SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock revisits the City of Sedona Dream and why Home Rule and the City Council are destroying it.
Sedona AZ – Whether an idiom, proverb or adage, the saying “a watched pot never boils” takes on a totally new meaning in Sedona, Arizona. It might more appropriately be changed to ”watched pots never STOP boiling” in this neck of the woods.
And as election time approaches, there are so many pots a-boiling that keeping track can be a fulltime job, if not mission impossible.
Adding fuel to keep those pots active are many, many rumors, some without merit and, in particular, relate to the periodic return of the ballot measure Alternate Expenditure Limitation, a.k.a Home Rule. Much has been written elsewhere about the concept of the measure, but alternate expenditure limitation defines it in a nutshell.
It has frequently been repeated in the event voters deny continuation of Home Rule it will either eliminate or vastly decrease funding for such city services as, for example, the library. While such a possibility cannot be denied, let’s first get something clear.
Our library was established prior to the incorporation of Sedona by volunteers and, to this day, although the city presently provides funding for the operation, it is not owned by “the city.” Volunteers and private contributions made it happen, including design and construction of the present beautiful facility, and the physical efforts to relocate from the former location on Jordan Road.
1958: A volunteer group, Friends of the Library, established Sedona’s first library in donated space, with three shelves of books and magazines also donated. https://www.sedonalibrary.org/history.html
The same was true for the Humane Society of Sedona. Volunteers likewise made that happen without one penny from “a city.” Why? Because it didn’t exist. Minimal funds were, however, derived from both counties and perhaps a grant here and there. Keep Sedona Beautiful has the same story to tell. And, in fact, so does the original Sedona Oak-Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce, established over 50 years ago and survived prior to incorporation, supported by private individuals, members and volunteers.
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Fundraising galas occurred frequently up at the Elks Club and were always well-attended with proceeds dedicated to benefit one cause or another. People cared. There wasn’t a tug of war for funding as exists this day and age. Community support prevailed.
Posse Grounds was alive and well, and accommodated many local events. We had the Art Barn uptown with a stage for performances, and all did very well without city funding.
We had no boundaries. People actually got along and smiled at each other. That old-fashioned way of life has been traded in for a new trend of power and money grabbing, in what all too often appears to be a result of self-indulgence for quite possibly the wrong reasons.
And unlike other cities/town, Sedona doesn’t provide such things as water and garbage pick-up. So no, Folks, they cannot cut service in the event Home Rule is denied by voters. YOU pay the providers and it has nothing to do with our city government. The same is true of the Sedona Oak Creek Fire District and the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District. They are NOT part of incorporated Sedona, but function through regional districts. And unlike, for example, Cottonwood, the City of Sedona does not own the airport.
Same as the fire and school districts, the Chamber of Commerce provides a regional service, but somehow manages to reap huge financial benefits from the City of Sedona which, of course, remain highly contentious.
How many folks would be brokenhearted if eliminating Home Rule would force cancellation of the city/chamber contract, headed up by people who seem to be unable to give an accounting of just how many of their members are located outside Sedona City Limits and do not deserve to be promoted via incorporated city funding? That remains a mystery since a simple cursory review of the members listed in the Chamber’s publication (providing such information reveals exactly where they are located) and maybe one or two not even in Arizona?
Further, not all 86336 zip codes are located within Sedona City Limits; however, a quick physical count of the onsite location of members really shouldn’t be that difficult to ascertain those who legitimately are entitled to be promoted at the alleged official City of Sedona Visitors Center.
In fact, again unlike most municipalities, actual necessary services provided by Sedona government are pretty much limited to the police department, wastewater treatment plant, providing and maintaining infrastructure which even at that is also limited considering our two major routes belong and are maintained by the State of Arizona.
And, of course, perhaps the primary reason voters approved incorporation? Community development – for the purpose of issuing permits in order to control such things as high density projects and ensure tasteful architecture to blend with our special environment.
Keep that in mind as you observe approval of at least two more major resort hotels in the near future; Upper Red Rock Loop and Soldiers Pass Road/89A, formerly Biddles. Will defeating Home Rule negate anything like that?
Since the basic services provided by incorporated Sedona are essentially limited to a Police Department, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Community Development and limited activity by the Public Works Department, how badly would Sedona residents suffer if Home Rule were to be denied?
Certainly it would be unfortunate if grants to non-profits are reduced or eliminated; however, does the public in general have enough grit and determination to keep these services up and running if such a thing were to occur? After all, most were established without Sedona city funding in the first place.
For example, a very recent event was paramount in precipitating the effort to pull this information together.
