Home » City Council, Community » Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

SedonaEye.com Columnist Eddie S. Maddock opines on the struggle to maintain Sedona Arizona’s red rock splendor and quality of life in the face of commercialism, tourism, favoritism, and the resulting eco-unfriendly biohazards.

Sedona AZ (October 21, 2017) – With a flurry of hard core issues presently on the drawing board such as the Fire District Bond, amendments to the Sedona Community Plan which will increase land development density, and the increase of Sedona City sales tax, maybe it has or has not been an oversight to more prominently address the current “Citizen’s Survey” which was mailed to a select number of Sedona City residents.

Not having personally received the survey, several outside contacts related concerns with some of the questions, which resulted in obtaining a copy of the survey via online research and which, with approval of the Editor of SedonaEye.com, is shown in a text format for informational purposes only so as NOT to be confused as an official document to be completed and mailed back to the source contracted for the research.

The results of this “citizen’s survey” may or may not have a tremendous impact on the direction of Sedona’s future. However, considerable unrest exists relating to ongoing troubling changes in the quality of life for those of us who are permanent residents and who moved here to enjoy life with a small town atmosphere.

Although difficult, this informational offering is submitted without comment or editorializing – which will not prevent me from making future comments if it does, in fact, appear on SedonaEye.

SedonaEye? Who dat?

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The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Sedona AZ

Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s year of birth does not matter. Please select the response that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Sedona as a place to live
Your neighborhood as a place to live
Sedona as a place to raise children
Sedona as a place to work
Sedona as a place to visit
Sedona as a place to retire
The overall quality of life in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 5%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community
Overall image or reputation of Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know
Recommend living in Sedona to someone who asks
Remain in Sedona for the next five years

Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:

Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don’t know

In your neighborhood during the day
In Sedona’s downtown/commercial area during the day

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car in Sedona
Ease of travel by public transportation in Sedona
Ease of travel by bicycle in Sedona
Ease of walking in Sedona
Availability of paths and walking trails

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Air quality
Cleanliness of Sedona
Overall appearance of Sedona
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Recreational opportunities
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 15%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Availability of affordable quality child care/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Opportunities to participate in religious or spiritual events and activities
Employment opportunities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Shopping opportunities
Cost of living in Sedona
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Sedona
Vibrant downtown/commercial area
Overall quality of new development in Sedona
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds
Neighborliness of residents in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.

No Yes

Made efforts to conserve water
Made efforts to make your home more energy efficient
Observed a code violation or other hazard in Sedona (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Household member was a victim of a crime in Sedona
Reported a crime to the police in Sedona

No Yes

Stocked supplies in preparation for an emergency
Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate
Contacted the City of Sedona (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information
Contacted Sedona elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Sedona?

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Visited a neighborhood park or City park
Used Sedona public libraries or their services
Participated in religious or spiritual activities in Sedona
Attended a City-sponsored event

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sedona

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Participated in a club
Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors
Done a favor for a neighbor
Used the Sedona Hub

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 23%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Thinking about local public meetings (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.), in the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members attended or watched a local public meeting?
2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all
Attended a local public meeting
Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 26%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Police/Sheriff services
Fire services
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Crime prevention
Fire prevention and education
Traffic enforcement
Street repair
Street cleaning

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Traffic signal timing
Bus or transit services
Garbage collection
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Storm drainage
Drinking water
Sewer services
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation facilities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Animal control
Economic development
Health services
Public library services
Public information services

Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts
Sedona open space
City-sponsored special events
Overall customer service by Sedona employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 28%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following?

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The City of Sedona
The Federal Government

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the following categories of Sedona government performance:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The value of services for the taxes paid to Sedona
The overall direction that Sedona is taking
The job Sedona government does at welcoming citizen involvement
Overall confidence in Sedona government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Treating all residents fairly

Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Sedona community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years:

Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona
Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 36%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Cities are faced with difficult choices with limited budgets. While the City is currently working on solutions to reduce traffic, please select up to two (2) additional priorities you would want the City to invest in over the next few years:

Additional cultural facilities (museums, theatres, etc.) Additional parks and facilities (playgrounds, sports facilities, etc.)
An Oak Creek park or walk Other
Increase the walkability and bikeability of Sedona None of these
Ensure housing for those who work in Sedona

Please select up to three (3) service areas for the City to contribute additional funding in order to expand existing services over the next few years:

Recycling services Arts and culture programs
Library services Social services (senior center, food banks, etc.)
Animal services Other (please specify)
Business development services None, I’m pleased with levels of service in listed areas

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to use each of the following sources to learn about City issues, activities, events and services:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know

City website (www.sedonaaz.gov) and eNotify emails
Local newspapers (Red Rock News) and websites (www.Sedona.biz)
Local radio stations (100.1, NPR on 103.3 or 88.7, etc.)
Channel 4, the local government TV channel
City Council meetings and other public meetings
Talking with City officials and staff members
City communications via social media
Word-of-mouth

To what extent do you agree or disagree that each of the following would increase your use of a bicycle or walking as a means of alternative transportation:

I would ride a bicycle or walk more often if…

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know

There were more off-street bike, sidewalks or multi-use paths/trails
I felt safer from traffic while riding a bicycle/walking
I had better health or physical ability to do so
I do not want to use a bicycle or walk as a means of transportation

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

To what extent do you support or oppose the City investing in creating sustainability policies and programs in the following areas:

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Increasing use of alternative energy sources
Encouraging water conservation
Fostering National Forest stewardship (trails, access, etc.).
Increasing recycling services
Developing plans to meet the goal of zero waste in Sedona
Requiring higher green building and development standards

To what extent would you support or oppose the City of Sedona encouraging growth in the following types of businesses/industries?

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Technology (i.e., life science, R&D)
Outdoor recreation
Tourism (i.e., hotels, restaurants)
Healthcare (i.e., pharmaceutical, hospital, medical offices)
Arts and Entertainment (i.e., graphic design, interior design)
Light warehousing and distribution (i.e., truck operators, stock clerks)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

How often, if at all, do you do each of the following, considering all of the times you could?

Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always

Recycle at home
Purchase goods or services from a business located in Sedona
Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day
Participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity
Read or watch local news (via television, paper, computer, etc.)
Vote in local elections

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Would you say that in general your health is:

Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Very positive

Somewhat positive

Neutral

Somewhat negative

Very negative

What is your employment status?

Working full time for pay

Working part time for pay

Unemployed, looking for paid work

Unemployed, not looking for paid work

Fully retired

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you work inside the boundaries of Sedona?

Yes, outside the home

Yes, from home

No

How many years have you lived in Sedona?

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

Which best describes the building you live in?

One family house detached from any other houses

Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium)

Mobile home

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Is this house, apartment or mobile home…

Rented

Owned

About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?

Less than $300 per month $1,000 to $1,499 per month
$300 to $599 per month $1,500 to $2,499 per month
$600 to $999 per month $2,500 or more per month

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do any children 17 or under live in your household?

No

Yes

Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?

No

Yes

How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)

Less than $25,000

$25,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or more

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please respond to both questions:

Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?

No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander

Black or African American

White

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 92%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In which category is your age?
18-24 years 55-64 years
25-34 years 65-74 years
35-44 years 75 years or older
45-54 years

What is your sex?

Female

Male

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 97%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you consider a cell phone or land line your primary telephone number?

Cell

Land line

Both

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. (END)

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

734 Comments

  1. Y'Von says:

    Nice.

  2. And The Results Will Be???? says:

    Based on these contrived questions, determined by unnamed people within the walls of City Hall, what else could the results possibly ascertain? Answer. . . ROAD TO SOCIALISM . . .and as many programs will be put in place prior to the election next year. Wait and see. Implemented it won’t be easy even with less godly council members to undo them. .It’s sickening dealing with a majority of elected people who think “they” know what’s best for “us” but it’s worse yet to think of the masked citizens serving on these absurd Citizen Engagement committees calling the shots. Makes one wonder who’s profiting since little if nothing isn’t about financial profit. Ask the chamber of commerce and lodging council. Then if you still don’t believe it review the sponsors behind the ridiculous amount being asked for the Fire District bond ???????!!!!!!

    Results? Disaster if you don’t vote no or stand up to the dictators running this city (different from the DISTRICT but who would know it????)

  3. Sedona Fire District Bond - Final Result says:

    It’s official. All precincts counted (2). The Sedona Fire District Bond question was answered with a NO vote. The citizens of the SFD have spoken and the bond measure failed.

