SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (December 28, 2015) – Approaching the one year anniversary of the date the most recently elected Mayor and City Council members were seated, a quick review of accomplishments include (but are not limited to) approval of CVS, Marriott Hotel, expansion of Tlaquepaque North, SR89A frontage development in front of City Hall, proposed improvements to the Western Gateway, Soldiers Pass, and, the Brewer Community Focus areas. Considering the recently approved update of the Community Plan encompasses a ten-year span, at the aggressive rate this City Council is going, they might have the job done within the next four years!
While most people become temporarily distracted with activities pertaining to Holiday Festivities, this City Council, by golly, maintains the status of “business as usual.”
During Council priority discussions, franchised garbage collection was discussed and, according to Assistant City Manager, Karen Daines:
“The City has engaged the services of Burns and McDonnell to assist us in exploring the viability of consolidating and regulating local residential trash and recycling services through a city-managed exclusive contract(s).
The study is in several phases, with Phase I being the public input process. The public input process includes vendor interviews (done several weeks ago), telephone surveys (conducted by Fort Hayes University) which were initiated last week, and we are also looking at the last week of Jan/first week of Feb for public meeting(s) and focus groups.”
Reviewing why the City Council opted to consider the proposal, Ms. Daines offers the following:
“Just as a reminder, the reasons the City is looking at this include reducing the number of trash trucks up and down residential streets which reduces emissions, wear and tear on city streets, and noise in neighborhoods; cost-savings through the purchasing power, efficiencies, and economies of scale vendors would gain by servicing the entire city; and the opportunity to add service enhancements (provision of bulk pickup and other options not currently offered, etc.).”
Keep in mind this proposal includes only those properties included within Sedona City Limits and not the “Greater Sedona Area” as has recently been bantered around and adds to the confusion of the confines of incorporated Sedona City Limits. Also not included in Ms. Daines commentary is the opportunity for the city to collect residential franchise fees and, if possible, any other taxes legally deemed acceptable.
“The total for all phases is about $53,000 but we set it up to have a menu of service options so we could pick and chose what we needed vs. what we’ll do ourselves. And we won’t move on to any other work if the Council decides after the public input period that they don’t wish to further pursue this effort. Phase I, the public input phase, is about $20,000 and again, should Council decide not to move forward, the contract for services with Burns and McDonnell will end there,” states Karen Daines.
The argument of excessive wear and tear to our city roads and streets smacks of discrimination. How can they single out garbage haulers that make rounds on a weekly basis when rental jeeps, RVs, and especially caravans of ATVs run amok throughout Sedona on a daily basis? Then, we have the impenetrable lines of tourist traffic that somehow manages to dwarf our trash removers in popularity of aggravating nuisances. If we have a City Council of the mindset to do away with free enterprise, then why limit it to the business of trash hauling? In fairness, consideration should also be extended to the number of recreational vehicle rental operations and perhaps restricting other services to only one assigned source. Even the U.S. Forest Service some years back confined jeep tours to only designated areas.
As for a telephone survey, how many people are overwhelmed with unwelcome robocalls and would have no idea an opportunity to participate in a very important survey had been overlooked? This gives rise to the question of just how viable is such a survey anyway?
Running this extremely important proposition through the process during perhaps the busiest time of year leads to the question: “Why and what’s the big rush?” Has City Hall been deluged with complaints and phone calls of dissatisfaction relating to garbage haulers selected by the residents themselves?
The urgency to push through selective City Council priorities becomes questionable when considering unresolved issues such as “Barbara’s Park” at the Posse Grounds, a completion presently pushed back yet another year due to bid cost overrides.
The approval of the expansion of Tlaquepaque occurred without a clue as to resolving additional foot traffic crossing SR179, a bottleneck that serves as the catalyst to cause traffic backups sometimes even to the Village of Oak Creek during peak tourist seasons.
Oh yes, there’s even an urgency for this Council to make a decision to purchase some property next to City Hall as indicated by a “special meeting” on December 28th, yet sufficient funds are not available to complete Barbara’s Park?
And objecting to residents arranging for their own choice of garbage hauler is more important?
If this conversion is allowed, what will be next? Will City Council be deciding who we select to trim our yards, paint our homes, install a fence or perhaps even a swimming pool? All such activities require using sizeable trucks, so where will it end?
By the essence of this ongoing attempt to employ “big city” methods, it completely subverts one of the most important aspects of the Sedona Community Plan to retain its small town character. Sedona didn’t incorporate for the purpose of having big government and policies but, of course, with the exception of Mayor Sandy Moriarty, none of the current members of the present Sedona City Council were here during the time incorporation was on the ballot – not once but twice because the first time failed. What’s occurred since that fatal decision is a far cry from what was originally proposed, to protect the designated area from intrusive development, distasteful colors and signage, and remain inviting to tourists while at the same time reflecting a desirable quality of life for registered Sedona voters that made it a reality.
Elected officials all too frequently forget why they were elected and insist on imposing what “they” think is best whether or not it accommodates the will of the people. And, of course, City Staff is hired to make it happen.
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About the trash business.
Picking ONE business over another reeks of nepotism, which the city and council has been guilty of NUMEROUS times. We all know of the us versus them attitude the city and council have against the citizens who just want to live and let live.
Why is there NO room for all who wish to make a go a a business of their choice? Did someone on city council FORGET that this is Arizona ? Land of the FREE and the BRAVE? We were the last state to cowtow to the Feds, and only did so because they promised they’d largely be “hands-off.” We look to the Bundy ranch, the Hammonds, and the National Monument and we see the same us versus them going on. The nation, the state, the county, the city … the corruption saturates because we see what’s going on in DC, and DC’s connection to Wall Street the UK and the rest, and we see what’s going on. It’s disgusting. This banter back and forth on this blog is equally sad because it shows the same us versus them, the bullies with the money against the common folk who just want to be left alone.
