SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock sheds light on the city of Sedona plan to exclude public input on rezoning.
Sedona AZ – With Thanksgiving already on the horizon, the Christmas/Holiday Season will be here in the blink of an eye. Could it be possible our Sedona City Council, City Staff, and Planning and Zoning Commissioners might be playing Santa’s helpers and have in mind a special gift for residents and property owners within Sedona City Limits?
Hmmm – if so, what could it possibly be?
In past years endeavors for transparency have generally been an asset, and beneficial, to council members who frequently and publicly stressed the importance of including citizen input prior to making decisions. They honored the Community Plan and rarely if ever considered major amendments without extensive public notification allowing everyone a chance to voice opinions: Without public notice and opportunity for participation, a zone change was out of the question.
As evidenced just one year ago, November 2018, our City Council joined forces with other local entities to oppose the massive 700 unit development on the El Rojo Property just outside Sedona City Limits.
How would our City Council and those other local entities have felt if they were denied the opportunity to have a voice or say-so in any decision with potential impact on incorporated Sedona? Isn’t it safe to believe they would not have liked or appreciated being shunned?
And yet now, just one year later, IS EVERYONE AWARE City Planners intend to impose NEW RULES which will REMOVE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC INPUT on issues relating to the REZONING OF PROPERTIES, thereby leaving the decision to City Staff, P & Z Commissioners, and City Council to determine the fate of ALL vacant lots in Sedona?
City of Sedona Council chamber
It appears such a scheme has been in the works and it isn’t unusual towards the end of a year for controversial (or sneaky?) issues to pop up before the P & Z Commission and City Council when people become busy and begin to plan for merriment and holiday festivities which seem to commence earlier every year.
To be specific, following is the content of an e-mail being circulated, and with the permission of the sender, it is thus appearing on Sedona Eye:
* * * * * * *(begin email)
Greetings Everyone,
You are receiving this email because of the interest you showed last May in the Serenade Apartment Project on Andante Drive. Even though they pulled their application, it appears they are still active. They have recently had a new survey done, are securing a construction company, and who knows what else.
This is Not about the Serenade Apts., but something Much Larger that will not only effect that project, but Projects all across the City.
THE CITY WANTS TO MAKE CHANGES TO CRITERIA FOR MAJOR COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENTS.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
It means that City Wide, the Planning & Zoning want to be able to Change Zoning on any property under 5 acres, on their desk, Without Public Notice.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN?
It means that Zoning on projects such as Serenade Apts., (on only 2.53 acres, which would Double the population, traffic, resource use, etc. on Andante Dr. between 89A and Thunder Mountain) could then be changed in Planning & Zoning without notice or input from Residents. THIS WOULD BE CITY WIDE.
WHAT IF YOU LIVE IN A GATED AREA &/or HAVE A STRICT HOA?
You will still feel the effects of a much higher population, more traffic, more resources being used, etc., without being notified or having any input.
TIME LINE:
MEETING – NOVEMBER 19th, AT 5:30, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AT 102 ROADRUNNER DRIVE, SEDONA
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE HELD TO PASS/OR NOT THE CHANGES TO THE NEW CRITERIA.
( http://www.sedonaaz.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/10465/25 )
IF PASSED DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING, IT WILL THEN BE SCHEDULED FOR A CITY COUNCIL MEETING APPROVAL.
The 2013 campaign by the city of Sedona Community Plan to maximize citizen participation was not repeated by subsequent city councils in favor of increased high rise, low income and maximum density development and a tourist based economy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
*Attend the meeting, and bring at least one friend.
Don’t rely on others to attend for you. It’s probably a coincidence, but these types of meetings are usually scheduled this time of year when part time residents are either leaving town, or coming back in town (unaware), and still others are focusing on the Holidays.
Submit your comment where it shows ‘Comment Form’.
*Pass this email on to your friends who live in Sedona.
This may be the first and last time they will hear about this.
*Email the Planning & Zoning Commission Members directly, regarding: PZ19-00003 (MINOR CPA)
Commission members
Kathy Levin – Chair klevin@sedonaaz.gov
Randy Barcus – Vice Chair rbarcus@sedonaaz.gov
George Braam gbraam@sedonaaz.gov
Eric Brandt ebrandt@sedonaaz.gov
Charlotte Hosseini chosseini@sedonaaz.gov
Kathy Kinsella kkinsella@sedonaaz.gov
Larry Klein lklein@sedonaaz.gov
*Remember Our Cities Vision Statement.
