SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (January 27, 2015) – Having been taken to task for questioning why Sedona streets were not plowed after the heavy New Year snow storm, via e-mail I asked City Manager Tim Ernster if the City no longer contracted with Brewer Brothers for that service.
Here is his reply:
Hi Eddie,
A couple years ago, Brewer Brothers significantly increased their proposed costs for snow removal beyond what we thought was reasonable. At the time, the City was in the process of acquiring heavy duty trucks, and staff recommended that it would be more cost-effective to purchase snow plow blades for the trucks that could be used for snow removal. We recommended this approach to city council, and it was approved. For the first couple of years, this approach worked fine, because we were receiving the typical amount of snow and typical snow storms during the snow season. It was very manageable with the equipment we have.
This storm was quite different, in terms of the quantity of snow that fell in a relatively short period of time, and the fact that it was a very cold storm so the snow didn’t melt quickly over the New Years holiday. Our employees pretty much worked around the clock from Wednesday morning through New Year’s Day to keep the state highways open and to keep the critical arterials clean. Airport Road was a major problem, and we did request help from both ADOT and Yavapai County to assist us. Friday, January 2, (2015) we then began to concentrate on the most critical snow issues in the neighborhoods.
Yesterday, the staff all met to critique the City’s response to the storm, what we could have done differently, and what we need to do in the future should we receive another storm of this intensity. One of our observations was that we should have activated the emergency operations center. We are setting up another meeting with all of the key players, including outside agencies, to discuss how we can respond more effectively if we receive another storm of this intensity.
Hope this information helps. Have a great day!
Tim (end email)
Ask a question to the appropriate source; receive a logical answer.
According to Rachel Murdoch, City of Sedona Parks and Recreation Director, the recipients of the entire $40,000 for Holiday Central Tinsel Town this season was Parks & Recreation not the Sedona Chamber of Commerce as indicated by a Chamber column in the RRN.
Questioning Holiday Central displays promised by the Chamber of Commerce to be bigger and better this year than last, I further requested an answer to the following:
“Conspicuous by absence of lighting was the dark space beyond Tlaquepaque to the “Y” and going towards West Sedona. The Chamber of Commerce failed miserably in upholding their promise to produce an even better display than last year. Where were last year’s lights, garlands, wreaths, giant size wrapped boxes at roundabouts, etc. that were to have been a mere preview of better things? If this isn’t enough to sit back and reassess the value received from apparently back to back investments of $40,000 each to fill the void of the former Festival of Lights, then just what will it take?”
In an e-mail dated January 14, 2015, Mr. Ernster provided a detailed report from Rachel Murdoch, Director of City of Sedona Parks and Recreation department, explaining among other things that, yes, the City Budget this year was again $40,000, and: “The Parks & Rec (sic) department did handle all the money budgeted by the City. I took care of all contracts. That made things much easier this year.”
Ms. Murdoch further explained that all inventory donated last year wasn’t used this year, and that Hyatt didn’t want the large panels on their property. The “Event Support” money to be used on the “lasers” on the red rocks fell through. Therefore, it was used “to beef up Tinsel Town” for event related activities.
Of course, the real answer to my question was within the statement indicating City of Sedona Parks and Recreation was solely in charge of Holiday Central this year, which essentially eliminated the Chamber of Commerce as a participant.
Why then did a featured article by Kegn Hall, Public Relations Manager at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, appear in the January 9 edition of the Sedona Red Rock News entitled “Holiday Central Gets Bigger Second Time Round” indicating it indeed was a Chamber event, even going so far as to thank, among others, Main Street and the City of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department for all their help?
Cited in Ms. Hall’s RRN article were ads in two different newspapers and several internet notices placed by the Chamber of Commerce. Since, according to Ms. Murdoch, the recipient of the entire $40,000 for Holiday Central this season was Parks and Recreation, the referenced ads must have been financed under the umbrella of the $1.3 million contract the Chamber has with the City of Sedona for “Destination Marketing.” They take credit for Holiday Central while City Staff, Main Street uptown, and contributing businesses do all the grunt work?
More questions.
Why was the discretionary bed tax increase benefit awarded to the C of C in the first place? They (Chamber of Commerce) do not collect sales or bed taxes nor are they a professional advertising agency. Their primary source of revenue as a non-profit organization presumably is membership dues. Of course that doesn’t take into consideration the large amounts of Sedona City tax revenue the C of C is handed on an annual basis, again presumably for responsible reasons without benefit of accurate accountability.
