SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (November 23, 2016) – This is an e-mail sent to the City Council which is self-explanatory.
TO: Members of the Sedona City Council
The following two comments were posted by Steve Segner, Chairman of the Sedona Lodging Council, under my most recent article on Sedona Eye. The subject related to the Council meeting held on Nov. 22, 2016:
Steve Segner says:
November 22, 2016 at 3:08 PM
Well Eddie see you at the meeting this afternoon want to hear what you have to say in public and the other 3 people that post using made up name,
ss
Steve Segner says:
November 22, 2016 at 7:28 PM
Ha, no one showed or sent in letter to the city council meeting Toni the?
So what’s up all you chamber haters you had your chance,
Great meeting, chamber offering to spend $1.200,000 of marketing money to buy a parking lot up town…..That’s right money take from advertising and spend it to help traffic and parking.
I can hardly wait to see how you all put a negative spin on this
have fun
* * * * * * * *
Without intention to minimize Sedona’s need for additional parking, my question is, if the information Mr. Segner provided is accurate, that the Chamber is offering to spend $1,200,000 of marketing money to buy a parking lot uptown, why wouldn’t the City purchase the property directly instead of going through the Chamber of Commerce? Does it mean the City authorizes support for the Chamber to enter into the business of real estate/property management on the City’s behalf? Will the City of Sedona be responsible for property taxes and other liability on such property(s)? Who will benefit from a potential commission on the sale/purchase transaction of said property(s)?
The same question remains unanswered as to why the City refuses to contract with a professional advertising agency, through the process of Requests for Proposals, as they do other city contracts?
Mr. Segner also refers in a comment dated 11/18 – 1:19 PM, to a contribution allegedly made by the Sedona Lodging Council of $5,000 towards the traffic study. In addition to funding for the USFS to assist in trail maintenance, that money was attributed as having come from the Chamber of Commerce as reported in the Red Rock News. Is the source of that funding from Chamber membership dues or does it represent a portion of the money allocated under the terms of the City’s contract with the Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of destination marketing? If it is, in fact, city revenue, then once again why wouldn’t the city follow their budget process and allocate the money directly?
Have you abandoned the commitment made during initial contract negotiations for the services of a professional outside audit to ascertain with certainty how this money has and continues to be spent?
What is the purpose of retaining a special interest, member driven organization as an acting agent for the City of Sedona? Do you have a written contract for that purpose? Does the Chamber of Commerce have a similar contract with the State of Arizona to act as an agent for them in order to justify authorized permission to function under the flag of the “Bureau of Tourism?” Do you ever intend to insist the legitimate businesses in Sedona City Limits, licensed and collecting city sales and bed taxes, be equitably represented at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, allegedly 70% financed with city tax revenue, without being coerced into mandatory membership in the Chamber of Commerce?
Do you have an accounting of the number of employees the Chamber of Commerce has hired since the inception of the contract agreement? Do you know the source of revenue being used for their compensation?
Unless you have already determined the contract will be renewed, prior to a formal meeting to address that subject, why would you sanction for the Chamber to purchase real estate on the City’s behalf? Again, have you no intention to consider redirecting use of the unconfirmed return on the bed tax increase?
Do you ever intend to ascertain with accuracy what percentage of the increase in city revenue during the past two years is attributed to the upswing in economy? Have you ever considered that by having followed protocol according to other transactions entered into by the City of Sedona the community might have averted many, many suspicions and ill will?
The City of Sedona has essentially set forth a policy of meticulously scrutinizing other contracted partnerships, apparently with the desire for unquestionable transparency. What’s the reason for reckless abandonment of that protocol when participating in transactions with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce? Doesn’t logical analysis portray this scenario as one whereby it is the City of Sedona that continues to promote the Chamber of Commerce instead of the other way around?
Respectfully submitted,
(Ms.) Eddie S. Maddock
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!
ESM
If you looked thru all those council meetings from 2015-2016 there was a common theme they them all…….
YOU and the rest of the complainers or the “self appointed know it alls are not present at any meeting to voice your opinion ..
You do that on the here at SE where it doesn’t matter……It done to elevate yourself among the other “do nothings”.