This is STILL a free country last time I checked. Sedona has ALWAYS supported fre enterprise. For those who want to limit the trash business, let me remind you what it is: free en·ter·prise
noun
an economic system in which private business operates in competition and largely free of state control.
I am so very tired of people not being able to get along, to not be able to come together in a polite fashion, for pointing fingers and blaming “tea party” mentality, for being guilty of exactly what they are accusing of others. This isn’t King of the Hill. It’s a City. And if it is to grow sustainably, those “in power” will have to give the “power” back to where it belongs — the people. God bless America.
In an e-mail to Assistant City Manager Karen Daines, I asked specifically:
“Will the take-over of city managed garbage collection exclude gated or HOA subdivisions as well as Sedona businesses?”
The following is her response:
“Hi Eddie, the way the consolidation would work is that ALL residential curbside trash and recycling services within the city limits would be included in a city-managed program. While it is true that many HOA’s have already done this for themselves (for many of the same reasons the City is looking at a citywide program), we would likely have a transition period in order to allow their existing contracts to expire, but when they did expire, they would then be subject to the city program. It is not accurate to say they would be excluded from what the city would otherwise be doing.
As for commercial, it is true that commercial trash collection would not be subject to any city contract(s). This isn’t do be discriminatory, this is because Arizona State Statute currently prohibits cities and towns from regulating the commercial market in the same way they can residential. Hope this helps, Karen “
SOME MIND-BOGGLING CURRENT-YEAR BUDGET DATA:
FUNDING FOR FOUR (4) NEW POSITIONS
Assistant Engineer
Associate Engineer – Capital Project Manager
Communication Specialist
Assistant Planner – Focus on Community Focus Areas, Land Development Code update, and implementation of the Community Plan
BUDGETED EXPENDITURES: $52,817,475
ESTIMATED REVENUES: $39,971,511
EMPLOYEE SALARIES & HOURLY COSTS: $7,107,519
TOTAL ESTIMATED PERSONNEL COMPENSATION: $10,387,843
EMPLOYEES (Full-Time-Equivalent): 125
Speak up and let the City know ENOUGH!
Sign petition NO to city controlling trash! Let your friends and neighbors know.
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/sedona-citizens-civil?source=c.em&r_by=14213130
And so the number of garbage companies and associated trucks servicing “the commercial market” doesn’t matter? And it isn’t discriminatory? This farce should immediately cease and desist.
There’s a groundswell of opposition to this, and not only in incorporated Sedona. Discrimination against competition could very well result in one or more garbage service companies going out of business which, most assuredly, would affect the entire Verde Valley.
This arrogant Sedona government that seems to revel in claiming to represent the region and Greater Sedona is really overstepping here. Don’t think so? Remember the attempt to force Sedona city residents to take ownership of W89A – a State Highway? Well, as a memory jogger it resulted in ballot issues – both a Referendum & Initiative, and the overturn of the council vote was overwhelming as was voter’s response. Time for action from those of us being ignored and held hostage by arrogant know-it-all representation.
My cousins came to town over the holidays. They didn’t go shopping as there was to much traffic and no place to park. They did try and go to a gallery in Tlaq but couldn’t find a parking spot.
Can’t wait for the new Tlaq since the City Council APPROVED it with no PARKING.
We pay they play with no accountability for the city mistakes.
Excellent summary of the year in review! As always, Eddie your research is impeccable! I’m with you on the absurdity of the proposal to have our City monopolize trash collection. My friend said it best! “If we have one trash collector, then why not one Jeep company and one ATV company, etc” Where does it end?
Thank you very much for sharing the opportunity to sign a petition against this very bad idea. In reviewing the signatures it is very impressive and uplifting to see so many familiar names, many of whom have been active and high-profile Sedona individuals for years.
It seems equally important that folks outside city limits understand the very real possibility of increased rates for garbage removal service. With loss of revenue the two “losers” will experience should they be blackballed by Sedona it stands to reason a new source of profit will be needed. Sound familiar, Sedona? Except in your case the constant harping for “new money” is due to one thing: GREED!
Sedona City Council to Fill Vacant Council Seat
19 hours ago … Due to the resignation of Councilor Angela LeFevre effective Jan. 8, 2016, the Sedona City Council is accepting applications to fill a vacant …
http://www.sedonaaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3733/473
(Submitted by E. Maddock)
I am surprised at Angela’s resignation. Is she going to work for Tom O’Halleran now, that’s the rumor?
We miss the old Sedona with all our hearts and souls. We need more lightworkers & Gaia power & energy.
On January 1, 2016 the following tax increases went into effect:
Medicare tax went from 1.45% to 2.35%
Top Income Tax Bracket went from 35% to 39.6%
Top Income Payroll Tax went from 37.4% to 52.2%
Capital Gains Income Tax went from 15% to 28%
Dividend Tax went from 15% to 39.6%
Estate Tax went from 0% to 55%
A 3.5% Real Estate Transaction Tax was added.
All these were passed solely by Democrats under Obama’s administration. They were hidden in the thousands of pages of the Affordable Care Act.
Now you know.
All very interesting considering Social Security benefits were not increased this year because the government informed us “there is no increase in the cost of living.” Let’s hope the city council keep this in mind when they take over our garbage pick up and tack on whatever amount they jolly well please to cover the cost of handling the additional branch of government this new service will create. And where is that new bridge over Oak Creek they will ask those of us in incorporated Sedona to pay for on behalf of the entire Verde Valley?
