SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (April 23, 2016) – As the national election continues to heat up, it’s almost overwhelming. Even attempting to escape the ongoing rhetoric becomes next to impossible, and the most we can hope for is the outcome to be in accord with the will of the people and not special interests when such decisions do not adhere to the policy of serving the public at large.
The population’s unrest and discontent appears to be at an all time high, and that is largely due to questionable decisions and lack of cooperation by our elected officials. When personal agendas and egos take precedence the public frequently is forced to take a back seat, and the result is what we now witness with the unpopular ratings of Congressional leaders and the direction of our country in general.
Not to be forgotten, Sedona will also be having an election. When the State of Arizona changed the voting dates a couple of years ago, from the Primary in March and the General vote in May to August and November, respectively, it created somewhat of a snag for Sedona registered voters considering many residents vacation during the summer months, leaving them out of touch with local issues and potential input for important changes to our future. It also affords an opportunity for presently seated council members to slip through and approve controversial issues during the absence of so many citizens.
Sedona City Councilor Mark DiNunzio
Along with the two-year term for Mayor, four city council positions are also up for grabs: the slot for the two remaining years vacated by Angela LeFevre, and four year terms of John Martinez, Mark DiNunzio, and Jessica Williamson will be decided.
Reports of a recent health issue pertaining to Vice Mayor Mark DiNunzio raises questions of his potential to enter the race again after having served for seven years. He is presently recovering at home after undergoing bypass surgery.
Via a “Sedona City Talk” column that’s shared with all local media sources, in February of this year, it was Mr. DiNunzio’s turn to express his personal opinions and thoughts. The following are some excerpts from his article:
“I volunteered to be of service to a community of people that I had come to love. I dedicated myself to participate in municipal government as a servant and guardian, not as a governor or ruler. I pledged to listen; to study; to engage and to make decisions based not on what I thought or what I wanted but rather on facts, information and the will of the people.”
“More often than not there was more than one way evident to proceed. Always the questions were asked ‘What do the people want?’ and ‘What is the will of the people?’ When the peoples position clearly favored a particular conclusion, for me that was the course of action to be taken.”
“Over the seven years, there have been topics that had broad implications for the majority of us that stirred the citizenry to action. Taking ownership of Highway 89A in West Sedona was one. More recently, asking the federal government to declare greater Sedona a national monument was another. Based on citizen reaction to Council’s action, your City Council got the first one wrong and got the second one right.”
“Now we are confronted with the idea that turning our household trash collection and recycling effort over to the city and a chosen single company is better for us collectively.”
“As word of the issue became public knowledge, literally hundreds of residents, if not more, have written and called the city with direct feedback on the idea. The overwhelming majority of respondents to date have expressed opposition to the city government expanding its reach into trash collection service. Most write that they want to retain the choice of how and by whom their trash is collected and disposed of. For them, it is not a matter of personal benefit. They are against increased government rule.”
“As expressed, the position of limiting government and protecting individual freedom of choice seems consistent with the principles of our Community (General) Plan. It also reminds me that as a new city (incorporated in 1988), our community and many of our community services existed long before there was a central government here. Our public library, animal humane society, adult community center and food bank are a few examples. All continue to serve us privately without government management.”
Sedona AZ
Mark DiNunzio stood tall in recognizing and acknowledging the “will of the people” and proved it by speaking against moving forward at the recent city council meeting when the remaining six supported approving an additional approximate amount of $40,000 to obtain bids from garbage haulers for the city contract.
Of the seven, only Mark DiNunzio was willing to put aside his own agenda or beliefs in what he might have personally preferred and thought was best for the community. He had the courage to remove himself from denying the reality of the vast opposition to this proposal. It will remain appreciated that at least one of our elected officials acknowledged the “literally hundreds of residents, if not more” that “want to retain the choice of how and by whom their trash is collected and disposed of.”