    SEDONA FIRE DISTRICT – QUESTION
    Number of Precincts 2 Precincts Reporting 2

    Vote For 1
    FOR THE BONDS 2,593 43.73%
    AGAINST THE BONDS 3,337 56.27%

    5,930 Total Votes
    100.00%

    http://www.yavapai.us/Portals/26/Elections/2017/1107/ENG_VBM_Election_Results_Post_Nov_2017.pdf

  4. Sedona says:

    Sedonans do struggle and the local governments are the one destroying our region. City and Fire districts are living like kings while the flatlanders pay.

    STOP city council and the things that they approved that will KILL what we have left. HIGH density and increasing sale tax (march) will continue to take us down the road of destruction. Kick them out.

  5. Rigged says:

    Is there any reason to believe the survey wasn’t rigged when names of those participating on the dreadful Citizens Engagement Committees aren’t made public?

    And doesn’t it stand to reason the six members of the city council voting to approve increased density were given direction from the same slate of people?

    The only one voting to uphold our voices was John Currivan who was subsequently maligned horribly in a RRN editorial.

    As recently proven, given the opportunity to vote on issues is the ONLY fair way for these major decisions such as the Fire District bond to be decided. It was a close race, unofficially went down by 744 votes, but the fight was open to the public and not decided by a board of five or seven people.

    And in the case of the fire board strings were being pulled by Phoenix contractors – and they LOST.

    Either sit back and take the abuse, folks, or speak up and take back your rights. Another increase in sales tax is only the beginning if they have their way.

  6. GNS says:

    Do I eat at least 5 portions of fruits & veggies a day?
    What is my income?
    How is my general health?
    Do I rent or own my home and for how much?
    How do I feel about the impact of economy?
    What is my race?
    How old am I?
    Do I ride a bike?
    Conspicuous by absence? How many times do I flush daily?

    Just based on these few examples of survey questions it seems like the quality of our life style is bottoming out.

    BEWARE: Are the vipers getting ready to attack or what? OMG Quality of life? Ask the members of the Chamber of Commerce since via their mouthpiece at the last council meeting they support increased density i.e. more hotels, apartments, condos, wee homes, tents, teepees, yurts, all translating to MORE TRAFFIC!!! the sky’s the limit. And why did we struggle so hard to qualify for DARK SKIES …. now we know dark days ahead…..

  7. Doc says:

    I’m unable to ask my patients most of those questions. It’s called T.M.I. and if my nurses or office assistants asked a few of those questions the practice would be out of practice.

    Why do people answer questions asked of them? If there is no good reason to tell or to know, don’t answer. Basic intelligence. If you have no boundaries others will fence yours in.

  8. Bre Sevener says:

    good read & dialog

  9. Shiloh, Grand Canyon says:

    oh how lucky are who live in Tusayan just outside the Grand Canyon. we had the opportunity to vote on allowing buildings over 65 feet and it was opposed. didn’t make the Italy-based Stilo Development Group-USA happy, but thats how it went for us. So sad about what continues to happen in Sedona – we used to love coming down there to shop — sort of like our home away from home. NO MORE. Just another hick over developed trashy tourist trap is whats been created and it seems you have no say-so in making it go away. Sincerely – so very very sorry. I weep for the Red Rock and especially the sacred land at the Cultural Park which was never to be developed for the mighty $$$$. However observing your activities keeps us extra vigilant to stay in tune with future plans here. We WILL prevail but it takes determination and a united effort

  10. Joanne Scottsdale says:

    Geeze Sedona we use to come to Sedona for family getaways. What the heck is going on there? Our family reunions will go to a place that has some class. You’ve chased us away. Too much traffic, galleries gone, cute mom, pops stores disappeared, and you got all the same chains we have down in Phoenix. You lost your character. You have wrecked it. Fire the city management. They are driving you into the ground.

  11. Tony T says:

    Damaged Sedona from the source. We MUST have the city of Sedona stop funding the chamber of commerce.

    Spread the word.

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/11/06/our-tourism-campaign-worked-too-well-and-damaged-the-destination-now-what/#2688a098638f

  12. Park City, UT says:

    Here in Park City we, too, suffer strains from being a tourist town. However no way no how would we give money to the chamber of commerce. They’re on their own. Maybe we’re just more fortunate here in Utah because working directly with the State tourism bureau is a win for us AND Utah. (remember our scenic in parks in Southern Utah?) The last time (emphasis on last) we were in Sedona it was honestly a horror trip and for many of the reasons being pointed out by others. You people must be nuts to actually spend millions of dollars to destroy the very things that attracted people there in the first place. Oh once we did go to your chamber asking for direction but was referred to a different place which we didn’t like at all. We were told later on that happens all the time allegedly because of some policy having to do with referral fees or payoffs? Is that the reason businesses are coerced into becoming members? If so, another disgrace to chambers that operate on the up and up. And aside from being tourists, we can’t imagine why anyone would choose to live there primarily based on the living conditions and now that dreadful survey posted above. We would promptly tell those in charge what to do with it and it does NOT include providing answers to the invasive interrogation!!!!