Yep, did the survey which is totally designed to garner a positive response to approve the city takeover of trash collection. None of the questions, mostly multiple choice, offered a solid opportunity for a simple “yes” or “no” and actually most if not all had to do with recycling. The pity is this city is planning on public meetings and this time of year how many are likely to attend? With cold, wet weather still on the horizon and unbearable traffic, how likely is it that the “public” meetings will have standing-room only attendance. We can only hope because unless it happens be prepared to pay for having “bulk” items hauled off whether you have any or not. Just when you think Sedona government rip-off has maxed out. Seems like this latest intrusion is a companion of the proposed”sustainable pilgrimage site.” Suggest e-mailing council members, call city manager’s office, and either toot your horn or be prepared to pay, pay, pay. No guarantee monthly fees will be less, and damage to roads by commercial, recreational, and tourist vehicles will continue to run rampant. Just another way to drain you for a monthly service charge or whatever it will be tagged. BAD DEAL probably with hidden agendas like in “what else is new?”
AZ courts will be friendly, conflict of interest far and wide on the council. Couple in city government too and on several city paid chamber groups. Join w/ recyclers, join with garbage haulers. Several HOA boards & couple lawyers have expressed displeasure w/city on this one. Ducey weighed in on similar & cities have been put on notice. Stop talking. Get to it. And for Gods sake go outside the city for advice & find a big shot in the valley w/ history of bringing municipals to knees. No further comment shall be forthcoming, all your free advice.
When you get the survey phone call, nothing says you have to play along with the loaded questions. Tell the person calling that you are against the City monopolizing garbage collection, and that you have nothing more to add except “goodbye.” The myriad recycling questions and how full your can is each week is none of their GD business!
On Tuesday (Jan. 12) a phone message was left about the survey and included a number to return the call – which I did. A supervisor made arrangements for a call-back and, in agreement with the other posted comments, not surprisingly the questions were loaded IMO. Especially the one about how full my garbage can is.
Well, summer time it’s cram jammed with bagged yard clippings but this time of year it’s feasible I wouldn’t have to roll it out for four months – but I do anyhow maybe just because I pay for weekly service and probably in four months the aroma in my garage would be a bit stiff.
Anyhow, there were other manipulative questions about recycling as well but towards the end came the whopper about how much bulk I need to get rid of. Not difficult to say “none” (which I can’t remember being an option) but to appease the poor girl asking the question the logical thing was “The only thing I anticipate going out of here in bulk will be ME!” Honest, she couldn’t resist joining me in having a good laugh. My policy: there’s always a funny side to everything and those who know understand.
One thing, however, I do not find amusing is the amount of money the city is spending on this without first doing some sort of mailed survey to residents in order to ascertain if the project has any merit. But, of course, that in all probability and unlike the phone survey wouldn’t have reflected the desired result. Again my opinion.
The City Council reads the comments on the petition. If you don’t want the city to take over trash collection sign it. Make a comment so they understand exactly how you feel.
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/sedona-citizens-civil?source=c.em&r_by=14213130
Which do you suppose will be the first to self-destruct? The City of Sedona or the Oak Creek Unified School District? (so far this appears to be one dog fight the Fire District has managed to avoid)
@@An Accountant: THERE IS NO BRIDGE. NONE NADA. That ship has sailed long ago.
The bridge would be outside city limits, in a county that’s not affected by traffic so much. If you want to go from VOC to west Sedona, use the Beaverhead Flat Rd thru Cornville. It’s actually a lot quicker considering traffic and the slower speed limits on 179 and 89A.
You can’t really ask one county to pay for another county’s mistakes! You really can’t ask a private land holder in the Cathedral Rock valley to give up their peaceful rural existence so a tourist can have a better parking spot in uptown! The corner of 89A and Upper Red Rock Loop Road is dangerous enough with the high school and young drivers, and tourist with eyes on the scenery instead of the road – and soon the Marriot will be open (I sure the pedophiles will be happy to hear it!) and there will be even MORE traffic on Upper Red Rock Loop Rd! NO ONE in West Sedona wants to turn Upper Red Rock Loop Road into the same traffic nightmare as 179 so a tourist can have a better parking spot.
Pedophiles & sex offenders often reported arrested in Cottonwood hotels & motels. They come from all over & places like Tucson. Can the county police & city police come to council & give report about how many live in Sedona & what danger lurks for kids lured by tourists near our schools & parks & how we keep tabs on kids arriving alone or with a man if they show up at hotels? Are the police watching out for the kids, are the hotel operators going to look the other way for the room money? Thanks.
@magickj= my comment about the bridge was intended to be facetious although the arrogance of power displayed by the past two Sedona city councils and the way they want to control and speak for the entire Verde Valley if they could they would put a bridge or do anything else they jolly well please. Apparently you do not live within city limits and for that be grateful. The bridge at the RR Crossing was dead and buried when it washed out in the late 70’s. As for Beaver Head Flats – use it all the time and enjoy it for all the reasons you mention.
@Bill, west Sedona = this city council just approved a Human Rights code or ordinance or something so chances are pedophiles and sex perverts in general would be protected as Sedona gets closer and closer to becoming a dedicated “sanctuary city” for everyone except the residents.
Back to the subject = bye, bye having the opportunity to select and PAY for the garbage service of our choice!
Dear Publisher, would you be willing to post these comments to your readers as a separate story?
Like or Dislike what Eddie Maddock says?