Has Mr. DiNunzio always made favorable decisions to suit the residents? Of course not. But by reflecting on at least one past decision that had a resounding reaction via ballot measures – Referendum & Initiative – he is astute and aware of potential repercussions. However, because of the timing of this critically unpopular issue, it’s apparent it allows the remaining council members perhaps a solid opportunity to approve the deal with chances being slim to none for repercussion, considering the decision will be made during the summer vacation months when an effort to undo the unpopular action would be difficult to obtain signatures.
We will see what they are made of very quickly. They will either serve themselves because they can or embrace the opportunity to uphold the Oath of Office they swore to when they agreed to represent us.
STATE OF ARIZONA
COUNTY OF YAVAPAI
CITY OF SEDONA
CITY COUNCIL
OATH OF OFFICE – COUNCILOR
I, (name of candidate)
do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of Councilor, according to the best of my ability, so help me God (or so I do affirm).
/signatures and date
Yes, those are the very words they promised and, as of this writing, Vice Mayor DiNunzio appears to be the only one that took them seriously since he has admitted and recognized the will of the people as being to drop the city garbage collection issue and disapprove of spending even more money for the contract bids. But it’s happening anyway.
Thank you, Mr. D. May you live a long, healthy, and happy life and remain proud of your honorable service to Sedona.
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!
ESM
Don’t have anxiety….. But you sure seem to……with you fear mongering about floods and natural catastrophes…..
Take a breath, breathe enjoy the moment and stop finding fault in all things government……
You not the Sedona celebrity you think you are…. There’s no pressure, just be one among many…. Your not that important
@West sedona resident either are you! Just because you sit on council doesn’t make you G O D or the judge and jury of ALL!
Go get a life
Stan
Now what would we do for entertainment if we didn’t have West sedona resident and Steve segner?
The things they come up with is a hoot.
Life is too short for this site to be constantly be overtaken by trolls. this site allows and promotes factually correct and truthful, yet angry blog comments.
Is there no way for West Sedona Resident and etc to just shut the hell up and let the rest of us express our opinions without your continual dishing us with your dumb ass stupid opines?
Fear mongering about floods and natural catastrophes? (so states West sedona resident) Maybe that person should read “Local Fire Agencies Prepare for Fire Season” on this very site.
Sure we lucked out when El Nino remained to the north. But that has left exceptionally dry conditions and extreme fire danger. Smirking at any reminder of reality is not to be admired. That’s one of the problems here in Sedona. Not only are we being controlled by dictators (city council) but their heads are in the clouds because they seem to have a problem separating fantasy from reality.
That’s proven by the insane plans for dense development in the midst of traffic gridlock. Add that to potential natural disasters and it doesn’t add up to fear mongering. It equates to reality.
Anyone thinking otherwise should either get a grip on reality or hit the road. We don’t need you to spew inaccurate assumptions.
@Nick
I’ll let the very capable police and Fire service worry about that those disaster preparations…..
I have bigger things to worry about::::the sun may not come up tommorrow.
What’s with this city government? Dumb question, I know. But the constant griping that we don’t pay our fair share? For what? They don’t have enough funding for their pet projects and the constant line-up of whiners for hand outs? For sure we know they are short on funding for even adequate infrastructure after they’ve blown the budget on give-aways to sate the appetites of the special interest folks.
And now this ruse for city take-over of our garbage pick-up service? Translated: More city control by creating another way to snare us for monthly billing. They already will have blown almost $75 grand for this idiotic process which they knew in advance the outcome. Working the system. Dictators.
The following quote quite adequately describes the mentality of Sedona’s present intellectual leaders, both public and the shadow group manipulators behind the scenes, and we pretty much know who they are:
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” ~ R. J. O’Rouke
muy estupido (those among us who allow this process to continue)
@clarissa
We’re still waiting for you to come up with factually correct and truthful information
@West Sedona Resident
We are still waiting for you to come up with anything of value. I’m sure that is true of your life nothing of value , a failure on all levels.
