SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (December 10, 2014) – Yes, indeed, the first official Regular Meeting of the newly seated City Council set sail for a smooth journey commencing promptly at 4:30 in the afternoon of Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
The consent agenda was approved, with one item pulled for discussion by Councilman John Martinez. He questioned the appointment of Construction Manager at Risk professional services for the contract design of the Posse Grounds Pavilion to Loven Contracting Incorporated in the amount of $17,711. His concern remains that the project will again fail without the benefit of increased hours of operation. Because events must conclude by 7:00 p.m., Martinez believes it will be a detriment to the success of the facility. His was the only dissenting vote.
A brief report from Assistant City Manager Karen Daines noted the total number of people presently signed up to participate in various aspects of Citizens Engagement is now at 150, and considered a remarkable achievement for the relatively short duration of this new program designed as a substitute for most of the City’s former “commissions.”
Council sailed through a Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition update from Executive Director Kent Ellsworth regarding services to Sedona, and plans for service expansion in the coming years. All comments from council members reflected praise and support for the efforts exerted by VVCC.
Also, at this point, City Council was graced with a record fifteen minute ahead-of-time rating for moving through agenda items! Will that swift pace prevail?
Moving onto perhaps the “big event” of the meeting:
- Agenda Item 9B: Proposed Action & Subject; Discussion/possible action regarding a request by the US Forest Service Red Rock Ranger District for City funding in the amount of $18,000 to complete a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study to assess potential management actions to manage motorized vehicular use on the Forest Service portion of Soldiers Pass Road.
As explained by USFS representative Julie Rowe, the Forest Service has previously funded nearly $35,000 to conduct use level surveys and initial analysis. It now needs approximately $18,000 to fund the salary time for resource specialists to complete the final analysis, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Increased vehicular usage over the years has caused soil erosion, removal of vegetation, concerns with sinkhole collapsing, degradation of air quality, negative impacts to certain species of wildlife, and increased disruption to the surrounding residential areas. Additionally, the present use is out of compliance with the Forest Plan.
“The District used the results of previous scoping to begin drafting a framework for a formal analysis under NEPA. However, in June 2012 the Recreation Special Uses Staff Officer position became vacant and the project stalled. This position was refilled in August 2014, and the District now seeks to revive this project.”
Without completion of the NEPA process, little if anything can be done to mitigate or restrict increasing use and damage to the area.
The $18,000 concerned certain council members: Angela LeFevre wondered whether or not the NEPA process would positively serve to create solutions to the problems, and questioned the possibility of future additional costs to the City. Also not completely sold on the concept, Jon Thompson withheld his decision, pending listening to public input.
City of Sedona Arizona has a population of approximately 10K of which about 6K are considered year round residents.
Eight cards were submitted from public speakers and, in addition to the residents impacted by the Soldiers Pass trail head, David Soto, President of the Broken Arrow Estates HOA, also expressed concerns of similar negative impacts from over-use on the trail head at the end of Morgan Road. All, of course, spoke in favor of proceeding with the NEPA, Mr. Soto believing it could set forth a precedent for future problems at all Sedona trail heads confronted with increased usage.
Others related sightings of drivers smoking cigarettes, and two public speakers made reference to the Sedona Vision Statement, one gentleman taking time to read it in entirety with specific reference to the closing condition: “To be a city that lives up to the challenges of proper stewardship of one of the earth’s great treasures.”
At the conclusion of the discussion, the vote was unanimous to move ahead with the NEPA study. Time spent addressing Council questions and subsequent comments “sort of” consumed that 15 minute jump start plus an additional 25 minutes or so, but all things considered, the public speakers were well received, treated kindly, and their kindred souls in the audience were not reprimanded when they expressed agreement by gentle but not lengthy applause.
The balance of the meeting consisted of approval of two State mandated measures:
-
Sedona the Beautiful by Melissa Morrison for Sedona Eye copyright 2010
Agenda Item: 9C: Proposed Action & Subject; Public hearing/discussion/possible action on a Resolution
and Ordinance amending language in Article III – Licensing and Recordkeeping of the
City’s tax code to be consistent with adopted changes to the Model City Tax Code. - Agenda Item: 9D: Proposed Action & Subject; Discussion/possible action regarding approval of a resolution authorizing the execution of a modification to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Arizona Department of Revenue and the City of Sedona providing for an interim method of disclosing information and conducting Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) audits, until final agreement is completed.
Finalization of the balance of Council Agenda, routine business matters, moved rapidly and hastened to moment of adjournment.
So a successful 2-1/2 hour cruise enjoyed calm water without stormy weather. Will Sedona be so fortunate to enjoy smooth sailing on future journeys? Much will depend on the Captain, crew, and deck hands’ ability to command the ship, maintain balance, and keep the vessel from sinking during future rough and tumultuous seas.