Whether you like or dislike what Eddie Maddock says, our world needs more people like her!
We also need more people who comment on Eddie Maddock to post their names in support of their point-of-view.
I for one appreciate Eddie Maddock’s effort to be the voice of many in her community and probably many communities.
I have a question of my own, “If Sedona is a tourist destination, why hasn’t the Mayor of Sedona (Sandy Moriarty) established a proclamation to individually recognize all of the Adopt-A-Highway groups in her area as the Mayors of Camp Verde, Prescott, Dewey-Humboldt and Chino Valley have done? Why haven’t the mayors of Cottonwood, Jerome and Clarkdale joined them? Why haven’t the Chamber of Commerce organizations of these communities recognized these Adopt-A-Highway groups in their local newspapers, radio and television organizations?
Eddie Maddock, would you be willing to ask these questions of your mayor, her council and the Chamber of Commerce?
Would the efforts of all of the mayors and organizations enhance the image and economy of their individual communities and Arizona?
Gary Chamberlain
America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs
Empowering our nation’s youth
FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com
Thank you, Gary Chamberlain, for your kind words. It’s perfectly understandable to receive backlash from those who disagree. That they prefer to use pseudonyms is an option allowed by the Editor of Sedona Eye for readers to use at their discretion. In some cases it’s perfectly understandable because in Sedona situations have been known to occur that result in pretty extreme backlash to individuals who dare to make statements which don’t sit well with certain folks. Others do so apparently because the nature of their comments serve to attack those expressing opinions that do not agree with their own thinking. The best option for them might be to post under the name “Coward.”
For the most part my association with council members has been amicable, at times agreeing to disagree which is always a good thing and long been acceptable as the “American Way.” Some of the council members have been quite emphatic in making it known they do not read Sedona Eye, which of course is again their choice.
It remains a mystery why you didn’t receive support from the cities, towns, and other entities you mention. Reflecting back to a time when Rob Adams was Mayor of Sedona, didn’t you in fact make a presentation at a city council meeting and, indeed, did get positive acknowledgment from that particular city council and an authorized endorsement for your efforts? Having attended that council meeting my recall is your participation was well presented, well received, and concluded with the results for which you hoped.
At this point in time it’s doubtful there’s anything I or anyone else can do to change the lack of interest displayed by the current city council, as reflected by your contacts with Mayor Moriarty relating to your efforts to attain certified acknowledgment of your America the Beautiful & Bag Ready Jobs project. This indeed does seem peculiar considering a focused subject of this article is dealing with the present city council’s reported concerns regarding garbage collection and recycling.
Of course the solution to possibly most if not all of today’s problems is really very simple. If each of us were held responsible for our own actions and taking care of ourselves, there would be no need for folks like you because there would be no litter. There would be no fighting over questionably misappropriated funds since all non-profits would stand on their own two feet and fend for themselves, as was the case in Sedona prior to incorporation.
We would all live by the Golden Rule, tend to our own business, respect our neighbors, and essentially live and let live and do so without government interference with things like who we hire to pick up our trash. Much of this interference is presently unwanted and/or unneeded but doing away with it would eliminate our current way of life, styled and fashioned around the great give-away trend better labeled “entitlements.”
Speaking only for myself, some of us quite possibly have lived too long. Hush! Did that just rally a unanimous round of support from the six remaining members of the present city council? Nah – wrong again since most if not all of them don’t read Sedona Eye. Interesting though that among others a stranger in Park City, Utah, does read SE and took time to let me know “he likes it.” Thank you, Sir! The message you left remains on my telephone.
Gary Chamberlain –
It seems that your question is very self serving. Do you feel the need to be recognized for everything that you do? I know that you and a group of others do a great job of keeping our streets clean. It appears that you need that pat on the back that others don’t seem to agree for what ever the reason.
It also seems that you need to ride of the coat tails of Eddie Maddock for what ever the reason. If others really thought that you did such a great job then then you wouldn’t need Eddie by your side.
I personally want to thank all those who contribute to Sedona without being on the city payroll. That includes the Eddie Maddock for her untireing efforts. The litter lifters, all those who try to make other Sedona residents aware that it is their town, it does not belong to the chamber of commerce or the city council.
At one time not so long ago, we did without a city, and we had a volunteer fire department.
It was a better place to live. With effort by the citizens, it can be again.
Thank you!
Dear Robert O,
If you read all of the stories attached to this SedonaEyE.com link, you will see that I have only been the voice for many who have been part of and recognized for this effort.
SedonaEyE.com
://sedonaeye.com/?s=folksville+usa
One of the original goals of those involved in 2009 effort was to make the four times per year highway cleanup events a multi-county event that would enhance all of our communities and bring people together by picking up litter.
After you follow the SedonaEyE.com link and review what follows, ask yourself, “Why wouldn’t any mayor not want to take this “Ball” and run with it for the benefit of their community?”
All of the mayors in the area have been encouraged to make this effort their own but to get involved if only by promoting the effort and recognizing the participants. Up until about 2013, Mayor Rob Adams was the only mayor to do so and now the mayors of Camp Verde, Pescott, Dewey-Humboldt and Chino Valley are part of this effort.
I’m more interested in results than recognition and would be thrilled to see the names of others that have advanced this effort.
Robert O., when you look at how much press this effort has received to recognize many people in all of our communities, do you not recognize an opportunity for Arizona to be more than a trash dumping ground?
Gary Chamberlain
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Folksville USA “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” Supporters 2009-2014
Supporters-Phase 1 (2009-2010)
Camp Verde, AZ
Tire Pro Automotive and Verde Solaire Services.