  13. Wsr says:

    Man God Man

    Can’t you all see that most of these post are from the same person using different names

    Really

  14. Inadequate Staff says:

    Inadequate Staff is the reason the City GIFTS the chamber. Why would they GIFT millions of dollars to a private entity instead of building the infrastructure and the city structures. Morans, Inadequate staff.

  15. @parkcity says:

    Hey, do you guys in Utah, dis-respect your fire department too? Like they do in Sedona.

  16. Support. says:

    Eddie’d lose the little support she had, if she kept them accountable.

  17. @City Hall @City Manager says:

    Any REAL city manager would never let 3 million dollars go to a private group. They should be managing things instead of throwing it out the door. It does show us. They should be showing us how they can manage it. Build up the city and respect the citizens and business. This city provides nothing but bs IMO

  18. Park City, UT says:

    We do NOT disrespect our FD because local government doesn’t recklessly give away money to support special interests. We have no problem spending where it’s needed.

    FYI / Because of the desire to qualify for a Park City address, we have flourished over the years with outside areas clamoring to annex into incorporated “Park City.” Can you make the same claim which has also substantially increased our sources of tax revenue?

  19. Cowboy Schlomo says:

    @support & other yellow bellies Eddie Maddock has plenty of support and is well respected. She’s tapped in to the Sedona Verde Valley community better city & staff paid to be tapped in. Don’t believe it? Maddock was on the winning side of the fire district bond, what side were you on? Comments read like you boys and girls got up on the wrong side of the horses.

  20. So What? says:

    @Support says ‘Eddie’d lose the little support she had, if she kept them accountable.’

    According to Sedona’s questionable guru who seems to have all the answers that are meaningful to the powers-of-control (besides himself), Steve Segner wrote on 10/27/17 @ 2:42 pm “Eddie would have us believe that Mrs., Osborn over looked the Sedona Eye.”

    Conclusion? If Ms. Osborn doesn’t read Sedona Eye that must mean no one else does either which is probably the reason it never was mentioned in the survey? Right? And if no one reads the blasted Eye, then how could Ms. Maddock have any supporters or not? And where the hay did that comment come from anyway? WooHoo – the crazies ARE out there!!

  21. Alarmed says:

    “City Manager Justin Clifton said that the [new] seven-year term was something he came up with not the Chamber.” Source: Friday, April 14, 2017 Red Rock News.

  22. @Quality of Life @Share This says:

    So – what’s your point? (same baby video submitted twice)
    Cute but completely unrelated to the subject of this article. Unless????

  23. Gar Littlejay says:

    LA Times article this morning says *According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends over 50 minutes traveling to work and back each day.

    It’s a lot more for Cal even those living in the countryside and suburbs. Get real Sedona City Council & Staff. People like me traveling from Flagstaff don’t give a (deleted by editor) about a 40 mins commute OR like my friends in Cottonwood commute back & forth to Anthem daily. We wouldn’t trade our places for a place in Sedona. Couldn’t get us a Sedona one ever. Lousy weather’s #1

  24. What the? says:

    Careful how you answer this one…..

    Do you consider a cell phone or land line your primary telephone number?
    Cell
    Land line
    Both

    Interesting that some of the big cell tower rent collectors are repelling off (Sedona poor Cell advisor)Cityscapes building??????

    Team readies for rappelling at CityScape

    http://www.redrocknews.com/news/88888901-human-interest/68188-team-readies-for-rappelling-at-cityscape

    This year’s local team — the Sedona Red Rockers — has doubled in size and will again be lead by officer Jackie McQuaid of the Sedona Police Department. Joining her from the SPD is Chief David McGill, Cmdr. Ron Bayne and Sgt. Nathan Dorfman. Other teammates include Sedona Fire District Chief Kris Kazian, Sedona-Oak Creek School District Superintendent David Lykins, Sedona Red Rock High School Principal Darrin Karuzas and West Sedona School Principal Scott Keller.