Referrals in the instance of what’s going on in Sedona to my understanding means payment received for sending patrons to a particular business. The problem is, as an example, someone goes to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center, asks for directions to a particular business and in turn is recommended to a competitor with a reason, maybe, it’s a better place – better products, better food, accommodations, better tour service, etc. That’s what is also known as a kickback. Of course it likely goes on all the time and is probably legitimate. However, if the city has a contract for a particular service, such as the Chamber’s visitor center, and city revenue isn’t being appropriately used because of diverting certain businesses from getting their fair share of referrals unless they pay more for the service, is that an appropriate method of spending municipal tax revenue? It’s already on record and repeated over and over that only Chamber members are promoted at the Chamber’s visitor center which in itself raises unanswered questions about discriminating against tax paying establishments, especially in lieu of promoting Chamber members outside city limits. Old news – I know – but nevertheless cold hard facts.
It’s likely someone out there can offer a better explanation which will be welcome. However, in my opinion Vice Mayor John Martinez is doing a fine service by attempting to bring this practice out in the open at a regular city council meeting for discussion.
Gena, Get a life, how long are you going to go on and on and on about the chamber.
Three city councils have voted on the chamber contract.
The city attorney wrote the contract, and the city finance staff looks at payments.
Jennifer Wesselhoff is the top in her field, and has helped chambers with marketing all over the nation.
The Sedona chamber just won a state wide marketing award for $100,000 in free advertising; she even beat out Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Sedona is up as a percentage more then any city in Arizona, even Scottsdale so our marketing must be working, if it was just the economy all Arizona would be up the same % .
We are very lucky to have Jennifer and her staff.
The Sedona chamber is a valley wide member owned organization, and is not funded by the city.
The city if Sedona contracts with the chamber is for marketing and tourism support.
The Sedona lodging council asked the city to increase the bed tax to save the city money and advertise in the slow months.
Only bed tax monies paid by visitors are used for marketing and now the purchase of a parking lot up town if the council approves, ( the council approver all programs).
Bed tax is not your tax money or the hotels, it can only be used as directed by state law and the city has set up a group to give the council advice on new products ,and uses for the bed tax.
One more time , NO bed tax money is used to advertise any hotel or business.
So, all in all ,over 30 people are always looking at how the bed tax is used.
I only take the time to keep repeating this over and over because the same person using several names is a stalker with no life except a sick jealousy of Jennifer.
I write this so anyone new to Sedona Eye knows the truth.
Now you can come back and say I am lying, OK so show us all the proof, and use a real name, go to the city and get the contract (easy) go talk to the city attorney, go talk to the city manager, tell them about the kickbacks, the stealing and co-mingling of city funds better yet call the states attorney.
Notice I use my name
Gina perhaps baking school with help get you mind off the chamber.
Steve Segner
You know me Now that is simply a joke. (deleted by editor) is only looking forward to her and her hubby pocketbook. Intregrity can’t be bought. She got her predecessor booted out.
Getting millions from a city to market a private membership club that is outside the city limits is NOT a item to be proud of. Shameful. Anyone that thinks it is ok needs to go back to kindergarten.
I don’t know any person who wants to take what isn’t theirs except the bogus lodging group. LOVED the comment by Reasearch right on!
Once again you make a good attempt at bring truth forward, thank you. But, it sounds more like you THINK that this is the explanation of what councilor Martinez was speaking about but you aren’t sure. Can you please confirm it with him. Those council people seem to have a solid relationship with you so why not just ask him and report back to us on SE?
Steve Segner is lying again. Only .5%, the January 2014 increase above the existing bed tax of 3%, must be used for promotion of tourism as directed by state law. 3% was in effect prior to April 1, 1990 and can legally be used any way. Arizona Revised Statute 9-500.06.C. – Hospitality industry; discrimination prohibited; use of tax proceeds; exemptions; definitions
The City is throwing money down the drain by contracting to pay the money-grubbing Chamber 55% of annual bed tax collections. Sedona is a world class destination people already know about. They are going to come here with or without the regional Chamber of Commerce hiring Phoenix advertising agency Owens Harkey & Associates.
By the way, ever since the Great Recession ended in 2009, the recovery, low gas prices and inflation have been the major reasons for the upswing in City sales and bed taxes, not the efforts of the regional Chamber.
And with digital access and TV availability to watch council meetings, there’s really very little reason to add to traffic and attend council meetings in person. @West sedona resident. Add to that the convenience of e-mailing and, yes, even the telephone, direct contact with council and staff has become a preferred method to interact instead of three minutes at a council meeting whereby vocal interchange is not allowed. And more often than not council members are more than willing to set up one-on-one meetings. So why the distress about posting on Sedona Eye? The same as council meetings, your choice is to refrain from participation.
