME, WE HAVE QUITE A FEW OF YOU.
SO I ASK YOU NOT TO REPEAT WHAT SOMEBODY ELSE HAS ALREADY SAID.
IF POSSIBLE, THIS IS ALSO INFORMATION.
UH, IF THERE'S MORE INFORMATION WE NEED TO FIND OR, OR YOU HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE THAT WE DON'T HAVE AND YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US, THEN THIS IS THE TIME TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THAT.
OUR FIRST PERSON HERE IS, UH, JODY BALDA.
I DID SOME OF MY OWN RESEARCH AND WROTE A FEW THINGS DOWN.
UM, AND THESE ARE SOME OF SOME, BUT FEW OF MY CONCERNS IN THE UK WHERE THERE IS NOT NEAR AS MUCH HEAT AS THERE AS WHAT WE HAVE HERE IN ARIZONA.
IN THE ARIZONA DESERT, THEY HAVE HAD FIRES INCREASED BY 133% FROM 2022 TO 2025 DURING WHICH TIME SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION HAS INCREASED BY 52%.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE QBE INSURANCE IN THE UK.
VOICE CONCERNS IN 2026 STATING THAT RESEARCH SHOWS THAT FIRES ARE RISING AT MORE THAN, SORRY, UM, MORE THAN DOUBLE THE RATE OF SO SOLAR PANEL INSTALLS.
UM, THE YUMA AZ FAMILY NEWSPAPER REPORTED ARIZONA IS CURRENTLY HOME TO ABOUT A HUNDRED SOLAR FARMS WITH SEVERAL, SEVERAL OF THOSE MASSIVE FACILITIES OPERATING IN YUMA.
WHILE CLEAN ENERGY CONTINUES, CLEAN ENERGY CONTINUES TO EXPAND ACROSS THE REGION.
FIRE SAFETY EXPERTS WARN THAT SOLAR RELATED FIRES PRESENT INTENSE, HIGHLY VOLATILE HAZARDS THAT CAN TAKE DAYS TO CONTROL WHEN THEY DO IGNITE.
JUST ACROSS THE ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA STATE LINE FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE A MASSIVE BLAZE THIS LAST WEDNESDAY AT THE MOUNT SIGNAL, ONE SOLAR PLANT.
LOCAL CREWS SAY, FIGHTING THESE UNIQUE ELECTRICAL AND CHEMICAL FIRES REQUIRES ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TACTICS COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL STRUCTURE.
BLAZES, UM, FIRES WHEN THEY INVOLVE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, BASICALLY FORCE US TO SLOW DOWN OUR STRIDE, SAID CRICH CASITA OF THE IMPERIAL COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT.
WE'VE HAD TO ENSURE WE ARE TALKING AND LOOKING WITH TECHNICAL EXPERTS WHO HAVE THE TECHNICAL REFERENCES THAT WE CAN USE.
IS OUR LITTLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE A HAZARDOUS FIRE LIKE THIS? NOT ONLY THAT, WHAT ABOUT THE TOWN AND THE HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT A POTENTIAL FIRE WOULD CREATE FOR OUR AIR AND LIKELY OUR GROUNDWATER NOT ONLY ARE SO SOLAR FARMS WHOLLY INEFFICIENT AS FAR AS THEIR FOOTPRINT AND THE AMOUNT OF POWER THEY GENERATE GOES, THEY ARE PROVING TO BE HAZARDOUS TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
THIS GREEN ENERGY IS ANYTHING BUT GREEN.
WHILE THEY REQUIRE THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF ACRES TO PRODUCE A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY THAT WOULD PRODUCE ENERGY FOR ONLY 3% OF THE HOMES THAT COULD FILL THEIR FOOTPRINT.
COAL OR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS CREATE MUCH MORE ENERGY AND ARE HAND OVER FIST MORE RELIABLE WITH MUCH SMALLER, WITH A MUCH SMALLER FOOTPRINT.
WHAT IS GREEN ABOUT TEARING UP PERFECTLY PRISTINE AND BEAUTIFUL DESERTS? NOT TO MENTION ENTIRE ECOSYSTEMS TO COVER THEM WITH SOLAR PANELS THAT ARE INEFFICIENT AT BEST, BUT THE SURROUNDING AREAS THAT PUT THE SOUND SURROUNDING AREAS AT RISK WITH WILDFIRES.
YOUR TIME IS UP AND RESIDUAL HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL EXPOSURE.
PLEASE SUBMIT US THAT INFORMATION.
WHETHER OR NOT EFFICIENT PLEASE.
I AM FROM JOSEPH CITY AND I'M A FIFTH GENERATION DESCENDANT OF THE PEOPLE WHO SETTLED THERE.
BUT JOSEPH CITY IS NOT JUST MADE UP OF PEOPLE WHOSE ANCESTORS SETTLED IT.
THERE ARE MANY FAMILIES WHO CAME LATER AND ALSO BECAME GENERA GENERATIONAL FAMILIES AND MANY WHO RECENTLY CAME.
AND WE ALL CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR COMMUNITY.
WE AREN'T A PERFECT COMMUNITY AND WE AREN'T PERFECT PEOPLE.
BUT WHEN SOMEONE IS IN NEED, WE COME TOGETHER TO HELP AND SUPPORT THOSE FAMILIES.
WHETHER IT BE A BENEFIT AUCTION, HELPING FAMILIES AFTER A FLOOD OR A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, YOU WILL NOT FIND A BETTER, BETTER PEOPLE THAN THE PEOPLE OF JOSEPH CITY.
WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I AM NOT HERE TO FIGHT MY NEIGHBORS.
I AM HERE BECAUSE OF THE MANY SOLAR COMPANIES COMING IN, COMING TOO CLOSE TO OUR COMMUNITY.
AND THE EFFECTS OF THOSE SOLAR PROJECTS DON'T JUST STOP AT PROPERTY LINES.
JOSEPH CITY ISN'T JUST A DOT ON THE MAP, BUT THE
[01:35:01]
PLACE TO PLUG INTO THE GRID.IT WAS BUILT BY FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND BUSINESS PEOPLE.
THEY RAISED CATTLE, GREW, GREW ALFALFA, CORN MELONS, AND OPERATED DAIRIES AND EGG FARMS. THE PEOPLE FROM FLAGSTAFF TO THE RESERVATION TO SHOW LOW BENEFITED FROM THESE BUSINESSES.
WHEN A PS WANTED TO PUT A POWER PLANT IN NEAR JOSEPH CITY, THE FARMERS DECIDED IT WOULD BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY.
SINCE FARMING WAS DYING AND A POWER PLANT WOULD BRING GOOD JOBS AND ALSO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY IN NUMEROUS WAYS, AND IT DID, IT GAVE THEM HOPE THAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND FAMILIES COULD STAY AND RAISE THEIR KIDS.
HERE, JOSEPH CITY HAS BECOME A TARGET FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY.
AND WHEN I LOOK AT ALL THOSE SOLAR FIELDS FROM MY FRONT PORCH, I DON'T JUST SEE A SEA OF BLACK OR THE BLINDING REFLECTION EFFECT.
I SEE WHAT'S NOT THERE ANYMORE.
AND WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS AND GRANDKIDS? WHAT WILL THEY SEE? I SEE CATTLE AND WILDLIFE LOSING THEIR FEEDS, THEIR HABITAT.
I ICY SOIL DISTURBED BY ROADS, EQUIPMENT, TRENCHES AND CONSTRUCTION.
AND WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WIND BLOWS AROUND HERE AND WHEN THE MONSOONS COME, THAT SOIL ENDS UP DUST IN THE AIR AND EROSION IN OUR WASHES, EVENTUALLY MAKING ITS WAY TO THE RIVER.
THE CHOA POWER PLANT AND LAKE ONLY OCCUPY ROUGHLY 1400 ACRES, AND THAT FACILITY HELPED EMPLOY GENERATIONS OF LOCAL FAMILIES.
NOW, COMPARE THAT FOOTPRINT WITH THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF ACRES BEING CONSIDERED FOR SOLAR DEVELOPMENT AROUND JOSEPH CITY.
WHY CAN'T THESE SOLAR DEVELOPMENTS BE PLACED FARTHER AWAY FROM OUR COMMUNITIES ALONG EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINES ON MORE BARREN OR ROCKY LAND WHERE THEY AREN'T DESTROYING RANGE LAND AND ARE NOT DOMINATING THE VIEWS OF FAMILIES WHO HAVE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS? WHY? I WANNA KNOW.
OUR ANCESTORS MADE HUGE SACRIFICES TO BUILD JOSEPH CITY, AND EACH GENERATION HAS TRIED TO LEAVE SOMETHING BETTER FOR THE NEXT.
OUR CHAMBER HAS BEEN TRYING TO CLEAN UP VACANT, TRASHY LOTS, FIXED UP THE PARK, AND CONTINUE TO TRY TO FIND WAYS TO LEAVE A BETTER PLACE FOR OUR KIDS.
BUT YOU ARE TAKING AWAY OUR INCENTIVE BECAUSE YOU WANT TO SURROUND US WITH WASTELAND FILLED WITH METAL AND GLASS.
WHO WANTS TO LIVE IN A PLACE LIKE THAT, DO YOU? I AM HERE TO STAND UP FOR OUR FAMILIES, THE FAMILIES OF JOSEPH CITY, WHO WANT TO CONTINUE TO LIVE HERE AND RAISE THEIR CATTLE OR TO FARM OR TO RAISE THEIR KIDS AND JUST, AND JUST ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN A QUIET LITTLE SANCTUARY AWAY FROM CITY LIGHTS.
WE KNOW WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA AND WE WON'T BE BOXED IN.
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, UH, SPEAK AGAIN.
YOU DID A GREAT JOB IN THIS PRESENTATION.
THANK YOU FOR COMING BACK WITH ALL THE ANSWERS.
UM, WHEN I HEAR THAT, UH, THE DEVELOPERS ARE SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY, NOTIFY, NOTIFY, WHAT I'D LIKE TO KNOW IS, IS THERE A A PERSON THAT'S ASSIGNED TO EACH OF THESE, UM, DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE COMING IN? I THINK IT WOULD BE REALLY NICE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ONE PERSON, IF IT'S UP TO THE RESPONSIBILITY OF, UH, THE DEVELOPER TO SAY SOMETHING.
IF THERE'S A FIRE, HOW ARE WE GONNA KNOW WHAT IS, WHAT IS THE, THE PROTECTION OF THE PEOPLE? UM, I HAVE HEARD, AND I KNOW THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY AN AGENDA ITEM, BUT OF A STORY, UH, AT A WIND TURBINE LOCALLY.
AND I KNEW SOMEBODY WHO WORKED THERE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
I MET SOMEBODY AND WHEN THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN ONE OF THE, UM, THE GEAR BOXES UP ON TOP AND THE OIL RAN DOWN, I SAID, WELL, SO YOU CALL THE EPA, THE A DEQ.
OH NO, WE ARE JUST TOLD TO, TO MOP IT UP AND THROW EVERYTHING INTO A BLACK BAG AND THROW IT IN THE TRASH.
WELL, TO ME, THOSE SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED.