To be a city that is constantly vigilant over the preservation of its natural beauty, scenic vistas, pristine environment and cultural heritage.
To be a city that retains its small- town character and creates its man made improvements in strict harmony with nature.
To be a city that is animated by the arts, and lives with a spirit of volunteerism to help achieve our common goals.
To be a city that offers equal opportunities for all and fosters a sense of community.
To be a city that welcomes and accommodates all of its visitors and future residents with a spirit of fellowship.
To be a city that retains and enhances a strong and vital economy which preserves existing lifestyles without exploiting the natural beauty.
And finally, To be a city that lives up to the challenge of proper stewardship of one of the earth’s great treasures.
Thank You,
Bettye
* * * * * * * *(end email)
How many vacant lots, both commercial and residential, approved for higher density development will it take to compete with the previously rejected El Rojo Property proposed development just one year ago?
Don’t forget to take time to think of a special gift for “Santa” when vacant lots in your subdivisions are rezoned for “whatever” and the SR 179 properties – presently zoned Cottage Industry – are rezoned for higher density housing or commercial development.
There’s only one important thing I should have included… This is Not only for Vacant lots… Example: If I sold My house (Oh that’s tempting right now), someone could buy, the City could potentially change the zoning, and new owner could level and put in 10-12 apartments in a single family area.
Bettye, I don’t remember seeing you at the original outreach by the Serenade Apartment Project on Andante Drive back in the spring, but I was there. They were very clear that if the community did not embrace their proposal to build really nice homes that they would be fine building the 11 lots with mobiles. I’m guessing that is what they’re doing now. No zone change, no working with the neighbors, other than design approvals, the city can do nothing to stop this project. Perhaps you and the neighbors should consider buying the property otherwise it’s their right to do what is legal.
Hi, in response @Bettye. Yes I was at the meeting and spoke twice with questions. I never heard about 11 lots, but the owner’s proposal was for a zone change to build 52 Apts. with 60 days leases. They did say if the zoning wasn’t changed they would build 11 mobiles homes, which would fit in the neighborhood PERFECTLY.
Please read what the letter is really about: THE CITY WANTS TO MAKE CHANGES TO CRITERIA FOR MAJOR COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENTS. -Thanks
To be on a citizens committee like planning and zoning it helps if you go to a citizens academy. At the citizens academy you are observed and if you do not fit what staff and council is looking for you do not get appointed to a committee IMO. Once appointed to a committee, like planning and zoning, since you have already been noted as ‘ RIGHT THINKING” you make recommendations to the council. Since you have already been screened by staff and the council, shocking , your views fit with theirs.
Those with opposing views can just move. Like you have been told.
Glory Be & Hallelujah! Another sweetheart deal for greedy exploiters. To hell with our Homeowner’s Associations and related subdivision CC&R’s. This is the perfect setup for a select few to be “appointed” to the P & Z Commission and easily accommodate builder/investors when they buy up older homes, tear them down (as Bettye suggests) and then create multiple-unit dwellings. Another attempt at “affordable housing” – NOT. A greedy enterprise to dump on honest citizens and feed $$$$ to those in control – and believe me – we know who they are.
Shame on those responsible for even bringing this suggestion to the table. No wonder every day more houses are on the market for sale. Great for realtors. However, those P & Z Commissioners quite frankly who would even consider approving such a travesty to Sedona property owners – to stomp so severely on the integrity of subdivisions – are in fact subject to high suspicion.
Such as? Are they friends or have an “in” with people waiting in line to grab up vacant property before it’s even been demolished? Same old, same old. That’s a remake of why Sedona incorporated. For developers. And now add to the mix a greedy, overbearing regional chamber of commerce clearly pulling the purse strings at City Hall.
The above, of course, reflect our opinions but we take comfort in knowing we are not alone in our thinking.
The great civilizations beat down the idiots and enthroned sanity and intelligence, which made them able to do great things. Failing places like Sedona gave control to idiots, cleaned up after them, and got idiotic outcomes as a result.
Take for example the number of times the one mile of 89A uptown has been redone in the last few years of city control . Millions of dollars wasted, while the streets in our neighborhoods go unrepared for decades.
The overpaid city staff and chamber think they deserve being richly paid and you should move if you don’t like it. They need to be put in their place, and paid what they are worth, which is nothing.