Featured in Kudos The Good Life (May 16-22, 2018) is a recap of The Rotary Club of Sedona’s 2018 Chili Cook-off: In addition to chili-chef winners, there are impressive lists of the names of sponsors for the event. For example, a total of nine sponsored Beverage, Parking, Shuttle and Judges’ Gifts, seven sponsored “Habanero” and two people were “Serano” sponsors. A total of thirty-two stood up for “Jalepeno and Chili Pepper” while an impressive one hundred eleven donated to the “Rotary Silent Auction.” Keep in mind those numbers, totaling one hundred sixty-one businesses and individuals willing to give of their time, effort and products to make this annual event happen, remain really quite impressive…and prove that community spirit has not taken a leave of absence and grit and desire to make things happen. It can be done with or without incorporated Sedona.
After all, prior to 1988, when boundaries didn’t officially define Sedona City Limits, that’s how folks lived, cooperatively, and in unity without beating a path to a City Hall for funding.
Each and every civic organization offered not only group unification, but brought the community together at events such as the Chili Cookoff sponsored by the Rotary Club.
For so many years Sedona lived the Impossible Dream. Has that purpose become so faded and distorted that it no longer exists?
IMPOSSIBLE DREAM LYRICS:
To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go.
To right the unrightable wrong,
To love pure and chaste from afar,
To try when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star,
This is my quest,
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless,
No matter how far.
To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march
Into hell for a heavenly cause.
And I know if I’ll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful and calm
When I’m laid to my rest.
And the world will be better for this,
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage.
To fight the unbeatable foe.
To reach the unreachable star.
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Idiots like me? …you cannot even use your own name. Coward. I thought you weren’t allowed to call people “idiots” on here. I guess thats only if you are in the idiotic and vocal Sedona minority. If you cant handle the heat – stay anonymous.
Coward.
“They” are “ruining” our dream. Sick. Sad.
More free publicity for Sedona?
Arizona Republic, 5/28/18 – front page: “Internet lists don’t quite capture the true Arizona” – Scott Craven, Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK:
Partial quotes from article:
“We know the competition to list the most beautiful this and most unusual that is at an all-time high, with fact-checking relegated to the closest intern, and only in the rare cases when fact-checking is used at all.
But that doesn’t explain how Tombstone was named the cutest town in Arizona, or Sedona the most quaint.”
“Now it’s onto Mom.me’s list of the quaintest city in each state. Again, issue is taken not with any type of accolade because Sedona is worthy of many with its superlative scenery.”
“TOO CROWDED FOR ‘QUAINT’ ”
“Anyone who’s been stuck in traffic along state routes 179 or 89A, the main roads in and out of Sedona, probably wouldn’t think ‘quaint.’ Parking spots are the true spirit-refreshing vortexes on busy summer weekends.”
“Quaintness dissolved long ago amid the plethora of Instagram posts showing off Sedona’s stunning red rocks, photos that are likely tied to increased tourism.”
“And you definitely kiss ‘quaint’ goodbye as more celebrities visit, and not just for rehab.”
“To reiterate, Sedona is gorgeous. But not at all quaint.”
Hmmm – could it be possible there are more than just , as offered by @Showboat, “6 out of 10,000” residents observing how the charm is being choked out of Sedona?
My point about the Library is not that they would not be better off without the $400,000. The point is, they did not need it, and put all of it in in the bank. The Library was already getting about $1.2 million from our property taxes.
The city could have:
Reduced taxes
Paid off debt
Saved the money in our own account.
Instead, the Sedona Library now has over $6,000,000 in assets. I have heard the Sedona Chamber now has about $1 million in the bank. When the city gives the chamber about $2.5 million a year to attract more tourists we don’t need, that’s what happens. No, the bed tax does not belong to the chamber, it can be used to mitigate tourist impact. That is the city not being fiscally responsible. That is just the city spending money so it can ask for more next budget. The same process is used throughout the city.
There is just so much overspending.
Documents Don’t lie
Segner smoke and mirrors
Document Tax returns that PROVE Joel is President of the library
http://www.sedonacity.com/SedonaFactCollective/Library/JoelDeTar/2016Taxjpeg.jpg
Joel is involved in Sedona 30 here
http://www.sedonacity.com/SedonaFactCollective/Library/JoelDeTar/Screenshot-lib.jpg
There is ONE way to Control things.
VOTE NO on home rule!!!