SO HOW ARE YOU GOING TO CREATE A BARRIER FOR US AS PEOPLE? SO THANK YOU.
ANYBODY OF STAFF WANNA RESPOND TO THAT AT ALL? CHAIRMAN, THANK YOU.
UH, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES IS OUR MAIN POINT OF CONTACT FOR DEVELOPERS WHEN THEY, UM, SUBMIT DOCUMENTS.
THEY LOOK FOR PLAN REVIEWS AND AS APPROPRIATE THEN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES WORKS WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, UM, OUTSIDE ENTITIES AS WELL.
I WANT TO THANK THE BOARD FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY.
AND I WANT TO THANK THE BOARD FOR YOUR OFFER OF KEEPING COMMUNICATION OPEN WITH MY BENEFACTORS IN WASHINGTON WHO WERE TRYING TO HELP SAVE MY RANCHING OPERATION FROM THE INTRUSION OF SOLAR.
IT MEANS A LOT TO ME THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO HAVE THAT COMMUNICATION WITH THEM.
UH, I JUST GOT BACK FROM WASHINGTON, DC THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY, AND AS I WAS FLYING OVER, WE HAPPENED TO COME RIGHT ACROSS THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY.
AND WHEN I WAS FLYING OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, MY SON AND I WERE
[01:40:01]
LOOKING TOWARD THE, TOWARD THE WEST.AND WE WERE TRYING TO SEE IF WE COULD SEE ANYTHING OVER HERE THAT WE COULD RECOGNIZE OF OUR HOME.
THE ONLY THING WE COULD SEE THAT WE COULD RECOGNIZE FROM A COUPLE OF HUNDRED MILES AWAY, FLYING OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS OF NEW MEXICO WERE THESE SOLAR INSTALLATIONS.
ALRIGHT FOLKS, I I, I THINK THAT IS EVIDENCE OF THE IMPACT THAT THESE THINGS ARE HAVING.
YOU CAN SEE THEM FROM 200 MILES AWAY.
I CAN'T SEE TOYA, I CAN'T SEE THE TURBINES, I CAN'T SEE THE TRANSMISSION LINES, I CAN'T SEE HOLBROOK WINSLOW, JOSEPH CITY.
I CAN SEE THOSE SOLAR INSTALLATIONS.
AND WE'RE LOOKING AT WHAT, HUNDREDS OF SQUARE MILES, MORE OF THEM.
WHEN I FIRST CAME TO THE, UH, CAME BEFORE THE BOARD, I TOLD YOU THAT MY RESEARCH SHOWED ACCORDING TO A PEER REVIEWED STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, THAT IT'S GOING TO REQUIRE 266,000 SQUARE MILES OF LAND TO MEET THE SOLAR TRANSITION.
AND I THINK WHAT WE'RE SEEING NOW WITH ALL THESE NEW APPLICATIONS COMING THROUGH, I WAS RIGHT ABOUT THAT.
NOW, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MR. LAYTON PUT UP WAS THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO THE COUNTY THAT SOLAR OR ANY OTHER INDUSTRY DOESN'T DOMINATE.
WELL, WE ARE THERE, IF I CAN SEE THESE SOLAR FIELDS FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, THEY'RE ALREADY DOMINATING THE TIME TO MAKE A MOVE IS NOW.
EARLIER WE TALKED ABOUT UNITY, OPPOSITION TO THIS SOLAR INSTALLATION COMPLEXES IN OUR COUNTY IS THE FIRST THING I'VE SEEN THAT BROUGHT UNITY SINCE NINE 11 TO THIS COUNTY.
I DO APPRECIATE VERY MUCH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD.
NEXT, UH, STEVEN BROPHY, MR. CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, I'M STEVE BROPHY.
I RUN AZTEC LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY.
AND, UM, A LARGE PART OF THE PROJECT BEFORE YOU IS TO BE BUILT IF APPROVED ON OUR LAND.
AND I SIMPLY WANT TO SAY A COUPLE OF THINGS.
ONE, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO US AS LONGTIME RESIDENTS.
WE'VE BEEN LANDOWNERS HERE FOR 142 YEARS THAT THIS COUNTY CONTINUE TO GROW AND PROSPER.
AND THAT MEANS, UH, BASICALLY THAT, UH, CHILDREN WHO ARE RAISED HERE HAVE A CHANCE FOR A JOB IF THEY CHOOSE TO STAY.
AND THIS SORT OF DEVELOPMENT DONE RIGHT AND DONE WITH THE CARE AND CONCERN AND, UH, ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT THIS COUNTY STAFF AND THIS BOARD HAS GIVEN IT MEETS THAT CRITERIA.
MY FAMILY LIVES IN, UM, IN, OWNS 160 ACRE HOMESTEAD, UH, IN JOSEPH CITY, DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO WHERE THE CLEARWAY CHIMNEY CANYON SOLAR PROJECT IS TO BE, UM, BUILT.
AND, UH, I SPOKE AT THE PREVIOUS MEETING AND I WANTED TO BE HERE AGAIN TODAY TO REAFFIRM MY FAMILY'S SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT AND THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
AND, UH, AS A NEIGHBORING LANDOWNER, WE'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH CLEARWAY THROUGH THE, THROUGH THIS PROCESS.
AND, UH, THEY'VE KEPT US INFORMED.
THEY'VE LISTENED TO ALL OF OUR QUESTIONS, ALL OF OUR CONCERNS, AND I HAD A LOT OF THEM.
AND THEY TREATED MY FAMILY IN GOOD FAITH.
AND, UH, AND THAT MATTERS TO US.
SO I ALSO WANTED TO SHARE, UM, SOMETHING THAT'S IMPORTANT TO ME PERSONALLY.
AND THAT'S, UH, MY FAITH IN, IN JESUS.
THAT'S MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
UH, MY WIFE, MY CHILDREN COME NEXT AND, UH, I TRY TO MAKE DECISIONS WITH THOSE PRIORITIES IN, IN THE RIGHT ORDER.
AND, UH, I BELIEVE OUR FAMILY, OUR LAND, AND EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY, OUR BLESSINGS FROM GOD.
AND WITHOUT HIM, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE.
SO WHEN I THINK ABOUT A SOLAR PROJECT LIKE THIS, I, I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK ABOUT THE SUN ITSELF.
GOD GAVE US THIS INCREDIBLE ENERGY SOURCE.
[01:45:01]
HERE IN ARIZONA, ARIZONA, WE HAVE PLENTY OF SUN, YOU KNOW, AND, UM, I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING PRETTY REMARKABLE ABOUT BEING ABLE TO HARNESS THAT ENERGY, UM, AND TO USE IT TO SERVE PEOPLE, CREATE OPPORTUNITY, AND STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY.UM, WE USE SOLAR FULL-TIME AT THE HOMESTEAD OUT THERE, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, WE USE IT FOR A WHILE AND IT'S, IT'S EXCELLENT.
SO WHEN I LOOK AT THIS PROJECT, I DON'T JUST LOOK AT WHAT IT CAN MEAN FOR MY FAMILY.
I THINK ABOUT WHAT IT CAN MEAN FOR JOSEPH CITY, UH, HOLBROOK, OUR SCHOOLS, OUR KIDS, UH, LOCAL JOBS, AND THE FUTURE OF NAVAJO COUNTY.
AND, UH, YOU KNOW, MY HOPE AND, AND MY PRAYER IS THAT, UH, THE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD.
IT, IT WOULD BE A GENUINE BLESSING FOR THIS COMMUNITY FOR MANY YEARS TO COME, I BELIEVE.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE'RE NOT LOOKING AT THIS PROJECT FROM MILES AWAY.
UH, WE LIVE WITH IT AS A NEIGHBOR.
AND AFTER EVERYTHING WE'VE LEARNED AND EXPERIENCED THROUGH THIS PROCESS, MY FAMILY CONTINUES TO SUPPORT, UH, CLEARWAY AND THE CHIMNEY CANYON PROJECT AND THE DEVELOP DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND, AND GOD BLESS YOU.
THANK YOU MR. JOLLY, APPRECIATE THAT.
NEXT, UH, MR. WAYNES SOLOMON, THANK YOU FOR THIS TIME.
UH, I'VE SAT HERE AND LISTENED TO A LOT OF THINGS GO ON IN THIS MEETING, AND I DO WANT TO TELL YOU THAT I DO, UH, DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS PROJECT OR ANY OTHER PROJECT TO COME FORTH.
UH, THIS LAND WAS GIVEN TO US TO TAKE CARE OF.
UH, THE COUNTY IS IN CHARGE OF, A LOT OF THIS HAS TO BE DEALT WITH.
I UNDERSTAND THERE'S STUFF TO BE TAKEN CARE OF, RULES HAVE TO BE FOLLOWED.
BUT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THESE COMPANIES, A LOT OF THESE COMPANIES ARE BIG COMPANIES.
THEY ARE HIRING THE COMPANY THAT IS THE LEAST BIDDER ON ANY JOB THAT THEY DO.
THAT'S HOW BIG COMPANIES DO IT.
I DON'T CARE WHO, WHAT, WHO HIRES ANYBODY.
THEY HIRE THE COMPANY, THEY'LL DO IT THE CHEAPEST.
THEY GO IN, THEY DO IT, THE CHEAPEST THEY CAN GET BY WITH AND WALK OFF.
OTHER THING I WONDER IS WHY THEY LEASE ALL THIS LAND.
WHY DO THEY LEASE IT? WHY DON'T THEY OWN IT? BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT THE HASSLE IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG OR IF SOMETHING AT THE END COMES TO IT, WHY IS THERE ALWAYS SOMETHING THEY'RE TELLING US RIGHT NOW THAT AFTER 30 YEARS THEY'RE GONNA TAKE CARE OF THIS? THEY ALREADY HAVE A DEADLINE.
THEY KNOW THERE'S NEW PROCESSES COMING THAT'S GONNA OUTDO IT.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT 30 YEARS TO BE OUT OF IT? THIS IS THE TIME TO WORK ON THAT.
THEY'VE ALREADY GIVEN A DEADLINE.
I KNOW YOU FOLKS LIVE OTHER PLACES.
HOW ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY VALUES? ARE THEY GONNA DROP LIKE MINE? NO, BECAUSE YOU'RE A LONG WAYS AWAY FROM IT.
MY PROPERTY VALUES, MY KIDS, MY FAMILY, EVERYBODY IN THAT TOWN, BOTH SIDES IS GETTING THE SAME DEAL.
THINK OF IT AS YOUR FAMILY LIVE THERE.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT? IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT? MOVE IT, MOVE OVER HERE, THEN SEE HOW IT FEELS.
I URGE YOU, I UNDERSTAND PROGRESS, I UNDERSTAND THINGS THAT HAVE TO GO ON, BUT YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE.
I SAT HERE AND LISTENED TO A COUNTY, MAN, I UNDERSTAND HE'S DOING WHAT HE WAS ASKED, BUT HE SOUNDS LIKE HE'S SELLING THIS PITCH TO YOU.
HE DIDN'T SOUND LIKE HE WAS STANDING UP FOR THE COUNTY.
