Home » Business, Community, General » Eddie Maddock: Business as Usual?

Eddie Maddock: Business as Usual?

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock

Sedona AZ – At a Special Sedona City Council Meeting, 3:00 Wednesday afternoon on January 11, 2017, after three long years of a contentious destination marketing agreement with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the City will again revisit the issue. We can only hope the negotiations will prove to be less controversial, fairer, and, in turn, result in acceptable transparency which will dismiss suspicion and mistrust of City Hall dealings. That might very well have been the case had the original commitment for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as well as certified outside audits been upheld as proposed during the initial negotiations. Ignoring both valid concerns was a disservice to everyone.

Five options will be discussed at this meeting as follows:

Option 1: Move forward with the negotiations of a new contract with the Chamber of Commerce.

Option 2: Issue an RFP for tourism promotion services.

Option 3: Create a stand-alone destination marketing organization (DMO) without ties to the Chamber of Commerce.

Option 4: Create a City Department to handle tourism promotion.

Option 5: Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess the current structure, funding relationships, etc. and provide recommendations to the city.

Pros and cons of each option will be discussed at length, such as concerns RFPs will include bids from for-profit agencies. That brings up several questions. Without an official outside audit from a qualified source, how do they know the Chamber has not been making a profit? How many employees have they hired? What has been the cost of improvement to its own facilities, etc? And what is the source of funding for those operating expenses?

And will the City acknowledge the Chamber currently offers its own RFPs for specific services, realistically reducing it to a mere middle-agency, acting on behalf of the City of Sedona?

And how do they justify the extended branding of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce that has occurred within the past three years? What has been the source of that promotional funding for the Chamber instead of the City?

By creating a stand-alone destination marketing organization, the City could avoid real or perceived conflicts between tourism promotion services and the various other functions of the Chamber of Commerce. Although they specify… it is unclear how local and regional partners would react… why should that concern the City? Should their focus at long last be redirected to the residents of incorporated Sedona? They are the people who created the City in the first place, clearly, and with the knowledge it attracted tourists.

Sure, a stand-alone destination marketing organization would result in the re-creation of an already established and successful local agency. However the extent of success of the present local agency has never been undisputedly proven. The source of increased revenue after the great recession coupled with a reduction in gasoline prices has never factually been factored into the increased tourism and resulting upswing in revenue. Nor has it been determined to what extent advertising monies have merely resulted in excessive daytripping, which the City’s infrastructure clearly cannot handle.

As for the suggestion for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess and monitor the current structure, would that be nothing more than a babysitter for the contract with the Chamber of Commerce? Should the City have been serving that function for the past three years?

It has frequently been said the City could not afford to operate their stand-alone department. And how would they know? With a Chamber of Commerce now providing funding for USFS trail maintenance, contributing money back to the City for their traffic study, and other generous but questionably frivolous expenditures, most recently to propose purchasing property on behalf of the City with what appears to be leftover funds from the bed tax rebate, how can they make that determination without a precise and reliable audit from an authentic source? They cannot. Is there any reasonable explanation why the City should not take responsibility for allocating the bed tax revenue – all of it – including over and above destination marketing?

And the perfect opportunity to establish a genuine Sedona Visitors Center has been ignored by not including such a service at the Western Gateway. How long will this City tolerate discrimination of their own legitimate licensed, tax collecting businesses within City Limits unless they are forced to be members of what clearly is a regional Chamber of Commerce? And the practice of paid referrals is common, but should the City be involved by financing the activity with public funds and further discriminating against in-city businesses?

Molly Spangler recently hired by the city of Sedona AZ as its Economic Development Director.

With the recent hiring of a professional, Molly Spangler, to serve as Economic Development Director, there is really no need to burden our busy Chamber of Commerce with more additional duties besides servicing its members, which is the purpose of its non-profit organization.

Since when was the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau deemed the “Destination Marketing & Management Organization in Sedona for 65 years?” Up until just a few years ago was it not the Oak Creek Canyon Sedona Chamber of Commerce, then changed to Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and most recently “& Tourism Bureau” was tacked on? This elaborate extension of creating yet another illusion that simply does not exist is pretty much over the top. Wouldn’t you agree? Dumb question.

