Council Priorities
Each year the City Council members review the goals and priorities for the City of Page. The City Council members then prioritize a number of projects in its continued efforts to improve the community. Each Council member has provided their own priorities list and the Council as a whole has submitted a list of Strategic Priorities. Throughout the year the Council evaluates and discusses how to further these priorities.
Council Member Priorities
FY 2021-2022
Fiscal Responsibility
● Use resources wisely
● Always look for new revenue opportunities
● Foster accountability
● Plan for the long-term economic future
● Finish Horseshoe Bend Phase 3 to maximize revenue and visitor experience
Address Community Housing Needs
● Young families
● Low Income
● Seasonal
● Mid-Range
Infrastructure
● Pavement Management
● Future needs for development
● Water allocations and redundancy
● Infrastructure to match Master Plan
Downtown Streetscape and Revitalization
● Central Business District as well as Uptown area
● Walkable, tree lined, benches
Be proactive to Community wants
● i.e. make a plan to fund a swimming pool in 2-years
- Secure a revenue stream to service bond debt load.
- Increase water allocation
- Infrastructure improvements
Vision and Council Priorities:
- Integrity, Accountability and Transparency in all phases to our citizens and city staff.
- Fiscal Responsibility in future Budgets and spending requests brought to council
- We must work with and support our City Manager and Department Heads on review and approval of spending requests with an eye on a realistic budget for 2021-2022 and forward so we continue with the fiscal responsibility that has been established.
- Responsive and accurate replies to citizen requests and inquiries and council input from city staff.
- City Zoning Project completed ASAP
- Strategic Planning
- Revitalization of our downtown thru the streetscape project and driving business opportunities not just in Block 17 but elsewhere.
- Tourism is our current and future for Page. To drive tourism we must continue enhancing the our downtown, not just in type of business but of curb appeal. The east side of LP Boulevard needs benches, shrubbery
- Revenue opportunity at Horseshoe Bend to take advantage of its worldwide popularity thru Phase 3 building and completion. This will enhance Sales Tax revenue which will help drive
continued enhancement of our parks, bike and hiking trails, and golf course for recreation, relaxation and special events for our citizens and tourist-based economy.
- We continue to have a housing challenge for medium and low income and seasonal individuals and families. Help developers by having accurate parcel zoning and infrastructure plans in place that are conducive to timely development.
- Continue to work with city staff on review and update of our 5-year plan to complement and guide future budgets for capital spend for needed projects and equipment as well as infrastructure needs including streets, water and sewer, and power.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FROM COUNCILOR BRIAN CAREY:
1. MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH
1.1. Work with federal, state and county public health departments to monitor COVID 19 pandemic and establish appropriate public health safeguards. Model community leadership as city council members. Develop action plan with public health departments and community medical resources for vaccine distribution and other responsive measures.
1.2. Invigorate Substance Abuse Task Force to identify vulnerable populations suffering alcohol and/or drug addictions and partner with public health and social service agencies to implement solutions to reduce vagrancy and other unhealthy behaviors.
1.3. Plan necessary improvements for city water supply and wastewater management systems. Plan for new fire station as part of improvements at the Page Airport.
1.4. Complete redevelopment of John C. Page Memorial Park to provide public restrooms, public gathering venues, outdoor entertainment facilities and other features identified in the master plan.
1.5. Establish pedestrian and bike paths identified in the Parks Master Plan to improve connectivity of city neighborhoods and encourage healthy activities.
2. ENSURE LONG-TERM ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND ECNOURAGE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
2.1. Demonstrate flexibility and consistency in management of COVID 19 pandemic to provide the maximum stability for business operations and planning.
2.2. Expand partnerships with Page-Lake Powell Chamber of Commerce, CREDA, Local First Arizona, Arizona Office of Tourism, Coconino Community College Small Business Development Center, Arizona Commerce Authority, Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, and other organizations and agencies to increase economic opportunities, especially in recreational tourism.
2.3. Complete and begin implementation of Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
2.4. Encourage strengthening and expansion of educational programs at Coconino Community College Page Center and CA VIAT.
2.5. Foster development of moderately priced housing to accommodate workforce needs. Work with potential grant sources and community housing organizations to explore housing alternatives and incentivize housing development.
2.6. Encourage improvements to existing communications and data networks and the provision of additional services to provide high-quality internet connectivity.
2.7. Continue improvements to the main terminal, parking facilities and runways/taxiways at the Page Airport to maximize connectivity beyond Page. Maintain the Alternative Essential Air Services Contract to provide jet service for the general public.