Rightfully the “Destination Marketing” contract should have gone directly for the betterment of those collecting the bed tax, specifically legitimate licensed lodging facilities within Sedona City Limits, whether or not they are members of either the Chamber of Commerce or Sedona Lodging Council. They, the Legitimate Licensed Lodging Facilities within City Limits, should be the benefactors of direct marketing. Why does that continue to be ignored?
Is there no limit to the undue recognition the Chamber of Commerce continues to claim for every event that – and tourist who – enters the “regional” area, including every cent of Sedona City tax revenue to boot? Will they next be taking credit for bringing in the vast numbers of tourists to Arizona for the Super Bowl? Is it possible the C of C might even distort the reason for the influx of visitors as being to participate in the annual Sedona Marathon which, in fact, is one of the few local events sponsored by the Chamber?
Quite by accident while going through files belonging to my late husband, there was written on the outside of one of the folders the following words:
“To be nobody ~ but ~ myself ~ yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else . . . means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.” E. E. Cummings
When confirming the quote on Google, it is noted the slight variation of the beginning sentence as being “To be nobody but yourself” instead of the version written on the folder cover. However, when I came across this so unexpectedly and after so many years (sixteen to be exact), it sent a personal message to me. That message was to keep asking questions. How else are we to obtain answers although clearly there doesn’t seem to be answers to some of our questions.
Wonder why that is?
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
– another good Maddock piece –
Eddie has a question and searches for the facts. Others on this site could learn a bit from her. Just Sayin’
The quote attributed to Einstein about insanity being defined as ” doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” may be aptly applied to the City Council’s attempts to conduct itself as a business, tightening its relationship with the CofC and sinking all of its resources into the losing proposition that its economy can survive – no flourish – if it focuses just on tourism. However, Sedona’s definition of “tourism” appears to be confined only to those who buying art in its galleries, dine at expensive restaurants while staying in an expensive lodging. Indeed, I have heard some retailers (and former city council members) who have expressed disdain at those who come to Sedona and don’t spend appreciable amounts of money. Sedona’s elected officials have shown a huge blind spot when it comes to recognizing the natural assets we have and not just refusing to embrace and enhance those, but to destroy them wherever it can. So far, the city managed to eliminate one of the last ideal spots in the U.S.A. for star gazing along with those avid star gazers who used to come here just for that purpose. If the city proponents succeed in meeting the wish list goal of installing wireless infrastructure and broadband, it will have totally missed another opportunity to embrace what makes Sedona different from any other place worldwide without having to spend one dime for “destination marketing.”
Great article! Good to know that the Chamber is taking credit again for something they have nothing to do with. Sad. Kudos to our City Parks & Recreation department.
Wish the City of Sedona would stop funding this regional group, let their members pay to play. BTW shouldn’t each one of them have a business license? They market their businesses at the city paid visitor center in uptown. Pulling the visitors out of town.
City of Sedona you do a much better job on your own with the businesses. I enjoyed the holiday lights. Thank you
Because I couldn’t believe what was written above about a Chamber article taking credit for Holiday Central I checked it out myself. Here’s what I found: 2 ads Arizona Republic; 5 ads Red Rock News; five 60-second ads in Oct, Nov, & Dec on Yavapai Broadcasting; Chamber Consumer e-News, listed 3 times, Media e-News listed 3 times; Travel/Trade e-News listed 2 times . . . and, hold onto your hats, Japanese e-News listed one time!
Now keep in mind, this promotion is linked specifically with Sedona’s Holiday Central! Arizona Republic? Possibly some return although doubtful based on the outstanding promotion and variety of Holiday light displays in the general area down there. Red Rock News? Does the Chamber actually pay for the publicity they receive in that rag? As for the others, go figure. And as you do, keep in mind the tout of the article is “Holiday Central Gets Bigger Second Time Round.”
City council and staff, what was the return on this investment of Sedona taxes? Especially from “Japanese e-News?” If anyone did show up hope they weren’t too dazzled by the darkness (except for the flood lights at the gift wrapping station at the “Y”) from Schnebly to West Sedona. If any did find their way to the main event at Posse Ground’s Park (which seriously was far improved from last year) hope it was worth the investment of plane fair and related costs. Seriously? (Guess I already used that word a time or two.)