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
What a difference! This council is professional so far. I am impressed.
Nice effecient meeting with good results. As always Eddie, an accurate accounting of what took place.
Keep up the good work on all fronts.
Like this …
Great article. Nice to get the report. Sounds like we have a good new council.
It is good to learn the new “crew” has set high standards (or so it seems). Question is, will they be able to stay the course? We can’t so quickly forget the circumstances of the recent election. Sharks and piranhas will continue to circle and pirates await the opportunity to claim booty. Please let these seven people remain strong.
Agree with Nancy M.
We can’t forget and can look forward to a New Year with a much brighter future….please stay vigilant and keep on protecting Us.
Friends: Thanks for posting this invitation to your websites and letting your members know about this event via email. Feel free to forward to all club members, neighbors and friends.
Concerned Citizens for America welcomes Land Use Expert Doyel Shamley on January 8th, Canyon Trails Cowboy Church, 3132 White Bear Road, Sedona, 86336, at 6:30 PM.
Mr. Shamley of Veritas Research Consulting, will speak to us about taking back our Arizona land from the federal government.
He will present data that proves we will add jobs with land under Arizona control, he will explain the legal basis for action against the federal government, he will outline legislative proposals that support Arizona’s control of land, he will enumerate the steps that we can take to support these proposals and finally, he will warn us about inaction.
Don’t miss this fact-based, well-researched talk. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL MEET THE SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, JANUARY 8TH.
Please bring an article of gently used clothing to support “Paw Prints”. Desserts will be served and all voters are welcome.
Andrea Kadar
Thanks, Andrea Kadar, for the heads-up on what sounds like an interesting presentation. Good information! (and the perfect opportunity for us to unload the new but unsuitable articles of clothing we receive as Christmas gifts).:-)
@ Mary S. and Andrea Kadar; would either one of you please explain why you posted under this article? – – – or am I missing the bigger picture? HUH?
Either start writing your own articles or just stop trying to Segway from the real issues and use another article to put your info out !
I don’t remember an invitation for Andrea to change the topic?!!!
Say, does anyone know why it is that MacDonald’s couldn’t get away with their “golden” arches in Sedona and yet we are now getting the most gawd-awful signs in creation?
Icky streamers continue to appear at one particular business, and under new management another has more yellow and blue signs that look even bigger than the business itself.
Also all over the place are those flashing “open” signs. For years that was also a no-no.
Has the code been changed? Maybe this new city council will do something about the unsightly mess that is making West Sedona look more and more like the slums of a really big city. For shame. Where’s Keep Sedona Beautiful and the part of Sedona’s “vision” to remain in harmony with our natural environment? Not happening!
According to ACC anyone can still opt out before 4/1/15 and not get charged the $50 set-up fee, but still pay $5/mo.
@Peter
You pose some interesting points may I suggest that if you truly want an answer call the folks that would know city hall
Maybe a flip side of the sign code would be accountability from Chamber of Commerce for the 40-grand they received from City for their Holiday Central. Last year they purchased many decorations which allegedly were put in storage after the Holidays. Where are those decorations this year? Of course we realize the “Y” property is off limits (thank goodness) however many of the light posts in West Sedona were garland wrapped and lighting displays were placed under Hyatt property @ the “Y” and also next to Coldwell Banker. To my recollection an additional $40,000 was “given” to the Chamber again this year to add to the Holiday Central project. Since apparently money spent last year for the event is not evident this year, where has the additional funding been spent and why weren’t the decorations purchased with public money last year on display this year? Yet again there are questions of credibility about public revenue given to the Chamber of Commerce.
New City Council: Please provide answers.
Special laws for special interest. Several dozen businesses do not follow the codes. We have called several times. If the “click” likes you don’t have to follow the same guidelines. Just like non-city businesses are being funded if they join the chamber with “City” money .
If you get tagged then watch out. You get harassed. They’ll have you out of business in no time according to Segner. The city council forces our in-city businesses to join the special interest group – regional chamber to get what only they deserve. Sedona is susposed to be a incorporated city. HA. Outlying areas do not contribute to tax basis.
Gone are the days – “Keep Sedona Beautiful”. Big money for special groups.
BTW- we thought lodging was suppose to increase revenue for city. whazup?
My family and I were driving through Sedona late last night after going to WalMart in Cottonwood, recommended by our timeshare for a late night shop – they are open 24 hours. It was odd to see all the Open neon signs when clearly it was past 9 PM and not one was open. Our concierge said to check out this website for information and we’re glad we did. We are subscribing and we’ll see you two years from now.
@Peter – easy answer is that City would not allow them to place their Golden Arches and if McDonalds wanted a business in town then they had to scale down…….which they willingly did!
That took place back in the days where the City Sign Code really meant something. All the crappy signs that go un regulated are just that: Crappy and Un-Regulated and to hell with the Sign Code!