@ Here’s the scam?
I’ve never had the time to partake in the citizen’s academy but it sounds like you have. IMO from all of your opinions, it sounds like YOU have taken the course and most likely YOU weren’t liked by whomever so YOU weren’t chosen for anything of substance.
IMO you sound like a sore loser who didn’t get chosen for the team because you didn’t know how to get along with others.
Sedona government control in a word:
DICTATORS
you sure sound like a city employee imo
Thank you @Here’s the scam? Many have had the same experience as you. I have never taken that class, but heard from friends that have.
I did work on one of the CEP group and found it very odd. There was no meetings or direct contact for the project with anyone in the group. Only emails.
For myself I found this very disengaging. I love hearing peoples ideas, suggestions and find that they make incredible positive changes.Face to face, think tanks are incredible method of sharing knowledge, experience and ideas. Even if the idea didn’t sound so great they can have a positive wonderful improvement.
When the program first was presented I thought it would be great and follow the Total Quality Management program of Involvement. Since I professional taught this I even volunteered to help. My findings of the city program are the polar opposite to TQM. That is why I spoke to a few City Council members and city staff about it.
Unlike the majority of incorporated cities, the city of Sedona allows non residents and businesses to be on a CEP panel or committee. Those that apply are screened. Then chosen by city managers. The work and meetings are not transparent.
I have looked over the groups and saw conflicts of interest in some of those that were chosen. For example groups, non profits or their employees that benefit from City funding or a particular outcome. A good example is allowing alcohol on city property.
I have spoken to a few city employees and city council about the process. Had direct meetings. In one of the meetings I asked a city council member about this, one told me that I wouldn’t qualify to be on a committee or group. He supported that decision by manager. ???? When I asked why, he told me this, ” allowing you to sit on a committee would be like letting Steve Jobs on one” !!!!!!!
The only way that involvement programs work is to un-censor, unleash, un-limit and allow all those to participate without controlling or manipulating the outcome. When this happens worlds class innovation happens. I speak from experience.
There are too many that like it this way, they reject anyone that doesn’t go along with the program.
A very wise City Manager once told me “It doesn’t matter you you like, when it comes to public money checks and balances are required”
My experiences lead me to conclude with my opinions.
To: Sedona Residents
From Sedona City Council and ” Professional staff”?
You screwed up, you trusted us !!
Hope this helps.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH
@ @John Daniels
You are entitled to your opinion. Over the years I have been accused of being a city employee, a chamber employee, and even a fire employee. Too bad you’re not clever enough to realize that I can just be a resident with an opinion that isn’t afraid to call you all on your BS.
Example of a “cottage industry” gone bad: = Little Tijuana – SR179.
Started out as a regular house (cottage) with an art gallery as part of the house. Then by a conditional use permit was allowed moderate addition. Last expansion(s) however were deemed illegal after long court battle. And what has the city done to enforce compliance? NOTHING!
Oh you are such a nice person I’m shocked that they didn’t have any interest in accepting your help for anything, especially with your experience teaching the Total Quality Management program of Involvement.
The thing is, you always portray yourself as “the nice person that everyone talks bad about” what people don’t know is how nasty you can be. When I was in high school I worked for your biggest competitor and you used to make fake complaints about all sorts of issues with my bosses store. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t see it with my own two eyes. It’s no wonder that no one wants to have you help them.
Sorry about Your experience with the City. It sounds like Your the type of person we residents need. But that’s the way They work.
Thank You for sharing Your experience with us.
Sorry @Donna you have the wrong person.
Just because someone told you a rumor doesn’t make it true. I have NEVER filed or placed a complaint against any business. Don’t blame me for something I’ve never done.
Here is a good true story. Back in the 90’s I had an employee who told me a story about a so called “horrible person” who owned a coffee house in west sedona. My location was in uptown then. They went on to tell me this horrible story about the persons that owned and operated this coffee shop. Well I knew and actually serviced them with wholesale product. The story was 100% fabricated. I corrected the employee and told them it was not true. Sad but true, a super nice business owner had rumors that were totally false.
Throughout the years I have witnessed so many fake and false allegations, stories ect. The stories grow and change as each person that repeats it tells it different. Just like the game we played as kids “telephone”
I even heard through my friends at city hall that there has been complaints placed by people using others names.
I can say that think competition is good, that helps us grow, learn more. I have always recommended my competition on a regular basis. Many businesses within the same industry work together to service the customers. I have worked with many, even jumped in and helped them when needed. I have emails proving this.