The childish, low level of discourse on this site is truly saddening to me, a citizen who cares about Sedona. Tony Tonsich, calling people “liars” does not constitute leadership or qualifications to be mayor. Taking snippets of comments from the city manager and twisting them, without context, is not an argument against Home Rule. Denigrating the city council members who work very hard to learn about our needs and issues is not a solution.
I DO agree that the chamber of commerce is getting too much money and has neglected the needs of many Sedona residents but blowing up the entire city government by voting against Home Rule is destructive and childish, and so much easier than actually approaching problems with an open mind and heart and working together with residents of ALL opinions to solve them.
Burning down the house by voting against Home Rule and the many things our city does for us is foolish and destructive and simple minded. Pointing fingers and calling names is easy. Opening your mind, getting all the facts, learning and setting aside your ego to really listen to the facts is a lot harder.
To everyone in Sedona: do your homework and learn the real facts. Most of all, vote for the city council candidates who have show, in word and deed, that they are willing to make changes with an OPEN mind, are willing to LISTEN and learn, and treat people with RESPECT and KINDNESS. Do not vote for the haters who casually call others “liars” and “morons” and “corrupt.”
I DO want a change in the chamber and less traffic and more attention paid to residents and not big business franchises. But pouring gasoline on the city and lighting a match, all the while yelling “corruption” and “moron” is NOT going to make anything better.
I just went to that website SedonaCity.com and THEN did some research.
The webmasters of that site (no, I will not mention their names so the posting isn’t removed) have had a vendetta against the City and the Chamber for years, for whatever the reason is. Most of the info is touted as fact when it is really opinion or twisted fact. I encourage everyone on this site to DO THE SAME RESEARCH before jumping to conclusions.
@Concerned Citizen Although you do make some valid points, allowing Sedona City government to have unlimited access to the cookie jar (tax & spend) makes no sense.
Candidates can promise the moon and fulfilling the impossible dream of reclaiming Sedona, but once elected all too often they’ve even forgotten their commitments or choose to renege, possibly giving in to the control freaks responsible for the decline of our infrastructure and quality of life.
Forcing those in charge to cut back on their runaway spending sadly is the only message that might get their attention. And how will that be accomplished? By voting NO on Home Rule.
@ Concerned Citizen
When a liar lies, should he not be called out as a liar?
James 3:14
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”
When someone, out of pure greed, denies a fact presented him with documentation only a few paragraphs before, should he not be called out a liar when he lies?
That is one of the problems, not enough good people are willing to raise their voices until things have gone too far.
That is why I am voting against home rule. Because we trusted our local government, and they gave to themselves and their friends and betrayed that trust.
Proverbs 21:6 ESV
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.
(deleted by editor)
Caught that front page article (Az Rep 5/28) @Eddie Maddock about “too crowded for quaint” and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. How sad that Sedona’s became no more than just another ho hum tourist trap. And who’s fault is that? City Council & staff that set the real decline in motion back in 2013. How many of those losers are still around who voted on the bad chamber contract besides our Vice Mayor? What a legacy as one version clearly points out in the referenced article.
@Concerned Citizen By voting No on Home rule does not “Burning down the house”.
It will bring you the change you want “I DO want a change in the chamber and less traffic and more attention paid to residents and not big business franchises.”
A No vote is a simple RESET button. Allows the city to slow it down Look at logic and review what is truly needed. We most certainly don’t need to fund private entities like the chamber.
Our City can get up to $30-35 mil without home rule if they follow the steps. I believe that we are better off without home rule.
Creativity and innovation is always a benefit when you enable people to slow down and think things through. :) :)
I encourage everyone to vote No on home rule. You have nothing to lose. If after one year the city can get Home Rule on the ballot again.
Please vote NO!
If not “liar” then what do you call people who do not tell the truth?
Is fibber better? Prevaricator?
Ain’t nothin’ “childish” or “low level” about telling the truth, and the truth is that you can’t handle the truth.
Change your handle from Concerned Citizen to Pollyanna.
Ignorance got us into this mess, ignorance will get us out. When all the tourists and taxpayers leave. How many millions will the Chamber and Library have in their bank accounts then?
You can’t solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it.
I vote NO for overpriced bakery items and cakes…
And business that cater to tourists instead of locals
Thnk God for bashas bakery
Please get a life and tell us all what town in the USA has not changef in 30 years..
Wow, either you have no idea of what you are speaking about or you are purposely trying to lead the readers down a bad path.
