Home » City Council, Community » Eddie Maddock: More questions – Few answers

Eddie Maddock: More questions – Few answers

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock

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)?

question mark 4The 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?

sedona jobs accounting tax dollar bill book calculatorDo 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!

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

329 Comments

  1. Eddie Maddock says:

    All 86336 zip codes are NOT within Sedona City Limits.

    https://sedonaeye.com/sedona-city-limits-101-with-eddie-maddock/

    Sedona City Limits does NOT encompass the same areas as our School & Fire Districts.

    The original proposal for incorporation was inclusive of entire School & Fire Districts. However, the first ballot measure failed and incorporation was only approved after the area had been downsized.

    So, no, ALL 86336 zip codes would NOT be assessed city property taxes nor do they pay city franchise fees for services that apply.

  2. Paul D says:

    If we got rid of the city, the city employees, the city donation of millions to the Chamber of Commerce, the Sedona Film Festival, the Red Earth theater, Sedona Recycles, which has bins all over the Verde Valley, and many other groups with their hand out. We would save over $35,000,000 and I imagine get free sewer service.

    We pay for the Fire Department on our property tax. We would not miss the City of Sedona at all.

    Close the city down !!!

  3. Another Option says:

    To Paul D, how about if enough people won’t go along with doing away with incorporation the city council and staff either cease and desist footing the bill for non-city limit causes and demand those areas either annex into the city or start paying their fair? Sound familiar with a new twist – instead of accusing legitimate residents of incorporated Sedona for not paying enough let’s level the playing field and charge those that are clearing playing without paying. And that includes the sleazy operation of t the Chamber Visitors Center – another major City of Sedona ripoff.

  4. Steve segner says:

    Paul you seem a little up tight, taxes getting you down? Hum sedona has no city tax and the place you just dicribed in called kingman… home prices legally low, wonders why? Do us al a favor and move.
    Ss

  5. NOT SO FAST says:

    Steve segner, as you continue to claim to be so upstanding and wise, why is it you don’t recognize and admit the Chamber rips off the city because not all of their 86336 members are within city limits. Why not do all of us, the legitimate law abiding Sedona residents a favor, and butt out. You yourself reside in Oak Creek Canyon, outside city limits, so open a business in Kingman and use that address to vote there and straighten out their local government. Maybe they would appreciate you. We don’t.

  6. Ayn Rand says:

    When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion — when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing — when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors — when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you — when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice — you may know that your society is doomed.

    Ayn Rand

    This sounds like Sedona doesn’t it?

  7. steve segner says:

    NOT SO FAST says
    One more time I vote in Sedona, 95 portal lane, I have 2 homes in Sedona and a home in oak creek. Want to compare tax bills ?
    The chamber is not Sedona it is anyone that wants to join……
    The city pay the chamber to do it’s marketing , how hard is that to understand?
    Graft you say… Please show us…. And please show us any ad for hotels or business paid for by the chamber or the city…. I keep asking and I never get any proof… More bs put up or shut up
    why are you so up set, go bake a cake

  8. HOLY MOLY says:

    Wow – “Ayn Rand” – totally, completely describes Sedona as it is today. Way to go. The truth should hurt those in command but most likely they will remain in denial, pat each other on the back, and it will be business as usual.

    The truth, these days, all too often doesn’t hurt those that relish in the rewards of dealing from the bottom of the deck

    Hello, Sedona, It appears you’ve hit rock bottom but refuse to admit it.

  9. Ron Maassen says:

    I wish a very Happy New Year to all who frequent Sedona Eye, This is indeed a chance for a new beginning and the opportunity to bring civility to our discourse.

    That being said, I recognize this is Sedona so let’s return to our bickering
    tomorrow.

    For those interested in plowing through the details of the Sedona CoCs tax returns (990s), the following site provides those filings for the last 10 years. Any non profits 990s are searchable at this site.

    http://nccs.urban.org/

  10. West Sedona Dave says:

    Ummmm, no not at all…..