HE SOUND LIKE TO ME, HE'S STANDING UP FOR THE PER FOR THE PEOPLE TRYING TO DO THIS.
YOU KNOW? SO THAT'S WHAT I HAVE TO SAY.
AND I APPRECIATE THIS TIME AND THANK YOU.
THANK YOU CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR.
I HAD THE HONOR, HONOR TO VISIT, UH, HOVI, I BELIEVE IS THE PROPER WAY TO SAY THAT.
STATE PARK READING THE INTERPRETIVE EXHIBITS REMINDED ME THAT THESE ARE NOT SIMPLY ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES.
THEY'RE PLACES THAT CONTINUE TO HOLD CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE HOPI PEOPLE.
TODAY, IT IS REINFORCEMENT FOR ME TO THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING THESE RESOURCES AS THE BOARD CONSIDERS THE PROPOSED CHIN, CHIN, CHIMNEYS, CHIMNEYS CANYON SOLAR ENERGY CENTER.
THIS PROJECT COVERS APPROXIMATELY 24 SECTIONS OF LAND, GIVEN ITS SIZE AND ITS PROXIMITY TO KNOWN ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES.
I RESPECTFULLY ASK THE BOARD TO SLOW THIS PROCESS AND ENSURE THAT THE CULTURAL RESOURCES RECEIVED THE ATTENTION THEY DESERVE BEFORE ANY FINAL ATTACK.
AND THEY ONLY GAVE BRIAN, YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB, THANK YOU.
BUT THE ARCHEOLOGICAL WAS KIND OF BRUSHED OVER A LITTLE BIT, UH, AT A PREVIOUS MEETING.
AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IF THEY'RE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PUBLIC, UH, NOTICES.
BUT WHILE THAT MAY SATISFY THE MINIMUM LEGAL REQUIREMENT, I SUGGEST RESPECTFULLY THAT THE COMMUNITIES WHOSE ANCESTORS ARE BURIED IN OR
[01:50:01]
CLOSELY CONNECTED TO THIS LANDSCAPE, DESERVE MORE THAN JUST A GENERAL INVITATION.WILL THE BOARD FORMALLY INVITE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HOPI TRIBE AND ANY OTHER AFFILIATED TRIBES WITH DOCUMENTED CULTURAL TIES TO THIS REGION LIKE THE ZUNI? AND WE'VE GOT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE APACHE AND NAVAJO, THAT'S FANTASTIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS.
BEFORE ANY VOTE IS TAKEN, HAS THE SAME OPPORTUNITY BEEN PROVIDED OR WILL IT BE PROVIDED FOR EVERY UTIL UTILITY SCALE, SOLAR AND WIND PROJECT? CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW IN NAVAJO COUNTY, I ALSO ASK THE BOARD TO REQUIRE THE DEVELOPER TO PREPARE A WRITTEN CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PLAN BEFORE ANY FINAL IMPROVEMENT.
THAT THAT PLAN SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND SHOULD ANSWER SEVERAL QUES IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.
WHAT TRAINING WILL THE CONSTRUCTION CREWS RECEIVE TO RECOGNIZE HUMAN REMAINS OR POTTERY STONE TOOLS OR OTHER ARCHEOLOGICAL MATERIALS? WILL EVERY EMPLOYEE AND CONTRACTOR RECEIVE TRAINING? WILL THE TRAINING PLAN BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC? WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO STOP WORKING IMMEDIATELY IF ARTIFACTS OR HUMAN REMAINS ARE DISCOVERED? AND WHAT CON CONSULTATION MUST OCCUR BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OR MAY RESUME? ONCE THE ART, UH, ART, UH, UH, ONCE THE ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ARE DISTURBED OR DESTROYED, THEY'RE GONE FOREVER.
WE CANNOT RE UH, REBUILD THEM, RELOCATE THEM, AND REPLACE THEM.
I RESPECTFULLY ASK THE BOARD TO POSTPONE ANY FINAL ACTION ON THE CHIMNEY CANYON SOLAR ENERGY CENTER.
UNTIL EVICTED TRIBES, THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE TODAY WILL OUTLIVE EVERY ONE OF US.
ELECTRICITY CAN BE GENERATED IN MANY PLACES.
THE HISTORY AND ANCESTORS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE BURIED BENEATH THIS LAND EXISTED ONLY IN ONE.
AND ONCE THEY'RE LOST, NO VOTE, NO PERMIT, NO AMOUNT OF MONEY CAN EVER BRING THEM BACK.
I ASK YOU TO CHOOSE CAUTION, TRANSPARENCY, AND STEWARDSHIP BEFORE APPROVING A PROJECT THAT CAN CHANGE THE LANDSCAPE FOREVER.
UH, CHAIRMAN, IF I, IF I COULD, I APPRECIATE THOSE, THOSE COMMENTS.
UM, AND I DID NOT ADDRESS THAT SUFFICIENTLY ENOUGH.
IF, IF I COULD TAKE JUST A MOMENT.
AND LOOKING DIRECTLY FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM A CULTURAL RESOURCES STUDY.
THAT'S WHERE THEY GO THROUGH IN AN ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
SO THEY GO THROUGH AND DOCUMENT, UH, SITES, UM, ARTIFACTS, LOCATIONS, AND, AND SOME AREAS WERE IDENTIFIED AS HAVING POSSIBLE, UM, UH, ITEMS THERE THROUGH ARCHEOLOGICAL OR CULTURAL RESOURCES.
AND SO THE REQUIREMENT ASKS THEM, REQUIRES THEM TO BUILD AROUND THAT TO, SO THEY AVOID THOSE WHERE, WHERE THEY CAN.
THEN ALSO, THEY'RE ALSO REQUIRED TO CONTACT TRIBAL GROUPS WITH HISTORIC TIES TO THE PROPERTY TO SOLICIT THEIR FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSED PROJECT.
SO APPRECIATE THAT RECOMMENDATION.
THAT IS PART OF THE, THE CONTRACT THAT THEY, THEY SPEAK WITH TRIBAL ENTITIES.
THEY'RE ALSO REQUIRED TO CREATE AN INADVERTENT DISCOVERIES PLAN.
AND THAT'S IN COMPLIANCE WITH A RS 4 1 8 65 TO OUTLINE THE PROTOCOL FOR ANY UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES, HUMAN REMAINS OR ARCHEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS DISCOVERED DURING SURFACE DISTURBING ACTIVITIES.
THE INADVERTENT DISCOVERIES PLAN WILL ENSURE THAT IF ANY SUCH DISCOVERIES ARE MADE, THEY'RE HANDLED APPROPRIATELY AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.
THE SOLAR DEVELOP DEVELOPER SHELVES DESIGN THE FINAL LAYOUT AND ARRAYS, UM, AND OTHER PROJECT INFRASTRUCTURE TO AVOID KNOWN SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED.
AND NEXT WE HAVE, UH, SANDY DOWNS.
THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE TO ADDRESS YOU.
I'M A RESIDENT OF JOSEPH CITY AND UM, I'M OPPOSED TO THE PROJECT.
I LIVE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.
SO CURRENTLY MY HOUSE IS REALLY CLOSE TO THE EXISTING, UH, SOLAR PROJECT THAT'S OUT THERE.
SO EVERY MORNING I SEE THE, YOU KNOW, WE TALK ABOUT LOCAL JOBS.
I SEE THE LICENSE PLATES FROM TEXAS AND MISSOURI AND CALIFORNIA.
EVERYBODY, THEY DRIVE RIGHT BY MY HOUSE ON IN THE MORNING AND ON THE WAY HOME.
SO I DON'T SEE LOCAL JOBS OUT THERE.
UM, MY BIG CONCERN IS THE AIR QUALITY.
SO FOR THE A DEQ, MOST PLACES IN CONSTRUCTION, THERE HAS TO BE A DUST CONTROL PLAN IN PLACE.
AND IN GENERAL, IT'S LIMITED TO 20% OPACITY.
WHEN YOU EXCEED THAT OPACITY, YOU'RE IN VIOLATION OF THAT PLAN.
UM, AND 20% OPACITY IN GENERAL TERMS IS IF YOU CAN SEE DUST IN THE AIR, YOU'VE EXCEEDED THAT 20%.
AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LOOK SOUTH ALMOST EVERY DAY.
AND YOU JUST SEE A BIG BROWN CLOUD, THEY'RE IN VIOLATION EVERY SINGLE DAY.
[01:55:01]
THAT DUST COMING? IT'S JUST COMING RIGHT TO US, RIGHT INTO TOWN.IT'S JUST IN CONSTANT VIOLATION.
AND SO I HEAR ABOUT THE ENGINEERED PLANS IN PLACE AND I WOULD SAY THOSE PLANS ARE POORLY ENGINEERED OR THEY'RE NOT BEING FOLLOWED OR THEY'RE NOT BEING ENFORCED.
AND IF THAT'S WHAT I CAN VISUALLY SEE, BECAUSE IT'S PLAIN TO SEE THOSE PLANS ARE IN VIOLATION, WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS? WHO, WHAT PLANS ARE GONNA BE ENFORCED? HOW ARE WE GOING TO KEEP THIS SAFE? SO THANK YOU.
I URGE YOU TO, UM, NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO US.
UM, I THINK MY FATHER KIND OF ALREADY TOUCHED ON IT.
HOW IS THIS GONNA AFFECT LOCAL JOBS? I'M ALL FOR BRINGING JOBS TO OUR, UM, COMMUNITY.
I WANT, YOU KNOW, IS THERE A PERCENTAGE OF HOW MANY PEOPLE CONTRACTED OR SUBCONTRACTED GOING TO BE FROM LOCAL CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS? IS THERE GOING TO BE, UM, A WRITTEN AMOUNT OF LOCAL DONATIONS GOING FROM THOSE CONTRACTORS TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES, LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS, LOCAL EMS SERVICES.
UM, SO MY CONCERN IS THE MONETARY.
I LOVE THAT WE'RE HAVING JOBS HERE IN THE AREA.
HOW MUCH OF IT IS COMING TO, TO SUPPORT THIS LOCAL AREA VERSUS HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO TEXAS LICENSE PLATES, MISSOURI LICENSE PLATES, ILLINOIS LICENSE PLATES, CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES.
I USED TO LIVE NEAR MY FATHER AS OF UNTIL A MONTH AGO.
AND I SAW THAT IT WAS NOT LOCAL LICENSE PLATES THAT WE WERE SUPPORTING.
NEXT, UH, MR. BLACK, THANK YOU CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR AND, UH, THE RESCUE SUPERVISORS.
AT THE LAST MEETING, WE HAD A LANDOWNER STAND UP AND SAY, YOU KNOW, HE QUESTIONED WHY ANYBODY WOULD BE ABLE TO TELL HIM WHAT HE CAN AND CANNOT DO ON HIS LAND.
IT'S PRIVATE LAND, HE OWNS IT.
NOBODY SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL HIM WHAT TO DO.
THAT, THAT STATEMENT JUST DIDN'T FIT TRUE WITH, WITH OUR WHOLE WORLD LIVING IN TOWN.