  25. TAHLOCKURPROGRESS says:

    Has anyone seen the mass clearing of very old large trees and nature of TLLAQ former parking lot, soon to be alternate route to shift traffic away from ONE Roundabout? and shifted to the upper two on 89a? Oh and it will maybe allow TLLAQ customers to cross the highway, for now.

    Steve Segner must be thrilled with the promise of constant flow of noise and lights on his b and b El Portal? Nice furniture will not mask that bright noisy reality.

    State Road 179 is a death trap for those seeking medical treatment from the village. Can’t go food shopping in Sedona anymore either. This is in the hopes that stores can keep the shelves stocked once you finally arrive.

    The Sedona City Council who approved of all this increase of tourism with no roads to hold the cars should be jailed.

    On top of that Sedona is now shifting tourists OUT of Sedona cause there is no room. What a bunch of ………. to have exploited a small lovely tourist destination by removing all of the appeal.
    Enchantment and 7 canyons now owned by another county and 7 canyons is pulverizing the red rocks into dust to allow for more building. County

    Yes, an half the citizens do not vote.
    This is your legacy.

  26. Steve segner says:

    TAHLOCKURPROGRESS
    Has anyone seen the mass clearing of very old large trees and nature of TLLAQ former parking lot, soon to be alternate route to shift traffic away from ONE Roundabout? and shifted to the upper two on 89a? Oh and it will maybe allow TLLAQ customers to cross the highway, for now.
    Steve Segner must be thrilled with the promise of constant flow of noise and lights on his b and b El Portal? Nice furniture will not mask that bright noisy reality.

    Just a note of correction here, they are widening soldiers wash to prevent future floods down stream, they finished the first half now they’re working on the portion above the pedestrian bridge.the , the city is looking into widening and exit route through Tlaquepaque but it has not been determined yet If there will be an exit road,and I hope that helps. P.s. yes it is noisy but we all must suffer a little bit if the city is to grow

  27. Alarmed says:

    What planet does Steve Segner live on? The City has been growing for decades. Now it’s a no-class, overdeveloped tourist trap where the population is stagnating and the median age of 50.5 in 2009 has risen to 58.0.

  28. Steve segner says:

    Alarm do I agree with you for once The way to lower the average age in Sedona is by putting more homes on smaller lots and some apartment buildings .That way younger couples in her 30s and 40s can afford to live in Sedona I don’t know why you’re ranting about growth anyway I just mention they’re widening soldiers washer if you really don’t like Sedona that much think about maybe moving to Cottonwood

  29. @Steve segner says:

    I will be polite because your reasoning is not well developed. Couples in their 30s (mid) and 40s are typically past the child birthing stage and in the child rearing stage and Sedona offers nothing for children between the ages of 5-18 (children younger remain in the home) and over 18 leave for school or get away from dullsville. How many kids do you know who hike or play golf every day?

    The public schools are not good ( documented by state statistics) and are not a selling advantage. There are no children to play with at young ages or organized pee wee sports teams that travel and interact with other towns or school systems, and even my hair cutter can tell you that buying drugs in Sedona is easy as walking out on the street. I was dumbfounded too, but after asking others I found it was true, two laughed at my naivete which was again dumbfounding. Talk to the police and listen up.

    When you can 1/2 the number of median age with most under 40 and when you show blue ribbon schools, you might attract quality people. but what will they do because you’ve sold the city to tourism and not to developing a viable stable economy. Tourism is not a viable economy, it only benefits retail and developers. Sewage ponds don’t encourage high quality visitors. Good place to score drugs maybe?

    Neighborhoods are now subjected to tourists and not safe because of transients like pedophiles and passing through trouble and low rent districts that never existed before this past two years. Still can’t understand why a hotel was approved next to a high school (score drugs? score sex? complete anonymity?). Sedona was famous for its dark skies, its quiet, its beauty, its silence, its restorative feeling. It was famous for its trails, its healthy lifestyle, its clean winter air. It was famous for its safety and unlocked doors, its store owners who knew to cherish its residents business because of their loyalty through the off season. It was highly rated a decade ago by hoteliers because they had stable long term occupancy and not overnighters that create more costs and wear and tear on facilities and resources.

    There are no pediatric hospitals or major trauma centers. Or specialists like in the Phoenix area.