    Its sound more like the Ayn that is only about herself…The same Ayn Rand who is coveted by the GOP……The same woman who dose not believe in God … ..You know that wonderful person that the 3rd most powerful person in this country covets( Paul Ryan)…..Loves her work so much its mandatory ready for his employees…..The same guy that will reduce your Social Security to line his own pockets..

    So as much fun it is to pull silly names out like you do, to try and prove your point….It falls flat like a lead balloon….

    Get up off your fanny’s and do something…..!
    All you people do is throw unfounded crap against the wall, anything you THINK will stick…..Never ever once proving anything other than the hate you spew!

    Over and over, your proven wrong, or you never prove any of your allegations.

    Have you called the county attorney?…How about the states attorney?….To lazy?….or not a leg to stand on?

  11. Research says:

    Thank you Ron Maassen for the additional link to chamber numbers.

    The Chamber members only contribute 24.4% to income. City at 75.61%
    While the chamber members located in the city limits are less than 30% while those outside the city limits are over 70%

    The chamber is a business association. Not a charity and NOT the city.

  12. Jim Poole says:

    Now I am very surprised to read your post Steve. If the restaurants and hotels workers get paid that high then there is no reason for the taxpayers to subsidise your industry.

    Private enterprise is just that and public money should never cross the line.

    Sedona has much they could use the money on. Obviously the city doesn’t need to advertise since here in the Sedona region those working in hospitality are extremely well paid.

  13. steve segner says:

    Have you called the county attorney?…How about the states attorney?….To lazy?….or not a leg to stand on?

    Dave right on, as good up standing caring Sedona residents they must calll
    all the need is a list of all the facts, of there stealing and underhanded goings on
    please call first thing tomorrow oh ja…. remember mr. segner uses his hotel as his voting address…. call

  14. Jerry, Legitimate Sedona Voter says:

    Temper, temper (steve segner).

    You conveniently fail to mention that ONLY the “regional” chamber of commerce members are featured and receive referrals at the city financed visitors center bearing the name “Sedona Chamber of Commerce.”

    The $300,000 or so annually from the City of Sedona, alleging to support only 70% of the operation, claims it to be the” official” City of Sedona Visitors Center.

    That is utter nonsense and amounts to blackmailing in-city businesses, legitimate tax collectors for incorporated Sedona, to become members of a special interest club even though they are the ones collecting and contributing to the $300,000 plus annual expenditure.

    You and the Chamber CEO fail to address the majority of members located outside city limits, many with 86336 zip codes that are not subjected to collecting city taxes. Shame, shame – double shame – everybody knows your name(s).

    You (segner) respond only to what you erroneously believe sets the record straight as you persist in ignoring the real facts. This amounts to nothing more than this City of Sedona endorsing the practice of blackmail and even coercion in order to solicit members for a regional C of C that is beholding only to their members. But then you actually had the integrity to admit that – thank you very much.

    Try as you may, Segner, neither you nor the City of Sedona can justify this ongoing hogwash and it’s criminal IMO that you all have gotten away with it thus far.

    That additional .5% bed tax you agreed to could justifiably be spent many other ways to uphold the state law about the discretionary tax and you know it.

    Cheaters – all of you. This could have been avoided to begin with had the council and staff insisted on RFP’s then adding injury to insult by extending the stupid contract for three years.

    The best suggestion lately is for you to take your business and self-appointed authority to someplace like Kingman (or maybe Flagstaff) You blow more fluff than the lint in our clothes dryer.

  15. Tony T says:

    @West Sedona Dave

    Thank you for the suggestion. I will call the State attorney tomorrow.

  16. John Daniels says:

    @ Ron Maassen:

    As a new relatively new poster on SE, I wish you the same for the New Year.

    reading that you know about that web site with the 990’s of all non-profits I’m sure that you have already reviewed the documents about the CoC prior to your posting. I’m guessing that there was nothing to find otherwise you would have posted those findings right here for everyone to see. To me it looks like you’re just doing what others on this site do, stir the pot.