“a simple RESET button” doesn’t sound like a simple “RESET” button. One way that you are totally off your mark, “If after one year the city can get Home Rule on the ballot again”, OH HECK NO!! There is a minimum wait period of 2 years. So because you don’t have a clue of what you’re talking about we would have to lose funding to the library, community center, parks, pool etc. OMG, Sedona Recycles is in such bad shape that a loss of funding would DEFINITELY shut their doors. ALL BECAUSE YOU HATE THE CHAMBER FOR WHATEVER THE REASON. Get off of your soap box and learn the facts!
It doesn’t take a rocket scientists to see Sedona sucks. Takers taking taxpayers money for their own businesses are running city hall and their accomplices stacking the decks have to go.
That is right folks time to get rid of the enablers.
Making statements without any bones, incorrect and false statements only prove that the stewards of Sedona are dumb ole **** with you nuts directing them. Selfish.
Remember the Laser show? Chamber said they wanted more. Disrespectful to our forests. Listen to the mission of the city. Crackpots fraudulent.
Vote NO on home rule KICK the chamber out.
I loved the news on the holiday weekend. They directed the phoenix crowd to just drive up for a day. Word is out
$edona is in it for the money!
Congratulations Chamber and City you driven the long term repeat customers to day trippers. Awesome! Great job!
Sedona Businesses Withdraw from Chamber
SEDONA TIMES / FEBRUARY 11, 2014 / 22 COMMENTS
https://sedonaeye.com/sedona-businesses-withdraw-from-chamber/
@charly W maybe if you read the article you might like most towns and cities over a period of 30 years also change your opinion. Why are obvious destructive changes a good thing? Do you think a slam at Sedona is beneficial? Or maybe you’re just among those on the greedy gravy train who doesn’t give a hoot at what price as long as you ramp up your own bank account. Very sad indeed.
stick to the topic & stop name calling
Does any on remember RR news on 6/12/13 “Chamber struggles for funding”
Isn’t this when the went to city for $
me thinks so.
“Chamber struggles for funding”
https://sedonaeye.com/eye-on-sedona-taxation-and-representation/
READ the comments!
GREAT Article Ms. Maddock
The city/chamber contract deal started with the 2013 city council.
Thereafter even newly elected council members (and mayor) have voted to continue the contract without benefit of Requests for Proposals! So they are every bit as bad as the first council who negotiated the contract.
Remember VOTE NO on incumbents seeking reelection: Mayor Moriarty, Councilmen Jablow and Lamkin, and Councilwoman Williamson are all avid SUPPORTERS of the chamber deal – no RFPs and now a 7yr contract. Shameful. (but it can be cancelled)
BTW let’s not forget the recent increase in sales tax.
For those of you not aware, leases on commercial properties must pay that increase on monthly rental fees. You people at city hall are determined to shut us down, aren’t you? Put a pencil to what that increase amounts to on rents ranging from $5,000 (if you’re lucky) to $15,000 per month and upward. And now Sedona is ridiculed for being coined “quaint”. How much more “quaint” can a place get?
The only thing growing in this town is city government up 40%, chamber of commerce doubled staff, and the special interests bank accounts library assets 7 million to name one. Names of others to follow.
What is shrinking is population.
A no vote on Home Rule will change all that. City government cut backs hopefully they will get rid of staff not needed like the assistant city manager.
Maybe the police dept won’t get that swat team that is so sorely needed, not.
No more funding for the chamber and other takers, praise the Lord. The special interests have been investing their ill gotten gains in real estate and huge salaries. No need to worry about them they’re not going anywhere.
No on Home Rule, No to all incumbents.
This is for the drama queens that are puting out false info to scare the voters. Even if homerule fails to pass the city can ask for a one time override. Of course they will need to get voter approval first. But that should be no problem if the request is for legitimate services.
I would like to remind all the returning city council members and others that I have an amazing research team, I fully intend to inform the voters of your no bid contracts, conflicts of interest, bankruptcies, IRS code violations and lack of fiscal responsibility. WE have no intention of letting our beautiful Sedona go quietly into the tourist and tax oblivion. It is OUR home. We will defend it with all legal means. Your time is done. Sometimes the wisest choice is to withdraw gracefully.
The last day to withdraw is May 31st.
Tony Tonsich for Mayor. The only choice.
Why City of Sedona recently found it necessary to increase sales tax for much needed and long overdue road improvements.