I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE, IF YOU PUT UP SOMETHING THAT YOUR NEIGHBORS DON'T LIKE, THEY HAVE EVERY OPPORTUNITY AND EVERY RIGHT IN THE WORLD TO TELL YOU YOU CAN'T DO THAT.
AND THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE.
SO WHEN, WHEN THEY SAY IT'S MY LAND, IT IS.
BUT YET PEOPLE DO HAVE A RIGHT WHEN YOU'RE INTERFERING WITH, WITH THEIR WAY I LIVING TOO.
THE OTHER THING I WANNA DO IS, FOR SOME REASON, THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HAVE BYPASSED OR GETTING AROUND THAT 17 DASH 2025, WHICH GIVES THE PUBLIC THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK WITH THE, UH, PLANNING AND ZONING.
I I THINK YOU NEED TO BRING THAT BACK BECAUSE THE, SOME OF THE LAST STATEMENTS, WELL, WE HAD ALL THESE MEETINGS AND WE DID ALL THIS.
WELL, WHERE WERE THE MEETINGS? WELL, ONE OF OF 'EM WAS IN FLAGSTAFF.
WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU PUT A MEETING IN FLAGSTAFF WHEN IT PERTAINS TO PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE? I MEAN, THAT'S RIDICULOUS.
WHY, WHY DID YOU DO IT? EVERYBODY KNOWS WHY YOU DID IT, BUT I WOULD SUGGEST YOU BRING PLANNING AND ZONING BACK INTO THESE, UH, STUFF SO THAT THE PUBLIC HAS SOME INPUT.
THESE, THESE ARE RESIDENTS THAT LIVE HERE THAT, THAT LOVE THIS AND, AND THEY WANNA HAVE INPUT ON WHAT HAPPENS IN THEIR, IN THEIR, UH, COMMUNITY.
AND LAST, BUT I, I'M, THERE'S TWO DIFFERENT POLLS TAKEN RECENTLY ON ALL THIS.
UH, ONE OF 'EM WAS 89% OF YOU GUYS'.
PEOPLE DID NOT WANT THESE RENEWABLES IN, IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
AND IT WAS A REAL FAST POLL TAKEN.
SO EITHER WAY, YOU LOOK AT IT, YOU HAVE ALL YOUR RESIDENTS TELLING YOU, WE'VE HAD ENOUGH.
YOU KNOW, ONE OR TWO WAS FINE.
YOU DIDN'T, YOU DIDN'T GET MUCH OPPOSITION WITH ONE OR TWO.
WE'RE TIRED OF SEEING WHAT'S COMING IN NOW.
WE'RE TIRED OF SEEING WHAT'S LINED UP COMING IN BEHIND THEM.
AND THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CLAIMS WE CAN'T STOP 'EM.
IF THEY, IF THEY FOLLOW ALL THE GUIDELINES, WE CAN'T STOP 'EM.
WELL, THAT'S 'CAUSE YOU INVITED THEM IN.
IF YOU WOULDN'T HAVE, YOU COULD STOP 'EM.
BUT NOW YOU GOT YOUR CITIZENS SITTING HERE SAYING,
[02:00:01]
ENOUGH.WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO? YOU CAN'T STOP THESE.
SO NOW WHAT DO YOU DO? IT'S, IT'S SOMETHING YOU GUYS REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT BECAUSE THIS IS NOT GOING AWAY.
I THINK WE HAVE A, AN ANSWER TO YOUR MEETING OF FLAGSTAFF.
SO DEVELOPERS ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM OUTREACH, UM, UH, TO NEIGHBORS, UM, IN, IN ALL DIRECTIONS, RIGHT? SO THAT IN THIS, FOR WHATEVER PROJECT YOU'RE, YOU'RE REFERRING TO, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN FOR, MAY HAVE INCLUDED THE FLAGSTAFF AREA THERE.
AND I'LL JUST LET MR. BLOCK, UH, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT WE INVITED ANYBODY.
YOU KNOW, THEY, DEVELOPERS COME ON THEIR OWN, UH, DEVELOPERS COME AND, AND SEEK OUT OPPORTUNITIES.
PRIVATE LANDOWNERS ALSO HAVE THEIR RIGHTS TO DO THINGS TOO.
VICE CHAIR, UM, CODY WILL ADDRESS THAT.
UH, CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR, IF IT'S APPROPRIATE, JUST TO GO BACK TO THE MEETINGS AND FLAGSTAFF TO ADDRESS THAT.
WHERE BRIAN HAD PREVIOUSLY, THOSE MEETINGS OF THE DEVELOPERS HELD AND FLAGSTAFF WERE FOR THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION LINE SIGHTING.
THAT'S A SEPARATE SET OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THEY DETERMINE WHERE THE APPROPRIATE VENUE IS.
THOSE ARE SEPARATE FROM THE MEETINGS THAT ARE HELD HERE FOR THE COUNTY FOR OUTREACH.
ARIZONA CORPORATE COMMISSION DECIDED THAT MEET AND LOCATION, YES, THEY'RE ULTIMATELY WHO SELECTS THE CERTAIN CRITERIA AND VENUE FOR THOSE MEETINGS AND THEN WORK WITH THE DEVELOPER TO HAVE THAT APPROPRIATE VENUE FOR THEIR HEARINGS THAT THEY PUT FORWARD.
NOT FOR ONES THAT ARE HERE FOR THE COUNTY.
CAN I TALK, CAN I TELL YOU ABOUT THAT? BECAUSE AT THE LAST MEETING THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE TWO DIFFERENT MEETINGS.
AND WE JUST CLARIFIED WHY THAT MEETING WAS IN FLAGSTAFF.
WELL THEN YOU NEEDED TO HAVE TWO MORE HERE THEN FOR THIS.
LIVED IN JOSEPH CITY FOR 35 YEARS.
UM, MARRIED INTO A RANCHING FAMILY, THE HANSON FAMILY.
UM, A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH, UM, RUSTY DESPAIN AND I APOLOGIZED TO HIM FOR NOT PAYING ATTENTION OR LISTENING TO HIS FAMILY'S PROBLEMS FIVE YEARS AGO.
UM, NOW THAT WE ARE AWAKENED TO WHAT'S GOING ON AND ALL OF THE COMPANIES THAT WANT TO COME HERE, THERE HAS BEEN A GIANT AWAKENED.
IT'S JUST GONNA GET BIGGER BECAUSE WE WANT TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY AND WE ARE GOING TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY.
UH, STEPHANIE FARR, FIRST OF ALL, I HAVE SOME LETTERS FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT COULD NOT BE HERE DUE TO WORK COMMITMENTS.
CAN I HAVE THOSE IN FOR THE RECORD? THANK YOU.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
UM, ONE OF MY MAIN QUESTIONS ABOUT CHIMNEY CANYON IS WHEN WERE THE OUTREACH MEETINGS HELD? I'VE NEVER SEEN ANY NOTIFICATION.
EVERY DAY I LEARN OF A NEW PROJECT.
THEY WHERE ARE YOU POSTING THIS ON YOUR WEBSITE? WHERE ARE THEY POSTING IT? IN JOSEPH CITY, CHIMNEY CANYON NEVER HAD OUTREACH MEETINGS THAT I WAS AWARE OF.
AND I WATCHED THINGS PRETTY CLOSELY, SO I WOULD LIKE THAT ANSWERED.
WE WENT TO THE OUTREACH MEETINGS, FORGY FOR THE HONEYMOON TRAIL TO ASK OUR QUESTIONS.
THEY MIGHT AS WELL HAD CARDBOARD CUTOUT PEOPLE THERE.
THEY COULD NOT ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS.
WE ALL FILLED OUT OUR COMMENT CARDS, BUT I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING BACK FROM THEM.
SO I GUESS WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO DRILL DOWN INTO YOUR DEVELOPMENTAL AGREEMENTS TO GET OUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT YOU SAY SOLAR DOESN'T USE MUCH WATER, BUT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING DUST CONTROL.
THAT DOES USE MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF OUR WATER.
SO YES, IT DOES USE IT IN THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE, BUT IT'S NOT KEEPING THE DUST DOWN EITHER.
SO WE'RE KIND OF IN A CATCH 22.
OUR AIR QUALITY IS BAD AND OUR WATER IS BEING DEPLETED.
UM, I BROUGHT A LETTER FROM ANOTHER
[02:05:01]
CONCERNED CITIZEN FROM JOSEPH CITY AND I TOLD HER I WOULD READ IT.SHE SAYS, I'M A LANDOWNER AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN THE JOSEPH CITY COMMUNITY.
AND I'M JUST GONNA HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF HER LETTER 'CAUSE I KNOW I'M GONNA RUN OUTTA TIME.
SHE SAID, I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE JOSEPH CITY IS BEING ASKED TO CARRY AN UNREASONABLE SHARE OF INDUSTRIAL SCALE DEVELOPMENT.
AND I AM ASKING THIS BOARD TO SAY ENOUGH.
I GREW UP AS AN INNER CITY KID.
I CHOSE TO MAKE JOSEPH CITY MY HOME BECAUSE I WANTED A DIFFERENT KIND OF LIFE, A RURAL WAY OF LIFE.
WIDE OPEN SPACES AND ROOM TO BREATHE WITHOUT FEELING SURROUNDED BY BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
I ALSO WANTED BETTER QUALITY, AIR QUALITY FOR MY CHILDREN WHO HAVE ASTHMA.
THAT WAS PART OF WHAT DREW ME TO THIS RURAL COMMUNITY.
NOW, WITH THE CONTINUAL DUST I'VE PERSONALLY SEEN COMING FROM THE LARGE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AROUND THESE PROJECTS, I'M DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT ONE OF THE VERY THINGS I CAME HERE SEEKING FOR MY FAMILIES BEING DIMINISHED.
CHIMNEY CANYON IS NOT ONE ISOLATED PROJECT.
LIKE I SAID, EVERY DAY I'M LEARNING OF ANOTHER ONE THAT WE ARE NOT BEING TOLD ABOUT.
DO YOU HAVE A LIST ON YOUR COUNTY WEBSITE OF ALL THE ONES UNDER CONSIDERATION, WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE.
UM, I PERSONALLY ADDED UP ALL OF THE ACREAGE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THAT I'M AWARE OF 40,000 ACRES SURROUNDING JOSEPH CITY.
NEXT WE'RE GONNA LOSE OUR LAND AND OUR IRRIGATION RIGHTS IF LANDOWNERS KEEP GIVING INTO THESE COMPANIES FOR A QUICK DOLLAR.
WHY JOSEPH CITY? I KNOW WE HAVE A TARGET ON OUR BACK THERE BECAUSE OF THE POWER PLANT AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT'S THERE, BUT WE'VE GOT TO STOP THIS.
THANK YOU MR. FAR APPRECIATE IT.
WOULD THE DEVELOPERS LIKE TO ADDRESS WHEN THEY HAD THEIR OUTREACH MEETINGS? PLEASE, PLEASE.
UM, GOOD, GOOD MORNING CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
UM, WE, UM, MOST OF OUR PUBLIC OUTREACH WAS CONDUCTED IN 2025.
UM, WE APPLIED FOR A WAIVER FOR AN IN-PERSON NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING FROM THE COUNTY, UM, WHICH WAS APPROVED.