Cornville, AZ
Bill & Mary Harrison, Biker Mike and Highlands Resort.
Cottonwood, AZ
Reese & Son’s Tire, Tire Pro Automotive, CTS Printing, United Uniforms, Road Runner Recycling, Larry Green Chevrolet (7 veterans), Lewis Rice Accounting, Allegra Design, Randall’s Restaurant,Tri-City Computers-Sedona, AZ, Heartline Café-Sedona, AZ, Rokzoo Screen Printers, Robertson Center PC, Dr. Bill Guth DDS & Mary Guth, Pawn Palace, George Boddy Insurance and Zoomer’s Bike & Gear.
Prescott, Arizona
High Gear Bike and Pawn Palace.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona Pines LLC, AZ, Moon Dogs Pizza, Tri-City Computers, Heartline Café, Sedona Healing Vortex and Biddle’s Nursery.
National
Dave Bell-Farmington, UT, Unger Quality Tools-Bridgeport, CT, BOB Trailer Inc.-Boise, ID, Barry Chapman-Portland, Or, Phil Behrends-Carlsbad, CA and Ritchey Design-San Carlos, CA.
Supporters-Phase 2 (2011-2012)
Camp Verde, AZ
Energy Roofers, The Horn Saloon, Thanks a Latte, High Desert Cycle and ATV Services LLC, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6739, Ming House, Wells Fargo Bank, La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, Tax Preparation-E-File Valley Accounting, Camp Verde Auto Parts, Inc., Old World Guns LLC, Yavapai Title Agency, Camp Verde Realty, Arizona Central Land and Home, Ron’s Signs, Camp Verde Feeds & Country Store, Lori’s Lookin’ Good, The Valley View Restaurant, Tierra Verde Builders, The UPS Store, Tire Pro Automotive, Harris Garage Door, Snap Fitness, The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co. and Camp Verde Cycle & Small Engine.
Cornville, AZ
Axel’s Auto Repair, Reiner & Yolan Kreuzer, Highlands Resort, Northern Arizona Pump, Graham Robertson, Cornville Pet Clinic, Lois Kellenbenz, Windmill Gardens, Verde Solar Power, Northern Arizona Therapeutic & Medical Massage Center, Red Rock Masonry, Verde Valley Stoneyard & Materials, Wild West Equine, Breakthrough Medicine, Harry’s Hideaway Restaurant and Mr. Rooter.
Cottonwood, AZ
My Styles Boutique, The Mattress Center, Sherwood Jewelers, Reese & Sons Tire, Wells Fargo Bank, Nature’s Pantry Café, Caldwell Banker-Mabery Real Estate, The Picture Window Inc., Shadow Mountain Property Management, Larry Amis-veteran, K.A. Cycles & Service, The UPS Store, Brandi’s Kitchen, Hooked On Books, Courtesy Auto Sales-Matt Kightlinger, Main Place Floor and Window Fashions, Solar Works LLC, Gresham Painting & Remodeling, Maria’s Dulceria, Carla’s Pet Grooming, Art Glitter, A Scoop Above, Mr. B’s Music & Electronics, Papa Murphy’s, Home Depot, Mingus Self Storage, Selina & Associates, Tire Pro Automotive, Randall’s Restaurant, Rokzoo Screen Painters & Embroidery, Smoke-N-Guns, T&T Refrigeration Inc., Rockin B Saloon, Suzy Q Designs, Allegra Printing, Tae Kwon Do Unlimited, CTS Office Supply and Verde Events & Tents.
Flagstaff, AZ
The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona Pines Resort, Sedona Pines LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, Tire Pro Automotive, The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co. and Point of Sedona Gallery.
Prescott Valley, AZ
Wells Fargo Banks (2) and Home Depot.
Prescott, AZ
Wells Fargo Banks (4) and Errol Sebastien Jr.-Prescott Honda and Home Depot.
McGuireville, AZ
Creek Side Grill, Stone Design, Inc., Candy’s Creekside Cottage, Rimrock Resales, McGuireville Tavern, Stone Design, Inc., El Patio Bar & Grille and Reliable Roadside Repair.
Rimrock, AZ
Bill Cowan and Allen Reynolds.
National
GarboGrabber-Stratford CT, Unger Enterprises, Inc.-Bridgeport,CT, Bob Crockett-Menlo Park,CA and Appraisal Services Co.-Andrews, NC.
Supporters-Phase 3 (2013-2014)
Camp Verde AZ
Sweet Grace Restaurant, Sweet Grace Emporium, Camp Verde Promotions, Energy Roofers, Verde Solair, The UPS Store, Camp Verde Reality and Camp Verde Thrift Store.
Cornville AZ
Grasshopper Grill.
Cottonwood AZ
Randall’s Restaurant, Graham’s Auto Sales, Reese’s Tire & Automotive, Pawn Palace, Smoke-N-Gun, Sherwood Jeweler, Allegra Design-Print-Signs, CTS Office Supply and Road Runner Recycling.
Prescott Valley, AZ
Sun Valley Tire & Auto services.
Supporters-Phase 4 (2015)
Our past supporters are now your supporters ….. the future is now in your hands.