  17. @Tony T says:

    I like West Sedona Dave’s idea also.

    Go ahead and take his suggestion I remember that others have said that they did and SURPRISE SURPRISE nothing was found by the AG.

  18. Ron Maassen says:

    @ John Daniels

    Actually I visited the site to check on the Sedona Historical Society filings. I thought that perhaps if I provided the link someone else would do the heavy lifting of plowing through 10 years of 990’s for the CoC..

    If you knew me personally you would know that I do love to stir the pot and challenge what is considered to be conventional wisdom and the overreach of government.

    Now this is better, after a day of almost no discussion (due I believe to the fact our moderator was AWOL) we can resume the bickering.

  19. @John Daniels says:

    @John Daniels-It stinks

  20. R Kipling says:

    You city parasites say we are haters? Someone wiser said it better:

    It was not part of their blood,
    It came to them very late,
    With long arrears to make good,
    When the Saxon began to hate.

    They were not easily moved,
    They were icy — willing to wait
    Till every count should be proved,
    Ere the Saxon began to hate.

    Their voices were even and low.
    Their eyes were level and straight.
    There was neither sign nor show
    When the Saxon began to hate.

    It was not preached to the crowd.
    It was not taught by the state.
    No man spoke it aloud
    When the Saxon began to hate.

    It was not suddently bred.
    It will not swiftly abate.
    Through the chilled years ahead,
    When Time shall count from the date
    That the Saxon began to hate.

    by Rudyard Kipling

  21. Laura W says:

    As another fairly new reader and wondering why the variety of comments, here I am joining in only because those that are so certain there’s nothing illegal occurring in Sedona, well, why then do you appear so troubled and continue to bother to comment? No crime – no time. Isn’t that the way it goes?

    And are we all to know the identity of the AWOL moderator per Ron Maassen? Please, kindly clue us in so we have a better understanding of the mechanics of this very mysterious dialog.

    Thanks,
    Laura W

  22. Bill S says:

    @Laura W

    “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” William S

    They appear troubled because they know they are doing wrong. Crime?

  23. West Sedona Dave says:

    Laura W.

    Easiest explanation is this web site is politically motivated….If it has anything to due with any form of government its bad and evil…(add chamber of commerce also)…

    Most are just hateful angry people who you would hate to live next to and would never socialize with…

    So if you prove them wrong with links and truth, they just lash out at you and say many things, and even some threaten violence against you…..Crazy eah?

    Best explanation is Rush Limbaugh has moved to Sedona so all hateful rhetoric is great and some how productive.

    If you stay around you will see, and understand my points…….All these crazy conspiracy theories, unfounded accusations, and just plane out complainers and lairs….
    I see nothing wrong with any conversations that help Sedona…..but dont dare point out that a poster is wrong, they double down on stupid!

    So in time see if my explanation is close to what you will read over time…
    Have a nice day… :)

  24. Laura W says:

    Thanks, Bill S, for reading my comment as well as your response. Now I’m beginning to understand how this strand might become addictive. One question leads to another. If “they appear troubled because they know they are doing wrong” then why are they getting away with it?

  25. JJ says:

    John Martinez stated in the red rock news that the people want R.F.Ps. He also states that the Chamber is doing a great job. The people are sick and tired of these statements that have no basis in fact. They are only opinions. Scottsdale and the state of arizona hire an independent tracking co. that does a great job. No conflict of interest. The chamber lies about the numbers. They only want the money. No audits no legitimate tracking. John Martinez should get the facts and stop wasting the taxpayers money. The tax returns for the Chamber tell the story. They need to be audited. City Council do your job.