UM, THE REASON WE APPLIED FOR A WA WAIVER FOR THE IN-PERSON MEETING IS BECAUSE, UM, THE CLOSEST RESIDENT, UM, NON UH, PARTICIPATING RESIDENT TO OUR PROJECT IS OVER FOUR MILES AWAY.
WE HELD TWO VIRTUAL MEETINGS, UM, MAY 22ND AND APRIL 12TH, 2025.
PRIOR TO THESE MEETINGS, WE SENT OUT, UM, POSTCARDS TO NEIGHBORING LANDOWNERS WITHIN 300 FEET AND WITHIN 1000 FEET OF THE PROJECT.
UM, WE ONLY SENT OUT THE NOTICES TO LANDOWNERS BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT IS AVAILABLE ON, UM, COUNTY, COUNTY DATA.
WE DID NOT SEND IT OUT TO ANY, UM, LESSEES.
UM, WE ALSO POSTED, UM, FOR TWO WEEKS PRIOR IN THE, IN TWO NEWSPAPERS IN ADVANCE OF BOTH OF THESE MEETINGS.
SO DEFINE AGAIN, YOU SAY THAT THE CLOSEST PROPERTY OWNERS, THERE'S TWO PROPERTY OWNERS.
OTHER THAN THAT YOU'RE FOUR MILES AWAY FROM COR.
THAT IS ALL OF OUR PUBLIC COMMENT THAT WE HAD AT THIS TIME.
UH, BRING IT BACK TO THE BOARD IF THEY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WISH TO TAKE OTHER ACTION AT THIS TIME.
I AM JUST GONNA MAKE A COMMENT.
THE ONE SOLAR PROJECT THAT WE HAVE THAT'S NEARING COMPLETION, IT WAS INTERESTING IN THE FACT THAT WHEN WE HAD THIS MEETING HERE, UH, THERE WAS NOBODY IN ATTENDANCE, OKAY, WHO'S SPOKE IN OPPOSITION FOR IT.
THAT WAS DONE UNDER OUR SPECIAL USE PERMIT.
AND SO THAT PROJECT DOES NOT HAVE ANY OF THOSE ITEMS THAT MR. LAYTON SHARED WITH YOU TODAY THAT ARE ADDED REQUIREMENTS AND ADDED REGULATIONS AND ADDED THINGS THAT, THAT WE HAVE DONE.
AND SO WE GET CRITICISM FROM OUR, UH, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT MEETING WHEN OR ORDINANCE THAT WE HAVE, WHICH IN ESSENCE I THINK WE HAVE PROVED TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO UNDERSTAND THAT THAT IS A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT THAT MADE THINGS MORE, MORE DIFFICULT FOR A DEVELOPER, MORE SAFETY FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND MORE BETTER.
AND WE'LL CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND CONTINUE TO CHANGE THAT AGREEMENT AS THINGS COME FORWARD.
AS FAR AS, UH, DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS, JUST LIKE LAST WEEK WE HAD A NEW REQUIREMENT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
THOSE THINGS GET ADDED INTO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
IT'S AN ONGOING DOCUMENT THAT CAN HAVE CHANGE, ESPECIALLY USE PERMIT DOES NOT HAVE THAT PROVISION AT ALL.
AND SO THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO.
[02:10:01]
THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE OF HOW WE'VE TRIED TO MAKE THESE PROJECTS THE VERY BEST THAT WE CAN.AND I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND MA'AM, IN THAT THERE IS DUST CONTROL, THERE IS WATER WITH THAT.
AND WHEN WE LOOK AT THIS, THERE'S ALL SORTS OF THINGS.
THERE'S ALL SORTS OF, UH, DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT CAN HAPPEN.
WHEN WE HAD THE COAL FLOWER, PLANT PLANT, THERE WAS RISK THAT COULD HAPPEN THERE.
THERE'S RISK NOW WITH CHOA, WITH THE NATURAL GAS.
IF YOU HAVE A LEAK OF NATURAL GAS, THAT'S POISON GOING INTO THE AREA.
ALL THOSE THINGS TAKE RISK AS WE GO FORWARD WITH THAT.
AND WE TRY TO CONTROL THOSE RISKS THE BEST WE CAN THROUGH, THROUGH AGREEMENTS, THROUGH DOCUMENTS.
AND WE ALSO FOLLOW ALL THE REGULATIONS, BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL IN THESE PROJECTS.
AND WE ADD OUR OWN REGULATIONS TO THE COUNTY.
SO I APPRECIATE THAT AND HOPE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT AS WELL AS WE GO FORWARD.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR DISCUSSION? SUPERVISOR WHINING? I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO CLARIFY AS WELL SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE COMING FORWARD AND TALKING ABOUT THIS.
TALK ABOUT IT FROM A, AN APPROACH.
'CAUSE I CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND AND I CAN UNDERSTAND MANY OF THE CONCERNS THAT PEOPLE ARE SHARING.
UM, BUT LET'S KEEP IN MIND A COUPLE THINGS.
ONE, WHAT THE BOARD IS ACTUALLY VOTING ON IS DOES IT MEET OUR ORDINANCE AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN CREATED.
IN ADDITION, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO SPEAK ABOUT THINGS THAT THEY WANT TO SEE ADDED TO OR ENHANCED.
THAT'S WHAT THAT AGREEMENT ACTUALLY ALLOWS US TO DO.
AND MANAGER LAYTON WALKED THROUGH THAT TODAY AND TALKED ABOUT HOW HE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND THAT, SOME OF THOSE TO, TO TRY AND INCREASE THE STRINGENCIES THAT SOME OF YOU HAD BROUGHT FORWARD AND SAID, HEY, WE WANT TO HAVE THIS BE A PART OF IT.
WE WANNA HAVE THAT BE A PART OF IT.
BUT THIS ALSO IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.
OKAY? AND A LITTLE BIT OF THAT WAS TALKED ABOUT EARLIER, PRIVATE PROPERTY, THE WAY THAT HOLBROOK OR ANY OF THE OTHER COMMUNITIES, THEY HAVE ORDINANCES THAT RESTRICT WHAT THEY'RE ABLE TO DO ON THAT PRIVATE PROPERTY.
BUT YOU STILL HAVE THE ABILITY, IF MY NEIGHBOR WANTS TO PAINT THEIR HOUSE PINK, THEY GOTTA PAINT THEIR HOUSE PINK AND I MIGHT NOT LIKE IT.
UM, THE REALITY IS THIS IS ALL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.
THIS IS NOT LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN HEARD IN OTHER COUNTIES OR AROUND WHERE THEY'RE ON STATE OR FEDERAL LANDS.
PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS MATTER, SMALLER GOVERNMENT MATTERS.
AND I DON'T THINK IT'S THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT STEPPING IN AND DICTATING TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING WITH THEIR, WITH THEIR, AS LONG AS IT'S LEGAL, UNLAWFUL WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING WITH THEIR LAND.
THEY'RE SELLING ELECTRICITY THAT MAKES IT THE PUBLIC UTILITY.
SO WITH THE PUBLIC AND THE UTILITIES, THEIR GOV, THE UTILITIES, WE DON'T HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY WITH THE UTILITIES.
THE UTILITIES OR THE CORPORATION COMMISSION, SORRY, DON'T END UP AS WAS ALREADY OUTLINED PREVIOUSLY.
THIS IS JUST PART OF THE PROCESS.
ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THEY HAVE TO DO IS COME AND SEE IF THEY EVEN MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PERMIT.
IF THEY MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PERMIT, THEN THEY HAVE TO HAVE A POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH UTILITY, WHICH IS BEING MENTIONED.
WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT.
THAT'S WHETHER A UTILITY'S GONNA ISSUE THEM A CONTRACT OR NOT.
WE DO HAVE INSIDE OF OURS WHERE IT STATES, IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THAT POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT, THEY DON'T GET A BILL, THEY DON'T GET A MOVE FORWARD.
ALSO TALKING ABOUT THEIR ABILITY TO CONNECT, UM, ONTO THE POWER LINES.
THEY HAVE TO GO AND GET APPROVAL FOR THAT AS WELL.
THAT'S NOT US, THAT'S SOMEBODY ELSE THAT DOES IT.
BUT THEY HAVE TO GO AND GET THAT, UM, IN ORDER FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.
IF IT DOESN'T, WE HAVE PROTECTIONS IN PLACE THAT DON'T ALLOW THEM TO MOVE FORWARD.
THIS IS JUST PART OF THE PROCESS THAT THEY COME FORWARD.
WE'LL CONTINUE TO LOOK AT WAYS THAT WE CAN PROTECT OUR CITIZENS TO SERVE OUR CITIZENS, BUT IT IS NOT THE ROLE OF THIS BOARD TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHO WE WANT TO HAVE COME INTO OUR COMMUNITIES AND NOT, THAT'S NOT WHAT'S IN FRONT OF US TODAY.
WE'RE VOTING ON WHETHER THIS MEETS THE LAWS, WHETHER THIS MEETS OUR ORDINANCE.
AND WHAT'S YOUR ORDINANCE COMPARED TO OUR ORDINANCE? MA'AM, YOU DON'T HAVE AN ORDINANCE, DO YOU? AYE THIS IS AN OPEN DISCUSSION AT THIS TIME.
THIS IS FOR THE BOARD TO MAKE COMMENT.
YOU HAD YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK AND WE HAVE THIS NOW BROUGHT BACK TO THE BOARD.
DO YOU MIND IF I ADDRESS THAT? IF YOU'D LIKE? I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND AND I UNDERSTAND THE EMOTION.
I ACTUALLY DON'T TAKE OFFENSE TO IT, ALTHOUGH WE DO NEED TO HAVE DECORUM.
I APPRECIATE THE CHAIRMAN STATING THAT.
GOOD QUESTION ON THE ORDINANCE.
WHE WHETHER IT'S MINE OR OURS OR IT'S OURS.
THE REALITY IS WHEN WE REDID THE ORDINANCE, THERE WAS AN ORDINANCE THAT WAS PUT IN PLACE BACK IN THE 2011.
ONCE WE STARTED TO SEE THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF THESE PROJECTS WANTING TO COME TO OUR AREA, THIS BOARD SAID, HOLD ON, WE MIGHT NEED TO LOOK AT THAT ORDINANCE YET AGAIN AND SEE IF IT STILL WORKS.
[02:15:01]
THAT WAS A FULL YEAR LONG PROCESS WHERE PUBLIC WAS INVITED AND CAME AND SPOKE ABOUT WHAT THEY WANTED IN THE ORDINANCE, WHAT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE IN THE ORDINANCE.SO IT IS OUR ORDINANCE DONE THROUGH A VERY PUBLIC PROCESS AND NOW WE HAVE A CHANCE TO VOTE ON DOES IT MAKE SENSE, DOES IT NOT? ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I REALLY LIKE ABOUT THE AGREEMENT IS SOME OF YOU BROUGHT FORWARD THINGS THAT WEREN'T IN THE ORDINANCE ORIGINALLY, BUT THAT MADE A LOT OF SENSE AND THAT WE COULD ADD TO IT.