There is already a campaign in motion to “Make America Great Again.” How about a local endeavor to “Make Sedona Respectable Again”? Meet and greet our visitors with an authentic Sedona Visitors Center and related advertising?

Don’t we deserve it like other places?

Flagstaff (AZ) and Park City (UT) are but two examples that offer proof they survive very well without financial support to their respective Chambers of Commerce.

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

1,387 Comments

  1. Jason Williams says:

    Residential vacation rentals. Ah yes – proof that Karma is alive and well?

  2. Tony says:

    Hot damn best comment were words of three in uptown voter household. Want to shake your hands and use those words to run for office and get our votes! Hope to hell you’re in charge of something that protects this City.

  3. @Uptown Voter Household says:

    Maybe you shouldn’t have moved into a TOURIST TOWN.

  4. Marty Sedona says:

    @@Uptown Voter Household, question for you: And who votes to elect the members of our city council? Tourists? NOT! And was it “tourists” who voted to approve incorporation of Sedona to become a city? NO!

    When people moved to Sedona years and years ago most if not all knew it attracted travelers – people on vacations = TOURISTS! DUH!

    What did incorporation amount to besides more government controlled by special interests and creating “city” boundaries, “city” sales tax, and gawd-awful “city” hall? It most assuredly didn’t develop the main attraction: A scenic area with beautiful red rocks that continue to occupy center stage.

    The one sad element here is that those RESIDENTS of Sedona were stupid enough to think “incorporation” would improve THEIR quality of life!!! W-R-O-N-G!

    Who benefited beside opportunists, exploiters, and greed mongers? In my opinion it was neither residents of incorporated Sedona nor tourists!!

  5. JC, Foothills says:

    @marty It’s the constant braying of asses that Sedona is a tourist town that’s irritating and ignorant. If all tourists didn’t come here who would be disadvantaged?! Residents would still pay the bills and we would have greater peace and less crime. We have crime and lots of drugs in Sedona and criminal networks. We don’t mind visitors here for the views (wtf else we got but views?!) but we’re not down to catering to providers of massages and meth. Clean it up, City.

  6. @joe from Mesa says:

    Yea ok Joe… you must love in a dream world full of hate and Conspiracy theories.
    Come back to reality Joe.

  7. Pat says:

    agree

  8. @Marty Sedona says:

    If my memory serves me correctly because the old unincorporated Sedona had poorly or failing septic systems. Since the old unincorporated Sedona was in two counties, IT WAS MANDATED that we had to incorporate. So, what do we have, OUR OWN POLICE and better-maintained roads. While some may think that it’s a bad thing but I don’t, we have very strict building codes. Yavapai County would allow 3 and 4 stories on buildings and they don’t have to look “Sedonaish”.

  9. Spence & Evelyn says:

    @@Marty Sedona – your memory does NOT serve you correctly!

    The truth is septic systems were essentially working just fine except in selected situations. There was a potential that eventually Oak Creek, designated as a protected waterway, could be contaminated by nearby septic systems therefore a moratorium on NEW construction was imposed.

    Therefore the MANDATE was = NEW construction = wastewater treatment plant!

    The sewer treatment facility was, therefore, primarily a gift to developers. There are still older subdivisions that are NOT connected and those septic systems continue to function just fine. Without first connecting older subdivisions, new ones were approved and thus the capacity for waste water treatment was consumed – and to hell with older subdivisions. However, some of us are very happy to live with what we have and thus are spared the exorbitant monthly bills for a city service we don’t need.

    And, BTW, incorporation of Sedona was subject to approval by the voters – and after two or three failed attempts it was finally approved, thanks to erroneous threats such as you pointed out in your comment.

    As for roads, the portion of Coconino County were maintained far better under the jurisdiction of the county. We were also adequately served by the Coconino County Sheriff’s facility previously located uptown. We cannot speak for Yavapai County methods although it’s true – what was being allowed in West Sedona would never have been acceptable on this side of town.

  10. VRBO and Airbnb Changes in AZ says:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coH_BkzB4Jc&t=11s

    Cronkite News reports on Arizona Governor and Arizona State Legislature promoting rules to regulate the Airbnb and VRBO industry after negative impact on neighborhoods reported.

