SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock offers an example of government accountability and transparency for city hall department heads and employees by City Manager Tim Ernster
Sedona AZ (December 4, 2013) – In another exclusive look at the State of the City of Sedona transparency and accountability to its residents, SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock takes a look at city hall’s road maintenance with information from a concerned Sedona taxpayer:
On the subject of dedicated City streets being in disrepair, Sedona resident Mike Schroeder on October 10, 2013, registered the following complaint with City Engineers Charles Mosley and Dan Neimy, with copies to Mayor R. Adams and Council Members D. McIlroy, B. Litrell, and M. Ward:
“Charles Mosley and Dan Neimy”
Gentlemen,
The deterioration of Back O’ Beyond road at two of the water crossings, the top wash and the second wash – as you are going down Back O Beyond road – is now a critical situation. There very easily could be a rollover incident if a car or truck catches the edge of the road where the berm is completely gone. You are talking about a 3 to 6 foot cliff.
Probably the most serious is the top erosion. The reason is when you are coming UP the road form the parking lot for Cathedral Rock trail head the road actually flattens a bit and you CANNOT see the edge. It is a very dangerous situation that could end up costing the city a lot of money from a liability standpoint.”
“I live in Back O Beyond Ranch. Our people do not drive by this, but all the folks in Back O Beyond Circle do as well as a ton of tourists accessing the Cathedral Trail head.
Mike Schroeder” (end)
A subsequent e-mail was sent on Novermber 27th (not included is the referenced response from Dan Neimy):
“To the Sedona City Council and City Manager:
OK guys, who gets fired over this?
This is more than a dangerous situation that was brought to the attention of Mr. Mosley and Mr. Neimy OVER a MONTH ago. I received a phone call from Mr. Mosley and an email from Mr. Neimy.
As of last Friday (11/22) NOTHING has been done to correct this situation. There is a lot of tourist traffic on this road. The upper drop off is INVISIBLE in the right hand eastbound lane of Back O Beyond Road until you are “on it”. IF someone catches a right tire, this is almost a guaranteed rollover.
How much liability does the city want to absorb due to the lack of professionalism and inefficiency in handling this? I do NOT think that you would want this email with the graphics in the hands of a defense attorney if you have an accident here. But we will see.
Mr. Mosley and Mr. Neimy were informed October 10 proves Shroeder
Mike Schroeder” (end)
On December 2nd Sedona City Manager, Tim Ernster, responded to Mr. Schroeder:
“Hello Mike,
I have been out of the office most of the last two months, so I will follow up on this today with the staff to determine its status. I am not clear on what Charles and his staff have done on this so far. I will drive out there and take a look at it, and get back to you once I have some information.
Have a great day Mike.
Tim” (end)
City Manager Tim Ernster response draws praise
(Schroeder:) My comments as a follow-up based on today’s activities and Tim’s actions:
“I congratulate Mr. Ernster in personally reviewing this potentially hazardous situation and making it safer today, 12/03. Mr. Ernster was apparently out of town for several months and his staff, Mr. Mosley and Mr. Neimy totally dropped the ball as they were informed on October 10th of this situation, including photos of the issue. Let us hope that Mr. Ernster can get control of his people and instill in them the same level of responsibility that Mr. Ernster personally displayed today.” ~Mike Schroeder. (end)
Yes, indeed, Sedona’s roads in many instances leave much to be desired. When or if deserved attention is appropriately designated to potentially life threatening conditions in exchange for redirecting staff and City Council’s attention from more frivolous aspects of their lists of non-essential priorities, everyone would benefit.
Perhaps the most significant message sent in this exchange is that Tim Ernster, Sedona City Manager, has in the last two months walked the bumpiest road ever and yet he still managed immediately to resume his duties in as timely a manner as possible.
Heads-up and take note. Reflect on walking in the shoes of Mr. Ernster’s most recent journey and then start to count your blessings and maybe even consider reassessing your list of priorities and insignificant agendas. Especially in light of present turn of events and ongoing and unsettling activities within City Hall, isn’t it time for at least a momentary standing ovation for our Sedona City Manager?
For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
This was kind of different. Those emails made sense. You hear people at city hall don’t care and here’s where that comes from. Thanks To the city manager. What happens if anything to people dropping ball?
Liked this article on Facebook.
Liked this article on Facebook.
Very interesting exposure on how things work with dedicated City roads and less than safe road conditions.
Many neighborhoods deal with Un-corrected conditions, all around town, due to city not doing due diligence or liability control, on their assets, as they seemingly have little care about preventive maintenance to insure no lawsuits.
Main question I have to both Mike Schroeder and Eddie is: The Missing link is the email response from the city engineer Dan Neimy to Mike Schroeder. What did that say?
Once that is seen then I think we will have a more clear picture. Hope one of you will produce the response from City engineer Dan Neimy.
Isn’t the real issue here that the city was notified of a hazardous road condition which as I understand it the direct problems don’t personally affect Mike Schroeder but the public in general. Isn’t making safety approaching a high profile hiking trail to a well known world-wide tourist attraction (Cathedral Rock) more important than what Dan Neimy had to say in a missing e-mail? Granted, 30 days was too long for this situation to be ignored. And I agree that Tim Ernster apparently was the one who realized the urgency of this situation. Why kill the messenger(s)?
Liked this link on Facebook.
Liked this article on Facebook.
Pothole repair scheduled today on SR 89 at Big Chino Bridge – Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will make repairs by filling existing potholes on the one open lane on the Big Chino Bridge on State Route 89 today, Dec. 9 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. Delays of up to 15 minutes at a time are expected. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
I think the caring and timely response of Tim Ernster, City Manager, should be noted with appreciation and compassion in light of his walking the very sad and bumpy road of a family tragedy for the past two months.
This is a first for me. My husband and I have been following this website for two years.
Mr Ernester we want to send our condolences for your loss.
May God Bless you and give you and your children and loved ones peace at this time.
Thank you for a job well done too.