  26. steve segner says:

    Please one more time exactly what is anyone doing that is a crime?
    Names and the exact crime.
    Please tell us, But not that you don’t” like “something, or you don’t like the way a contract is written, or that the chamber forces you be a member to put a flyer in the up town chamber owned visitor center.
    Please you owe it to the readers of the eye, please tell us so we can go after they people. Oh and please use a real name if I can use my name why can’t y the rest of you ?

  27. Waylon B says:

    @ JJCity of Scottsdale does not even give one cent to the Chamber of Commerce. The Sedona City Council is put into office to protect the people’s money!!! Not to gift it to their buddies. The moneys are there to be spent on infrastructure. Stop giving us your opinions. They do not matter. You are not there to force your agenda on the people of Sedona. You are there to do the people of Sedona’s work. That means the citizens of Sedona. Not the region. You should take classes on how to run a municipality. You are untrained therefore do not know what you are doing.

  28. Eddie Maddock says:

    Frequently throughout the process of obtaining the contract for destination marketing, references have been made to other cities, town, regions, and areas.

    An article in the Arizona Republic Friday, 12/02/16 specifically states “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.” At least the City of Scottsdale displayed enough credibility to call for a professional, impartial audit, which Sedona has failed to do from the onset of this questionable process and is once again taking center stage. Please keep in mind as well – Sedona has a population of only 10,000. However, as stated, if they think the Chamber has done such a superb job, there’s little doubt the process now to be put in progress is nothing more than a continuation of the ongoing smoke screen that will make absolutely no changes, except increased enhancement from those that financially contributed to selected campaign funds, and that includes the professional advertising agency in Phoenix under sub-contract with the Chamber of Commerce. Names of contributors to city council campaign funds are available on the City of Sedona web site. For the City of Sedona to continue to fund promotion of exclusively chamber members is contrary to policy in State Statutes which define purpose, responsibilities, and restricted jurisdiction of legitimate municipalities.

    The Scottsdale destination marketing contract, so stated in the article, is specifically with “Experience Scottsdale, formerly the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau,” which is presently under investigation. The Scottsdale advertising contract is NOT with their local Chamber of Commerce, contrary to statements having been made at council meetings. Many cities and towns do not give money to their chambers. Flagstaff, Williams, Camp Verde, and Prescott have been mentioned over the course of time and there’s little doubt many more, quite possibly enough to make the practive more the exception than the rule.

    In a direct phone conversation with a gentleman in Park City, Utah, he also informed me Park City gives NO money to their local Chamber of Commerce. Same as Sedona, Park City is a tourist place, seasonal for winter sports, but enhanced off-season with the Sun Dance Film Festival. Park City spends their destination marketing funds directly with Utah State Bureau of Tourism. However, unlike Sedona, Park City has inherited an enhanced population increase, around 30,000 as I recall, due to surrounding areas clamoring to annex in order to fly under the lightening rod name of “Park City.”

    Not so with areas outside incorporated Sedona that continue to benefit from misdirected funding to a regional membership organization that is devoted to promoting only their members, many if not most of whom are located outside Sedona City Limits and neither obtain city business licenses nor collect Sedona city taxes.

  29. steve Segner says:

    Waylon B says:
    The moneys are there to be spent on infrastructure.

    Says you, and only you, not the city or the state ….. Only you
    this is a state program approved by the state and the city council, get it?
    The .5% bed tax was put in place to support marketing.
    Get over it and quit telling lies…. It is for marketing and visitor support why should the visitors to Sedona that now pay 68% of the city operating income pave you street or pay for to reduce you sewer Fee.?

  30. Ron Maassen says:

    A reminder to everyone; The council has scheduled a meeting for 11 Jan 2017 at 3:00 pm n Council Chambers to discuss the tourism marketing issue. The agenda and complete Council packet can be found on line at;

    http://www.sedonaaz.gov/your-government/council-commissions-committees-boards/meetings-documents

    Just click through to the Council meeting 11 January.

    Staff has done a commendable job of putting forward both current facts and options for Council to consider for award of a contract. There is some significant data with which I believe most of us are not cognizant.