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FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com
(928) 202-1186
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AZ – Cottonwood Verde Independent – Western News & Info
AZ – Camp Verde Camp Verde Bugle – Western News & Info
AZ – Payson The Rim Country Informant
AZ – Payson Payson Roundup – Rim Country’s news and information source
AZ – Prescott Frontier Publishing Co. LLC – Yavapai Health Wellness
AZ – Phoenix The Desert Shamrock (100,000 recipients of this story)
AZ – (noted) Coffee Talk “Light News” (Chino Valley, Dewey-Humbolt, Mayer, Prescott and Prescott Valley)
AZ – Prescott Valley Prescott Valley Tribune
AZ – Sedona Sedona.biz – Sedonaline.com – Niuzer.com
AZ – Sedona SedonaEye.com
AZ – Show Low White Mountain Independent
AZ – Sedona ExcentricWorld.com
AZ – Tempe Western Outdoor Times
CA – Folsom Gun Owners of California
CO – Norwood WesternSlopeNews.com (The Sunshine Express)
CO – Fruita KJCT News 8
GA – Ellijay Times – Courier
GA – St. Mary’s Tribune & Georgian
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IN – Indianapolis The American Legion (National) “Dispatch” (470,000 recipients of this story)
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NC – Andrews Andrews Journal
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TX – El Paso Fort Bliss Fort Bliss Bugle
UT – Moab Times Moab Times
“Folksville USA, America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” Stories
(Google the following organizations and use their search bar, inserting “Folksville USA or America the Beautiful”)
Newspaper Stories: SedonaEyE.com – Sedona AZ, Camp Verde Bugle – Camp Verde AZ, Verde Independent – Cottonwood AZ, Prescott Valley Tribune – Prescott Valley AZ, Prescott Daily Courier – Prescott AZ, Pop Rocket Press – Prescott AZ, Red Rock News – Sedona AZ, Cottonwood Journal Extra – Cottonwood AZ, Ravalli Republic-Hamilton MT, The Recorder Herald – Salmon ID, The Current – Riggins ID, The Fruita Times – Fruita CO, Sedona Today – Sedona AZ, SedonaBest.com – Sedona AZ, Four Corners Free Press – Montezuma County CO, The Times Independent – Moab UT, Tigard Times, Tigard OR, White Mountain Independent-Show Low AZ, El Latino Newspaper-Cottonwood AZ, Mogollon Rim News – Heber AZ, Arizona Pride – AZ, Sedona.biz – Sedona AZ, Sedona Times – Sedona AZ, The Cornville Chronicle – Cornville AZ, The Camp Verde Journal – Camp Verde AZ, Arizona Republic-Phoenix AZ, In & Out Magazine – Anthem AZ, Dragoon Newsletter – Westerville OH, The Golden Eagle, Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club Newsletter – Cottonwood AZ, Sun Advocate – Price UT, White Mountain Independent – Show Low AZ.
Radio Shows: Dr. Terry Lovell Show – KYCA 1490 – Prescott AZ, Don Smith – The Don Smith Show – Florida, Terriq Q. Sayer – Albuquerque NM, KSRA AM 960 – Salmon ID, Yavapai Broadcasting – Cottonwood AZ.
Television Stories: FOX 9 Meridian-Boise ID, KJCT Channel 8 Grand Junction CO, Rod Haberer – Fox 10 – Phoenix AZ, David Majure & Ted Simons – Horizon PBS 8, Tonya Mock-AZTV Cable 13 – Prescott AZ, KBOI2 – Boise ID, Alex Monsen & Chris Piner – Strata Networks Vtv Channel 6 – Vernal UT.
If any of the media organizations noted have stories to report resulting from the “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” opportunity please send them to FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com, Folksville USA, PO Box 1138, Cornville AZ 86325 or call (928) 202-1186 so we may share your stories.
Wow, Robert O (are you the same Robert that ran for city council?) – why be so hostile and mean spirited to Gary Chamberlain? Have you spent as many hours attempting to clean up after slobs that litter? It appears Chamberlain simply tries to spread the word about an army willing to pick up after thoughtless, uncaring people – quite likely the likes of you based on your very rude comment.
Thanks again, Gary, to you as well as @Jerry, Sedona City Limits.
“Robert O” sets another not so fine example of unwarranted finger pointing as obviously the poor fellow is clueless. For him to even suggest you would need to ride on the coat tail of anyone is absurd. Chalk it up to ignorance.
Also it’s appreciated that you confirmed the support offered by former Mayor Rob Adams. Your willingness to give credit to the many, many “Folksville” supporters that have endorsed and assisted your efforts is further evidence of a far superior human being than the likes of this “Robert O” and the few others that can only find fault with those who attempt to serve their community.
Quite possibly another way of looking at this type of sniping is that by extracting such anger one way or another you must be doing a good job. Keep it up!
Seems that all the tea party haters on SE are celebrating with a circle jerk over ESM..
Congratulations ESM. All 10 people on SE that hate everything are with you and you negative slanted posts..
Onward
Also I see there is an opening on the city council. How come I don’t see you throw your name in the hat. You know, show Sedona how to do it right. Oh yea That would mean you’d have to do something except finger point and complain
……and the beat goes on
Just to let everyone know, Robert O and Robert O’Donnell, the prior candidate for city council and one of at least 10 who have pulled an application for the open council position, are two different people. I do not know who Robert O is but there are other last names other than my own that begin with an O, if that is what is intended.
To everyone on this site, to be clear, I support all of the work that has been done to keep our roads free of litter and debris G-D only knows that ADOT or the city won’t do it.
IMO even after being berated by the Honorable EJM, I still think that you’re whining because certain mayors don’t hold you up on that pedestal. Perhaps there’s a reason that those mayors wish not to recognize Gary. Perhaps, he’s not sharing something? I don’t know but for someone who say’s that he doesn’t want any glory he sure wrote a long winded posting to prove his point.
Thanks Jessica for confirming that you are West Sedona resident.
Eddie,
Please put in for the city council opening. My blood pressure can’t take it.
You would be such an asset !!