Mr Segner:
I’m sorry but you seem to keep beating your head against the wall trying to get your point across while several on SE keep pushing against you and the Chamber. Why not offer a luncheon on neutral ground to have a meeting? A “sit down” if you will to iron out both points of view. This way if no one were to attend they’d no excuse to bit*h any longer. They’d have their chance to voice honest and healthy opinions while you can do the same. This constant back and forth has been going on for years and years with no resolve. It gets tiring and really turns me off from continuing to read this informative web site.
BTW, I won’t been in attendance because I get it and see your point.
Vacation Rentals will take its toll on the gready lodging and chamber in Sedona. Owners that use services like Air B & B don’t need a city license or do they have to collect the sales tax for the state, Air B&B will do so.
GO go go vacation rentals!
And oh how sweet it is! Read “Scottsdale Tourism Arm is Criticized in City Audit” The Arizona Republic Friday, December 2, 2016, front page and weep as you see the potential writing on the wall.
Jennifer Wesselhoff never ceases to compare Sedona with Scottsdale every time she appears at a council meeting. In fact, she whined and almost cried once again at the last meeting (11/22) as she begged for more money, repeating how so many other cities and towns give much more to their “chambers” and even wants funding to attend “Expos” (as if Canadians aren’t familiar with Arizona and Sedona). However, never – ever does Ms. Wesselhoff reveal or even mention the number of municipalities that give NO funding to respective Chambers of Commerce.
Another lie exposed. Scottsdale markets via a non-profit, Experience Scottsdale, formerly the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and NOT the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce as has repeatedly been reported by Wesselhoff and her affiliates. The article expands in detail how a city audit reveals an endless list of discrepancies in what has actually been reported by officials of this Experience Scottsdale.
So many questions that exist in Sedona remain unanswered because of the refusal to tackle a realistic audit, which should never occur within this city government due to apparent ties with the Chamber of Commerce which rouse even further suspicions. That must have been similar in Scottsdale as well as is quoted: “In an interview with The Republic, Karen Chuchard, the city’s tourism and events director, expressed satisfaction with the ‘phenomenal job’ Experience Scottsdale does promoting the area.” Sound familiar?
However, auditing has revealed excessive increases in salaries at Experience Scottsdale. In addition, “City auditors reported finding errors and irrelevant data in Experience Scottsdale’s annual performance report. That report includes figures such as convention booking, hotel bookings, website visitors and economic impact.”
“The non-profit’s fiscal 2016 report had activities benefiting its 180 non-Scottsdale members but did not make that clear, potentially giving the impression that the data reflects direct benefits to the city, auditors said.”
“Of the group’s 411 members, 164 are located outside Scottsdale borders, and another 16 are outside of Maricopa County in destinations such as Sedona, according to the audit.”
This should be a must read for Sedona City Council and Staff. However, even if they did in all probability they will continue to sit there, react as yes, yes, yes to ongoing misinformation which remains never, ever questioned in this most convoluted of all love affairs this city has with a regional chamber of commerce that continues to feather their own next.
Despicable.
John Daniels says:
December 2, 2016 at 9:28 am
love too, how do you meet with someone with 3 or 4 names?
every thing I have posted the city has back up on… she just hates the chamber and make up what ever story suits her at the moment.
lunch I will by
steve
And why don’t you, yourself, contact Vice Mayor Martinez and/or other members of the Sedona City Council and ascertain first hand their interpretation of Sedona “referrals?” Of course, then you will be required to reveal your true identity.
Eddie Maddock
(not @Eddie Maddock)
Vacation Rentals will take its toll on the gready lodging and chamber in Sedona. Owners that use services like Air B & B don’t need a city license or do they have to collect the sales tax for the state, Air B&B will do so.
The words I could use……You do know that Sedona can force airBB to collect the bed tax for them if Sedona pursues it?
No, let me guess……your clueless about that also! You people have the world at your finger tips and your even more ignorant!