  11. Lance Johnson says:

    It’s no thanks to AZ Gov. Dumb Ducey who declared short term rentals legal. One thing Sedona government did right was to rule against them then the Gov. tossed it out. That’s what should happen to him although it’s possible he can’t run again because of term limits. Too late! He left his dirty mark by allowing vacationers to infiltrate our subdivisions. A glaring example of arrogance of power?

  12. Marilyn T. says:

    It seems as if the only pandemic in Sedona is caused by too many tourists. In a way is that a reversal of the recent “herd” term as used in conjunction with COVID-19 vaccine protection?

    What is it this city (in name only?) can’t understand that prevailing conditions are becoming increasingly more dangerous – especially with the upcoming prediction of future raging forest fires? Parking at hiking trail heads is out of control AS IF YOU CITY HALL IDIOTS believe a 4 story parking garage uptown will lessen the burden in west, east or south Sedona!? All those cars adding even more congestion attempting to get to it!? All those cars will still park illegally and suck up cost of a ticket. I would and I probably wouldn’t pay it anyway – out of state and not coming back who cares if it doesn’t get paid!?

    Go figure. Oh, but of course, it all relates to greed for the almighty $$$$$. More frightening than the thought of being a COVID victim? Of course not. :-(

  13. Sedona Wings says:

    https://azdailysun.com/news/state-and-regional/ducey-blasts-phoenix-for-closing-parks-on-easter

    Look at that bats*** Phoenix mayor that secretly despises Mexicans, don’t allow people to come use parks, no need for masks when nobody cares about those crossing border testing positive, they put them on busses and ship around the country and give social security cards!! My cousin down south said hundreds crossing every day and night that nobody stops. News won’t tell you because it’s a bats**t FUP. We hear people from Africa, South America, China, Russia, Middle East coming over by hundreds shipped from across Oceans to North and South America. Some of those ships stuck in suez had illegals and dead would have been dumped in ocean. New Democrats slave trade with children and women being smuggled by coyotes and groups posing as good samaritans. Wizen up people. There’s ulterior motives at play and lots of foreign cash.

  14. Suzanne Lincoln says:

    Sedona will have plenty of parking if (Deleted by editor) tourists start a fire then it’ll be scorched earth views, shops & houses no one wants.

  15. Debbie, VOCA says:

    Kick out paying guests and turn those houses out to be Airbnb’s core for hundreds of illegals. We can become Sedona Sanctuary. We have no jobs for them but gang members and people who break laws don’t work out as good employees. They’ll supply the town with cheap drugs and cash under the table labor. We won’t care. Everybody can adopt a family and move them in to their own home and then share their resources and incomes fairly with people in need. That’s fair. Some people will have to take in several families if they make more than the city thinks is fair. We need to build portapotty and showers uptown not parking garages and then we can pay city hall staffers to be pooper scoopers and toilet cleaners. Wait until tourists dodge poop on trails that comes from more than a four legged animal. Karma.

  16. Ed Harris says:

    Biden infrastructure proposal has 10% dedicated to infrastructure! Why is this right!!!!???? Same old same old from Democrats. Don’t want to hear that government does it better, proven in AZ that private public partnerships work best.

  17. MLB says:

    This family ranch barely makes enough to cover food and taxes and employs three fulltimers and you don’t know how we live and think you judge us? Learn respect. God bless you on Resurrection Sunday on this last night of Passover and we pray you go visit a local temple or church every week and learn respect and morality. Renewed my subscription.

  18. Kelly says:

    NY is giving illegals $26,000 checks because they suffered most from the pandemic.

  19. Paige says:

    real picture of Sedona is expensive dull touristy driveway to gemstone Grand Canyon

  20. EDDIE S. MADDOCK says:

    Acknowledging the considerable change in Sedona demographics since incorporation, is it possible there’s still enough interest in future planning for residents to participate in a city-wide poll? Such an opportunity is presently available at:

    https://www.sedonaaz.gov/your-government/departments/city-manager/citizen-engagement/budget-survey

    Even prior to Sedona’s incorporation as a “city” it wasn’t unusual for both State Routes (W89 & 179) to be congested with bumper-to-bumper traffic, especially during certain holidays and spring break(s). Of course not to the extent we currently witness, but most assuredly enough to indicate Sedona had been “discovered” long before that fateful day when voters were erroneously convinced incorporation would serve to maintain the small town atmosphere. Controlled growth was the main theme. And while we’ve yet to see real “high rise” development, little by little zoning changes have allowed higher density, loss of open space, and, yes, in some instances obstruction of some of our most prestigious viewing experiences.