Internet troll: A person, usually operating under a pseudonym, who posts deliberately provocative messages to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of provoking maximum disruption and argument. They are often paid by nefarious sources but sometime are motivated to do so for their own amusement. They often try to provoke dissension and doubt by writing dis-informational letters to the editors of newspapers.
Having moved away from the Sedona area quite sometime ago, it was a former acquaintance who alerted me to Mrs. Maddock’s comment about the Cypress Drive house fire in 1988. Her description of the event in no way had anything to do with “fear mongering.”
As one of the 30 or so volunteer responders to the incident, I take extreme exception to the brazen remarks made insinuating this wasn’t serious. It’s true, the smoke was dense and intense and had the construction of the burning home not been primarily block it would have been totally demolished. We were lucky that particular night because the prevailing February winds had died down.
It was fortunate the Maddocks were awakened by the explosions in the garage and called 911 when they did. As I recall at the time Chuck Maddock was a distributor for Viking label firefighter turn-out boots and generously gifted the volunteers with boots he happened to have on hand at his home. That was an additional bonus to the coffee they had for us when daylight broke and after a tough but successful mission.
The ungrateful and nasty person with so much disrespect should be ashamed. Generally people like that are more likely to start fires which accounts for them being so ungrateful to volunteers who put their lives on the line. If that’s the kind of people living in Sedona now I’m very happy I’m out of there.
OK consider me asking. Why’d D’Nunzio resign? Heard he’s got bad heart troubles?
OKay now that we officially know Mark D. resigned primarily because of health issues, although he also went on record here about his frustration with City Council and the general attitude to ignore those who don’t agree with them, of the new names on the slate for upcoming elections, both John Currivan and Joe Vernier, vying for 4-yr. terms, have taken a stand against city control of garbage collection, excessive, unjustified spending and decline in quality of life. Running for a the 2-yr. term against Tom Lamkin is Gerhard Mayer, also joining with Vernier and Currivan on the garbage and other issues, including more than just lip service to the ever increasing traffic congestion.
Only a solid three here pledging to look out for our interests. Already on board and remaining will be Sandy Moriarty, Mayor, running unopposed, who will go against opposition to her stand. She so far is supported by John Martinez and Jessica Williamson, also both running for second four year terms. As Jon Thompson and Scott Jablow join them with determination to control our lives by dictating who will collect our garbage and the policy of outlandish and unjustifiable financial support to the Chamber of Commerce, and most recently exposed allegations of violating the Open Meeting Law.
So at best, for a change it’s imperative to elect new blood – John Currivan, Joe Vernier, and Gerhard Mayer. At least one incumbent, Martinez or Williamson, will be elected to fill the slate. As it stands it’s very possible the outcome will not produce any changes in policy since the seated majority are so convinced they know what’s best for us, including recently appointed Tom Lamkin who so far has gone along with those on Council that appointed him to fill the vacancy created by Angela LeFevre’s resignation.
To Jerry Sedona City Limits
I strongly disagree with most of your choices. You really have to get a grip on those new guys. There is only one clear choice and that’s Chief Joe! Unless his opinions have changed from 4 years ago, he speaks for himself and had no personal agendas back then anyway. Mr. Currivan and Mayer are a different story. I’ve never seen anyone not brought back to a committee and Mr Currivan wasn’t with the P&Z. I have heard that he wanted big developers to move into our town and somebody put their foot down with him. As for Mr. Mayer, I think that he’s still a committee person for the P&Z and he also wants big building and more hotels, doesn’t get my vote. Point being, I want people who Walk the Walk, and that’s Chief Joe!
In other words, Tom Maxwell, you approve of what’s happened to Sedona during the past 6 years, after that city council with B. Litrell, R. Adams, etal sold the legitimate residents out to the regional Chamber of Commerce? They have just been awarded what’s equivalent to $35,000 per week ($2.01 million) for the 2017 marketing contract, a sham at best since they (Chamber) subcontracts with a professional ad agency in Phoenix. Aside from lip-service the City and/or Chamber have provided nothing substantial or legitimate to account for the increasing amounts given to the C of C or how that money is being spent. Are Mr. Currivan and Mr. Mayer responsible for that?