Keep Sedona Beautiful used to police signs prior to Sedona’s incorporation and now nothing seems to be policed regarding illegal signs.
I too was looking for the reuse of last years Xmas donated decorations and can’t seem to find them. What I do find are huge ad campaigns coming out of Glendale Az for their wonderful Christmas events……causes me to want to drive to Glendale!
Last point: when do or will we ever get to see a profit and loss statement from the Regional Chamber on what the costs of our little xmas routine is vs what they have badly sold as a means of revenue???
Welcoming, positive and working together with the families, retirees, along with the businesses for Cottonwood has really paid off. Enchanting to see the sleepy town of Cottonwood now become the hub of the area. Everyone in Sedona now goes to Cottonwood to shop, wine & dine. Even the tourists are directed to go there. Sedona companies and employees have gone to where they are wanted and treated well. They are nourished. A lesson to learn.
Through empowerment , respect, together as a team you enable growth. Suppressing our citizens, city, employees and businesses conquers, inhibits, and subdues normal growth. Creates a battle of “getting them” Bringing stagnant, depression that hurts us all. Let us learn, grow and get better. Every person, family, retiree, business, employee deserves the right to fair treatment and their own voice.
Deeply sadden that another one of our Sedona businesses closed, Shugrues, Hillside. Is that because they didn’t pay? Established in 1981, they contributed to our city by the sales tax revenues they generated and paid, jobs they provided, professional services they paid for, memories they created to our residents and guests. Big loss for Sedona. Hard working owners, owner-chef, and employees.
Do you agree to go with the flow, become passive to get along? So as we drive through Sedona and see the open lights on but no one there, does that make you wonder ? Change is good as we can see our friends in Cottonwood grow.
I’m okay are you? BTW Great book “I’m okay you’re okay”
N*R*
At the risk of being blasted by those who disagree with me, I just can’t help but wonder how far the current “in-crowd” will be allowed to bully and control those residents and businesses who refuse to embrace their ongoing guerilla tactics with open arms? Hearing of the closing of Shugrue’s is sad but those now in charge will just probably look upon it as another “so what?” The most we can hope for is the newly elected will see through the smoke and mirrors that very much influenced their success in being elected. Or will they succumb to “due bills” which quite possibly they ignored were part of the program during their quest to occupy one of those seven seats? Time will tell.
There are several different types of adult bullies, and it helps to know how they operate:
Narcissistic Adult Bully: This type of adult bully is self-centered and does not share empathy with others. Additionally, there is little anxiety about consequences. He or she seems to feel good about him or herself, but in reality has a brittle narcissism that requires putting others down.
Impulsive Adult Bully: Adult bullies in this category are more spontaneous and plan their bullying out less. Even if consequences are likely, this adult bully has a hard time restraining his or her behavior. In some cases, this type of bullying may be unintentional, resulting in periods of stress, or when the bully is actually upset or concerned about something unconnected with the victim.
Physical Bully: While adult bullying rarely turns to physical confrontation, there are, nonetheless, bullies that use physicality. In some cases, the adult bully may not actually physically harm the victim, but may use the threat of harm, or physical domination through looming. Additionally, a physical bully may damage or steal a victim’s property, rather than physically confronting the victim.
Verbal Adult Bully: Words can be quite damaging. Adult bullies who use this type of tactic may start rumors about the victim, or use sarcastic or demeaning language to dominate or humiliate another person. This subtle type of bullying also has the advantage – to the bully – of being difficult to document. However, the emotional and psychological impacts of verbal bullying can be felt quite keenly and can result in reduced job performance and even depression.
Secondary Adult Bully: This is someone who does not initiate the bullying, but joins in so that he or she does not actually become a victim down the road. Secondary bullies may feel bad about what they are doing, but are more concerned about protecting themselves.
@ charlie
wow you don’t want to be blasted but that’s exactly what you do out of the gate
I’m guessing that all of you who are in the know about Shugrues must have missed the fact that since the current owner bought the place from mr Shugrues about 4 years ago, it’s been nose diving ever since. The owner who used to be the chef when he bought the place, fired the great staff, added extra tables to make it more packed and cut the portions in half but of course this can all be blamed on the chamber because they are the evils of sedona no matter what
imo just one store front closing their doors is terrible because they collect the money that helps run the city CITY SALES TAX as opposed to us ever having to pay a CITY property tax.
Rumors in your post @ Just Sayin”. Not the facts. If you are a spokeman for Shurgrues then kindly use your real name.
In reading @Bully #1 I see this:
Verbal Adult Bully: Words can be quite damaging. Adult bullies who use this type of tactic may start rumors about the victim, or use sarcastic or demeaning language to dominate or humiliate another person. This subtle type of bullying also has the advantage – to the bully – of being difficult to document. However, the emotional and psychological impacts of verbal bullying can be felt quite keenly and can result in reduced job performance and even depression.