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tax-issues-when-renting-your-home-airbnb-vrbo.html
https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/654/what-is-occupancy-tax–do-i-need-to-collect-or-pay-it?topic=264
clipped: Occupancy tax rates and rules vary by city, county, state, and country. They’re generally owed on the accommodations price plus any fees for other items, like cleanings or extra guests. In some places, occupancy tax is required on a per person, per night basis. There are typically long-term stay exceptions that exempt reservations over a certain number of nights. Occupancy tax is generally paid by the guest, but the obligation to remit the taxes to the government usually falls on the host. We expect all hosts to familiarize themselves with and follow their local laws and regulations.
check with the city attornery.
I did and they can’t get bed tax. Sandy asked it in the meeting and she was toldno they can’t.
hehe you deserve it.
Thx for making that AZ. Rep article newsworthy here on the Eye. That first paragraph alone says volumes:
AZ Republic 12/2/16:
“Scottsdale taxpayers spent more than $30 million on the city’s contract for tourism promotion over the past four years, but the public may not be getting as much as they should out of the deal, according to a recent city audit.”
Do you get it Steve Segner and Jennifer Wesselhoff as well as Sedona City Council and Staff? It is Sedona taxpayers’ money you are carelessly allocating to be stashed away on who knows what. It is “the public” here in Sedona that is being cheated, as Jennifer’s beloved Scottsdale has just discovered down in the valley. No wonder she so adores those who apparently have mentored her so well. But of course, Sedona for only the past three years has spent what? Maybe $18 million? Not bad for a city of 10,000 compared to Scottsdale @, what, appx. 218,000?
This is disgusting beyond words and City Council(s) – the past three according to Steve Segner – in addition to staff that has condoned this major rip-off of public money, should be doing more than attempting to cover your tracks and advise Jen and the gang on how to cook their book? Even groveling and sheepishly hanging your heads couldn’t come close to compensating for the shame you continue to bring to Sedona.
But scurry along, little people! Now is the hour. December is the time of year when you fast-track your dirty little deeds. Complete your renewal with the Chamber, including assigning them as designated property managers for this city. Another slam to the taxpayers. Too bad they, the Chamber, weren’t on board last December when you consummated purchasing the property next to City Hall for almost to $900,000. And we didn’t even acquire a public parking lot for the tourists. Pity.
Occupancy tax is generally paid by the guest, but the obligation to remit the taxes to the government usually falls on the host. We expect all hosts to familiarize themselves with and follow their local laws and regulations.
(right off airBB web site) Posted for the second time!!!!!!!
============================================================
Stupid people please read……!……hehe, or what ever other childish response!!!!
Scottsdale has two things over Sedona.
(1) A city council that cares enough about their voters to require an audit. (Sedona should have insisted on an independent audit after the first year of the contract – NOT in-city!)
(2) Through their audit they ascertained exactly how many of their members are outside city limits. (“Of the group’s 411 members, 164 are located outside Scottsdale borders, and another 16 are outside of Maricopa County in destinations such as Sedona, according to the audit.”)
Remember when Sedona city council was negotiating the contract and they asked that question to Jennifer Wesselhoff? How many members of their alleged 800 or so members (twice as many as Scottsdale) were located outside Sedona city limits? She responded by saying it was too difficult to figure out to give them an answer. And they found it acceptable!
Dennis, or should I say Denise. (the baker) you will notice the article was about Scottsdale,
and where did you $18,000,000 please facts only….
every one please notice Denise just made up anther #
Sedona for only the past three years has spent what?
Maybe $18 million
Sorry steve Segner to disappoint you but again you are wrong. Add up the amount the city has given for the chamber’s visitors center, then the $100,000 annually in the that contingency fund or whatever it’s called. The additional funding for the marathon, Holiday Central (which has been a bust but maybe there’s hope this year, who knows) and the numerous other times the city has choked out more and more $$$$ for the special interest, irresponsible, regional member-driven and perceivably corrupt chamber of commerce. And that is all over and above the several million doled out for the bogus advertising contract. And now apparently the chamber, with your help, has become a self-appointed acting agent for land acquisition on behalf of the city.
As for being someone other than who I am, Dennis, you apparently have a bug up something on your body since every time someone posts a comment with which you disagree you label them some baker or cake person.
And as a person who has nothing to do with or interest in the chamber of commerce (you posted that under another article) why is it you are always center stage when the discussion turns to that money grabbing source of irritation?