Please.
Rest assured this “blight on Sedona” as a presently seated councilman referred to me, has NO intention of vying for a seat among ’em.
Mr. O’Donnell, Did I read you right, you filed an application to get appointed as a councilor?
I’m sorry, you tried a run during the last election and lost with the least amount of votes in city election history? Not to be disrespectful in any way, doesn’t that tell you something????
My husband is telling me to be polite since I don’t have the guts to run for dog catcher let alone city councilor but I’m sorry I’m sure that you are a very nice person and I’ve seen you speak during your campaign and push how you run the Toaster group and I wasn’t impressed with your platform or delivery of your views. Can’t you read the hand writing on the wall??
I have to agree with my counter part Just Lookin, I would support Eddie Maddock in a heart beat!
@Just Sayin’,
Yes, you are right I was the lowest vote getter in 8 people running, though I was less than 100 votes behind the 6th and 7th place people, plus I did garner more votes than you. If I truly got the least votes in city history then I set two records, least number of votes and most votes per dollar spent. Being this was my first attempt at public office and knowing some would question if I have been in town long enough to be on council, I chose to finance my own campaign, which the three winners by the way spent none of their own money. What could the city do with the 73,000 dollars spent on that campaign alone? Pay to monopolize the garbage collection?
The paper claims you can run for office and spend very little, that election shows it is not true, all the council losers spent less than $5000 each while the winners spent 9K or more, plus another 12K or more for each mayoral candidate.
I ran because I felt I could better represent the whole community than those expected to win (and they did), so the votes I collected showed some people could see my worth on the council and I certainly did not know that many people going into the race. Had I asked for donations could I have done better, probably so but felt most people I knew were struggling to make ends meet and I could not bring myself to asking people to take money out of their pocket for politics when I knew I could not collect the kind of money the candidates connected to the chamber or lodging industry could.
This appointment will only take at a maximum of 6 votes, so that will be less than I received, though talking percentage it is the most of any candidate in history that was opposed.
We should however stay on topic that Eddie started.
Mr. O’Donnell:
Well, I certainly wouldn’t want to argue with that kind of logic?!?!?
As a single person on a fixed income it’s frustrating to bear witness to a work in progress that will most likely have a negative impact on monthly expenses. There’s no way to convince me this will result in cheaper service. Having taken the phone survey I can attest the deck is stacked. It’s all about recycling which is something I do anyhow so why must my choice of service be denied for garbage removal or anything else for that matter?
This is another Sedona rip-off. To be given the questionable opportunity to attend two public meetings, both at inconvenient times, is an insult to one’s intelligence when the cause and effect for this selective mission has already been well publicized with a bogus myth vs. truth list of nonsense and other propaganda, none of which has substantial merit.
The meetings will be stacked, of course, with those individuals promoting this imposition on all residents of Sedona. Too many shady deals going on in Sedona. Why should we believe or trust any of you? Why not just hire a firm to pick us all up and haul us away with the rest of the trash since you continue to kick us to the curb anyhow?
I’m also a single person and actually share garbage pick-up with a neighbor. Neither of us has enough trash to justify two separate service contracts so we share one container and it works out perfectly. If this change is made it will be a pretty big added expense to force us into another monthly service we don’t need. Contrary to what some people think we are all not rich folks living in Sedona.
Typical American family earned $53,657 last year. Sedona workers are much lower than that. All the jobs in Sedona are low service level jobs. Except Sedona City employees way over that. but the city uses the excuse of a higher cost of living here to pay outrageous salaries and great benefits. Average Sedonan is around 55,000 and they don’t have the city paying their cell phones and car on top of salaries like city employees.
@Typical Income
So what you’re sayin’ is that you don’t earn a high paying salary so no one else should or could???
@Just Sayin’
No, what “Typical income” is saying is that something is out of line when city workers make way more than the local population, work only 4 days a week and get one month paid vacation/leave the first year of employment.
Historically government workers made slightly less than the average wage in exchange for job stability.
I am in the upper income bracket. @Just Sayin’ I am just sayin those making the most money in general are CITY EMPLOYEES. Your taking from and trying to control everyday people. NOT right
Considering the idiots the city staff works for, that being the members of the city council, maybe they aren’t paid enough?
The upside – don’t most city staffers live outside city limits? Why wouldn’t that be considered a fringe benefit?
Most interesting that I see no L-O-V-E coming from the city. They hate everyone, and want to control and GET more of your money. Is that because they need more hush money, money referral fee and kickback money? We clearly see that all those special groups getting flavors and funding are to keep them with their mouths shut. While my friend that work at city hall told me the city promote “get them” attitude, they ended up quitting they couldn’t stand it. They told me “No money is enough for that crap” Read how the residents feel. You get what you sow….just sayin’
What goes on in Sedona makes a mockery of the phrase “something’s rotten in Denmark.” This council will thumb their noses at a flood of emails, cries from honorable citizens and petitions other than their own telephone survey as not being viable. The biggest thing missing from the phone survey was the option none of the above.
And now it looks like the final decision will be based on response from two meetings that are so inconveniently timed that probably just a few will attend and then their mysterious “focus groups” comprised of unknown individuals, while the petition with signatures of many long time and well respected Sedona residents will be filed in the trash can.
Just when we thought the last election brought Sedona to her knees with that bag of dirty tricks, this latest travesty so far beats all. Sedona seems to be having a contest within the decision makers to determine the winner of the all time lowest and dirtiest scheme to scam the residents, deprive us of the right to choose, ruin our quality of life, and make it impossible to live in peace.