    Please read the material and if you have an opinion share it with Council either by email (at City website) or in person at the meeting.

    I have to go dig through packet. Perhaps I’ll have additional comments/questions.

    Ron

    ps1: There is one thing with which I agree with Segner, i.e. It would be most insightful if others used their real names. I have for years and have suffered no consequences.

    ps2: City staff please clean up the formatting problem with regard to how this information gets to Council. The elimination of paragraphs renders the message difficult to read and comprehend.

  31. JJ says:

    @ Ron Maassen

    These numbers and statistics have no meaning. The city of sedona has long been a supporter of the chamber of commerce. Unless you have a neutral agency monitoring, auditing, and reporting you really don’t have anything you can rely on. The state of arizona and the city of scottsdale share a neutral agency that monitors tourim. That is the only way you can get accurate numbers.

  32. jj says:

    @ Ron Maassen

    The other problem with this report is that the chamber takes credit for all increased revenue in the city of sedona. Rediculous. There are so many other factors at work here. That is why you have to break it down with a neutral agency to get an accurate account. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that the people getting the contract cannot review themselves. The city of sedona is not neutral!!!

  33. Steve segner says:

    Ron I agree , using a real name keeps the name calling and made up FACTS to min.
    Please come to meeting Tuesday , like to meet you all , Ron I know, you others please tell the council about the stealing, get it out in the open , the red rock news will be there,
    Tell the council that the bed tax is your money, no to be used to market Sedona.
    Now or never the red rock new will print you name and you will be a star…

  34. @JJ says:

    When you say: “to break it down with a neutral agency to get an accurate account” you mean more red tape? More employees? More government? MORE MONEY WASTED!!!!

    If you read the info on line you’d find the meaning its very simple even I can understand it.

  35. @Ron Maassen says:

    Thank you Ron for posting the link. I have read it.Unfortunately the city staff did not approach it in a honest, clear and transparent manner. The report is slanted to gift the chamber more money.

    The Chamber doesn’t represent the exclusive jurisdiction of the city limits, they have regional members. The members located in the city limits represent less than 25% of their membership.

    The Sedona chamber is a DINOSAUR. Sedona small town tactics need to be thrown out. “I’ll pay you to refer me and let’s all lobby the city to fund our group” Rationalization to justify stealing money for the region from a bunch of retirees. Taking advantage the the regular person lack of city civics.

    Tourism isn’t the same as 1975 when the chamber organize let alone in 2017.
    Gone are the days of cowboys and indians. The city of sedona is being made out as good old fools. and the chamber members imo are pocketing taxpayers money.

    IMO – The city staff showed their laziness and bias in the report by working it and slanting it to promote the chamber. SICK! They GIFTED they chamber 100% of everything and by doing so they threw the legitimate businesses and hotels that correctly market and run their business under the bus.

    Business is business and for a town our size this is ridiculous. By the city enabling the funneling to a outside regional membership group they ARE destroying the small town. It is a money grab.

    If you think anyone can speak up using their real names then you need to look at what others who have. Boycotted, slandered and called names. A good example is Cliff Hamilton. IMO Steve Segner rallied to slander him in email and ads in the rr news.

    Don’t Believe me here is the email:From: Steve Segner

    To: Al Comello

    Cc: SANDY MORIARTY

    Subject: lets meet please do not pass around
    Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 10:39:26 -0700
    Al
    We need to do something that puts Sand on the map, the hill top people are Hamilton’s they hang together butt they are few…. we need the flatlanders….

    I see cliff as a life long autocrat… we need to tell that story “Sandy gets her hands dirty…. Cliff talks and talks down.

    Can you get me his background? I am thinking about a large rental truck parked around town with sides with Sands posters… remember all Sedona residents go to two locations each week, Bash’s and Safeway,

    Lets be smart, lets run a gorilla marketing campaign

    I think Cliff will try to paint the chamber in a bad light so he can come in and fix things ,lets keep the chamber out of this, and talk about and Cliff and his imperil management stile.
    I think using the “T” party as a comment would be good.