    There are no jobs to support families; the jobs are tourism related or retail and or restaurants which support private owners, not worker bees. You could raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour and there would still be no advantages for someone to move to Sedona – no major airport for traveling because 15-50 age range are the biggest traveling age group and who wants to be stuck in Sedona year round (April through October weather is unbearable and air quality unbreathable because of prescribed burns, wildfires and oppressive heat index.) Plus summer is formidable or bug-ugly as my neighbor calls it with scorpions and snakes and spiders by the scores. Most old timers LEAVE and go to their Colorado or California homes or go north to cooler climates. There’s no advantage to being in Sedona like there is in Flagstaff or White Mountains or Pine and Payson or Phoenix.

    Andy

  30. @Steve segner says:

    Do you even know what you write? Most of your rants are about Sedona being a tourist town as you tell us to get over it. And now you suggest littering it with hundreds of apartments and turn in into every other ho hum berg in the USA?

    Get a grip @segner. You can’t have it both ways. Why do you think Sedona incorporated? It was in order to avoid over development and become exactly what you now suggest. DUH stoopid is stoopid! Kill the golden goose and you won’t even end up with chopped liver. Wait and see.

  31. R. Hurtado says:

    we donna lika snakes

  32. Susan P says:

    I can only hope the soldier washer OVERFLOWS and takes the TRASH out! steve

  33. JessL says:

    A recent Forbes article claims the ad agency for the Chamber did too good a job and ruined Sedona. The fire chief’s wife refused to raise her child and live in Sedona. We have hours long traffic jams on weekends

    What does the city do? Digs deeper into the hole by giving millions to the chamber and advertises more.

    Time for tar and feathers? That is what towns did to crooked politicians in the old west.

  34. @JessL says:

    @Jessl

    You live in Prescott Valley now anyway…

    Go find something wrong with that town now!!
    I’m sure you will

  35. Marcie says:

    This survey is among the most disingenuous activities ever. Adding insult to the nature of the questions is the recent action taken by 6 of the 7 members of the city council. That was to amend the community plan to increase building density. We live with dictators and offering a select group of the public to participate in this slanted survey is an absurd waste of time and money. Or is it?? Ha – they will manipulate the answers to support their onward march to Socialism in Sedona. Right S. Segner?

  36. @JessL says:

    You must be joking, “ruined Sedona”, really?!?

    In spite of the road work on top of the switchbacks my business in uptown increased 20% plus I was able to hire 1 extra employee. It is the job of the city council to help build businesses and they’re doing a dandy job if you ask me. They get beat up for traffic and you hate that. They get beat up for not fixing the drainage fast enough so they fix that drain pit by Tlaq, and you hate that.

    What is wrong with you people?

    Why the fire chiefs wife moved to Phx is none of your business. You must think that our schools are fantastic that she would leave Sedona? “Tar and feather” you say…..Are you (deleted by editor) kidding me!!

    You have that one councilor, Currivan who wants to give special treatment to business that break the law, he’s the one that you should be looking to tar and feather. Don’t even dare to tell me that the Red Rock Rag was too hard on him, I watched the meeting video and what he said was appalling. But not one word from you SedonEye Woo Woo”s

  37. Surprise! says:

    Disagreeing with most of the rant from @JessL it does NOT make me happy to agree with one observation about the councilor supporting a rogue business that’s been in violation of city codes for years.

    Extremely disturbing and speaking only for myself, I’m one of many united to defend the integrity of our neighborhoods. Violators should NOT be rewarded. Shame on Councilor Currivan.

  38. Jessl says:

    I know some of you who rant might disagree, but Sedona should be run primarily for RESIDENTS, with business given some consideration. It is currently being run for business and city staff, with no concern for residents.

    Under current city procedure, the roads will be paved about every 50 years. In 50 years they will turn to gravel.

    The chamber of commerce and Sedona film festival are gifted almost two million per year with no accountability and no competitive bidding.

    Sedona city staff work 4 days a week, are paid competitive wages with a big city, get two weeks paid vacation and two weeks paid leave the first year of employment, that’s one month paid off kiddies. Every Monday holiday, they get that off too.

    When you pay taxes, who is being served? Not the residents.

  39. @surprize says:

    @surprise Nobody cares what you think FYI..You don’t live in Sedona.

  40. @JessL says:

    @JessL

    As was said before….You live in Prescott Valley…
    Who cares what you think about Sedona..”Straigjten out”
    Your own town..

    Are you really that board that you need to comment on a town you don’t live in?