The only thing that’s happened during those past 6 years is more traffic congestion, worse infrastructure, spending running amok in Parks & Rec. Dept. and frivolous $40/$50,000 annually to Red Earth Theatre to operate a city owned facility. What about the hotels and increased development presently in the planning? Products of Currivan and Mayer? Don’t think so.
So be it. At least we agree on Chief Vernier but he alone cannot make change.
That former Teen Center (now The Hub) is a royal source of irritation. When those that started the Teen Center (Sedona 30?) saw it was a failure, they gave the facility to the city. Marie Brown, first City Clerk and later Parks & Rec Director, did her best to turn that into a money-making facility for the city. Not so now. Instead the Red Earth Theatre is being paid by the city for leasing public property! Stupid? I would like to know what Currivan and Mayer think of that. Also the hideous shopping center on the backside of City Hall (89 frontage).
The great Sedona “give away” doesn’t end with the C of C (although by far they outshine other alleged non-profits in conniving for free money). But of course, nothing is free. All of this at the expense of legitimate Sedona businesses and residences.
Enough! We need a change.
To Jerry Sedona City Limits
Rant all you want I still believe that Currivan and Mayer have shown poor history of protecting our town. Chief Vernier has a proven track record (to me at least) of protecting our town. You vote for who ever you’d like of course and so will I.
Mayer was on former Mayor Adams Budget Steering Committee. Everyone on that committee was in favor of supporting (“some”) local business via “free” government money. There were disagreements as to who should get the $ and how it should be spent, but everyone on the committee was in agreement with the overall concept of corporate welfare. Of course it was not referred to as such.
That said, would Mayer be better than any of the current crop on council? Probably, but it would not take much to better than the current crop.
So it seems Sedona is in more than just traffic gridlock. If there’s no hope for future changes in actions and behavior of elected council members, then quite possibly there will be recourse in the recent passage of Senate Bill 1487.
Under his bill, sponsored by Senate President Andy Biggs, state leaders will be allowed to withhold state-shared revenue from cities if the Attorney General determines a city or county has passed a regulation that conflicts with State law. Simply stated, municipalities will be second-guessed and threatened with the loss of state funds if questionable activity warrants a long overdue investigation.
Any state lawmaker can ask the Attorney General to investigate a regulation. And if the AG wants the state Supreme Court to decide if a city has not been in compliance, the court shall give the request for special action “precedence over all other cases.” (Editorial The Arizona Republic Editorial Board Feb. 5, 2016)
We currently are faced with alleged blatant violation of the Open Meeting Law. This along with city decisions being made over and above the designated territory of Sedona City Limits (the list is lengthy) may at long last be subjected to a cease and desist of the outrageous flaunting of “regional” benefits extending far beyond the legitimate charge of incorporated Sedona. Maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Who knows? The Shadow knows.
How the existing council has behaved and voted is far worse than any of the newbies running.
1. 2.01 million to a private business club
2. Funding and paying other businesses like the HUB
3. Funding Main Street
4. Spending taxpayers money like water
5. Running a negative budget
6. Not listening to the will of people
7. Putting themselves and city employees on a pedestal with no regard to the public
8. Enabling those outside the city limits to have a bigger voice in city politics while throwing the residents and businesses under the bus.
I could go on and on
I’ll vote for anyone new rather than those rerunning. I only wish there was more newbies running.
I agree with Eddie, the State should investigate this out of control city.
The other thing that should be done is a bit old fashioned, We should shun those on the city council, city staff, chamber and others who STEAL our money. Let’s make it so they are hesitant to show their faces. They deserve much harsher treatment.
@ Eddie
“We currently are faced with alleged blatant violation of the Open Meeting Law” Oh come on Eddie if you really believe that 4 council folk meeting at a private household event, not sponsored, scheduled or announced by the city is a “blatant violation” I’d be shocked. You are way too smart to really believe that but are just seeing if the whole “issue” grows wings.