Rumors are Verbal Adult Bullying.
The definitions of “bullying” ~ a great contribution and really pretty easy to identify with certain contributor’s names.
What I’m wondering is if there are payoffs for getting away with non-compliance to the sign code? For years that’s been a question in Sedona, recalling back to the day when that monster mansion was approved over by the Church of the Holy Cross. That’s just one example and, of course, the right to wonder and ask questions I do believe is still legal.
As for the Chamber, more appropriately in my opinion together with the Lodging Council would be more aptly labeled as the Sedona Mafia considering their choke-hold on the city and “pay to play” methods? Isn’t that how the Mafia works? Pay for protection or else? I like the idea of requiring out of city limits businesses to get Sedona City business licenses. But then again, they’re special as indicated by ring leaders who appear to be calling the shots.
And just what happened to all that new money earmarked for Holiday Central and most of last year’s decorations? Isn’t it the same with the Mafia? Financial accountability? Huh? Wha dat mean?
Most people in Sedona believe tourists pay the majority of the City’s bills. But is this the real story? The “Sedona Tax Origins” report of last year from the now-defunct Budget Oversight Commission failed to substantiate this.
In addition to City sales, bed and sewer tax revenues, the report included the City’s share of state sales taxes, state income taxes, vehicle license fees, and highway user funds which relate primarily to residents.
According to the report’s findings: In FY 2012, 54.2% of revenues from the above categories originated from residents and 45.8% from tourists, while in FY 2011, 55.7% originated from residents and 44.3% from tourists.
So @ Just Sayin’ –
Which Bully are you?
@Just Sayin’ – wondering how you can even bring the “Regional” Chamber into the conversation of Shurgrue’s closing?
More importantly, as I read your post and paid specific attention to PP3, (and while realizing I have never found you to speak favorably on any business levels) and now do see that you have turned the roundabout and you clearly understand why we have no City Property Tax’s.
Progress on your part – now the main question is how will you assist to stop the Bully garbage and get on track with helping Sedona become a Real Player who competes with all those who continue to take our tax dollars away from us while our City/Chamber have forgotten how to care for OUR nest egg?
Yet you continue to bash any attempt to get this City/Regional Chamber to work FOR the Citizens – instead of their narrow minded bully tactics. Opps! I forgot – you only see one side of the picture.
So, what’s your Grand Plan of getting Sedona on the same par level as Cottonwood and Flagstaff and Glendale Az and Zoo Lights, who are bringing home the big bucks for Their Christmas adventures into Their communities, and drawing large crowds – vs what’s NOT happening here in Sedona????
Next question: How much money is the Regional Chamber/Council spending on Staff time and brain time to attempt to make a statement of Everyone should be here vs much better venues in the Valley or up North……and no one is coming to enjoy the little projects? (I’ve driven both 89A and 179 and the decorations are just easily missed and have no Christmas value as there is no big blast of wowzer impact.)
Miss Jennifer, who rules the Chamber/City (along with Mr. Segner) just lost her/his voice, I can only imagine, as the decorations are lame and not impactive and sure as hell not bringing people from down South or up North into our little less than major light displays that have huge gaps and No continuity. We have a Mayor wrapping presents and that’s supposed to excite us?
As far as I am concerned and as I watch the well produced ads coming from Glendale and Flagstaff promoting their exciting and “I want to enjoy these venues” all I can think about is how lame Sedona’s Chamber “Elf” and Council “Reindeers” have been living in La La Land! Sedona has placed no ads – Sedona Needs to get a grip!
So getting back on track: which kind of Bully is the Chamber and the City? And just how much money have their Bully tactics cost us?
@Sharlett
Very simply I’m the poster that will expose you for the fact manipulating person that you are.
I wont address the many other posters info that you have manipulated in the past for your own agenda but I will address your questions to me from 12/20 9:50 and than be catching a flight to take my vaca.
“wondering how you can even bring the “Regional” Chamber into the conversation of Shurgrue’s closing?”
First off, I never use or used the word Regional when DEFENDING the COC that was yours. Second is that my point of the closing of Shurgrues had nothing to do with the COC although I knew that you would blame the COC for it. Read my posting, I think that I was clear.
“and while realizing I have never found you to speak favorably on any business levels”
Once again, more manipulation on your part to sensationalize your agenda. I appreciate every business for the sales tax they collect as well as the products and services that we urgently need. I also appreciate each lodging with their self imposed increase of the bed tax and have never posted anything negative about them.
“Yet you continue to bash any attempt to get this City/Regional Chamber to work FOR the Citizens – instead of their narrow minded bully tactics. Opps! I forgot – you only see one side of the picture.”