So maybe the article this time is about Scottsdale. If you are so blind you don’t see similarities then maybe you, yourself, should bake cakes or take up another hobby. Get a life and consider putting a sock where that bug hangs out. Or better yet, help Jennifer Wesselhoff figure out the physical location of the majority of her chamber members which are outside city limits. And especially those with 86336 zip codes.
For the Second time the STATE does NOT require city bed tax be collected. GO watch the video. YOu can listen and weep while Mayor Sandy asks and IS told NO bed tax for the city of sedona.
For those renting out your houses or rooms if you go through a outfit like Airbnb you are NOT required to license or collect taxes. the company does it for you
The following is a portion of a comment from Steve Segner, posted Nov. 23, 2016 at 2:51 PM under article “Is Now the Time for Answers:”
Steve Segner says:
November 23, 2016 at 2:51 PM
“…. and I have nothing to do with the chamber I just run the SLC.,and we get no money from the chamber or the city.
hope that helps”
Please, take note and to repeat: “AND I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CHAMBER I JUST RUN THE SLC . . .”
Well, Sir, that certainly didn’t apply when you stood before the city council and solicited on behalf of the chamber to get that contract. And the dumb fools listened to your rant . . . over, and over, and over again, and again, and again: “Just trust us.” They did, they have, and there’s little doubt they will continue to do so. However, in the meantime, kindly refrain from denying you have a lot to do with the chamber when all you do is continue to solicit on their behalf. It’s old, boring, and serves to add to the stench coming from the direction of uptown.
Regarding Steve Segner’s lie that “I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CHAMBER, I JUST RUN THE SLC…”
At the 11/22/2016 City Council Meeting Steve Segner stood up before the Council and praised the Chamber’s plan to create a parking lot out of the old bank property on Jordan Road. The (deleted by editor) stated they will need 2/3 more money. And, hey, what’s wrong with woofing down another $1 Million/year of scarce City funds so that the Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council can go into the development business?
Jennifer was requesting a 5-year contract with the City.
And the stupidity continues after frovering over and over from an airBB web site.
YES CITYS AND STATES CAN GET AIRBB TO COLLECT THE TAXES OWED!!!
Arizona
Phoenix
Guests who book Airbnb listings that are located in Phoenix, AZ will pay the following taxes as part of their reservation:
Phoenix Hotel/Motel Tax: 3% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for reservations 29 nights and shorter.
Phoenix Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax: 2.3% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for all reservations. For detailed information, visit Phoenix.gov.
LIVE LINK WITH ANSWER! https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/653/in-what-areas-is-occupancy-tax-collection-and-remittance-by-airbnb-available
why the hell do you think you get out of paying taxes???? Your stealing from all of us!
yes I like the job they are doing, AND I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CHAMBER I JUST RUN THE SLC . . .”
thanks for re posting. I also have nothing to do with the city, but I go to council meeting and thanks them for the great job they do and help when I can.
and Dennis says: Maybe $18 million? Not bad for a city of 10,000 compared to Scottsdale @, what, appx. 218,000?
so Dennis, please the $18,000,000 you forgot to bring us up to date on how you got that number>
Well Steve Senger was one of the two public speakers at the council meeting 11/22, subject of this article, tooting his horn once again for Jennifer and her members of the chamber of commerce. City businesses that do not pony up for membership fees be damned! Just continue collecting those taxes that fund the IMO crooks living the good life. Wonder what exotic island Jennifer will trip to over these holidays. She flaunts it on face book adding insult to injury.
@ West Sedona Dave = aka Steve Segner so funny you continue to lie.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT- You are not required to pay the city Go through an outfit like Airbnb. No license required. If you use a service no license or fees. The business license is with AirBnB.
On another note better yet we have a code of silence. Since the chamber, lodging and city don’t respect you,spend MILLIONS without any say so for the REGION> we don’t report any neighbors that may possibly be renting out their houses or rooms. If you are a tour guide and provide FREE room stays at your house you are selling a tour not a room.
PAyback is silence. YOU all pay higher property taxes for the tourists. Your quality of life is disrupted. Everything you get delivered to your home PAYS city SALES TAX> along with your phones and utilities. @West Sedona Dave = Steve Segner YOU are the ones STEALING taxpayers money. dirtbags
Check it out, seems a little jealous, so sorry. you need to work on that.