What would be a “blatant violation” of the meeting law would be for any of them to secretly meet for the sole purpose of discussing the city business before a public meeting. Sort of what a former group from a local fire board got caught doing many years ago.
And how can you be assured city issues are NOT discussed during outside get-togethers – blatant, planned or unplanned? And the car pooling to Cottonwood and other meetings outside Sedona City Limits? City issues are never discussed which might lead to consensus of four opinions?
However, the point is the determination of the Open Meeting Law can only be made by those in charge – neither of us. Correct?
Eddie
Surprise, Surprise! In last Friday’s local pulp rag, there’s a “Without chamber, city would stagnate” article by Jennifer W. She fantasizes about how strong tourism has made Sedona, about the better quality of life for residents, etc., throwing in almost everything that can be conceived of.
Just how unhinged does Jennifer get? “I’d venture to guess that tourism is the reason that most of us are here today,” she says.
Oh come on – anyone who thinks these council people don’t get together and talk probably actually believe the chamber of commerce put Sedona on the map and not the red rocks and word of mouth advertising and referrals. How else to you think they keep those egos inflated besides accolades from Segner, Jen, Linda the art gallery lady, and the rest that are on the unofficial city pay roll.
You think they don’t commiserate about how badly they’re being treated by anyone who would DARE object to those nerds taking over our choice of garbage hauler? Ha! If some of them have told one person they told many others how certain they are they know what’s best for the community as they may gripe about too many garbage trucks in their own neighborhood or cul de sacs.
And as if they didn’t discuss prior to the public meeting just exactly what person would take the seat vacated by Angela LeFevre. Foregone conclusion, you fools. Anyone that would play ball and do as they are told is the name of Sedona’s version of Russian Roulette.
Poor, poor, us – so misunderstood. Barf ad nauseum. (without consideration of the businesses and other exceptions to be excluded from their grand plans on the garbage scam)
Get a grip you idiots that cannot fathom the depth of Sedona’s deception. And worse yet are those knowing exactly what’s going on and remaining in denial.
Any choice just has to be better than what we have.
Any choice besides the existing council has to be better. Unfortunately we do not have more people running. Please get out and vote. REMOVE as many “F” council as you can.
Vote in new blood Vote for
2 year term – Gerhard Mayer
4 year term – Vernier + Currivan
On the four year term there are 3 seats open which leaves Williamson or Martinez. Both are rotten and are poisonous venom. So pick the one you feel is the better. Both don’t listen to the voters. Both endorse Jennifer, Linda,Steve and the clan of takers. Robbing the citizens of quality of life.
Meanwhile support the Arizona Liberty Group. They are Sedonas chance for a future.
As this tale of horror continues to unfold, the more I appreciate Mark DiNunzio for having the integrity to say “enough” although, of course, his was the vote needed to up the ante on the chamber getting 51% instead of 50% return on the increased bed tax.
At any rate, the fact remains this council has pushed forward to get RFP’s from garbage company competitors, which so many people did attend public meetings and objected to, but to this date have NEVER made such a request on the over two million dollar contract to the chamber of commerce for the questionable use of destination marketing.
Ms. Jennifer Wesselhoff is so full of herself @Alarmed. That article, speaking of garbage, is the real deal. How dare she make such absurd claims and where is her proof? Oh, I forgot, ask her for such foolish things as justification and her general response is it’s too difficult. And that’s professional?
And of course her equally sickening sidekick, Linda Goldenstein, who joined Jen in whining when John Martinez made mention of future RFP’s for the contract said some ridiculous thing like “but no one will love you as much as we do.” Huh? OMG- do these people ever watch reruns of their performances?