    Therefore is the reason for sharing this opportunity. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey will represent a more sincere concern for future direction than simply whining to friends and neighbors.

    Of course there are no guarantees the outcome will assure changes except, perhaps, if the result continues to indicate the current trend for bigger but not necessarily better direction. However instead of sitting and grumbling among yourselves how about offering your input? Essentially the survey appears designed to obtain a feel for participants’ views on priority of proposed projects.

    It once was that city council meetings were attended with standing room only crowds sometimes filling City Hall reception area as well as the outdoor courtyard. That trend has obviously dwindled and for many possible reasons.
    With the current ongoing pandemic and traffic gridlock most of the time residential participation at meetings has dwindled and for obvious reasons.

    However, folks, the opportunity for input is presently offered via this survey.

    Wise up. Speak up. Or shut up. The choice is yours.

  21. Ben Solomon says:

    If anyone can figure out what the hell is going in with city finances then they must have masterminds. Reading the garbage in conjunction with the survey leaves ones scratching their heads. First they report spending under budget and report revenues down. But clearly they continue to defend the absurdity to continue with the $2,446,060 annual contribution to a regional chamber of commerce to promote ONLY its members, many if not most of which do not collect city sales tax. WTF.

    How many employees remain on the city staff? How many assistants to the assistant department heads and managers? Spending is clearly out of control and yet they continue with “business as usual” in the most asinine way.

    The traffic is horrendous old news and clearly creates a dangerous situation. How can EMTs etc. get through traffic and respond to accidents or fire disasters without irresponsible or deadly delays?

    IMO what this city needs is one major class action law suit to challenge what appears to be ongoing bluffs and BS reasoning for continuing to spoon feed the Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council, its affiliate. If necessary rescind that bed tax increase and cut the financial cord to what has been probably the most detrimental deal this city has EVER made. And clearly hasn’t there been a lot of them? Maybe more than we even know? Silent and/or covered up litigations? How about FOI requests?

  22. Faith in Sedona says:

    @MarilynT share that hammer girl, you hit it on the head, City hall pretends crisis and spends money recklessly like it wasn’t crisis! Fire them all. Hire intelligent managers. Happy Easter.

  23. Brian, Sedona says:

    I didn’t get my money and neither have lots of senior citizens. But $26k checks are being distributed in New York by Cuomo Democrats. The Wuhan virus killed 1/2 million of our elderly and veterans and the illegals in New York suffered the most? My real thoughts can’t be printed but my New York relatives votes will be changing parties come November.

  24. Government Business as Usual says:

    Hunter Biden, the smartest man Joe Biden knows is also the man who slept with his brother’s wife and is the same man who was dishonorably discharged and is the same man who was and is being paid thousands and thousands of dollars by an Ukrainian-Russian oil conglomerate for his “expertise”? How’s that “Biden government business as usual” standard working in your best interests Sedona? How is shutting down the Keystone pipeline in your interests and or global climate interests? Neither are for any person, place or thing. But if our local media lauds corruption and lack of transparency, who will ever know better.

    Here’s an excerpt from Mark Alexander’s Monday column:

    …….Regarding his laptop, when asked if he had dropped it off for service before the FBI picked it up, he said, “No. Not that I remember at all. At all.” Regarding the incriminating evidence on the computer, here is Hunter’s delusional spin: “It, it, there could be a laptop out there that was stolen from me. It could be that I was hacked. It could be that it was the — that it was Russian intelligence. It could be that it was stolen from me.”

    That assertion makes two things clear. He is finally admitting it was his computer, and he is admitting that the incriminating evidence on that computer was so politically damaging that he is floating laughable explanations about how it got there. Laughable, except this laptop involved the most massive media blackout in history ahead of a presidential election.