Look at the documentation. Steve Segner is making FALSE statements
Report to City of Sedona by the Chamber
https://www.sedonaaz.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=30227
AFFINITY GROUPS AND CONTACTS
Sedona Lodging Council Steve Segner (928) 203-9405 steve@elportalsedona.com Sedona Events Alliance Al Comello (928) 862-0210 al@comellomedia.com Sedona Gallery Association Peggy Lanning-Eiseler (928) 282-6865 mail@lanningallery.com SedonaGalleryAssociation.com Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association (SMSA) Nirup Barnum (928) 300-8338 info@sedonaspiritual.com SedonaSpiritual.com
On the Chamber’s Website
http://www.sedonachamber.com/chamber-affinity-groups/
Chamber Affinity Groups
To better serve the needs of our members, the Sedona Chamber has been organizing affinity groups that represent various sectors of Sedona’s business community. Representing the needs of almost 1,000 individual members is difficult when needs are different. However, by organizing various like-areas of industry locally these groups can come together and agree upon what the group needs from the Chamber and the community. Each affinity group, with a unified vision, makes it possible for the Sedona Chamber to not only address each sector’s needs more effectively, but also to represent its vision and business interests in the Chamber’s marketing efforts.
To date, the association affinity groups are:
Sedona Events Alliance, President – Al Comello, 928-862-0210
Sedona Gallery Association, President – Shirley Albrecht, 928-282-3865
Sedona Metaphysical/Spiritual Association, President – Nirup Barnum, 928-300-8338
Sedona Lodging Council, President – Steve Segner, 928-203-9405
Organizing now: Green Business Affinity Group – contact Janeen Trevillyan, Director of Member Services, 928-204-1123, x120
Interesting point about Steve Segner being one of the two public speakers at the 11/22 meeting. Another way would be to say that only two speakers came out in support while NO ONE FROM SEDONA EYE came out against the presentation even though it was publicly posted ahead of time and there was discussion on this site to remind all of you.
IMHO if there were more businesses than those on Sedona Eye that that are against the program then shame on them for not voicing their objections. Sort of like those wound licking Democrats that didn’t vote but are upset because Hillary lost. You can’t have it both ways.
Where was Eddie Maddock and where is the once known Cake Lady from Kachina Drive or their multipal personalities??? NOT AT THE COUNCIL MEETING where their opinions would be well known.
So, CHECK IT OUT if you really feel that “just continue collecting those taxes that fund the IMO crooks living the good life.” then you were part of the problem and not part of the solution.
Very interesting post on this. The chamber is nothing more than the head of kick backs and referral fees. The city council have been written to, met with, and with the exception of the two newbies are fully aware. They endorse it. Jennifer told them all that they are doing it just like scottsdale which is a lie, there is NO audit NO independent review.
If they were truthful each legitimate business would review and audit the chamber. The businesses are the only ones that can fairly review any benefits.
But they won’t allow that because that will disclose how they are working against the in-city business.
We get more from our ads we runs independently. Chambers are old school. To many kick backs and referral fees. No benefit for in-city. All funding to any businesses associations like chamber, mainstreet, filmfestival need to be stopped. They are not the city business.
Responding to “Back at Check it Out” apparently you overlooked my comment on 12/2 @ 8:57 AM. As for multiple personalities, unlike you I’ve no problem using my name so what’s the beef?
Joe, kick backs and referral fees
ok so show us all how this works ? you make a serious statement.
you just say stuff, please joe fill us all in I would really like to know about the kickbacks better yet go to the city manager… or is he in on it too?
Department Main Number
City Attorney
(928) 204-7200
We have. You must have missed the post
“Eddie Maddock says:
November 30, 2016 at 10:59 am
With reference to comments relating to a council meeting when John Martinez suggested the subject of “referrals” be placed on a future agenda, and it was denied by Mayor Moriarty, I distinctly recall having watched that meeting. As comments appeared challenging occurrence of the event, and due to lack of recollection of the date of the meeting, an attempt to review meeting videos of 2015 produced the message “Couldn’t load plugin.”
A further pursuit of reviewing the Minutes of ALL regular city council meetings during the year 2015 failed to reveal a record of the Martinez episode as did a review of 2016 city council meetings to date.
Because of that, I sent an e-mail to Councilman Martinez, requesting verification of the event. Did he make a request for the “referrals” issue to be placed on a future agenda and did Mayor Moriarty deny the request.