So are you saying there’s no chance for a change even if the three new candidates get elected? (Vernier, Currivan, & Mayer)
We for sure will still have Moriarty, J.Thompson, and S. Jablow and yet to be determined will be either Williamson or Martinez. A sure four to continue the humdrum process of forcing city garbage control as well as onward spending trend with Chamber and other non-profits unless at least one of those people will have second thoughts. What are the chances of that happening? Zero to none.
Unless and until one or both Liberty Arizona and the kick-in of SB 1487 that will cut state funding to this overgrown, indulgent little berg, the ship will continue to sink. Is that correct?
@All Readers at The Eye:
The current slate of Councilor candidates, the Mayor, the Chamber and the Sedona Lodging Council might want to consider this (from the AZ Republic today):
Arizona’s sales-tax rate is the 11th-highest in the nation, a national analysis of state and local tax systems finds.
At 8.25 percent on average, Arizona’s sales-tax rate narrowly trails California’s and is well behind Louisiana’s. Four states do not charge state or local sales tax.
JRN
@West Sedona Resident
In your May 10 comments above, you said:
“Take a breath, breathe enjoy the moment…”
I think that’s the best advice you’ve ever given and we could all do so together on a beautiful Sedona afternoon…if all in attendance were at your funeral!!! Now, that would be the way to most joyously enjoy any moment in Sedona.
Also, you also said:
“You (You’re) not the Sedona celebrity you think you are…”
That’s an interesting statement coming from the biggest nobody in Sedona. And, btw, Eddie is a celebrity in this town and deservedly so!
JRN
I agree with you JRN and am a big fan of Eddie from the moment I saw her on Backfire. She has always presented clear, accurate and fair minded information.
Great sense of humor, intelligence and beauty all in one. She is a role model for us all. We are so lucky to have her here.
Well, Rick, the first comment you posted packed a wallop with the information abut the amount of Arizona Sales Tax. (and did that include specifics like county and city taxes) How about the total in incorporated Sedona? More or less than the average 8.25?
However, your second comment referencing our mutual friend(?) West Sedona Resident added to the pleasure of this “beautiful Sedona afternoon . . . ” (no need to quote the remainder of the sentence) Wonder if that person is telling ADOT how to prevent more Midgley Bridge suicides at the meeting this afternoon?
And thank you for your kind personal words although we both know they are strictly subjective and I’m well aware many disagree. Another upside remains that so far we are still allowed to express differing opinions, even about just who it is will collect our garbage. Oops – forgot – it’s only the mighty seven that will make that final call. The Shadow isn’t the only one in on that little secret, and for that matter, others yet to surface? As the song goes “The Sun’ll Come Up Tomorrow.”
@JRN
Wow. You must really be quite envious and love me a lot. A double header insult..
Say what you what JRN. Your still the biggest blow hard with a huge ego that your actions just can’t match…. You are a tiny tiny fish in a little town of 10000… Back where I am from you’d get eaten up like a little tiny piece of plankton….
Blow on d-bag…..
will someone please give me (us) the complete correct list of who is running for city council? Is the out of towner segener still in the mix?
Isn’t it interesting that West Sedona Resident (in the various forms of selective CAPS) will not divulge their true identity.
Not so J. Rick or E. Maddock. No Siree. And so just who is it that lacks credibility here?
@an observation
I notice you didn’t divulge you identity either ……duh
@An Observation
I’m sorry, you’re sayin that West Sedona Resident lacks credibility because he/she will not divulge their true identity and yet you ask this question without divulging your true identity. I’m sorry, who really lacks credibility?????
Perhaps J. Rick posts his name so what? He still won’t give his opinion about the garbage issue. Not that I really give a pitute about anything that he says.
@just sayin
Well just by your post you disclosed your identity.
BTW you and your buddies are the ones that lack credibility. $35,000 a WEEK you are stealing from the Taxpayers. No transparency and complete misuse of taxpayers money.
If J. Rick prefers to analyze and review anything that is his prerogative. Since when does he have to answer to YOU? Your head is gotten way to big. So big that you feel everyone and everything is yours to dictate.