I have never bashed our COC in any way because I agree with what they are doing because they do work FOR our residents. I know you don’t agree and don’t expect you to.
As for your opinions about the holiday decoration on 89A or 179, I can agree with you on this however when I took my grandkids to posse grounds I noticed a 1000% improvement in the decorations there. If you have a different opinion, stand at the mic and speak for 3 minutes.
Point of interest- you accuse everyone on the opposite side of you to be a bully me thinks you should be looking into a mirror sometime then youll know what a bully really is.
Thank you very much JeanJ for reminding everyone that indeed residents are contributing more to the City of Sedona tax base than they are being credited. I, too, received a copy of “Sedona Tax Origins” and it would be a really good thing if the new members of this City Council would take time to review it.
The constant claims by the Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sedona Lodging Council implying there would be no Sedona without them is utter nonsense. The majority of the “team” that bought into their dog and pony show has moved on. It remains to be seen but we will find out in short order if the new group will continue to buy into such tripe.
Keeping things in perspective here, Posse Grounds decorations are funded by City Parks & Recreation. The additional money ($40,000 the past two years) went directly to the Chamber of Commerce which, like it or not, serves “regionally” although financed only by City of Sedona taxes plus Chamber membership dues primarily from outside City Limits. That money was specifically earmarked for Holiday Central.
The former Budget Oversight Commission recommended against the City providing the $100,000 contingency fund a couple of years ago to additionally fund mostly the C of C. The City Council approved it anyway. I believe there was at least one other such recommendation which the City Council also ignored.
Unless someone steps up to the plate and demands an accounting of ALL the public money given to the Chamber of Commerce for “regional” promotion, this ongoing battle will never end.
It might be interesting to know if, in fact, Steve Segner paid for the new historic signs or, by chance, was some of the Holiday Central money spent for them? Sedona shouldn’t even be in a position to question these expenditures but with the absence of decorations this year what are we to think? Don’t we deserve better? Apparently not. Review Rob Adams’ version of his “vision statement.”
@Sharlett
BTW, I’m guessing you’re aspiring to be respected on this site like Eddie Maddock or her alter ego ESM, it’s not going to happen In reading her postings, she’s on the mark for the most part She certainly doesn’t twist the facts to suit her own agenda
Just Sayin’
OK, Kids, don’t faint. As this is a forum to express opinions, here’s one that might surprise you. This evening together with some friends we visited Tinsel Town at Posse Grounds. It was (is) beautiful!
Dazzling, spectacular, and as promised after last year, a vast improvement.
Congratulations to the many businesses who participated with artistic, novel, and really fun creations. Picking a favorite, at least for me, was impossible. We were fortunate also because unbeknown to us it was the final opportunity to have a picture taken with guess who ~ Santa Claus himself with his white whiskers, red suit, and authentic “Ho, Ho, Ho.”
There is one suggestion I would offer, however, which is to take a flashlight. The parking lot is really pretty dark and finding the way to the entry to the event would have been much easier (and safer) with additional light strictly for that purpose. Other than that, a job well done and it will be interesting to follow how much better this becomes in future years.
Of course conspicuous by absence was the dark space beyond Tlaquepaque to the “Y” and going towards West Sedona. The Chamber of Commerce failed miserably in upholding their own 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 to 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?
Eddie S. Maddock
aka ESM, E. Maddock, E.S. Maddock, Eddie Maddock, Eddie
@Just Sayin’ – I don’t “Aspire” to do anything other than express my own opinions – as I’m allowed to do by my Constitutional rights.
So very sorry you have no respect for that concept!!!
Moving on – – – When will the (Regional) Chamber ever produce a true Profit & Loss Statement – – – for once – – – showing how all the City Money’s are spent by the (Regional) Chamber for the continued Holiday routines (and all of their other begging for special projects) and the finical benefits reaped as a result of those expenses?
Or, Will we ever learn that the money the City continues to throw down the rat hole towards the (Regional) Chamber has actually never doubled or tripled revenue back to the City? Hum, not thinking this accurate P&L will ever happen as Mz Jen doesn’t want to become fully open and clear on how the monies are spent.
So, “Just Sayin” – either find a new hobby or try to actually become clear, and credible (instead of just narrow minded) on the issues and then allow for the “other side” to counter your comments and you might just find respect for the differing views.
Or do you ascribe to a dictatorship?
What? No double or triple back revenue generation to the City from the Holiday expenses? Did the City at least get back what they expended?
One thing @Just Sayin’ that I would really like to know is: Why is it OK for YOU to offer your comments and you Want to be the Be All and End All authority on Any and Every subject – and when I, or other’s, offer comments – all you enjoy and work to do is disrespect and diminish and disregard another viewpoint?
Could you succinctly and clearly finally answer that question………or will you yet again circumvent the issue with garbage answers?