SERVICE CONTRACTS AND AMOUNTS FOR FY19:
Humane Society of Sedona $64,785
Sedona Community Center $169,122
Sedona Public Library $470,392
Sedona Recycles $100,000
Verde Valley Caregivers $35,000 +
SMALL GRANT RECIPIENTS AND AMOUNTS FOR FY18:
Sedona Community Food Bank $13,000
Sedona Arts Festival $10,000
Sedona Fair Inc. dba Sedona Winefest $8,000
Sedona Historical Society / Sedona Heritage Museum $4,200
Plan B Foundation $7,000
Sedona International Film Festival & Works $24,000
Scorpion Booster Club $9,525
Canned Sedona $1,100
Sedona Arts Center $24,000
Running River School $1,020
Gardens for Humanity $1,200
Chamber Music Sedona $7,500
Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition $11,000
Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund $10,000
Verde Valley Sinfonietta $10,000
Sedona Chamber Ballet $10,000
Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters Inc. $9,955
QUESTION: Although all of the above organizations certainly offer wonderful services, the number one responsibility of an incorporated municipality should remain in providing the NEEDS of those people residing in that designated area.
Why then wasn’t adequate infrastructure ranked number one prior to providing these kind and generous donations to non-profits?
Do you really need more evidence of irresponsible decisions that prove this city council and management does NOT deserve to operate under the provisions of Home Rule. Therefore: VOTE NO – PLEASE!
Inadvertently overlooked was the all time annual citizen rip-off give-away to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Amount given increases substantially every year but currently $2.5 million plus! This single waste of tax money, without substantial accountability, makes the sum total of the above lists pale in comparison.
HOME RULE- VOTE NO
Someone made comments that if Home Rule doesn’t pass the following will be cancelled.
At $90 per kid why should vetoing Home Rule shut down the activities? Makes NO SENSE.
What does make SENSE is to VOTE NO ON HOME RULE.
The Posse- Summer Camp
Kids Summer Camp
Date: 06/04/2018 9:00 a.m. – 06/08/2018 1:00 p.m.
Location: Recreation Room at Posse Grounds Park
525 Posse Ground Road
Sedona, Arizona 86336
camp
Don’t Miss Out. Join The Posse! Parks and Recreation is offering a kids summer camp in June of 2018. New Curriculum! New campActivities!
Ages 6 to 11
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. snack is included
$90 per child.
Recreation Room at Posse Grounds Park (Mon-Thur) and Sedona Community Pool (Fri).
June 4-8 (Registration deadline May 30th).
This energetic camp is recreation based. Participants will enjoy outdoor time, sports, arts, great interactive presentations and all within the beautiful surroundings of Posse Grounds Park. Our goal is to introduce children to the fun possibilities encompassed within “Recreation”. Monday through Thursday camp will be held at Posse Grounds Park and camp will conclude on Friday with play time at the Sedona Community Pool!This camp is limited to the first ten registrants.
PS from TAX DOLLARS @ WORK says
well.
Revenues
The increase is primarily driven by the increase in both sales and bed taxes. Increases in these revenue sources are based on a two to three percent increase (plus a factor for new businesses) over the estimated actual amounts for fiscal year 2015-16. Since those revenues are up 11 percent for sales tax and 17 percent for bed taxes, this is a $2.4 million increase over the fiscal year 2015-16 budget amounts.
$2,400,000 increase 11 percent for sales tax and 17 percent for bed taxes,
This program is a great success… The bed tax monies are over seen by the city /and staff.
Sales tax and bed tax up 11%and 17% room rates up at most hotels and hotel night stays are flat or up slightly! S some number of guests that pay more and spend more……
Now for traffic look to sb1350, hotels nights flat ,traffic up, no advertising in state.
Over 1000 new room opened up to nightly rentals this year, don’t get mad at the city or the chamber call the governor he put the rentals in you neighborhood.
Seems the marketing is working , same number of visitors more tax income for city, working as planned just better.
P.S. Advertising this year was In January and feb. only and in Chicago….. so much for day trippers…..
Can no longer refrain from throwing in two-cents worth here.
If S. Segner is implying the upswing in the “national” economy after the obvious recession was because of the Chamber advertising Sedona he surely must qualify for being committed to an institution. There has never ever been factual evidence made available to prove such a fallacy.
Then he further insinuates we are to blame the governor for bumper to bumper traffic because residential vacation rentals are now legal. And will he next be stupid enough to believe he will convince his naive audience that we will see a bridge rebuilt at RRCrossing?
That man must live in a fantasy world which, unfortunately, he’s managed to sell to his audience @ City Hall (council and staff).
Need any more convincing we need to evacuate the rats and vote NO on Home Rule? And only those willing to cancel the idiotic city/chamber contract and thus right off the top eliminate what’s rapidly approaching $3 million/annually (plus benefits) need apply to fill for what hopefully will be a massive turnover at city hall.