I can’t wait to see the AZ Liberty take you down.
The level of hostility displayed in comments being posted on Sedona Eye is bordering on being so over the top it’s almost frightening. Hate and bullying is overtaking and attempting to consume any exchanges by those that would otherwise use the opportunity for civil discourse. Even on the new young contributor, Harry Danilevic’s introductory piece it is quickly riddled with snipes and snarky quips, almost to the point of being ridiculous. However, what’s the real motive here? My guess is to discredit Sedona Eye and attempt to discourage readers from visiting the site.
My reason for posting this comment, however, is to express appreciation to Mark DiNunzio for having the integrity to leave an elected position prior to end of term for what, in my opinion, are reasons beyond his recent health issues. Based on statements in the above article he most assuredly had problems with certain activity being approved by a majority of city council members when clearly they were not upholding the will of the people or what is best for the community. There is further proof of that in the results of the city’s own poll and the determination to continue spending thousands of dollars and taking up hours and hours, putting a huge burden on competitive bids for a city service contract with local haulers. The terms, conditions, and options included in the bidding process are so overwhelming it makes one wonder how cost prohibitive hauling off our garbage will become.
And although I didn’t always agree with the positions DiNunzio took during his time on city council, there’s much to be said for the character and ethics displayed in his decision to withdraw from this ongoing questionable scenario which even with an election coming up isn’t likely to change.
Assuming you are correct in that DiNunzio retired for more reasons than the one he stated, health, then if he had any courage he’d have stayed and fought.
Response to @Joshua.
And what would be the point? No matter who is elected it appears there will be a majority to push this through: Sandy Moriarity, Scott Jablow, Jon Thompson and one of the incumbents: John Martinez or Jessica Williamson. Unless at least one of these changes positions, three new names and faces will not change the outcome.
RFPs from Taylor Waste and Waste Management will be discussed during next Tuesday’s Regular City Council Meeting (10/25/16 – Item 8a).
From the City Manager’s Office:
“Neither proposal’s pricing was in the range the City expected or had hoped for. Given the absence of a cost savings component for residents and no greatly enhanced services being proposed, Council is being asked to provide further direction on whether or not the City should continue to pursue a single-hauler system.”
To FYI – thank you for the update on City Council Agenda relating to garbage collection.
So only two companies filed bids – Taylor Waste and Waste Management. It’s really not a surprise Patriot didn’t throw their hat into the ring because they quite possibly realized, based on the detailed demands in the Request for Proposals, the monthly cost would be prohibitive. Because various conditional terms such as opting out part of the year and special service assistance with the trash containers in addition to various methods of collection recyclable’s created a maze of what-ifs, it most assuredly would be difficult to project factual costs.
It will be interesting to learn if City Council members realistically view the results as potentially palatable for those of us that will be paying the price. Should the final decision be continued to after the first of the year when the two newly elected members will be seated, and both openly objected to city controlled garbage hauling during their campaigns, the decision to pursue this proposal pushed on in spite of tremendous opposition which, unfortunately, was considered by currently seated council members as coming from but a vocal minority. Believing city control is OK with the silent majority is not a realistic assumption and nothing more than a cop out and insult to those who took time to voice their concerns to elected officials.
Thank You !!!!!!
We have a monthly pest control service. If they take over our garbage collection will they next be going out for bids to take that over as well? Goodbye free enterprise in incorporated Sedona. No wonder so many businesses are closing their doors. It’s a good thing short term/vacation rentals have been made legal which will drive up real estate prices and give us a chance to sell & get the heck out of this once beautiful place. Has it always been so ugly on the inside?