So Karen Daines tells city council she thinks a million dollars is a lot of money for their new priority projects? And I agree. However why then doesn’t staff consider the over a million dollars to the Chamber for questionable advertising (mostly for chamber’s own benefit and to get new members and not at all to promote Sedona) an outrageous waste of funds? What’s the deal? Why this attachment to a supposed non-profit organization that’s an embarrassment to incorporated Sedona but a cash cow for competitive businesses in outlying areas? For sure if I were a tourist I’d stay in VOC or other unincorporated areas just to save taxes. And that’s no joke.
Cash cow to Village businesses? Hahahahahahahahahaha
@Unincorporated business – You laugh but if you folks out there were smart you would market your business such as “shop here and save city sales tax.’ I believe Hilton and maybe Golf Resort already do that when promoting their facilities for wedding receptions and other special events. Saving $200, $300, $400 can be a gamer changer. Save your laughter for trips to the bank! (I can shop at Ace in the VOC and not pay city sales tax. That’s an example.)
“Unincorporated business” please consider the city gives over one million $ to the Chamber of Commerce who is entitled to have unlimited memberships from anyone throughout the state. (or probably anyplace else for that matter) All those “member” businesses who do not contribute to that 1 MIL plus $ given to the Chamber, for the price of a membership to the C of C, will be promoted via the Chamber’s Tourist Center. Those city based businesses preferring to not be Chamber members, although they are the tax collectors, will not be given referrals.
Is the term “blackmail” not appropriate? Don’t be looking a gift horse in the mouth. Make it work for you!
@William S Thank you DJV for the same old same old
Am I missing something? Isn’t this article about how great our City Park & Rec Department did but the chamber took credit?
IMO City council has hurt our own staffers by not letting them run the city. Time for Sedona to grow up let our city professionals like the P&R team do what they do well. Kudos to P&R Department!
N*R*
@Something to Think About : You write “if you folks out there were smart you would market your business such as ‘shop here and save city sales tax.’ ”
Well guess what? One coupon in the mail I’m looking at here is headlined “No City Sales Tax.” So it’s happening! Great work Regional Chamber of Commerce. Thanks much.
Yep @FYI it been happening for awhile. Hotels in the village have been doing it for a few years. They have it on their websites. Travel websites direct visitors to stay outside the city. Yep it is the great Sedona lie. Sedona spirituality—–beg borrow or steal——it’s okay. Everyone is out for themselves, including the chamber. They are fat and happy using taxes from the city. They didn’t even pay to play! Whiners and losers.
I am okay with it as the Hotels in the city limits don’t care.
It was called Sedona Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce until a few short years ago, was it not? Think back. You had a branch in Tequa Plaza in the VOC or “Sedona Village” as the local Sedona/VOC wanna be businessmen like to try and call it. Please know that the villagers are not interested in calling the village this.
You think you have snakes in Sedona?(you do)
The village is the underbelly of the snake.
The chamber is expanding in a power grab. Don’t you want the chamber to control everything? Do your reading. Get back to us.
POWELL MANIFESTO http://reclaimdemocracy.org/powell_memo_lewis/
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spends much more on lobbying than on campaign contributions — it is one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington. Since 1998, the Chamber has spent more than $1 billion dollars on lobbying, the first organization to pass that milestone according to OpenSecrets.org.
Total for Business Associations in 2014 : $120,217,561
US Chamber of Commerce $91,935,000
http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/indusclient.php?id=N00&year=2014
City of Sedona/ Time to conform/ you have been sold a bill of goods called your Community Plan -join the rest of the sustainable sheeple
http://www.iclei.org/iclei-global/who-is-iclei.html
IMO the Chamber of Commerce serves a valid purpose as long as it stands on its own without financial enabling ability offered from City of Sedona tax revenue which implies corruption, corruption, corruption. And, yes, it was originally known as the Sedona-Oak Creek (Canyon?) Chamber of Commerce.
It’s unfair to city based businesses as well as those in outlying areas since bad blood continues to increase.
As working people we should all get along. The City of Sedona is hampering that philosophy by the wedge they insist on placing between City Limits and regional area businesses. Especially the lodging industry because of the bed taxes only within City Limit establishments.
Of course the CEO of the Chamber as well as the President of the Sedona Lodging Council have also created divisiveness by their constant nagging the city for more money and claims that it’s “too difficult” to be accountable for how it’s spent and questionable return on the dollars.