Congratulations! Maybe this time you’ve reached rock bottom. Oh I forgot, another election is coming up this year.
TV news this AM reported a story about a “councilman” taking an oath of office while in jail, being charged with murder. Sorry to say I didn’t pick up on the location but for sure it wasn’t Sedona since it seems Sedona is the only place where elected officials are termed “councilors.” Does anyone know of other places? Check news reports – AZ Republic, even RRNews – and TV references never seem to use the ego-inflated term “councilor.”
That figures! Goes with the territory. We have presently six people that think it’s perfectly OK for the city to spend millions of dollars via the Chamber of Commerce to promote their members outside city limits, offering nothing financially in return except as possible Sedona City day trippers adding to the long lines of traffic.
On the other hand they, “councilors,” (barf) are all in a dither trying to figure out how many people outside city limits have signed a petition, voted in the RRNews poll, or are complaining about the city’s decision to control our garbage pickup.
Ah, yes, “councilors” – indeed you are pieces of work but definitely not art in public places.
Fact Sheet
City of Sedona Residential Trash/Recycling
Residential trash and recycling service are generally provided by one of the following options:
Ø City-wide Program. City provides, either with City staff and equipment or a contract with a private hauler, trash and recycling services to all households.
Ø Individual Household/Homeowner’s Association Contracts. Individual households or homeowner’s associations contract with a private hauler for trash and recycling services with no government involvement. This is the current system in Sedona.
In Sedona, City residents and homeowner’s associations contract with one of three private haulers. The hauler, type of service, and cost vary from neighbor to neighbor. The Sedona City Council directed City staff to evaluate the feasibility to change from the current system to the City contracting with a private hauler to provide a City-wide residential trash and recycling program.
Economic Benefits of City-wide Programs
Cities that have implemented city-wide programs have realized economic benefits to the community. The following highlight some of the key economic benefits:
Lower Service Rates. The City met one-on-one with each of the current haulers: Patriot, Taylor Waste, and Waste Management, as well as Sedona Recycles and Recycling for Good. All haulers reported that a City-wide program would be materially lower cost than the current fees. City-wide programs result in lower costs since the services are contracted through a competitive selection process. Lower costs are achieved due to increased operational efficiencies and reduced financial risk (such as one bill to the City versus bills to many households).
Reduced Road Wear. The City currently has three trash haulers, resulting in up to three different collection vehicles driving down the same road to provide service to households on the street. The road damage caused by one collection vehicle is equivalent to approximately 1,000 car trips. A City-wide program will reduce the number of collection vehicles on City roads and therefore reduce wear and tear of our roadways, leading to reduced road maintenance costs for the City.
Environmental Benefits of City-wide Programs
In addition to economic benefits, city-wide programs have resulted in environmental benefits to the community. The following highlight some of the key environmental benefits:
Increased Recycling Rates. Currently, all residents do not receive curbside recycling services. Cities with curbside recycling service have a higher rate of recyclable materials collected per household. A City-wide program will also provide the City the opportunity to increase public education and outreach regarding the importance of diversion.
Decreased Fuel Consumption and Emissions. City-wide programs create operational efficiencies for haulers which reduces both fuel consumption and emissions. Since a City-wide program can provide services to all households on a street on the same route, the program will result in fewer truck miles and less fuel consumed and air pollutants emitted.
Common Myths of City-wide Programs
Myth: Small local haulers will never win the contract
Fact: A City-wide program would be contracted through a competitive selection process providing any hauler, including small local haulers, an opportunity to be awarded the City-wide program contract. The City would seek to provide the best value to residents. Selection criteria often include cost as well as experience, references, and proposed approach. The City may promote local experience as a criterion resulting in small local haulers having an advantage to winning the contract.
Myth: City-wide program creates a monopoly and increases costs
Fact: The most effective method of keeping rates low is to periodically re-bid services through an open and competitive process. If the City would contract for services, the City would re-bid the services on a periodic basis (e.g. every five years), allowing interested haulers to bid as well as ensure that residents continue to receive the lowest rates available.
Myth: City-wide program will result in lower service
Fact: As part of the City-wide program, the City could provide service enhancements (e.g. curbside recycling service, large item service), in a cost effective manner, due to the economies of scale. A City-wide program would be managed by City staff and elected officials. The City will detail the responsibilities of the haulers and performance standards in the contract. In addition, the City will require performance assurances to ensure residents receive a high level of service.
Myth: City-wide program will result in loss of jobs and reduce contributions to the community
Fact: The City-wide program could provide additional services (e.g. curbside recycling service, large item service). Therefore, the hauler awarded the contract would likely employ the same or more employees. The City would seek to contract with a hauler that acknowledges the importance of contributing to the community.
Process/Next Steps
The City is seeking input from the community on the current and future residential trash and recycling program. The City has met one-on-one with each of the current haulers. The next key step to evaluating the residential trash and recycling program is requesting insight from residents. The City is currently conducting telephone survey of residents. If contacted, we request your participation in this important survey so that the City can understand the opinion and needs of residents. In addition, the City will be facilitating public meetings and focus groups to provide residents an additional opportunity to participate in determining the City’s future residential trash and recycling program. The public meetings are tentatively planned to be held the first week of February. The survey is being conducted to ascertain if citizens want a single-hauler model, and if so, under what scenarios, i.e. lower costs, improved service, increased recycling, etc.
Once the vendor and public input process has been completed, staff will return to the City Council to present the findings of the public input and ask Council for further direction. Staff is tentatively planning to present to City Council in or around March.
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (928) 204-7127 or email Assistant City Manager Karen Daines at kdaines@SedonaAZ.gov.