So please @Donna try to step outside the Sedona rumor mill. Completely fake.
I have a few more stories to tell about these like this. One funny one is the rumor of how I was having a well known persons baby. Because they saw us together and I complained I had a stomach ache!
I attended meetings and classes you gave 10-15 years ago. They were always free. You even set up my businesses Facebook and Twitter accounts.
I watched you do this for others businesses. I wonder how many others got started with your help.
You also volunteered for a business association. I witnessed your hard work, giving reports, artwork, marketing, show organization and management. I couldn’t believe all things you did for us. I don’t know how you did it.
Thank you Donna you helped me and others so much.
Thank you, Sedona Eye, for articles AND subsequent comments – a constant reminder that our decision to move away was a blessing. So sad what’s happened there but that of course is our opinion and the reason we left.
Our story equates with @Former Residents of Sedona. In our opinions as business owners we were very quickly discouraged when we learned we had to be members of the Chamber in order to benefit from referrals at what Sedona City claims is the “official visitors center” (clearly signed as being that of the Chamber of Commerce.) We collected city taxes, had a business permit, and what was the reward? Competition being promoted outside city limits because we weren’t members of the C of C! BS over and above the artificially inflated high rent we paid for an unremarkable commercial property with pressure to associate with an organization not of our choice to promote our very local business?!?!
Now, however, we are feeling Karma was looking out for us because we are doing very well in our new location and have many customers from Sedona who sympathize with our story, dislike traffic and those ridiculously high city taxes, and are fed up with the control allowed by the regional chamber of commerce with taxes collected by only Sedona businesses to promote competition outside city limits. Bottom line? We weren’t having it. Another of life’s lessons learned the hard way but with a happy ending.
Goodbye Sedona! We can enjoy your red rocks from a distance and avoid the prevailing bad energy within the confines of your incorporated and artificial city. Climb a red rock, look around. Every one of those 360degree viewable towns and cities are better business climates. EVERY SINGLE ONE!
“we’re only evil when it’s profitable, which is, well, all the time”.
Allowing a stacked planning commission with the assistance of unsupervised city management who’s only goal is to increase the budget and taxes is a recipe for small town destruction.
The town I once lived in allowed large lots wit a small single family home to be developed into 3 story buildings with 8 units and not enough parking. Of course, then finding parking on the street in a once quiet and uncrowded neighborhood became impossible. No one knew their neighbors and in no time at all it became a place you’d not want to live.
The developers and contractors made really good money for a little while. A lot of them went broke in the next downturn. Karma always takes a payment.
It’s bad enough when elected city council members vote against the will of the people. However to consider allowing appointed commissioners to make zoning decisions is – well – the words in my mind aren’t printable!
We, the people, didn’t vote for these control freaks. It isn’t right for them to rezone property in our subdivisions or anywhere else in Sedona. Arrogance of power in motion – arrogance of presumed power might be a better term?
FYI this information is a gift to attorneys.
Change zoning against subdivision CC&R’s and guess what? Class action law suit(s) just waiting to happen. That holds true to potential zone changes on SR179 in the Chapel Area. Councilman Jablow, are you paying attention???
@ Alison M
Instead of sharing your half-hearted one-sided opinions why not join me at the meeting. I always found that the best way to get REAL FACTS is to attend official functions and meetings where the rubber meets the road.
The same person keeps posting the phrase the “will of the people” as if that person knows what that is. we have a city Council they are the will of the people they were voted in. The city Has public meetings for any change to any regulation go to the meeting say your piece.
“. . . why not join me at the meeting.” @John Daniels W. Sedona? Oh sure and be treated like most residents these days? (dirt is a polite word) Or maybe you aren’t aware that rarely do residents attend City Hall meetings anymore. Because they aren’t welcome?
But most likely you are among the self imposed dignitaries sitting upfront at one of the courtesy tables for such important folks?
My position as suggested by @Marv, Sedona would be to wait for at least one other shoe to drop and then join forces to seek legal counsel regarding dismissal of not only CC&R’s (should P & Z commissioners make changes to zoning without public input) but also related to DEED RESTRICTIONS as enacted at the time subdivisions were initially approved.
Those of us (as is suspected with one particular “special interest” member-driven association) do not have access to perceived free legal advice from the city attorney. Therefore, heads-up licensed attorneys/lawyers local and state wide. This proposed action might just supersede short term rentals as being state-wide headline material.