    New York Post political analyst Miranda Devine, who led the charge to expose the evidence on Biden’s computer, offered a recount of the corruption and cover-up. Regarding the computer, she notes, “Hunter gave himself an out in that CBS interview: ‘Not that I remember.’ It’s a convenient excuse for a self-described longtime crack addict. Yet in his memoir, he can recount vivid details of his substance use, from his first glass of champagne at age 8 to his months-long crack benders at LA’s $830-a-night Chateau Marmont.”

  25. @sedonawings says:

    can’t blame trump for democrat slave trade

  26. John Stillwater, Sunrise says:

    chamber government alliances unhealthy

  27. Eve, Big Park says:

    Chinese Communist Party owns people here, there and every where. For example Sedonites have many stores needing merchandise like cheap made “gems” “rocks” “paintings” “rugs” “quilts” “fabric” “jewelry” “steel” “lumber” “food” “clothing” “chimes” “bells” “drums” “garden tools” “glass” “furniture””paints” “paper” “everything” to sell. Remember communists and socialists don’t pay fair wages, they have forced labor gulags and re-education camps and media to make stupid people believe that America cheats its workers with hourly wages that is more than those countries monthly wages and that Social Security for over 65 aged people cheats workers not able to save for retirement. Ugly combination to keep you from being successful and happy in America.

  28. Jim, west Sedona says:

    Thank you Eddie Maddock for bringing that survey to light. BUT it’s a bad survey. We tried to answer and decided the city was skewing answers to make ends justify means and justify spending like that question about $10K and lots more on worthless stuff. Art in the roundabouts and other places okay but the city scores zero for its improvements. INFRASTRUCTURE and never STRUCTURES tee shirts for staff!

  29. @Eve says:

    You forgot tourists. Just sayin.

  30. Sedona Pines says:

    wtf happened to the checks
    couple neighbors got one &theyre kids
    investigate Biden’s new clusterfk
    (Deleted by editor)

  31. If the shoe fits says:

    Most be terrible to be old and hate yourself and your life so much that your constant spewing of hate and lies(that change nothing btw) makes you feel important LOL. (Deleted by editor)

  32. Eddie Maddock says:

    Thanks for your feedback @Jim, west Sedona. We are in agreement about the quality of the city survey and it isn’t unusual for them to be designed in order to obtain certain results reflecting decisions already in progress. However, because of the “comment” portion therein lies the opportunity to really express ideas, concerns, and opinions differing from the carefully crafted format to support already structured directions. Just another opinion.

  33. Amy says:

    Just read in paper 19,000 kids alone crossed the border illegally in MARCH. Biden’s groups must be making a fortune selling these kids to pervs. Throwing them over fences at 4 and 2 yrs old after stealing them from poor parents. There’s no parents paying these coyotes and you know it. They’re either stolen or used as leverage in drug deals or they bought somebody else’s life. You Americans are disgusting.

  34. Pam Williams says:

    What’s happening with that vacated seat on council?

  35. Wm. D. says:

    Jon Thompson, of course, was appointed to fill the vacant city council seat. No surprise there.

  36. Jess Wundrin says:

    Why do you suppose Gov. Ducey objects to undocumented immigrants entering Arizona when, in fact, he overturned local jurisdictions from prohibiting short-term (vacation) renters, thus degrading the integrity of more local subdivisions? What a two-faced hypocrite he turned out to be. Open borders? Eliminate local CC&R policies? What’s the difference?

  37. Talia Silver, Flagstaff says:

    Love ya Sedona

  38. Jason Williams says:

    “Affordable Housing” – ring a bell? Now the boobs cry, cry, cry when, in fact, a huge solution was kicked down the road years ago when the city council reneged on the policy that required lodging developers to provide a certain number of “work-force” accommodations in order to get building permits. Remember that one, Folks?

    The deal was that the money-grabbers balked at having to give up a few of their accommodations for work force, a common practice in other resort areas in states such as Utah and Colorado. They, instead, opted for creating off-site affordable (?) accommodations in other locations. And what became of accountability of those broken promises? The resulting “need” for affordable work-force housing?

    End of story! Another scam created by week-kneed (or maybe paid-off?) elected officials looking out for the greed mongers instead of the stupid people who voted for them?