Lastly – you will be one lucky person if Santa can somehow find your house – bet you have blocked off the chimney and left no cookies and milk.
Thank you really really nice. Base on your post I went to posse grounds to see for myself. WOW, what a big improvement. Great job city of sedona.
Now the chamber is another story. Where are those decorations they promised? What happened? Less for more. No control or accountability when the chamber does it. The city should do it themselves. Like the posse grounds, you can clearly see professional organization and execution. Stop wasting tax payers money, the city employees do a much better job. Hire more employees if you need them. The residents will be happier with that. They really enjoyed the lights at posse grounds. Can’t wait until next year. Hope it grows even more. Hoping and wishing they take over the city wide decorations.
Agreeing with “Sedona Sam” and in keeping with the theme of the above article, the city should reclaim the helm of the ship with this new council. The Chamber of Commerce and their regional outreach continue to make fools, thumb their noses, and now even bites the hands of those feeding them with outrageous amounts of public money continually given them over and above the $1.3 million. And all without a shred of accountability.
Time to end the free-loading stowaways and provide an honorable city-owned and operated Visitor’s Center and allow Parks & Recreation to expand their efforts to provide special events. Where are all the decorations the Chamber bought last year with city money?
Bite the bullet, City of Sedona, and spend public money transparently during open sea sailing. “Damn the torpedoes; Full speed ahead.” Deep Six the regional Chamber of Commerce and their self-serving special interest motivations.
Seriously? Did the city of Sedona outsourced the Christmas decorations? To a regional chamber? By outsourcing the city Christmas decorations it completely discredits our own city employees. They are better equipped to managed that. They are professional managers. It should be their opportunity first.
I can’t believe how disrespectful the city is. I feel so sorry for city management. I guess it goes to the city council. Giving the regional chamber the exclusive voice along with ALL the funding for businesses is completely unfair. They are a majority of NON city special interests. Nor are they part of our city government. They do not contribute to the tax basis, they can’t prove they do either. Get real.
Bring it ALL home into the city, be fair to our city managers, residents, tourists and the businesses in the incorporated area. Who’d want to work, live or have a business in the city if they are treated like this? Fair is fair.
N*R*
Thank you Mr. Madock for an enlightening and informed info piece. Few would find the thought process worth time and effort. Brava!
To add to the Sedona Sam concept of City doing a better job: By necessity, I ventured out on Saturday heading to W. Sedona and was amazed at the huge amount of bumper to bumper traffic headed north on hwy 179 from the Chapel area to the Y. Once I was able to get into the north bound lane I realized the traffic was moving at a very steady and smooth pace much to my delight. I thought this might just be a good trip into town.
Merrily on my way, I came to the round-a-bout at the bridge by Tlaquepaque and was absolutely thrilled to see why traffic was flowing so well – there was a City Cop there directing traffic and doing an outstanding job! What a novel concept!!! (isn’t that called old fashion Traffic Control?)
Moving on, I noticed at the Y, the traffic coming from Uptown was rather minimal and the majority was actually coming from W. Sedona and heading out of town as the new traffic coming into town was taking their place in our economy. YIPEE!!
I’m surmising the City was paying the Cop rather than the Regional Chamber??? If my surmising is correct then I congratulate the City for their foresight and very intelligent decision that makes our little town look like we really do care about our tourists and residents…..also surmise this cost us much less than the amount of $$$ to City gave the Regional Chamber to bring tourists to our town as a result of the supposed grand decorations etc.? Still amazed that the regional chamber thinks they are the only reason for our existence and tourist revenues.
Happy New Year and sure hope City continues to utilize brains over bucks given away.
Regarding this report pasted below:
“A brief report from Assistant City Manager Karen Daines noted the total number of people presently signed up to participate in various aspects of Citizens Engagement is now at 150, and considered a remarkable achievement for the relatively short duration of this new program designed as a substitute for most of the City’s former “commissions.”
I wish to share that I participated on a “reformed” city committee recently. I did research about the disbanded version. I have frequented the city’s site of citizen engagement. I wish to share that to me both the committee and the site “feel” very controlled. I felt the committee I participated on was more for the purpose of saying “citizens were involved” than it was for the citizens to actually be involved. The city ran the meeting. Previously citizens actually chaired the meetings. The write ups and recos that followed appeared to me to be “pre-scripted” as in an outcome already privately defined. I could say the process felt hollow. I at least do not approve of the process as I experienced it. There was a distinct absence of shared power. That may be the best way I can describe it. I do acknowledge that we citizens can be at times be a pain, be under informed and over reactive. However I feel the way to deal with us citizens is through providing education, and asking for a democratic process – as in discuss, vote, and allow majority to proceed without interference.