Sedona is run by the will of special interests IMO I witnessed meeting after meeting where CC just do as you and the club say. Never FACT check anything you say. All recorded BTW Trust me, pennies on the dollar
Why should anyone go and try and speak at a cc meeting? You have had unlimited time to convince them how to vote. The public only gets 3 minutes while you had meetings after meetings along with unlimited presentation time.
IMO
Oh give it a rest and admit that the only way that you will be happy would be to change how the city works. The ideal change for you would be to go from THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE to THE WILL OF THE BAKER.
Years ago I asked councilor Ward how the WILL OF THE PEOPLE worked when one person has the “WILL” that has the council voting one way and another person has the “WILL” that they vote 180 degrees in the opposite direction? Councilor Ward said “Welcome to Sedona young lady” and continued “that is why people elected me into office to listen to everyone and then make the best decision FOR THE CITY AS A WHOLE”.
Which meeting should we go to?
The all day “workshop” where the chamber has unlimited time for their presentation?
The city council meetings where the chamber sits at a table with staff and has unlimited time for their presentation and residents get 3 minutes?
The private get together at Segners “Estate”?
Funny stuff. We need a meeting with tar and feathers.
Alison M. Says:regarding dismissal of not only CC&R’s (should P & Z commissioners make changes to zoning without public input) but also related to DEED RESTRICTIONS as enacted at the time subdivisions were initially approved.
OK let look at this.
1. You say, without public input ,”all P and Z meeting are open to the public by law.
2. DEED RESTRICTIONS The city can not change “DEED “Restrictions. By law
3. Dismissal of not only CC&R’, No, the city can not change CC& R’s .Once approved
4. City can not change a higher zoning to a lower use with out paying for the loss in value. All changes of use are open to the public if not at a meeting all information is on file for all to see at the city , just ask.
If you go to city and zoning meetings you can let the city and staff how you feel.
Comment from:Just go to a meeting says: You keep talking about the chamber, what is that all about? Get over it and what does that have to do with Zoning.?
Right on! Spot on @Just go to a meeting
I’ve gone to enough meetings. They stack the room with cronies. Anyone that speaks against the program agenda gets tarred.
Did you see the video of the non-city meeting were they played and blamed Representative Thorpe for all the Sedona issues?
They blamed him for vacation rentals, stacked the room and presented fake information. The map included hotels, BnB, Timeshares that were ALREADY approved and not residential homes being used as short term rentals.
Fake city as they point fingers and blame those for what THEY created, empowering, and subsidizing a private special interests. Now their hotel special interests are whining. Money money money. IMO Why should the city subsided the hotel industry?
Lets get rid of all CITY-BED-TAX and let the city rebalance itself. Why should in-city pay for outside city limits to play? IMO
so funny
Geeze now posting Steve Segners.
I always guessed you have a multiple personality disorder and people posting for you IMO
Crack up! If you spent as much time and money on your business instead of trying to get the taxpayers to pay your bills, you’d probably be worth a few million more IMO
Has anyone else noticed how Sedona’s questionably self-appointed “mouthpiece” just knows everything about everything and isn’t shy about sharing his vast knowledge with SE readers? As if we don’t have a pretty darn good vision of what’s going on this incorporated piece of crap (IMO).
Wonder how many decisions were made at the grand event in October held at the Segner Estate in Oak Creek Canyon? (notice of that soiree was posted on SE without objection of the host)
But of course the “self-appointed” Mr. Importante is just a guess. If facts were known it’s likely he’s given more accolades and encouragement from our elected officials and city staff at these invitation-only special events than has ever been disclosed or made public to peon residents.
Keep up your immodest demonstrations Mr. Big Shot. Nothing lasts forever and Karma lives. (that goes for those at city hall allowing this ongoing freak show that’s rapidly becoming Arizona biggest joke)
And who’s laughing? The chamber of commerce on their way to the bank – which, of course, courtesy of Sedona revenue they are now the owners of one of the former bank properties uptown.
Sweetheart Deal? You betcha!
Segner Estate in Oak Creek Canyon?
Really ? “Donna” That seems to bother you ? Why ? My comment was about going to city meetings and how information is allways available. What is the envy thing and the chamber thing,,,, I just answered a comment that was wrong about CC&R’s . So it is OK to post incorrect information but if I post the correct information I am a chamber hack ,with a house up the canyon? What it that about ? You just want people top post water they want , sorry.