If council cannot read the writing on the last ballots they won’t get reelected dogcatchers in the future. Williamson was praised in local print, here was given an airing out. Paying attention to the best media source in NOAZ worked out for the election. Congratulations Sedona Eye.com writers. You moved up more than a notch during this past few months or year I’ve been and others have been reading. Thumbs up to what separates America from the rest of the world. You might not always get it right, might not always know when to hold and fold em , but you support the police and county, you support the Council, you carry the gold standard of coverage for smart meters, you cover local groups and you support Steve Segner and others ripping you a new one deserved or undeserved. Your publishers are supportive of their community and Editors-Staff can work because of it, while your writers diversity of coverage deserves recognition, it can do more to expand the depth of coverage to other communities in northern Arizona like mine. This old old guy will say Bravo and look for the future promise to be fulfilled -don’t take a long time . .
Joining the couple of people that acknowledged the reminder by FYI about the council agenda at the meeting next Tuesday, having reviewed the above article it also was a reminder that at least former Vice Mayor Mark DiNunzio had the courage and decency to properly give credit to the importance of the will of the people. Quite possibly, in my opinion, the worst action taken by DiNunzio was being a participant in the take-over and ongoing control by the Chamber of Commerce, their most recent publicity being staged at the grand opening of The Collective (former Tequa Plaza) in the VOC.
How appropriate is it for the City of Sedona to designate most recently $2.01 million of Sedona City tax revenue to a special interest group that is obligated to use that money to promote all of their members, most located outside City Limits and not collecting City taxes?
Oh sure, old news, but does that diminish the colossal rip-off and unfairness to struggling licensed businesses that foot the bill for this extravagant Sedona City Give Away program? I’m hoping that deep down former Vice Mayor DiNunzio looks back upon that decision, now continuing to run amok without benefit of RFP’s, as having been a tremendous mistake and is among the regrets he outlined in his comments in the above article.
This City Council it appears strategically planned this study of Sedona’s garbage policy in order to drop the newly assigned obligation to the unfortunate residents in City Limits, as the well financed regional C of C spends “our” money to promote competition outside incorporated Sedona itself, competing with in-city businesses and now, in addition, the advent of the notorious city owned Hub Nightclub.
So there’s little doubt that once approved other monthly bills from incorporated city will be on future agendas over and above pest control and/or whatever else the big shots can weasel into the plan to sock it to the local residents and businesses as they constantly complain we are not paying our fair share.
Well, we’ll see how many short term/vacation rentals will be paying their fair share after the first of the year. The Lord works in mysterious ways and you’d better believe it. The story of the demise of Sedona quite possibly hasn’t even begun. Foolish, egotistical big brothers that have the audacity to really believe they know what’s best for us. Or do they?
Doesn’t it seem this city council and staff would have more important things to worry about than too many garbage trucks tearing up our roads? What about too many day trippers, possible misuse of public funds, people and businesses vacating incorporated Sedona, etc., etc., etc. Then, of course, the recent passage of two new state bills: SB 1350 and SB 1487? Isn’t it way past time for city hall to clean up its own garbage? Just wondering.
Regarding the city taking over the trash is another example of this city’s continuing abuse of it’s citizens.Thank god the state of Arizona is finally starting to look at how these rogue cities are socking it to the tax paying citizens. I’m sure if we look closely we can find state statutes that prevent the city from taking over the trash. Lets start with the fact that the citizens do not want their choice taken away. The cities arguments are as follows. We know better, we have to increase the rate we recycle in the city of Sedona, we need to cut down the wear and tear on our streets. We have to take care of the health, welfare and safety of our citizens. They are wrong on all counts.The whole thing is obnoxious. Sedona already recycles at a very high rate. This city has never cared about the health welfare and safety of it’s citizens. If the city wants to cut down on the wear and tear on the streets they need to stop all these off road recreational vehicles from parading through sedona. My point is if the city of sedona rams this trash takeover down our throats than we have to file complaints to the state and find what state laws they are breaking by doing so.
Rally the troops. All is not lost.
Once again the city of sedona is trying to grab more money via the trash takeover. It is astounding that on a four day work week they can’t even handle the work it takes to run the city. They farm everything out by subcontracting because they don’t seem to be able to do the work. Yet they want to take over the administration of the trash. Retarted!