    Keep your eye(s) on this one. Affordable housing on the agenda financed with City of Sedona revenue. Never mind the BS about the lodging council and their bed tax. Haven’t they been more than compensated for that discretionary tax with the millions of dollars allocated to the REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to promote ONLY their members most not even in the city limits? Courtesy mostly of John Martinez & Barbara Littrel.

    Best idea – Drop the half percent bed tax increase that created the hornet’s nest The most recent budget report indicates city finances are in great shape, even in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    E-N-O-U-G-H!!! Interest rates are a fraction of what they were when affordable housing was “needed”! Let the city develop a down payment interest free loan subsidy of 5% like most cities do for their police, fire, and under $50K family of 4 workforce. The people repay the city if they sell their homes before 5 years at closing or it is waived if they stay 5 years and one day. Simple effective for stabilizing the workforce. Must be within city limits – no carpetbaggers.

  39. Oliver says:

    That is also done by counties. My former state county subsidized teachers with a one year County tax abatement on purchase homes.

  40. Charlie says:

    Thanks for the feedback, self serving all the way @city council. You couldn’t find one person not in network?

  41. Sage Larousse says:

    “The busiest month along the Mexico Border in nearly two decades” -The Washington Post

    BREAKING NEWS.

    The U.S. Customs and Border Protection just released the Official count of Border Apprehensions from March, and the numbers were OFF THE CHARTS:

    172,000 migrants in total ILLEGALLY crossed the Southern Border in the month of March ALONE
    Almost 19,000 of those migrants were unaccompanied children
    And more are coming…

    We know you’re frustrated, and it’s time to hold President Biden and Arizona Senator Kelly accountable for this Crisis. Sienna is showing loyalty to Arizona over leftist DC ideology and she’s working to be better politician in the Goldwater tradition.

    They undid everything to control our border that the former administration put in place to protect and keep the market closed for child exploitation. They did it. President Biden undid it.

    Voters for Biden Harris should be ashamed. Voters for Kelly should be ashamed. Voters for Phoenix mayor should be ashamed. Voters that threw out good Arizona first politicians should be ashamed. We don’t put another state first like they don’t put us first. But we’re all equal in DC with 2 Senators each and nobody can bully an Arizonan.

    We stand for God, country and family first.

    Then you’ll get yours from us with our good charitable and understanding hearts. But never because the government tells us too.

  42. Slovak says:

    Amazon workers said NO to Union,I feel vilified. Thank you Jesus.Smart people.

  43. Linda Leno, Maricopa says:

    @jason. Affordable housing is a government term for a spending program that funnels taxpayers money to developers with a municipality taking a cut. It was designed for poor areas that no one wanted to build on and that isn’t Sedona. For Sedona to contemplate any government program is stealing from the small towns and country areas that need it for basic housing. Hands off.

  44. C.F. Gilmore says:

    It’s of record. The Sedona Lodging Council attempted to request a year off from city funding to the regional chamber aka Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Don’t we all know that’s an ongoing hot bed of contention simply because only chamber members are promoted with Sedona city revenue?

    At any rate, had the city council agreed to withhold all funding to the C of C for at least one year it might have created some good will. However nothing will justify the FACT that most municipalities do NOT fund their respective Chamber(s) of Commerce. That, repeated, is a F.A.C.T. Folks.

    This is utter nonsense for any tax revenue to be awarded to a special interest group. That doesn’t mean certain consideration to non-profit, tax deductible services, 501(c)(3), which serve the public in general – NOT “just their members.”

    One must wonder how sincere the offer was in the first place since it didn’t go anywhere. The nonsense of this absurd contract will continue as “business as usual” with claims that unnecessary advertising will not be forthcoming. Really?

    Instead the $2.4 million will be spent for other non-specific things! Oh brother, that leaves a wide open gaping wound. Especially since that former CEO (now sharing her wealth of knowledge in Park City UT) was reported as being paid something like $12,000 month? Holy S— Sherlock! Bring on the tourists! Isn’t their claim to fame as being the ones feeding the hungry controlling, pariahs and satiating the greed at the “regional” Chamber of Commerce and their Lodging Council affiliate?

    Isn’t the real message being sent nothing more than a pox on the lowly “flatlanders” (residents) who are neither wanted nor appreciated?