Easy solution. Cut the financial cord. Period.
As for the return benefit to lodging for the increased discretional bed tax, it should be spent on an outside agency for legitimate City of Sedona “branding” and NOT to benefit the Chamber of Commerce, whatever they choose to call themselves.
January 28, 2015 Special City Council
Item 3A (Part 2 of 2) 16:29
http://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/01282015-856
Advisor tells City Council the chamber is membership based, the city should be concern with the city. Wake up City Council stop paying the chamber.
@Laura agreed cut the cord.
N*R*
It’s interesting to me that the positives of Sedona and its government are often overlooked. Sure it’s got major problems and some of the elected don’t and can’t represent more than their own flawed selves and skewed views but people voting don’t care, they care what dollars they can pick from pockets of taxpayers. Then you’ve good people like Karen Daines, much about her is to be admired and I read that here not other places. Say what you want about the negatives said here there are more positives. Thank you, keep on it, appreciate the fresh airing of issues. Most of us do.
Thanks to Norma for the very astute observation. Specifically her reference can be located at approximately 16.33 minutes into Part 2 of the subject meeting which was a discussion about Sedona’s endeavors to sustain and pursue new economic development. The guest at this meeting was Larry Harmer, a professional in the field of economic development.
Following a notation headed “Business Retention” defined as “Businesses feel appreciated by the community and, in turn, are more likely to stay in town, further contributing to the economy,” Councilman Jon Thompson poses the question: “We do have a very strong Chamber of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureau. To what extent is the Chamber in a typical town involved in handling a lot of these things?”
Response from Mr. Harmer: “They are a partner with most communities I’ve worked with, but keep in mind, and I presume the same is here . . . the Chamber of Commerce works with their membership . . . and their membership . . . and I don’t know about yours here because I haven’t met with them yet, that’s one of the things we’ll be doing, but what I’m used to is the Chamber of Commerce will have members from their local businesses . . . but yours might have members from Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Prescott or other places . . . and their role (C of C) is to help market and benefit their members. So yes, they may have certain members that are helping the community here and you want to market with them but you’re looking at how’s it benefiting Sedona and that’s really the differentiator.”
He continued to explain that other communities (Flagstaff, Prescott, Cottonwood have their own C of C’s they might consider as consulting with regarding how they sponsor their own local members in order to support their specific municipalities.)
Therefore, the question remains: How does the Sedona benefit from heavily funding a Chamber of Commerce with such a broad membership base, the majority of which are non-contributors to the tax base of City of Sedona? How does that in any logical way, shape, or form justify increasing or even sustaining local economic development when the Chamber of Commerce will not recommend in-city businesses unless they are members of the C of C? How does that indicate appreciation for in-city businesses?
Hey, City Council, that question has now been answered by a professional. Watch the video of the meeting if you still don’t get it.
Eddie Maddock
If council members took time to look at the Chamber’s membership list they’d realize most of their members are outside city limits. Counting 86336 zip codes doesn’t matter since Enchantment and other businesses in Oak Creek Canyon are not within city boundaries. And of course there are those who cleverly get Sedona PO Box numbers. But checking out physical locations tells the true story. Not only that, so much of the destination marketing money from the city has been spent on ads to promote the Chamber which also gets them new members. (again outsiders who don’t collect city taxes)
The only economic development going on here with this scam is to benefit the REGIONAL Chamber of Commerce and thumb noses (or worse) at in-city businesses who will not acquiesce to blackmail requiring them to join the C of C. Sounds almost like the threat of an offer too good to refuse. Listen to the professional. Please.
Keep in mind that Flagstaff has their own official Visitor’s Center. The Chamber up there is independent and operates as a stand-alone non-profit without funding from Flagstaff. Likewise the Cottonwood Chamber and the one in Prescott serve the purpose of representing their respective municipalities and not the State of Arizona just to increase membership and collect more dues.
If the city stopped with the give-away promotion of competitive businesses outside city limits the Chamber would still exist as it did prior to incorporation.
To allow this to continue makes a complete farce of your alleged efforts to investigate economic development to benefit Sedona as an incorporated city.
Refer to the State Revised Statutes and listen to Larry Harmer who is the expert.
Now that the Chamber of Commerce found Northern Arizona Healthcare (another cash cow?) to sponsor the marathon, do you suppose they’ll STILL be hitting up City of Sedona for more grant money?