    Steve ”

    Even the Editor of RR news did an editorial (deleted by editor) Cliff Hamilton. Released it just before the vote!!!!!!! Shameful disgusting!

    If the city council moves forward with any more relationship with the regional chamber we should get each and everyone of them removed.

    To the council members and staff that read the eye your behavior and favoritism to a REGIONAL membership group along with the other buddies you gift TAXPAYERS money to represents to your lack of integrity.

  36. steve Segner says:

    JJ is great, never leave home,never go to meeting never comes to marketing meetings , but know all all about marketing, all about ad placement, all about
    Hotel ADR, ….. Jean been to any traffic meetings? NO
    Jean is Sedona own -Scrooge cold-hearted miser who despises government and all thing chamber money ,money, money save save save. See you Tuesday Jean.

  37. Research says:

    Professional Cities utilize research companies to assist in gathering data.

    Just as the State of Arizona does.
    https://tourism.az.gov/research-statistics/visitation-profiles

    They also utilize free resources such as
    NATIONAL RESOURCES

    Air Transport Association
    Bureau of Economic Analysis
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Bureau of Transportation Statistics
    National Park Service
    ITA Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (International Travel to U.S.)
    Travel and Tourism Research Association
    U.S. Census Bureau
    U.S. Conference Board
    U.S. Travel Association

    STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES

    Arizona Commerce Authority
    Arizona Department of Revenue
    Arizona Department of Transportation
    Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association (AzLTA)
    Arizona State Parks
    Arizona State University Center for Sustainable Tourism
    Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business Research Centers
    Office of Employment and Population Statistics – Population
    Office of Employment and Population Statistics – Labor
    Northern Arizona University – Arizona Hospitality Research & Resource Center
    University of Arizona – Eller College of Management

    The annual report for northern arizona is here:
    https://tourism.az.gov/sites/default/files/Northern%20Region%2009-01-16.pdf

    They use two professional companies along with NAU to gather and compile the data. Fairly neutrally

    Wake up Sedona City Council REMOVE EMOTION and look at the facts.

  38. So What" says:

    Page 6A, Red Rock News, 01/04/17 – “DEAL: Chamber up for renewal” – third column:

    “We’ve been the official DMO [destination marketing organization] in Sedona for more than 65 years and we are confident in our work, policies, team, strategic direction, leadership and relationships that we’ve built in the local community, region, state and nation” quote Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff.

    And where is the proof of those allegations? “Official DMO?” And by what authority? Sedona wasn’t even incorporated until 1988 so there was NO city funding even available prior to that time.

    The Chamber back in the day was an honorable function, for an unincorporated area intersected by two state, two lane, highways, and for many, many years sustained a population of around 2,000 people, hardly qualifying for the glowing review so lavishly bestowed by the current Chamber CEO. And statistics have proven time and time again, word of mouth is by far the most effective method of advertising.

    But this city council and staff, with little to no doubt, will believe this tripe – the same as they did Steve Segner’s words of record at council meetings when negotiating the original contract: “Just trust us!”

    And that’s the truth. It’s on record. It’s fact. And what difference whose name is responsible for posting it here. Truth is truth. Lies are lies.

  39. Ron Maassen says:

    @ Steve Segner

    Steve (and everyone else)—a correction to your last post. The meeting is on Wednesday 11 Jan at 3:00 pm not on Tuesday.

    This is a chance to have your opinions heard. If you cannot attend the meeting please take the opportunity to email Council and express yourself.

    Ron

  40. steve Segner says:

    City Council – Special Meeting
    Date: 01/11/2017 3:00 PM
    Location: Council Chambers
    102 Roadrunner Drive
    Sedona, Arizona 86336
    thanks ron, hotel meeting is on the 10th

  41. steve@elportalsedona.com says:

    But this city council and staff, with little to no doubt, will believe this tripe – the same as they did Steve Segner’s words of record at council meetings when negotiating the original contract: “Just trust us!

    thanks did I call it! town full coffer overrunning great season, and yes great marketing ….. we did it.