THAT'S WHY WE WENT OVER AGAIN.
WHEN, WHEN MANAGER LEIGHTON SPOKE, HE HAD A CHANCE TO KIND OF HIGHLIGHT HOW WE ADDED SOME OF THE ENHANCEMENTS IN THERE THAT WEREN'T IN THE ORIGINAL ORDINANCE.
BUT WE HEARD YOU AND AS MUCH AS WE COULD, WE TRIED TO ADD THOSE THINGS INSIDE TO PROTECT YOU.
UM, CHAIRMAN, THANKS FOR GIVING ME THE TIME TO RESPOND TO THAT.
AND I CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND WHERE PEOPLE ARE, ARE COMING FROM AND SOME OF THE EMOTIONS WITH THAT APPRECIATE.
AND I THINK THE OTHER THING TO REALIZE, THERE WAS A MASTER, THERE'S A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THAT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WAS ALSO VOTED ON.
IT WAS ALSO APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC AND IT WILL HAS A, A LIFE SHELF.
AND WHEN IT COMES UP TO BE CHANGED AGAIN, IT, IT WILL, BUT THAT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ALLOWS FOR CERTAIN, BUILT CERTAIN THINGS TO BE BUILT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AS WELL AS STATE PROPERTY, AS WELL AS FEDERAL PROPERTY.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ALLOWS CERTAIN THINGS.
SO IF YOU HAVE, THAT'S WHY WHEN YOU GO AND BUY A PIECE OF PROPERTY, YOU SEE HOW IT'S ZONED.
YOU SEE WHO YOUR NEIGHBORS COULD BE AND COULDN'T BE.
AND IF YOU WANT MORE PRIVATE SPACE OPEN, THEN BUY A BIGGER PARCEL OF PROPERTY AWAY FROM EVERYBODY.
AND THAT'S HARD TO DO UNLESS YOU HAVE A LOT OF MONEY.
SO YOU HAVE TO REALLY DO YOUR RESEARCH OF WHERE IT'S AT AND WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY.
AND I THINK WE HAVE A LOT OF LANDOWNERS THAT HAVE BEEN IN THIS AREA FOR A LONG, LONG TIME.
AS I DID MY RESEARCH AND DID A LITTLE BIT OF STUFF, IT WAS INTERESTING, THE RENEWABLES THAT ARE HAPPENING IN COCONINO COUNTY UP BY THE GRAND CANYON ON THE BABBITT RANCH.
AND I, I THOUGHT I'D JUST TAKE A COMMENT FROM A SUPERVISOR THERE.
OUR, OUR FAMILY HAD A 24 SECTION OUT BY HAY HOLLOW IN THAT AREA, EAST OF SNOWFLAKE, DOWN BY CONCHO.
AND THAT AREAS, THOSE USED TO ALL BE PRIVATE PROPERTY.
WHEN A RANCHER, A DEVELOPER CAN'T CONTINUE TO MAKE IT, HE DECIDES TO SELL THIS PROPERTY AND USUALLY THEY SELL 'EM IN 40 ACRE PARCELS.
SO PEOPLE CAN GO IN AND THEY BUY THOSE 40 ACRE PARCELS BECAUSE THAT FITS THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
BUT THEN NOW THAT YOU OWN 40 ACRES, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPLIT THAT FOUR TIMES INTO 10 ACRES, THEN THAT GUY HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE THAT AND, AND DO WHATEVER.
SO, SO THAT'S HOW ALL OF A SUDDEN WE GET UNCONTROLLABLE GROWTH.
WE HAVE NO ROADS, WE HAVE NO SEWER, WE HAVE NO WATER.
AND WE HAVE A TRANSIENT TYPE OF, UH, PEOPLE WHO SOMETIMES, UH, ARE APPEALED TO THOSE AREAS THAT DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO KNOW WHERE THEY EXIST.
WE HAVE A MALE PERSON WHO GETS KILLED, NOBODY KNOWS HOW SHE DISAPPEARED.
AND SO THAT WAS ONE OF THE WHOLE THOUGHTS AS WELL IN COCONINO, THAT WE CAN HAVE IN RENEWABLE ENERGIES THAT WILL HELP THE RANCHERS, THE FARMERS MAINTAIN THE RANCHES SO THEY DON'T GET DIVIDED UP.
SO THEY ARE ONE LARGE PIECE OF LAND, AND IT STILL HAS THE LANDSCAPING THERE.
I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN IN 30 YEARS OR 40 YEARS, OR WHETHER YOU AND I'LL EVEN BE HERE, BUT THIS DEVELOPER'S TOLD THAT AT THAT TIME, HE'S MADE A COMMITMENT TO GET OFF OF OUR LAND.
AND THAT IS WHAT THE COMMITMENT HE'S MADE TODAY, THAT IT'LL RETURN IT BACK TO THE WAY THAT IT WAS.
AND SO THAT'S SOMETHING THAT CAN HAPPEN IN THE MEANTIME.
THEY'LL CONTINUE TO USE IT IF, IF IT'S SO APPROVED.
DO YOU WANT GO AHEAD, VICE CHAIR.
UM, I JUST WANNA MAKE A FEW COMMENTS, UH, REGARDING THIS.
AND ONE IS KIND OF STEPPING BACK AND LOOKING AT, WELL, HOW DID WE GET TO THIS CONVERSATION? UM, WE LOOK AT POPULATION GROWTH, NOT ONLY WITHIN THE STATE OF ARIZONA, BUT ACROSS THE NATION.
AND WHEN WE THINK ABOUT WHAT, WHAT DOES POPULATION GROWTH DO THAT REQUIRES THAT WE HAVE ENERGY TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT POPULATION GROWTH? AND WHEN WE THINK ABOUT OUR OWN PERSONAL USAGE, AND I, I THINK ABOUT THIS A LOT AND I'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS HERE, UM, WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS THAT I AM DOING? UM, THAT I AM RELIANT ON ENERGY.
AND IT'S NOT ONLY JUST IN MY OWN HOUSEHOLD, BUT WHEN I GO TO GET MEDICAL SERVICES, WHEN, UM, MY CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL, WHEN I AM AT THE, THE COUNTY AND THE COUNTY REACHES OUT TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTY,
[02:20:02]
WE ARE ALL UTILIZING ENERGY IN SOME CAPACITY.BUT WHEN WE THINK ABOUT POPULATION GROWTH, POPULATION GROWTH IS NOT, YOU KNOW, JUST A COUPLE HUNDRED PEOPLE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IN THE THOUSANDS TO BILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN GROWTH IN ARIZONA.
YOU KNOW, UNFORTUNATELY, UM, THE WAY THAT ARIZONA IS SET UP IS THAT WE'RE IN A DESERT LANDSCAPE.
AND WHEN WE'RE IN A DESERT LANDSCAPE, THAT CHANGES THE NEED FOR ENERGY.
UM, WHEN WE THINK ABOUT LIVING IN A CONSISTENT HUNDRED DEGREE, UM, WEATHER, AND WE THINK ABOUT OUR OWN, LIKE WITHIN OUR REGION AND WHAT WE WERE FACED OVER LAST YEAR, THIS YEAR, WE HAD YEARS OF DROUGHT.
UM, ALL OF THOSE THINGS IMPACT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.
AND SO TO SAY THAT, TO WALK AWAY FROM NOT BEING RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPERS, UM, IS A DIFFICULT THING.
AND SO OUR, OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE HOLDING DEVELOPERS ACCOUNTABLE IN A STRINGENT WAY.
THAT WE KNOW THAT WE ARE BEING RESPONSIBLE TO THE LAND AND TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO POPULATIONS WITHIN THE AREA.
AND WHEN WE THINK ABOUT, AND WE HAD THIS CONVERSATION RECENTLY ABOUT, UM, CULTURAL ARTIFACTS, UM, HOW, HOW ARE WE ENSURING THAT WHEN ARTIFACTS ARE FOUND WITHIN THESE DEVELOPMENT AREAS, HOW ARE WE PROTECTING THAT? WHAT IS THE CONVERSATIONS THAT ARE HAVING WITH TRIBAL COMMUNITIES, UM, TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE MADE AWARE? THAT'S JUST ONE VERY SMALL, SMALL PART OF THE AGREEMENT.
THERE ARE MANY PARTS OF THE AGREEMENT THAT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DEVELOPERS ARE CREATING AND BUILDING THE MOST SOUND STRUCTURES THAT ALLOW FOR THOSE STRUCTURES TO BE ABLE TO CREATE THAT ENERGY FOR POPULATION GROWTH.
I'M NOT SAYING IT IS THE END ALL BE ALL IN A SENSE.
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A BALANCE, THAT WE NEED TO CREATE A BALANCE IN THE WAY THAT WE DEVELOP ENERGY.
AND THIS HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF THOSE WAYS WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE CONVERSATION BEFORE IT EVEN GOT TO NAVAJO COUNTY, WHAT WAS HAPPENING.
SO THE STATE IS HAVING, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE, THEY'RE MAKING THE REALIZATION THAT WE NEED TO DEVELOP MORE ENERGY.
UM, THEY RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE A POWER PLANT THAT IS CLOSING.
AND SO BECAUSE OF THAT, THAT IMPACTS OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.
THAT IMPACTS THE WELLBEING OF MANY OF YOU WHO MAY HAVE WORKED THERE.
UM, AND SO, AND I BELIEVE THAT, YOU KNOW, THEY WERE TRYING TO LOOK AT IT, NAVAJO COUNTY, AND SOMETIMES HINDSIGHT LOOKS QUITE DIFFERENT.
SO WE HAVE, UM, THEY DEVELOPED INCENTIVES TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT COMPANIES WHO COME IN AND DEVELOP.
AND THIS IS, THE INCENTIVES ARE NOT JUST AT THE STATE LEVEL.
THEY'RE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL AS WELL.
AND ALL OF THESE THINGS HAVE CULMINATED IN BEING HERE AT THIS POINT.
WHEN WE THINK ABOUT DEVELOPERS HAVING AN INTEREST, WHEN WE THINK OF PROPERTY OWNERS WHO WANT TO BE ABLE TO DEVELOP THAT LAND AND UTILIZE THAT LAND, AS PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS, HOW DO WE HELP IN CREATING A MARRIAGE THAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST AND WELLBEING OF BOTH OF THOSE ENTITIES? BUT AS A CITIZEN OF NAVAJO COUNTY, AND MANY OF YOU HAVE SAID THAT YOU HAVE SAID YOU ARE A CITIZEN.
WOULD YOU WANT THIS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? AND WHEN WE THINK ABOUT IT, IT IS A DIFFICULT THING BECAUSE I GO BACK TO WHAT SUPERVISOR WHITING HAS BROUGHT UP THAT WE ARE NOT MAKING A DECISION OF, IS THIS GOING TO PASS OR NOT PASS? THE DECISION IS ABOUT HAS IT FOLLOWED THE LETTER OF THE LAW AND WHAT WE ARE HOLDING INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE TO.