Here is the reply from Councilman Martinez:
“Yes. After the meeting she explained her answer that basically meant that it wasn’t enough of a high priority compared to all the other issues the city is facing. At our budget meeting tomorrow I’ll try to bring it up again.”
So, indeed the incident occurred. Due to inaccessibility of meeting videos and unless I inadvertently overlooked the reference in the recorded Minutes of council meetings, the absence of a record of the event remains a mystery.
Eddie Maddock”
Isn’t it illegal to give gifts & referral fees for things like insurance & real estate & housing b.c. they are viewed like dollars changing hands that exclude transparency & competition & can bypass Fair Housing laws, IRS taxes & &&? Easy to see what should be a level playing ground using city tax dollars in city limits can get sketchy when spread outside the city playground. Segner you get it or you’d be for AirBnB, same circumstance involving your motel (one thing you do get on this site is a hell of a lot of free advertising) right? Step outside the box & see how it makes members paying to play get benched b.c. the givers & getters of incentives & nods & breaks don’t have to sit on the sidelines. Tax Sedonans for Sedonans. Get your money from the state or feds and ask for their rules. Definitions vary but if its not level pay to play & if everyone isn’t sharing equally in city of and by city taxes, then somebody’s getting something & its called not your city business money. Let Cottonwood chamber subsidize its businesses not Sedona or best move the Sedona Chamber out of city limits. Then you can talk chamber fairness.
I don’t see what the problem is. It is common practice to get – give a referral fee. We pay for the recommendations. Keep track and pay the concierges or timeshare / hotel a percentage. We all do it. Pink Jeep pays the highest percent. Mike goes around and personally gives those referring a check. Some hotels like it because they feel they don’t have to pay their employees so much. Even restaurants – chefs are getting and giving referral fees. What is wrong with it? That’s has been done in Sedona since the beginning. Can you please explain?
You care where Sedona Chamber of Commerce is located? It’s got the necessary moniker. Move. Camp Verde or Cottonwood or Phoenix? Predicted business growth rates higher than Sedona, go there.
Segner you get it or youd be for AirBnB, same circumstance involving your motel (one thing you do get on this site is a hell of a lot of free advertising) right?
Wrong I pay over $1,000.00 a month for all ad on the chamber web page as all hotel pay for ads
No ad are paid for by the chamber for any members. The chamber charges for all ad the members place
Ted you are rambling, no business get anything from chamber we all pay, to be members and pay to advertise…. , Ted remember the Sedona chamber is a member owned regional org. It only has one dept that is contracted to market for Sedona member own it members run it.
…
So please one more time let us all know how this kick back works? And remember there is not city tax, just sales tax and bed tax.
and ted you will not use you name because? you are not telling the truth? or just
like to hit and run with false comments?
Department Main Number
City Attorney
(928) 204-7200
ss
YOU mentioned city manager see no one else. If city not involved then its members talking to each other about each other and that’s the rights of member in organizations. and its YOU got an in with a city employees to discuss bed & sales tax? or did you put it out there to give fear?
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swinging hot spot
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Lyrics by Joni Mitchell
I returned from travel to find the ongoing discussion regarding the Chamber purchasing land to create a parking lot to be more than just a bit disconcerting. Many of the comments on this site are spot on—I will add a few more;
1. The repeated statements castigating residents for failure to appear at the 22 Nov Council opinion is disingenuous at best. It is a known tactic to schedule public meetings with items of controversy during a Holiday week. I did it repeatedly in Wisconsin–participation was nil.
2. The numbers presented by the Chamber do not seem to pencil. A 1.125 million asking price and a similar expenditure over 5 years does not appear to account for debt service nor O&M costs. The chamber slide (39:48 of the Council video) shows payment from 7 budget years. The addition of 33 parking spots at a cost of 1.125M yields a cost in excess of $34,000 per spot.
3. The Chamber seemingly admits that the $200,000 per year is not needed for destination marketing and implies that “enough is enough”. I suggest it is.
4. The most audacious part of the presentation is the clever (read sneaky if you wish) manner in which the Chamber attempts to trap the City into a contract extension (sans RFP or audit) by transferring marketing money to “product development”. Such parking development is best handled by the City through open meeting discussion of the issues and Council approval of the expenditure. Transfer of this authority and financial capability to the Chamber appears to be an abdication of responsibility that the City has to the general electorate.
5. The increase to 90 spots seems to include the demolition of the current structure and the removal of most vegetation and trees.