    If that weren’t true then wouldn’t the roads in our subdivisions be in better condition? Wouldn’t the powers at city hall cease and desist funding a regional chamber of commerce that promotes no city tax competition throughout the Verde Valley (and even in other states) as long as they are dues paying members to the club?

    SHAMEFUL? You decide.

  45. Rikki Fritz says:

    @gilmore
    a year off of giving money to or getting it from chamber ??

  46. Shoot Sherlock says:

    @C.F. Gilmore, although it hasn’t (to my knowledge) been officially announced, word on the street is the “city” (of Sedona) is presently considering making that controversial Jordan Road property a permanent “gift” to the Chamber of Commerce.

    If by some even slim chance that absurd notion is more than just a random rumor (hopefully) then most assuredly the State Attorney General should delve into a complete investigation of the ongoing questionable deals.

    For those who may not be aware, the parcel of land on Jordan Road, formerly a bank building, was purchased by the regional “Sedona” chamber of commerce on behalf of the city of Sedona. It allegedly was for the purpose of a much needed future parking area. The C of C it was further alleged had more money at the time to finance the purchase (with city funds acquired from the city?) and thus the transaction was affirmed. It was reported that in five years the “chamber” would then deed (and rightfully so since it was indirectly purchased with city money) the property back to the city.

    And now it’s being suggested for the contract to be withdrawn thus allowing the C of C to retain ownership? Another high priced asset for this “non-profit” membership only alliance which is NOT an official department, part, or parcel of the Sedona City government?

    Too many questions. Arizona Attorney General, Phoenix TV channels, take note. Beautiful Sedona appears to reek from questionable ongoing negotiations with this member-only business association. That’s just one guy’s opinion here. Or has the C of C & Sedona City managed to deny the option of expressing opinions? Hmmmm…. Another point to ponder?

  47. Mike says:

    If that gift happens then s*** will happen. Call the AG and call the city attorney who must be involved with advice. Wasn’t he involved with this prior? Wasn’t his advice what caused the need for fixes demanded by AG office to keep city and chamber from causing a lawsuit? Can’t remember myself but somebody ought to remember?

  48. F. B. Geiger says:

    Entending the debt of this city is ridiculous, the residents shouldn’t be holding the bill for a group of elitists eating cake.

  49. C.F. Gilmore says:

    “a year of giving money to or getting it from chamber??” @Rikki Fritz

    Here we go again. Another attempt to bash Sedona residents.

    Sure tourists may come and spend big bucks for hotels rooms, meals out, etc. But how about the present number(s) who come to hike? Bring their own backpacks and food. Trudge the trails then go back to their homes at the end of a day? Aren’t day-trippers tourists?

    And do those same people contribute to city coffers on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis? Do they purchase high end appliances, contribute each month by paying city taxes on our electric, water, gas bills? Shopping on line now even requires paying Sedona sales tax.

    Cease and desist with your ongoing attacks on those of us who are permanent residents. Kindly give credit for residents’ DAILY contributions, year after year, to the Sedona tax base that you constantly dismiss. Little wonder the chamber/city love affair gets so much criticism. When is enough enough? A long time ago is MY opinion.

    Suck it up. Facts are facts and the dedication to memorialize an undeserving member driven, special interest club (chamber of commerce) just continues to fester and generate even more animosity. Get it? Doubt it ……

  50. steve Segner says:

    Gilmore, although it hasn’t (to my knowledge) been officially announced, word on the street is the “city” (of Sedona) is presently considering making that controversial Jordan Road property a permanent “gift” to the Chamber of Commerce.

    word on the street i sorry wrong and you know it
    hope this helps the chamber will be giving the property paid off back to the city
    401 Jordan Road – Additional Request

    During the February Council retreat, trailhead parking issues were discussed and direction was provided for staff to bring forward a decision package to add resources to more comprehensively address these issues, including a proposal to accelerate the deployment of trailhead shuttles. These shuttles were originally contemplated to be deployed in conjunction with the Phase I Transit Plan, with operations anticipated in three to four years. To pursue the acceleration of the trailhead shuttle piece the City will need to identify temporary locations for operations, a shuttle exchange and/or park and ride locations. One such opportunity, for a temporary operations base is the 401 Jordan Road property, presently owned by the SCC&TB.

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