@Steve Segner “so much for day trippers.” So much for you and your idiotic feeble attempts to justify the current mess Sedona has become. Keep it up. Your snow job hopefully will turn into an avalanche that buries all the destructive high rollers controlling what once was beautiful Sedona.
PS from TAX DOLLARS @ WORK says
Then he further insinuates we are to blame the governor for bumper to bumper traffic because residential vacation rentals are now legal.
So you are saying 1000+ new rooms just opened for nightly for rental , mostly on the west side had no effect on traffic this spring and that is ok, but chamber sucks !
SB1350 is good, and chamber sucks, party houses are ok and chamber sucks, no nightly rentals in areas that have HOA,s is ok but Chamber sucks… Sedona sits on two state Hwy, s and 100 miles from Grand Canyon and 30 miles from Flagstaff and you want no day trippers…..and it is all because of the chamber!
Day trippers were in Sedona before you arrived and they have every right to come to Sedona, The Chambers advertising “out of state” worked the numbers show it. .
Harv go out side today traffic backed up ? No 99% of the time.Harv,
Not you town, 8000 people make a living from visitors and day trippers, learn to live with it or move that easy because no one can stop it Arizona is growing and people will come.
Have you noticed the yellow shirts, the new traffic plan, well that will all stops if home Rule is voted out, same for police office at the high school, ……Harv you and you you friend are willing to bankrupt Sedona to make a point?
Traffic and visitors will come, we need to work on transportation, trails and way to move visitors them to areas not over used. that is what the chamber and city use the bed tax for ….
Vote NO on Home Rule.
The Chamber of Commerce spent approximately $1 million in taxpayer funds to purchase the 401 Jordan Road property in Uptown for a parking lot.
The real need according to the January 2018 “CITY OF SEDONA Transportation Master Plan” is for an additional/expanded parking lot off Jordan Road (Page B-8, Transportation Hub/Additional Parking).
The Chamber of Commerce spent approximately $1 million in taxpayer funds to purchase the 401 Jordan Road property in Uptown for a parking lot
Yes and we should all thank them, they bought it for the city and for visitors…. And the city ask them to do it….. The city cannot buy anything if it is not in that years budget so the chamber did. Bed tax monies can only be used for visitor projects… This save the city over $1,000,000 from the general fund. great use of bed tax.
The chamber took the money from “advertising” and used to up grade parking and get a great piece of land for future use, for what ever the city decides….. Before you type do some research. All the bed tax money is overseen by the city…..
@Steve Segner (the one with both “esses” in CAPS)
For one thing vacation rentals do NOT represent 1,000+ “new rooms.” They are rooms in existing homes!!
And no I do NOT think out of control “party houses” are OK but I DO think the Chamber sucks!
If voting down Home Rule means cancelling the contract with the Chamber, then that, in my opinion, is the way to go! Time to put the brakes on out-of-control motor mouths with wacky no sense ideas. Their only interest is in fattening their own piggy banks. They, including your Chamber, again IMO, are the biggest blight in Sedona – even worse than traffic!
Any more questions?
And why is incorporated Sedona responsible for providing a police officer at the high school? It should be the responsibility of the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District to provide security for schools in the district. That is why we pay property taxes! Another good reason to vote “NO” on Home Rule.
Please think about one concept when it comes to your Vote on Home Rule = If you want the City to keep spending more $$$ than they take in – well then vote yes on home rule.
On the other side of the story – If you are interested in the City having to be responsible for their spending and overspending = VOTE NO !!!
As a past City Council Member – I’m voting NO on HOME RULE.
Why? In order for them all to stop, drop and reconsider the wide open free spending ways of our current City so they will scale back and really come up with responsible priorities that are cost effective .
This is a special acknowledgment to former Council Member Sheri Graham for having the courage to go public with her opinion. Coming from a person who has walked in her own shoes up to that council dais, thoroughly studied and understood the issues and was always well prepared, in addition to being a long time Sedona resident and business woman I’m extremely appreciative for her input and, in particular, having the integrity to go public with it.
Muchos Gracias,
Poco Diablo’s Mother
Steve Segner was turned down in 2014 when he wanted to turn the City’s Uptown Parking Lot into the “Activities Parking Lot.” That is, a parking lot where vendors could pick up and drop off visitors looking to participate in activities in and around Sedona. The City Council said this could be considered as part of the multimodal traffic study.
Instead, in 2017 the Chamber of Commerce opened an unannounced escrow to purchase, own and manage 401 Jordan Road by using and deeming approximately $1 million of City of Sedona public taxpayer money as product development funds. An initial project goal: A staging area for tour operators.