2.8. Relocate city garage and remove Navajo Drive fire station in order to redevelop prime downtown property, perhaps as part of an entertainment district.
3. PARK IT IN PAGE
3.1. Finalize development and management of Horseshoe Bend in partnership with the National Park Service. Revise Phase 3 development plans to reduce development costs. Establish agreements for fee collection and other operational activites as necessary. Develop trail along western city boundary with Glen Canyon NRA.
3.2. Rezone all City of Page parks in the Parks Master Plan to appropriately identify their current and planned uses. Amend plan to include assets not included in the initial park inventory.
3.3. Establish a regional mountain bike park and begin planning for development. Solicit applicable grant funding and partnerships.
3.4. Begin planning and development of a multi-purpose aquatic recreational facility.
3.5. Convene workshop for long-term planning for Antelope Valley and environs from Coppermine Road to the eastern corporate boundary.
3.6. Revisit state park possibilities for Page or adjacent federally-managed properties.
3.7. Improve Rim Trail and develop appropriate connector trails. Work with Regional Trail Alliance to identify and market hiking opportunities in Page and the surrounding areas.
4. CELEBRATE PAGE
4.1. Establish a 50th Anniversary Task Force to begin planning for community improvements and celebrations for 2025.
4.2. Establish attractive city gateways through zoning and appropriate improvements to welcome and route incoming traffic.
4.3. Work with Glen Canyon Conservancy, Grand Circle Arts Alliance, Page Unified School District and other entities to expand artistic and cultural opportunities and displays.
5. COMMUNICATE TO AND INVOLVE PAGE CITIZENS
5.1. Utilize City of Page website to communicate current and timely information.
5.2. Reduce executive sessions of the city council to maximize transparency of council discussions.
5.3. Restart advisory board/committee meetings to provide for citizen input to the city council.
5.4. Pilot video chats, podcasts, media interviews or similar outreach by councilors and/or city staff such as the weekly streamed interviews with Coconino County Supervisors.
5.5. Encourage additional council workshops and public open houses on specific focus areas to increase the exchange of ideas between citizens and council.
6.ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR CITY MANAGEMENT
6.1. Establish a realistic 10-year rolling capital expenditure plan for project development and equipment replacement.
6.2. Implement performance management metrics for city council appointees.
6.3. Complete updates of General Plan and Zoning Map to provide blueprint for development of additional housing and businesses.
6.4. Work with Mayor and City Manager to broaden and strengthen external communications with the private and public sectors, especially Coconino County, State of Arizona, neighboring federal agencies, and the Navajo Nation.
6.5. Revisit all city revenue sources to ensure the provision of city services and facilities on the most cost-effective basis.
6.6. Review city employee salaries and hiring practices with a focus on recruitment and retention objectives.
- Review, amend (if required), and approve General Plan Land Use Map and the Code of Ordinances Zoning Map to include establishment & allocation of both affordable and market based housing….and permanently establish Parks in the Parks Master Plan, including Heritage Funded location(s) and city adopted area’s (both formally accepted/assigned and future planned).
- Plan and fund infrastructure where possible as incentive for developers on recognized area’s identified as Medium and/or High Density development and actively market for affordable housing.
- Complete and work with business resources and interested organizations/residents on the implementation of Downtown Streetscape Redevelopment Plan….as budget and possible grant funding allows.
- Work with the Grand Circle Artists Alliance in getting set-up for open-air marketing & music.
- Work with all organizations in Page & the surrounding area to help plan and bring tourism to activities centered here.
- Continue to plan and develop the Horseshoe Bend area as a major income source for the city.
- Attract light industry to area’s marketable for such use and streamline the application & approval process. PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in the Industrial Park and maybe even partner with Navajo Nation entities in order to do so.
- Support and provide provisions for staffing the Page Police & Fire Department, and make provisions for needed equipment. Also foster good relationships with all area Law Enforcement agencies
- Establish better working/partnering relationships between Council and City Departments and provide an avenue for citizens to Q & A our actions….which leads me into the last (but certainly not least) action item/priority.
- We need to foster/improve communication between the City and Citizens…by being more visible and accessible both via social media, website(s), and local media through on-air programing, and daily/weekly updates on websites & social media outlets.
- I agree whole-heartedly with Councilor Lee’s points on increasing public outreach by manning a booth at ALL major occasions & festivities in the area providing current information on upcoming/important events, developments, etc. and answering questions (or directing people to where they can find answers).