AND I JUST WANNA GO THROUGH QUICKLY, IF I CAN BRING IT UP, UM, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, WHAT THAT MEANS AND WHAT IS IT, WHAT ARE THOSE REQUIREMENTS? BECAUSE WE CAN SAY ALL KINDS OF THINGS AND
[02:25:01]
SOMETIMES IT CAN BE PRETTY AMBIGUOUS.AND WE SAY THEY'VE MET ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS THAT WE HAVE LAID OUT.
WELL, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? UM, SO, UM, ELIGIBLE ZONING, DISTRICT CITIZEN PARTICIPATION, PUBLIC, UM, PLAN, PUBLIC MEETINGS, PUBLIC HOTLINE, PROPERTY OWNER NOTIFICATION, ROAD CORRIDOR NOTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT, WETLAND ASSESSMENT, CULTURAL RESOURCE REPORT, FIRE PROTECTION PLAN, EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION, WATER RESOURCE SURVEY, DARK SKY LIGHT PLAN COORDINATION, ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT REVIEW, WILDLIFE STUDIES, WILDLIFE CORRIDORS, WILDLIFE COMPATIBLE FENCING, STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN, ROAD USE AGREEMENT, ROAD RESTORATION, EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACT, ACCESS, INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT, POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT, FIRE DISTRICT COORDINATION, COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGY, UM, NON-REFLECTIVE MATERIALS, LANDSCAPE COMPATIBILITY, VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, SETBACK, UM, CONSIDERING THE SETBACKS WITHIN THAT AREA.
RESIDENTIAL SCREENING, UM, GLARE MITIGATION, RE DECOMMISSIONING PLAN, FINANCIAL SECURITY BOND.
BOND ESTIMATE DEVELOPED BY ENGINEERS.
BOND UPDATE FREQUENCY EVERY FIVE YEARS.
FACILITY REMOVAL OBLIGATION, PERMANENT SUSPENSION REVOCATION, AUTHORIZED FOR NON-COMPLIANCE CURE VIOLATION WITHIN 30, 30 DAYS.
INOPERABLE FACILITY DEFINITION, UM, SUBJECT TO TWO, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION IF INOPERABLE FOR 180 DAYS OR DECLARED UNSAFE.
UM, VISUAL SIMULATION, ELECTROMATIC INTERFACE ANALYSIS, WATER RESOURCE SURVEY, UM, FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF ARIZONA GAME AND FISH RECOMMENDATIONS.
UM, THIS GOES ON, AND THESE ARE THE COMPONENTS.
SO FOR THIS PARTICULAR, UM, CHIMNEY CANYON, UM, THE DEVELOPER HAS EXCEEDED OUR REQUESTS.
SO SECURITY BOND ENGINEER MUST BE WITH A THIRD PARTY SECURITY BOND AMOUNT CAN NEVER DECREASE.
COUNTY CAN REQUIRE SECURITY BOND BE AUDITED BY DIFFERENT THREE DIFFERENT PARTY ENGINEERS AND DEVELOPERS AT THE DEVELOPER'S EXPENSE.
UM, WEED MANAGEMENT, ROAD HAUL, ACCESS ROUTE APPROVAL, BASELINE ROAD SURVEY, REPAIR, PROJECT DAMAGE, POSSIBLE ROAD DAMAGE, SECURITY DEVELOPER REQUIRED TO FIX ROAD DAMAGE, ALL WEATHER ROAD FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES, STORM WATER MANAGEMENT, FIRE DISTRICT COORDINATION PLAN APPROVAL TRAINING, POST ACCIDENTAL REVIEW AND DECOMMISSIONING PLAN PARTICIPATION REQUIRED, UM, VISUAL STANDARDS, F-S-C-F-C-C, COMPLIANCE, OFFSITE MITIGATION AUTHORITY.
AND LASTLY, UM, SOIL TESTING AND ALL OF THOSE ELEMENTS.
UM, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE, THE PROCESS THAT IT'S TAKEN FOR US TO GET TO THIS POINT, WE STEPPED BACK HOW MANY YEARS AGO WHERE WE REACHED OUT TO THE COMMUNITY.
WE WENT TO EVERY COMMUNITY AND ASKED, WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THESE REQUIREMENTS? AND, UM, SO WE USED A LOT OF THOSE COMMENTS IN BEING ABLE TO CREATE THIS.
AND EVEN THROUGH THIS PROCESS, WE HAVE THEN ADDED OUR SOIL MITIGATION AND IT, OUR SOIL TESTING.
SO PUBLIC COMMENTARY IS REALLY IMPORTANT, BUT ULTIMATELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IS WE DO NOT MAKE AND CREATE LAWS.
WE HAVE NO AUTHORITY OR JURISDICTION TO CREATE LAWS THAT FALLS IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL LAP.
AND BY ALLOWING FOR TAX INCENTIVES AND SUPPORT, THE STATE HAS AUTHORIZED THAT THESE OPERATIONS CAN BE OPERATIONAL WITHIN JURISDICTIONS OF NAVAJO COUNTY AS LONG AS THEY FULFILL WHAT IS REQUIRED.
SO THAT IS, UM, WHAT WE'RE BEING ASKED OF TODAY.
AND I JUST WANTED TO TAKE A STEP BACK BECAUSE I, I TOO CAN APPRECIATE WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM, UM, THAT I, TOO, AS A CITIZEN AND A MOTHER, A WIFE, UH, YOU KNOW, I FEEL THAT, UM, THE, IT IS, IT'S A DIFFICULT THING.
[02:30:01]
THINK ABOUT, I FEEL THAT WE HAVE DONE, UM, A GOOD JOB IN MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE CREATING A AVENUE THAT REALLY IS VERY STRINGENT TO COMPANIES IN BEING ABLE TO DEVELOP SOMETHING THAT IS SOUND AND APPROPRIATE FOR THE COMMUNITY.SO I JUST WANTED TO OFFER THOSE COMMENTS BECAUSE I, I KNOW, UM, THAT THIS IS REALLY, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS WEIGHED ON MOST OF US FOR QUITE SOME TIME, FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AS THIS CONVERSATION HAS BEEN COMING TOGETHER.
UM, THAT IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT WE'VE TAKEN LIGHTLY.
UM, I MYSELF HAVE LOST A LOT OF SLEEP OVER THIS IN TRYING TO, UM, FIGURE OUT, UM, HOW DO WE BALANCE THAT IN A MORE APPROPRIATE WAY AS A COUNTY, THAT I HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY, UM, TO LISTEN TO CITIZENS AND TO BE ABLE TO, TO BE MINDFUL, BUT I ALSO HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO, UM, BE MINDFUL OF THE LAW.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR DISCUSSION? OKAY, I'LL LOOK IT BACK.
UH, THE BOARD FOR A MOTION AT THIS TIME.
IS THIS BEING A CONTRACT? BRAD, IS THERE ANYTHING LEGALLY YOU NEED TO GO OVER WITH US THAT YOU'RE CONCERNED WITH? I WOULD NOT, NOT THAT THAT COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS CONCERNED WITH AS THE CONTRACT TERM? NO.
IF THERE'S LEGAL QUESTIONS YOU WANT ANSWERED, I CAN TRY TO DO THOSE.
OR A BRAND WHO I BELIEVE IS ON THE LINE COULD DO THOSE.
SO WE HAVE THE CONTRACT BEFORE US, THEN IT'S BEEN GONE THROUGH AND UPDATED AND IT'S BEEN THE APPLICANT'S AGREEABLE TO ALL THE UPDATES.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION MYSELF, JUST, UH, AND MAKE SURE ALL SUPERVISORS ARE AWARE OF, OF THAT CONTRACT, UH, AS WELL ON SOME OF THE TERMS OF IT THAT MAY HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ADDED OR CHANGED SO THAT WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE.
YOU'D LIKE TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? YEAH, I'LL MAKE A, NO, YOU KNOW, I'LL MAKE A
[b. If the Board enters into Executive Session, and after they reconvene: Consideration and direction to staff regarding next steps related to the proposed Development Agreement with Chimney Canyon Energy Center 1, LLC, including whether to proceed with further review, negotiation, modification, placement of the matter on a future public agenda for possible action, or, if appropriate, consideration of approval.]
MOTION THAT WE MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THIS CONTRACT.YOUR MOTION? IS THERE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND IT.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSED? DO THAT PASS THIS TIME WE'RE GONNA CONVENE INTO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THEN WE WILL RETURN.
WE SEE THAT WE'RE ALL BACK IN AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION.
I NEED A MOTION TO RETURN BACK TO REGULAR SESSION.
SO HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR
ANY OPPOSED? SEE THAT PASS UNANIMOUSLY.
TURN THE TIME OVER TO MR. LAYTON FOR AN EXPLANATION.
CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIR OF SUPERVISORS.
AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, THE EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT CAME FROM THE WHITE HOUSE JUST CAME OUT LAST WEEK REGARDING THE PROCUREMENT OF COMPONENTS FOR ENERGY PROJECTS.
WE ADDED LANGUAGE INTO THAT, INTO THE AGREEMENT.
IT'S THE VERY LAST PARAGRAPH OF THE AGREEMENT REGARDING THAT.
UM, WE DID RECEIVE, UH, A CONCERN FROM THE DEVELOPER REGARDING SOME POINTS OF VERAGE.
THERE WE ARE IN ALIGNMENT, UH, WITH THE DIRECTION.
SO THAT ALIGNMENT IS THAT THE DEVELOPER MUST COMPLY WITH, UH, THE EXECUTIVE ORDER, UM, IN ALL THE LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THAT.
AND THAT COMPLIANCE WILL NOT AFFECT ANY OF THE OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEVELOPER THAT AS PERTAINS TO THE CONTRACT.
AND SO THERE'S JUST SOME, I WOULD ASK THE BOARD FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO, UM, FINALIZE THAT SPECIFIC
[02:35:01]
LANGUAGE TO MAKE SURE IT'S IN COMPLETE ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXECUTIVE ORDER AND THAT THE DEVELOPER AND THE COUNTY ARE IN AGREEMENT THERE.UH, I DON'T SEE ANY ISSUES THERE.
I WOULD JUST ASK FOR THE, UH, THE AUTHORITY FROM THE BOARD TO FINALIZE, UH, THE WORDS IN THAT AGREEMENT.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR DISCUSSION? CHAIRMAN, WHAT WOULD THAT MOTION LOOK LIKE, BRAD, THAT INCORPORATES, UH, THE LANGUAGE OF THE MOTION? UH, THE MOTION WOULD BE TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH CHIMNEY CANYON ENERGY CENTER, ONE LLC, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF UP TO 975 MEGAWATTS SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY IN NAVAJO COUNTY.
AFTER, UH, THE COUNTY MANAGER AND THE DEVELOPER FINALIZE THE WORDS USED IN PARAGRAPH 18.2 4 2 3 2 3 2 3.
UM, AS DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
LOOK TO THE BOARD FOR A MOTION.
LOOK FOR A MOTION FROM THE BOARD.
IF THIS WERE TO FELL FOR LACK OF A MOTION, IT JUST GOES AWAY.
I'M NOT GONNA LET THAT HAPPEN BECAUSE THAT WOULD THEN TRIGGER, UH, SOME EXPENSES THAT ARE INSURMOUNTABLE, UH, TO THE COUNTY.