    So What” says:And statistics have proven time and time again, word of mouth is by far the most effective method of advertising.
    Oh please, it that were the case there would not be any advertising on t.v. news papers or coke would just stop advertising , Sedona would just be a drive through town but that really what you want…….. thanks for your sage advice . ss

  42. steve Segner says:

    I just spent two hrs. with a reporter from a large London newspaper travel section.
    She came to Sedona at the invitation of the Sedona chamber. The chamber arranged the meetings and the lodging for her stay and meeting with other hotels.

    Her paper will reach over 1,000,000 readers, a lot better and faster then “Word of Mouth.
    I also find it interesting that the comment about Word of Mouth being the best advertising, and by her account the only marketing Sedona needs, comes from a failed baker that wanted to get her marketing material in the up town visitor center for FREE , so much for word of mouth, seems more like sour grapes.

  43. Phoenix Snow Bunnies from Michigan says:

    After we’d seen a TV commercial about Sedona, we chatted with some fellow “bunnies” and they set us straight in a hurry. We were told they bought into the same ad, decided to take a day trip up there, they crawled in a line of traffic for almost three hours, and finally were able to find a place to park but felt like cattle being herded in that uptown area because the sidewalks were so crowded. Determined to find some consolation prize for endurance, they took in the light show – fantasy? Their opinion was the areas available in Phoenix were far more spectacular and professional. And so – moral of story – we saved our money, time, and patience and stayed pat! And that’s the truth. As is the value of word-of-mouth advertising. BTW – other “bunnies” related experiences they had endured during the summer and horrible and dangerous traffic snarls in Oak Creek Canyon. Advised us if ever we wanted to go to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon to stay on the Interstate 17.

  44. F.Y.I. says:

    Steve Segner can’t stop misleading and spewing BS. Now he’s saying “The .5% bed tax was put in place to support marketing.” Whoa! The actual amount of bed tax is 3.5%.

    In the meantime, llivability in Sedona is under siege. Day-trippers are clogging SR89A and SR179, in-City roads are decaying, there’s an onslaught of ATVs in certain neighborhoods, tourists are not paying their fair share for the sewage they generate, and the City Manager says financial sustainability needs to be a City priority next fiscal year.

    If all this is not egregious enough, the regional Chamber proposes to buy the old bank property on Jordan Road with taxpayer money from the City. And the Letter from Chairman and President/CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff in the November 22nd City Council Meeting packet states:

    “Several of our new initiatives will deliver significant [marketing] funds [from the City] to the USFS to maintain existing trails and build new ones. We’ll develop programs that deliver on the goals of the City’s Community Plan to be a walkable community with a focus on arts, wellness and the environment.”

    WTF? The City of Sedona is being sold out to the regional Chamber and to tourism. .

  45. Also Been There says:

    We, too, made plans to visit Sedona on the recommendation of friends. In fact, to celebrate a wedding anniversary we planned to stay a few nights and made a point to assure a reservation at the restaurant suggested by our friends for our special event. However, we neglected one detail – to get directions – so . . . we went to the Chamber of Commerce for the information. Well, they actually turned up their nose at the restaurant of our choosing, and promptly recommended another one offering clear directions to the place. We went there – bad mistake. Although the view was nice, the decor of the place itself was much like an airplane hangar, ambiance of a high school cafeteria, terrible acoustics, and honestly we can’t even remember what the food was like.

    However, before we left Sedona we did locate the original restaurant and explained the debacle at the Chamber of Commerce. And now, reading some of the comments, it’s made crystal clear that two-bit “visitors center” is about referral pay-outs. It, indeed, happened to us so beware if you enter that den of pack wolves. Not NICE. And why in the world would Sedona, as an incorporated city, contribute money to such a sleazy operation? Our opinion is aligned with those that suggest local government is based on bogus reporting and bogus figures beginning but clearly not ending at Sedona City Hall.