They took all the trees and put ’em in a tree museum
And then they charged the people a dollar-and-a-half just to see ’em
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot
Is it just a coincidence that Mrs. Wessehoff’s husband is a high-profile realtor in Sedona or divine intervention?
And W. Tyre from Colorado. Why in the world do you care anything about the Sedona Chamber of Commerce? Since you do not live within city limits here where substantial taxes are levied allegedly on behalf of the residents that voted for incorporation – that being the incorporated city – your concern about our concern and the expenditure of municipality revenue seems disingenuous to say the least. Weird.
Ron no good deed goes un punished, some of us actually like to try to fix things.
easy to sit back and through stones.
Ron Maassen does more good for this community than Steve Segner, Jennifer Wesselhoff, and the entire Chamber of Commerce. The beautiful words he wrote reflect how many of us feel but remain unheard because our voices fall on deaf ears.
Steve Segner, why don’t you take your do good attitude to Cottonwood, Cornville, Clarkdale, Jerome, or maybe even Camp Verde or Flagstaff where maybe your efforts will be more appreciated. We did well long before you came on the scene and I’ll just bet we’ll survive without your questionably good deeds. If something ain’t broke don’t try to fix it. It’s because of people like you that Sedona is well on the way to a complete break down.
Thank you Ron for speaking up. A special Thank you for all that you do for our community. Your volunteerism is noted and appreciated. The current and future residents are blessed to have you here. Your integrity and volunteering to help make our community better without any conflicts of interests shows us how true leadership works, through example.
Thank You @Ron Maassen
To Sedona Community Org & excuse me!
Not wanting to dispute what Mr. Maassen does or doesn’t do for our city but Mr Segner does a lot as well. It may not be what YOU want but he puts his money where his mouth is in a very similar way that Mr. Maassen puts his sweat into the Historical Society.
Just because YOU don’t like Mr. Segners comments he has just as much of a right to post them on SE as you do.
To say that Ron Maassen does more good for this community than Steve Segner, Jennifer Wesselhoff, and the entire Chamber of Commerce is YOUR OPINION. They all contribute in some way to Sedona what have YOU contributed???
Don’t have the money to contribute like Ron and Steve that’s ok but have you…
Contributed your TIME to the Food Bank? Perhaps Meals on Wheels? The SRRHS? Uptown Rangers? Historical Society?
I’m a betting guy but judging by how much cash I leave at the casino, I’m not that prosperous but I’d bet that you haven’t contributed in any way to help others in our city.
Please ignore John Daniels. Anyone that attacks and criticizes others uses pseudonym names could a pokemon. Their behavior is negative and does not deserve any reaction from anyone. Clearly they have a conflict of interest. On the rag.
Positive people don’t attack, bully or call names. Ignore negative aggressive people.
Wow – just when you think S. Segner has displayed the highest level of arrogance, it has now been topped.
The prize for that honor has now been transferred to Lord of Kings, John Daniels. (any relation to Jack?)
And just who died and left you that honor, Mr. Daniels? Who are you to speak on behalf of Segner, the Chamber of Commerce, or anyone else.
As another person so profoundly pointed out, we did very well here in Sedona before incorporation and the advent of the likes of Segner, you, and those you so devoutly defend. They are no more than glorified moochers, and professionals at that.
If Sedona were to purchase all of you for what you are actually worth, then sell you for what you think think you’re worth, this city’s financial needs would be satisfied for years to come.
Unlike you, Sir God, that ass – u – me(s) you qualify in determining the opinions of others (which translated as being your own opinion) I will do my own testimonial relating to my opinions which are herein expressed.
Go back to your casino and take your pals with you. Maybe bowling my be a nice diversion for you.
Right on John Daniels
Most here on SE can’t seem to get out from behind their computers and stop complaining about everything……take a stroll through past SE topics…You’ll see the same people complaining about numerous things while doing ZERO…..
And the beat goes on……
And is it true, Wsr, that you’ve moved your beat from city hall to Yavapai College Governing Board District? Lucky for them and Yavapai County property tax payers (IMO). Lah Di Dah. As you say, “the beat goes on ……”
To Jim Poole.
You must be jesting I’m not attacking anyone it’s just my opinion something that you and the others seem to forget I have the right to post here just like you.
Can you please explain what you mean by conflict of interest????