And this :I’ve gone to enough meetings. They stack the room with cronies. Anyone that speaks against the program agenda gets tarred. Relly you know the city council cannot reply to comments…. you just stand up and say what you want, The real scares you ? so you only vent on the Sedona eye ,,,,
Segner, nobody is jealous of you. (deleted by editor) Weath is more than a collection of money or houses. When you make your wealth by ruining a town you are a poor man spiritually. There are so many poor people spiritually running Sedona. It makes me sad, but they will not take their ill gotten gains with them. I’ve known a few men with a lot of money. If their friends, family and others don’t have fond memories of them , their wealth evaporates upon their death. They are quickly and completely forgotten. Karma awaits.
Is this convoluted or not? According to @Steve Segners says:
November 14, 2019 at 8:00 am:
“The city can not change “DEED “Restrictions.
No, the city can not change CC& R’s .”
Most vacant lots here are located within developed areas that were approved with “Deed Restrictions” and “CC&R’s” – therefore why is this issue even going before P & Z if they cannot change zoning? This appears to be a bunch of gobble-de-gook spinning of one thing or another that should jolly-well serve as a “heads-up” to Sedona property owners.
So a house in your subdivision is leveled – thus reverting to a “vacant lot.” Will P & Z then have authority to change the zoning if the new owner of that property wants to redevelop, for instance, multi-family that’s against both deed restrictions (single family dwellings) and related CC&R’s?
If ever there was a red-flag proposal, isn’t this an example of one to take note of? Is it anything other than mish-mash at best and makes one wonder just who it is standing to benefit if excluding public participation in matters of rezoning becomes a new Sedona law? Definitely not residents unless, by chance, any of them are owners of vacant land and want rezoning for the purpose of gaining a profit? Are there conflicts of interest within P & Z Commissioners, City Council or City Staff? If approved how long will it be before the 5-acre limit is expanded to larger parcels?
For example, take the Cultural Park – which incidentally was a flop from the get-go and now presently on the market again for $19.9M. Slightly over the one-to-five acre specification, of course, but what’s to stop this potential money-grab from also landing in the hands of the P & Z Commissioners and City Council to change zoning without public participation?
Answer, apparently, NOTHING if this is allowed to happen. Sedona’s version of Pandora’s Box at it’s most frightening to date?
What’s troublesome to us is why would any P & Z Commissioner of integrity even want or consider taking on the responsibility of making a zone change without public participation?
By so doing it’s our opinion the legal ramifications might not be worth such bold decisions – to deny citizens who purchased their properties in good faith, based on restrictions such as single family dwellings and other specifics in both deed restrictions and CC&R’s.
If by chance this new rule is approved, to withhold residents their rights and an opportunity to have a voice in what’s developed in their surroundings, it is our hope the City of Sedona, Planning & Zoning Commissioners, City Council Members, AND City Staff, collectively and individually, have the socks sued off them!
How many lawsuits have been filed against the City of Sedona and prevailed that have never been made public? Isn’t confidentiality as a rule one of the conditions upon which settlement of litigation is mutually agreed ?
Seriously, does this proposed authority to appointed Planning & Zoning Commissioners (vs elected City Council members) really amount to anything but a short cut to amending the Sedona Community Plan in order to increase building density? Devious?
Maybe the seated City Council a few years ago bought into the sales pitch of “just trust us” when negotiating for a “destination marketing” contract with the chamber of commerce but it doesn’t mean Sedona residents should be stoopid enough to follow suit and think this is a great idea.
BS = Baloney Supreme (among other things).
@Bottom Line: ” does this proposed authority to appointed Planning & Zoning Commissioners really amount to anything but a short cut to amending the Sedona Community Plan in order to increase building density?” = Amen minus the Hallelujah (nothing for residents to celebrate if this is approved but plenty for the local control freaks at the C of C & Sedona Lodging Council) Just another opinion.
Hello,
This is an important public service announcement concerning our future well being. I found this information very interesting and should be viewed by everyone. Please take the time to look it over:
We are approaching a future in which they will mandate us to have an RFID microchip placed in our body. This chip will contain all our personal information, and we will lose much more of our privacy because of the tracking capabilities.
Did you know this chip matches exactly with Biblical prophecy? Please read!
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (Revelation 13:16-18 NKJV).