Look at the citizen engagement site carefully. There are NO conversations. Discussions are absent and the framework is not to allow that. The agenda is 100% that of the city or the coordinator Lauren Brown. While this maybe useful to the city, and of some use to us citizens, it pales to what I feel a site like this should and could be. Citizens – I am just saying I feel a vehicle for our voices, for our discussions, for our education are seriously lacking, and the the city appears not interested in empowering us citizens more than they have to in order to maintain perhaps an image.
I am busy and probably will not be returning all that often to check in here. Please just consider what I have shared, investigate yourself and see what you think and perhaps if you see things similarly, where and how can we get to discussing ways to alter this/ these situations?
Peace
Thank you Eye of Sedona for reporting and having opinions that are up front and clear. That is both fair and how discussion and sometimes change develops.
Excellent points made by Anonymous Contributor. In addition, all too often it’s the same names popping up, and again many of whom do not even live in Sedona City Limits. What’s the deal? Of course it was obvious the four council members that just stepped down favored a “regional” concept, but that is not why Sedona incorporated. It is those of us residing in the designated boundaries who will be socked with increased taxes (bonds, property taxes, etc.) to pay for grand ideas being orchestrated by non-contributors. Enough!
What I’m not understanding that even if 100-150 people have signed as interested participants in the Citizens Engagement, isn’t the population of Sedona around 10,000? Therefore isn’t it just a drop in the bucket head count of those movers and shakers that want such things as a Sedona museum, roller skating rink, or maybe a bowling alley and even the focus areas for that matter. It was really a very low percentage of voters that approved the community plan. The huge silent “majority” prefers to live their lives in peace and quiet without government impositions to pay for things we neither want nor will use. I say for those who want these things: find land, procure investors, and provide your museum and other big-city stuff as private enterprises and leave the majority of the legitimate taxpayers out of it. Amen.
Thank you, ADOT, for doing a great job in keeping the two State Highways in Sedona plowed during this recent snow storm. Too bad we don’t have a city road department that functions as well. Always, always before incorporation both counties cleared the roads in our subdivisions. It used to be that the city did as well now that those roads are dedicated to the city. What happened to concerns for our health, safety, and welfare? Is this just another example of how little our politicians care about the residents? Shame on you.
@ Thank You ADOT
Because if the city bought road/snow plowing equipment you’d be complaining what a waste of money it was to purchase something that’s used so infrequently..
That’s Why….
PS. We live in a desert…
West Sedona Resident:
Since you seem to have all the answers, then why is it that after past snow storms we have had our neighborhood streets serviced with snow plows?
Could it be the city had a contract with Brewer Bros. or some other company? Or maybe you might be among the movers and shakers that disapproved of nonsense like that in order to opt for spending money on junk food. Translated: give away do-re-mi to chamber of commerce.
Health Welfare and Safety is what is is about. Road care should be first instead the city pays special interest groups that have ZERO return and has nothing to do with the health welfare and safety. If they city stop paying every tom, dick and harry they have plenty of money to take care of business, roads. Let’s give the chamber more money so the tourists can run out of town the next time it snows. None of the workers can make it to work with all the ice and snow on roads. Smart move. It’s fun to watch , Tom & Jerry sedona style.
Just think if the city didn’t fund all the private enterprises in the region like the film festival and chamber they could use the tax payers money to make the city more friendly by maintaining the streets! What a concept!
Thank You City of Sedona
For realizing that the sun would melt the snow off the roads in a day or two…
You saved us tax papers quite a bit of money in plow contractor fees..
Love the new catch phrase used here now by the same old cast of characters ..
Health Safety and welfare…
What a joke… Like you care about anybody but yourselves…LOL
Speaking of return on City’s Chamber of Commerce investment, any bets out there who will attempt to take credit for obvious large numbers of tourists to Sedona the past couple of weeks? Of course it will have nothing to do with the fact that gasoline prices are lower than they’ve been in years. Did the Chamber of Commerce create that phenomenon?
But the real test will be the vast numbers they intend to draw to Sedona for extended stays during the “down” times. Wouldn’t that be months of January, February? Maybe March? Then good old summertime in July, August?
That, dear West Sedona Resident, is the time your illogical nonsense about living in the desert might, just might maybe, be applicable.
Rationalizing bad behavior west sedona. The city job is to take care of the city. Not paying for private enterprise. Keep all the money for infrastructure. Take care of your own yard, employees. Get rid of the scrub oak, it will prick you every time, goes like weeds. Stop paying for private enterprises, let the businesses pool their monies together. Sedona Mafia. Stop endorsing the misuse of public funds.
Please take particular notice of (a), (b), and (c) under #3 relating to “abate and remove all encumbrances and obstructions thereon.”
And why wouldn’t that apply to snow and ice on city/town roads/streets? Will it take legal action after a few accidents to shock city leaders into reality about AZ State Statutes?