The escrow was opened without letting the City Council know that in 2014 when Steve Segner wanted the City to turn the Uptown Parking Lot (just one block away) into the “Activities Parking Lot,” the staging area and hub were to be considered part of the traffic study. The City Council was informed and approved of opening the 401 Jordan Road escrow during a subsequent Council Meeting. There was no public knowledge or input and participation. No public hearing was held.
The January 2018 CITY OF SEDONA TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN did not endorse the 401 Jordan Road parking lot. It claimed an additional/expanded parking lot off Jordan Road is needed. (Page B-8, Transportation Hub, Additional Parking.)
Thank Goodness there are still a few sane voices out there @sherri graham & others. (@Harv Sedona etc.) They seem to have the ability to grasp the concept of an incorporated city/town which is to service a designated area. And in the case of Sedona NOT the High School & Fire Districts or the entire Verde Valley. (Sedona police officer at high school. With Big Park school closing this month, let the school districts manage their own budgets. Private retired police hires are endorsed by NEA.)
Other questionable examples? Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters – Gardens for Humanity – Plan B Foundation(?????) – Scorpion Booster Club – Canned Sedona (????) – Running River School(????) – Sedona Chamber Ballet(?????); Verde Valley Sinfonietta – Sedona Visual Arts “Coalition”(????)- Red Rock Trail Fund ((United States Forest Service (USFS)????????))
Those are IN ADDITION to city sponsored programs that aren’t essential to the safety and health provisions that come along with responsibilities of an incorporated area.
The library, subject of above article, is a wonderful thing. It along with most of the beneficiaries of Sedona’s perceived great wealth DOES NOT BELONG to the city of Sedona and WAS ESTABLISHED MANY YEARS BEFORE that most unfortunate event occurred.
However the biggest thorn sticking in various areas of Sedona residents’ bodies remains the colossal misappropriation to the “regional” Chamber of Commerce and claiming the Visitors Center, run and operated by same flaky outfit, is officially that of the City of Sedona (and bearing signage that proves otherwise!!). If that isn’t fraud, then what is? State Attorney General? City Attorney? Where are you.
More reasons to vote NO on Home Rule. The list keeps growing.
I received this by email today, Ms Wesselhoff must have an old list where I am still president of my association.
“Good Afternoon!
As you may have heard, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau has a new mission: to serve Sedona by making it the best place to live, work, play and visit.
We have wasted no time in getting tangible results:
We are asking the City Council for no increase for Tourism Bureau marketing in FY19. Instead, we are suggesting our scheduled increase go to help fund improvements to our traffic flow problems, which start construction later this year.
Our Sustainable Tourism Plan will be ready this fall, the result of a year-long partnership with the ASU School of Sustainability. Destination communities such as Sedona are adopting Sustainable Tourism strategies, preserving their communities and managing tourism while being mindful of the jobs and services a healthy tourism economy provides.
There is a lot more going on and we are excited to spread the word. I would be honored to make a brief presentation on our exciting new directions to your HOA at an upcoming meeting.
Can you let me know if this can be arranged? I look forward to hearing from you and I am happy to answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Wesselhoff
President/CEO, CDME
O: 928.204.”
Tangible results ???? They are doing a study and only taking as much money as they took last year, like that is doing us a favor?
It’s like the mafia, “hey, we know things are bad for youze but, we are only going to make you pay as much as you paid last year. Youze should be grateful. ”
The insult to our intelligence. The gaul. I’m not grateful. Are you ?
Vote No on Home Rule, vote out all incumbents.
Thanks, Tony Tonsich, for sharing the message you received from the CEO of the “regional” Chamber of Commerce. Of course, my own response as a voting resident would be for the Chamber of Commerce to take a one-way hike on one of the USFS trails and not return.
We did very well here without them attempting to control our lives and look forward to the day they must grovel for survival the same as the rest of us.
Oh the nerve. How dumb do they think we are? Thank goodness we do NOT have an organized Home Owner’s Association in our subdivision. On the other hand it would be a great opportunity to tell that arrogant Ms. Nobody who thinks she’s Somebody how truly aggravating her whiny voice is as in “it’s too difficult” when asked how many of the Chamber’s members were outside city limits.
Well Mr. T, you just made my decision to vote for you even easier. It’s my understanding a new fellow threw his hat into the ring for Mayor which, of course, will split the vote. May have been another conspiracy from the controlling forces. The best case scenario will be for a runoff between you and the current mayor. Oh how sweet will that be!!
Ms. Nobody/Somebody IMO is (Deleted by Editor).