    If we do return it wouldn’t be for an overnight stay but for a wonderful meal at the restaurant at the west end of town where we were treated with respect.

  46. Council Meeting on Wednesday says:

    That meeting on Wednesday is labeled “Special” so don’t count on the opportunity to speak at a Public Forum. It might not be offered on the agenda or possibly pulled at the discretion of the mayor.

  47. Steve segner says:

    FYI the 5.5% bed tax 1/2 is by contract to go to marketing and visitors enhansment by contract, we have chosen to not spend all the money on marketing and offered to pay for a parking lot, the hotels would reacher have marketing…
    The money by law must be spent on the two areas I have listed above.
    Walk out side to day and every day till may, it will not be traffic backed up and the town will be slow….. now and summer is the only time we advertise sedona.
    Sedona is a tourist town and will grow. We have two st hwy. we

    will be busy parts of the year and when it snows in flagstaff and on hot weekends And just what is wrong with putting in a parking lot, we were doing it to help traffic. You are just NIMBy

  48. @steve Segner says:

    Just in case you missed the previous post STEVIE

    If you think anyone can speak up using their real names then you need to look at what others who have. Boycotted, slandered and called names. A good example is Cliff Hamilton. IMO Steve Segner rallied to slander him in email and ads in the rr news.

    Don’t Believe me here is the email:From: Steve Segner
    To: Al Comello
    Cc: SANDY MORIARTY
    Subject: lets meet please do not pass around
    Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 10:39:26 -0700
    Al
    We need to do something that puts Sand on the map, the hill top people are Hamilton’s they hang together butt they are few…. we need the flatlanders….
    I see cliff as a life long autocrat… we need to tell that story “Sandy gets her hands dirty…. Cliff talks and talks down.
    Can you get me his background? I am thinking about a large rental truck parked around town with sides with Sands posters… remember all Sedona residents go to two locations each week, Bash’s and Safeway,
    Lets be smart, lets run a gorilla marketing campaign
    I think Cliff will try to paint the chamber in a bad light so he can come in and fix things ,lets keep the chamber out of this, and talk about and Cliff and his imperil management stile.
    I think using the “T” party as a comment would be good.
    Steve ”

    Even the Editor of RR news did an editorial (deleted by editor) Cliff Hamilton. Released it just before the vote!!!!!!! Shameful disgusting!

    If the city council moves forward with any more relationship with the regional chamber we should get each and everyone of them removed.

    To the council members and staff that read the eye your behavior and favoritism to a REGIONAL membership group along with the other buddies you gift TAXPAYERS money to represents to your lack of integrity.

  49. Oh Really???? says:

    @@steve Segner

    While am not a Segner fan I can agree with him with those comments about Hamilton. They are not that far off for a number is reasons. I could list them here but they may be considered nasty and far be it from me to be nasty to anyone.

  50. Ron Maassen says:

    @Council Meeting on Wednesday

    Thanks you beat me to the punch. There may be no opportunity for public comment.

    The meeting is noticed as a Special City Council Meeting.
    There is no agenda item for Public Comment.

    The agenda “Notes” explicitly state:

    The decision to receive Public Comment during Work Sessions/Special City Council meetings as at the discretion of the Mayor”.

    Should there be no opportunity for Public Comment that appears to be in direct conflict with another “Note” on the agenda that states:

    The Purpose of Public Comment is “to allow the public to provide input to the City Council on a particular subject scheduled on the agenda”.

    It is now even more important to forward your comments to Council before the meeting as you may not be permitted to speak at the meeting. You should be in attendance at the meeting, prepared to reinforce your written comments in a 3 minute or less period.

    If Public Comment is permitted listen to the speakers before you and do not be repetitious. There are many aspects to this issue and current Council needs to hear the concerns of the residents.

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