SO WITH THAT, I'M GONNA MAKE A MOTION THAT WE APPROVE A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH CHIMNEY CANYON ENERGY ONE LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF AN UP TO 975 MEGAWATT SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY IN NAVAJO COUNTY, PURSUANT TO AS A RS STATUTE, 38 DASH 43 1 DASH OH THREE A THREE.
AND THAT WE INCORPORATE AND AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY MANAGER, UH, TO DISCUSS AND COME TO AN AGREEMENT AS THE DIRECTING HUMAN, UH, ON THE AGREEMENT OF 18 DASH 23 OF A MOTION.
IS THERE A SECOND CHAIRMAN? I'LL SECOND THAT.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE.
[7. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: Individuals may address the Board on any issue not on the agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Board of Supervisors for up to 3 minutes. At the close of the call to the public, Board members may not respond to any comments but may respond to criticism, ask staff to review a matter or ask that a matter be placed on a future agenda.]
WE HAVE IS, UH, CALL TO THE PUBLIC.FIRST PERSON WE HAVE FOR CALL TO THE PUBLIC IS, UH, BRENT MEYERS.
JUST TO NOTE THAT, UH, DO NOT DISCUSS ITEMS THAT ARE ON THE AGENDA TODAY.
IT'LL HAVE TO BE SOMETHING THAT WE HAVEN'T ALREADY DISCUSSED.
THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR RE RECOGNIZING.
AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE'VE NOT DISCUSSED OTHER THAN THE VICE CHAIRMAN EARLIER IN HER COMMENTS.
I'M AN UNINCORPORATED RESIDENT OF NAVAJO COUNTY.
I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE OF ONE SIMPLE QUESTION I HAVE WHEN THE COUNTY SAYS RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES WERE STEERED BY COMMUNITY INPUT.
WHAT EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THAT CLAIM? THE NAVAJO COUNTY 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STATES THAT ITS ENERGY GOALS AND POLICIES WERE IDENTIFIED AND STEERED BY COMMUNITY INPUT.
AND IT MAKES BECOMING A LEADER IN RENEWABLE ENERGY, ONE OF ITS PRIMARY GOALS.
BUT THE PUBLIC QUESTIONNAIRE RECEIVED ONLY 135 RESPONSES, AND ONLY ABOUT 31% CAME FROM RESIDENTS OF THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY, THE VERY AREA THIS BOARD GOVERNS.
THE PLAN ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IN, UH, INCORPORATED COMMUNITIES WERE OVERREPRESENTED.
EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE QUESTIONNAIRE NEVER ASKED RESIDENTS WHETHER THEY SUPPORTED UTILITIES, WIND SCALE, WIND OR SOLAR DEVELOPMENT.
SO HOW DID THE COUNTY CONCLUDE THAT THE PUBLIC WANTED NAVAJO COUNTY TO BECOME A LEADER IN RENEWABLE ENERGY? LATER, THE COUNTY RECEIVED 142 STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS DURING THE RENEWABLE ENERGY ORDINANCE PROCESS.
THOSE COMMENTS CAME FROM RESIDENTS, BUT ALSO FROM UTILITIES, RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPERS, CONTRACTORS, ATTORNEYS, INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS.
[02:40:01]
GROUPS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE, BUT THEY SHOULD NOT BE PRESENT PRESENTED AS REPRESENTING THE SAME VOICE AS THE RESIDENTS WHO LIVE HERE.IT'S ABOUT TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROTECTING BOTH OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR HISTORY.
I RESPECTFULLY ASKED THE BOARD TO PROVIDE PUBLIC A PUBLIC BREAKDOWN OF THE COMMENTS.
IT RELIED UPON HOW MANY CAME FROM RESIDENTS OF UNINCORPORATED NAVAJO COUNTY, HOW MANY CAME FROM OUTSIDE THE COUNTY, HOW MANY CAME FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES OR RELATED INDUSTRIES.
HOW MANY ACTUALLY SUPPORTED OR OPPOSED OR CONDITIONALLY SUPPORTED UTILITY SCALE RENEWABLE DEVELOPMENT.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROMISES OPEN, TRANSPARENT, AND MEANINGFUL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
I'M SIMPLY ASKING THE BOARD TO SHOW THE PUBLIC HOW OUR VOICES WERE COUNTED AND HOW THEY BECOME COUNTY POLICY.
AS WOULD VICE CHAIR HAD SAID THAT OUR VOICES MEAN SOMETHING.
WHERE'S THE MATRIX THAT SHOWS THAT WE EVEN WEIGH ANYTHING? 'CAUSE YEAH, THEY DID PUBLIC MEETINGS, BUT WE DON'T GET BUT THREE MINUTES AT A MEETING TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO ANY OF THEIR 30 MINUTES OR HOWEVER LONG THEY GET TO BE ABLE TO DO IT IN, IN THE REST OF IT.
AT THAT MEETING, IT WASN'T SET UP TO JUST THREE MINUTES.
IT WAS OPEN THE PUBLIC FOR HOURS.
BUT WE ONLY GET TO REPLY FOR THREE MINUTES.
WELL, I'M JUST TELLING YOU WHEN WE HAD THAT MEETING.
WHICH ONE? THE ONE WE JUST HAD TODAY? NO, NO.
THE ONE IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
IN THOSE MEETINGS AT, AT THE TIME, THOUGH, UNFORTUNATELY I WAS UNABLE TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND.
THANK YOU SUPERVISORS FOR HAVING ME.
A COMMENT AGAIN, UH, MR. SEYMOUR OF RESPECTFULLY, ON THE 28TH OF JULY, 2025, REAL Z SPENT $25,000 ADVERTISING IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES OF LONDON.
AND, UH, THERE WAS ALSO A SURCHARGE FOR, UM, UH, TRENDS EURO CONVERSION.
SO THERE HAS BEEN ADVERTISEMENTS FROM REAL Z IT'S IN THE, IT'S IN THE LEDGER.
SO WHAT WAS WAS WAS THE, WHAT WAS IT THAT THEY WERE ADVERTISING CHAIRMAN SURE.
CAN WE RESPOND TO IT? IT'S GOOD.
THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT BRIAN, DO YOU MIND GOING AHEAD? FOR SURE.
UM, SO WHEN MOST PEOPLE SEE FINANCIAL TIMES, THEY PROBABLY THINK OF A, UH, AN ADVERTISEMENT MAGAZINE PUBLICATION, RIGHT? FINANCIAL TIMES ALSO HAS SEVERAL OTHER COMPANIES, ONE OF WHICH IS CALLED FT LOCATIONS, AND THEY ARE A LEADER IN INDUSTRY PLACEMENT.
THEY FOLLOW INDUSTRY TRENDS, BUSINESS TRENDS OF, UH, WHERE BUSINESSES ARE MONEY COMING IN AND OUT INVESTMENTS.
UM, SO WHEN COMPANIES LOOK TO IDENTIFY A POTENTIAL LOCATION OF, HEY, I WANT TO EXPAND OR RELOCATE, UH, FT LOCATIONS CAN BE A GREAT, UH, RESOURCE FOR THEM TO IDENTIFY.
OKAY, HERE, THE, THIS AREA, THE COUNTRY, THIS CITY, TOWN COUNTY IS, UH, HAS OTHER INDUSTRY LIKE THAT, HAS COMPARABLE INDUSTRIES.
SO IT'S A LOCATION SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRY, AND IT WORKS BOTH WAYS.
BUSINESSES CAN REACH OUT TO FD LOCATIONS FOR HELP.
AND THEN, UM, CITIES, TOWNS, COUNTIES, STATES CAN ALSO REACH OUT TO FT LOCATIONS FOR HELP, UH, TO IDENTIFY WHAT ARE THE INDUSTRIES THAT ARE MOST, UM, COMPATIBLE, COMPATIBLE HERE IN THE AREA.
WHAT DO WE HAVE ALREADY? THEN WHAT CAN WE BUILD OFF? WHAT'S THE POTENTIAL TO BUILD OFF? WHAT IF, IF WE ARE GOING TO PURSUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES THAT WE SHOULD GO LOOK FOR, TRY TO ATTRACT? UM, WHO SHOULD WE TALK TO? WHAT KIND OF MONEY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? IT'S VERY, VERY PRECISE.
SO THAT BILL THAT YOU CAN SEE ON THE LEDGER SAYS, UH, FINANCIAL TIMES, BUT IT IS FOR FT LOCATIONS.
AND WHAT THEY DID IS THEY PRODUCED A VERY SPECIALIZED REPORT SAYING, OKAY, NAVAJO COUNTY, HERE'S THE INDUSTRIES, THE CHARACTERISTICS, UH, THE OPEN SPACES THAT YOU HAVE, THE RECENT NATURAL RESOURCES THAT YOU HAVE.
AND IT PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHAT TYPES OF INDUSTRIES TO PURSUE.
AND SO IF YOU LOOK ON THE, THE, THE COUNTY'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE, THE REAL A Z WEBSITE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE THERE, AND IT IDENTIFIES AND JUST ONE OF, I, I BELIEVE IT'S EIGHT AREAS THAT FT LOCATIONS LOOKED AT.
ONE AREA, UH, OF THE EIGHT WAS ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY.
AND IT WAS NOT, HEY, YOU HAVE RENEWABLE ENERGY, YOU SHOULD GO GET MORE.
IT'S, IT'S AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PIECE.
SO IT SAID, IF YOU HAVE THESE TYPES OF RESOURCES IN YOUR COMMUNITY, HERE ARE THE RELATED INDUSTRIES THAT MAKE SENSE FOR YOU TO PURSUE, TO GO AFTER.
AND SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT A RENEWABLE, UH, DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS, UM, YOU KNOW, SOLAR THAT HAS THE, THE TRELLIS AND THE WIRING HARNESSES, YOU KNOW, THAT REC THAT REPORT SAYS, HEY, THERE'S, THERE'S INDUSTRIES
[02:45:01]
THAT YOU CAN PURSUE OFF OF THAT BEING THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING OF THOSE WIRING HARNESSES OF THE, JUST THE STEEL MANU, UH, STEEL, UH, ASSEMBLY OF THOSE, UH, TRELLIS LOGISTICS PLANNING.WE WERE BUYING A REPORT, AN ANALYSIS REPORT TO GUIDE OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.
DOES THAT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION? YES.
AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETINGS ALSO JUST, I KNOW I'M, I'M UP WITH MY TIME, BUT WE WERE ALLOWED TO TALK AT THOSE COMPREHENSIVE MEETINGS FOR A FEW MINUTES, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONDING BACK AND FORTH.
THEY DID THEIR LITTLE SONG AND DANCE.
I ATTENDED THREE, TWO OF THE THREE.
THERE WAS NOT ANY BACK AND FORTH.
IT WAS JUST THEY TOOK HIM AND THEN WE TURNED IN OUR LITTLE PIECE OF PAPER.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE? I DO NOT KNOW.
SO THE ONE I ATTENDED, THERE WAS PLENTY DISCUSSION, BUT THANK YOU DONNA.
SEE NO OTHER BUSINESS, UH, ADJOURN.