VOTE FOR TONY TONSICH FOR MAYOR. VOTE NO ON HOME RULE.
why dont you morons listen to her presentation? oh, being a troll is so much more fun.
N one above mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce advertises in China, Japan, Germany and the UK. Sedona is well enough known without advertising. All the tourists pouring in and us residents in very quiet neighborhoods Uptown are being blamed for congestion in the roundabouts I have lived on Smith Rd on the main neighborhood intersection for 39 years and can testify that we do NOT generate enough traffic to cause congestion. We are quiet neighborhoods and insulted by this accusation. Fifty percent of the traffic going through the roundabouts at the “Y” passing through Uptown NEVER stop according to the recent traffic report, they are travelling up north. Present City Council and City Staff have been and continue to take us down the wrong road and are too blind to see it AND don’t care. Why sit on City Council if you don’t have a lot of money to spend…no fun. Many homes in Uptown are owned by out towners who use them seasonally, but they are also being blamed for congestion at the roundabouts, Residents of Sedona are nothing but COLLATERAL DAMAGE for the tourist industry, Steve Segner never identifies himself as President of the Lodging Council, always writes as just a little old me resident and constantly tells those who complaint about what Sedona has become to get out of town
It’s been brought to my attention. Someone posted a comment on a source unknown to me which includes my name along with others, insinuating I’m against Home Rule.
My position on Home Rule, quite frankly, is nobody’s business but my own. However, the snide comment pointedly asks insidious questions to which, indeed, I do have answers that at least for the time being I choose to keep to myself.
How quickly people seem to forget past favors and related cooperation, to be returned with unproven accusations, false information, and unwarranted demands.
Is that not, in fact, proof it isn’t necessarily just those who disapprove of City policy and their contract with the Chamber of Commerce, among other things, spewing their reasons and arguments to support their positions, but quite the opposite.
The rah-rah crowd in support of Sedona’s rapidly growing reputation of becoming the go-to Cash Cow for the entire Verde Valley (check lists of recipients appearing in numerous other comments on this site) evidence even more points to ponder about the wisdom for City of Sedona to benefit from the questionable rewards of operating under the more liberal option of Home Rule.
Perhaps the real upside to “stuff” like this is how apparent it becomes that one person’s dream can definitely serve as someone else’s nightmare. However, that, Dear Readers, is a two-way street.
And why should anyone spend time listening to Jennifer Wesselhoff, President/CEO, CDME (whatever that means) of the regional Chamber of Commerce of Commerce? She is neither a Sedona elected official nor a city staff member.
For Gawd’s sake, she’s being paid a hefty salary by her Chamber members (believe that and guess who has a bridge to sell you) and even shuns in-city licensed businesses unless they are Chamber members.
It seems you, “hello,” are the moron for having even wasted your stupid words.
However, you have maybe one chance to prove your point.
If Sedona voters do approve Home Rule under the guidance and self-imposed leadership of the President/CEO, CDME of the regional Chamber of Commerce then mostly likely and sadly you will have proven your point.
Just another opinion.
Eddie Maddock says:
My position on Home Rule, quite frankly, is nobody’s business but my own. However, the snide comment pointedly asks insidious questions to which, indeed, I do have answers that at least for the time being I choose to keep to myself
Wow, you write and talk and talk all things Sedona and you have no public stand on Home rule?
What is so hard about taking a stand? You take a stand on everything else.
You afraid of loosing your following all 6 of them…..
Are is it you don’t want to look like T party ,Tony, no plans no facts just hates growth and the chamber he is single handily going to stop traffic and city limits.
You know all the facts, it is cut and dry, no on home rule kills Sedona…. But you need time to think about it? Or hide out for now ….. Coward
” T” party Tony just want to kill government and the chamber …. To hell with parks, pools and baseball fields ,dog park and police office at our high school and lets not forget street paving streets will is history.
Eddie , think hard…….. and long……
T party Tony, does not need a plan on how to fix Sedona he has a smart neighbor he can ask the one that said community development only needed three employees!
Harv, Sedona says:
May 31, 2018 at 11:57 am
And why is incorporated Sedona responsible for providing a police officer at the high school? It should be the responsibility of the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District to provide security for schools in the district. That is why we pay property taxes! Another good reason to vote NO on Home
Harv, I will type slow so you can understand this you pay no city property tax.
You pay a county tax….. You live free in Sedona because of the sales and bed tax Paid by others. Sedona is cash rich andtax income is over budget every year… And sedona has
huge savings that is now using ….to fix roads Go it ? No city property tax…. One more tome no city property tax..