  41. WISE UP !!!! says:

    To the crackpot accusing others of NOT living in Sedona who’re you kidding? For one thing me thinks you’re the Flagstaff maybe even Oak Creek Canyon resident and besides that any member of that Chamber has a say about what happens in Sedona no matter WHERE THEY live, right?!?!? Ask one who knows. . . .Julian Henderson, Nevada

  42. JessL says:

    As it is probably a Sedona city employee claiming I am not a resident, I thought I would give the readers a little recap.

    52 weeks , working 4 days a week = 208 days
    10 days paid leave -10
    10 days ( at least) paid vacation -10
    8 Paid Holidays -8

    Total days worked (maximum) for a Sedona Employee 180 days = less than half the year.

    How would you like to work 180 days for full time big city pay and benefits?

    You’re paying it. Are you mad yet?

    Readers may notice I am attacked, but never do they dispute facts

    Check SedonaAZ.gov for yourself.

  43. @wise up !!! says:

    @wise up

    Are you that person that posts about all things Sedona using 15 different names?
    I understand from others that you don’t even live here in Sedona.

    You should “wise up” and take a mental health break.

  44. Steve segner says:

    Jessl says:
    November 16, 2017 at 9:59 pm
    I know some of you who rant might disagree, but Sedona should be run primarily for RESIDENTS, with business given some consideration. It is currently being run for business and city staff, with no concern for residents.

    So Jesse, for a town of 9,000 residents/full and part , a town where most of the tax base is paid by visitots, a town with more visitors then residents, a town with more employees and shop owners then residents, you think RESIDENTS, come first?
    Jesse l, 4 days times 10 hours a day is 40, hr a week, City went to a four day work week to help people in the mornings builders and people in the afternoon after work and council afternoon sessionsJesse, there’s not a city department head it’s not putting in 50 hour plus weeks just thought I’d bring you up-to-date and teach you how to count

  45. And Why Not? says:

    OK, so the Sedona City Council and Staff just LOVE to play big-shot on behalf of the “regional” Chamber of Commerce. It seems they’ve never seen a “not-for-profit” group they haven’t embraced with city $$$. And the latest trend to provide “affordable housing” for the entire Verde Valley masses in need is the hottest do-good-feel-good expansive endeavor.

    Well, guess what? “O’Halleran’s Office Isn’t in His Huge District” and the “Freshman Democrat says he can’t find affordable office space in Oro Valley.” (The Arizona Republic, Friday, November 17, 2017 – Page 4A)

    “We went and looked for weeks and weeks for an office on Oro Valley and found out that the minimum rents for something there were about $1,200,” states Congressman Tom O’Halleran. How quickly he must have forgotten the excessively high commercial rents in this neck-o-the-woods.

    O’Halleran did find a location for $400 but ultimately discovered it was outside his district which is against the rules of the House of Representatives! What a novel concept that is – jurisdiction within restricted boundaries and not extended to the great beyond like Sedona operates?

    Keeping that in mind, how about considering as “Product Development” providing unlimited office space for our Federal representatives who like many in this area seem to be struggling to make ends meet. It would be nothing for Sedona now since all land inside City Limits (city limits? what dat mean?) is now up for high density development grabbing. And with the airport being so convenient and all – well – those Senators and Representatives can just fly in and fly out to their Sedona “affordable” office space since their employees will likewise enjoy the benefits of similar residential accommodations.

    SUCH A DEAL? RIGHT?
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – ALIVE & WELL IN SEDONA, ARIZONA & THE GREAT BEYOND – Verde Valley, State of Arizona – Tomorrow: THE WORLD!!

    Submitted by: Eddie S. Maddock

  46. Inadvertent Oversight says:

    In a previous comment “And Why Not?” the following statement by Tom O’Halleran relating to his $400 office rental space also appeared in the referenced article: “I have to be very frugal with our costs.”

    Sorry to have overlooked that evaluation which to my knowledge is a foreign concept in Sedona.

    Thank you, Congressman Tom O’Halleran, for having made an extremely sensible observation and suggestion.

    Again, submitted by Eddie S. Maddock

  47. Sedona National Citizen Survey says:

    ?????????Are you American Indian or Alaskan Native ?????????? What’d you want to know for? Why’d you ask? You planning on doing something SPECIAL for me with city money? I’m Alaskan Native meaning born there. No body gives a damn in my house or any place I hang out. You go on worrying about me because it must give you a chance to fill part of those 180 days you work at city hall. My friend’s half Filipino but he thinks he’s Norwegian. What you got for him? Numb nuts

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