Incidentally, there appears to be nothing in the State Statutes specifically mandating prioritization of funding non-profits over and above:
“2. To appropriate money and provide for the payment of its debts and expenses.”
So, fellow residents, we do have a voice. If not locally, at the State Level where maybe it will be heard.
Information provided by E.S. Maddock
UNDER TITLE 9, CITIES AND TOWNS
9-240. General powers of common council
B. The common council shall also have power within the limits of the town:
2. To appropriate money and provide for the payment of its debts and expenses.
3. (a) To exercise exclusive control over the streets, alleys, avenues and sidewalks of the town and to give and change the names thereof.
(b) To prevent and punish for the encumbering thereof, and to abate and remove all encumbrances and obstructions thereon.
(c) To widen, extend, straighten, regulate, grade, clean or otherwise improve the same.
(d) To open, lay out and improve new streets, avenues and alleys.
(e) To vacate or abandon any street, avenue, alley, park, public place or sidewalk in such town or to abolish them, provided that rights-of-way or easements of existing sewer, gas, water or similar pipelines and appurtenances and for canals, laterals or ditches and appurtenances, and for electric, telephone, and similar lines and appurtenances shall continue as they existed prior to the vacating, abandonment, or abolishment thereof.
(f) To protect the same from encroachment and injury.
4. To erect and maintain bridges, culverts, sidewalks and crossways, and prevent and punish for injuries thereto or obstructions thereon.
5. (a) To construct and maintain sewers and drains, and prevent and punish for any obstruction thereof, or thereto.
(b) To change the channels of natural watercourses, to wall the same and cover them over, and regulate the same as sewers.
(c) To prevent and punish for the filling up, altering or changing of natural watercourses by private persons.
This becomes increasingly more interesting. Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 9: Cities & Towns, also includes the following:
9-240. General powers of common council
A. The common council shall have control of the finances and property of the corporation.
B. The common council shall also have power within the limits of the town:
1. To erect, purchase or lease necessary buildings for the purposes of the corporation.
2. To appropriate money and provide for the payment of its debts and expenses.
Operative Words? “. . . HAVE POWER WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE TOWN.”
Question: Why is contracting with the Chamber of Commerce for a Sedona City Visitor’s Center and in addition contracting them for $1.3 million to promote destination tourism acceptable?
Even though the “Visitor’s Center” is located within City Limits, clearly the C of C is a regional special member driven organization, representing and promoting an unknown number of competitive businesses outside the jurisdiction of the “General power of common council?” That definitely does not qualify as being a “purpose of the corporation.”
Having four members of the previous City Council now replaced with four new faces, we are left with at least three of the former council members who supported this highly questionable method of operation.
There’s little doubt that manipulating interpretations in the broadest sense is what has allowed this deplorable situation to occur in the first place; however, the moral injustice, including the tactics used during the last election, cannot possibly justify the end result which continues to deteriorate on a daily basis as long as this deplorable activity is allowed to continue. And let us not dismiss that fact that conspicuous by absence is an itemized accounting of public funding ~ how it has been spent ~ including but not limited to Holiday Central.
Item #2 is clearly being violated since city expenses expand beyond legitimate jurisdiction and continue to be used to promote competition outside City Limits.
To our Four New Sedona City Council Members: Are you paying attention?
Mayor Sandy Moriarty, as a member of the first appointed City Council after incorporation and remaining a loyal follower of Sedona government, you surely are aware of the rules.
We know you love Sedona and of the seven now “on board the latest cruise” (actually I think the theme of the original posted article) are you willing to take command, instruct the new recruits (elected, that is), to honorably fulfill the legitimate task for which they were officially seated and encourage reversal and rectification of past bad decisions?
Will you, as the leader, attempt to Save Our Sedona by encouraging representation of the entire Population within the legal confines of the City of Sedona in accordance with the Legitimate Statutes set forth by the State of Arizona and to which all of you must ultimately be accountable?
This is submitted solely as a resident and registered voter of the City of Sedona, residing within Sedona City Limits, without endorsement or representation by or for the online publication, Sedona Eye.
Sincerely,
Eddie S. Maddock
This is to address a comment made by “West Sedona Resident” referring to “a new catch phrase used here now by the same old cast of characters . . . Health, Safety, and Welfare.”
Beginning with the very first Sedona City Council that phrase has been used time and time again by elected representatives. So the “new catch phrase” came as a surprise and in researching the term this is what Sedona City Clerk Susan Irvine was kind enough to send me:
“Hi Eddie,
From what I can tell, it is a common phrase used to define an obligation of states and subsequently local governments to preserve and protect their citizens. This phrase has long been used in statutes, court cases, and the common law for years throughout the United States. There is no singular origin for this phrase of which I am aware.
Please let me know if you have additional questions or concerns.
Susan”
So no matter who uses the “catch phrase” for sure it isn’t a “new” concept.