Referring to the last days, this could only be speaking of a cashless money society, which we have yet to see, but are heading towards. Otherwise we could still buy or sell without the mark among others if physical money was still currency. This mark could not be spiritual, because the word references two distinct physical locations. If it was spiritual, it would only say in the forehead.
We can see throughout the history of the world how we are being conditioned through the process of convenience. More specifically with how we make payments. We went from physical currency to credit and debit cards containing digital currency, to these cards having a chip in them, to now being able to place your card near a device that will read its data. As well as self check-out lines in our market places and the cryptocurrency industry making a fast climb in such form as bitcoin. These are all stepping stones for the powers that run this world to bring about their ultimate agenda, that is to place a microchip in each and every one of us.
RFID microchip implant technology is on the rise and will become the future of a one world cashless money society.
Continue reading to see how it matches perfectly up with Bible prophecy!
From a YouTube video titled, “Warning From Man Who Designed RFID Microchip”
Here are some notes from the video:
“Mr. Carl Sanders attended seventeen New World Order meetings with heads-of-state officials such as Henry Kissinger and Bob Gates of the CIA to discuss their agenda on how to bring forth this one-world system. The government commissioned Carl Sanders to engineer a microchip for identifying and controlling the peoples of the world-a microchip that could be placed under the skin with a hypodermic needle(a fast, convenient method that would be gradually accepted by society).
Carl Sanders, along with a team of engineers behind him, with US grant monies supplied by tax dollars, took on this challenge and designed a chip that is powered by a lithium battery, rechargeable through the temperature fluctuations in our skin. Without the knowledge of the Bible(Carl Sanders was not a follower of Christ at the time), these engineers spent one-and-a-half-million dollars doing research on the best and most convenient place to have the microchip placed under the skin.
These researchers discovered that the forehead and the back of the hand(the two locations Revelation says the mark will go) are not only the most convenient locations, but are also the only viable places for rapid, consistent temperature fluctuations in the skin to recharge the lithium battery. The chip is about seven millimeters in length, .75 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a grain of rice. It is capable of containing pages of information about you. All your general history, work history, crime record, health history, and financial data can be stored on this microchip.
Mr. Sanders believes that this chip, which he regretfully helped engineer, is the “mark” spoken about in Revelation 13:16-18. The original Greek word for “mark” is “charagma,” which means a “scratch or etching.” It is also interesting to note that the number 666 is a word in the original Greek language. The word is “chi xi stigma,” with the last part, “stigma,” also meaning “to stick or prick.”
Mr. Sanders spoke with a doctor asking what would occur if the lithium contained within the RFID chip leaked into the body. The doctor answered by saying a terrible sore would appear in that spot. This is what the book of Revelation says: “And the first(Angel) went, and poured out his vial on the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the mark of the beast, and on them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2).
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE BEAST, THE NUMBER OF ITS NAME? THE MYSTERY OF THE NUMBER 666 REVEALED?
What I first want to explain, before I share my thoughts on the number of the beast, is that God confirms in threes. We can see this all throughout scripture: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one” (1 John 5:7 NKJV). “and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4 NKJV). “…Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8 NKJV). There are many more examples, but I thought I would just share three of them to make the point.
Examining Revelation 13:16-18, the first group of three I would like to bring to attention is that the mark of the beast is detailed in three separate verses, 16, 17 and 18. The next three I see is in verse 16, “He causes all…” is followed by three contrasting categories of people, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave…”. Then unto verse 17, it opens with, “and that no one may buy or sell except one who has…”, followed by three explanations of what one must have to buy or sell, “…the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name”. Then in verse 18, we read “Let him who has understanding calculate…”, which is followed by, “the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666”. The last three I see is the number 6 being used three times in a row. The reason I’m making this point is because of the number 666, as you will read below.
“17: even that not any could buy or sell, except the one having the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of its name” (Literal Greek Translation).
Here we see the mark being identified as having the name of the beast, and that name being identified as being a number. We can know that these attributes being shown in verse 17 are all in one thing because the Bible warns of us about receiving the mark, singular. It is clear in verse 17 that we cannot buy or sell without the mark(being previously identified as a microchip), but why cant we buy or sell without the name of the beast, or the number of its name? What does that have to do with us buying or selling if the number of the beast only applies to identifying the Antichrist, as the common thought has been? So we need the number of the beast to buy or sell. What does this mean?
“here the wisdom is, the one having the mind let him calculate the number of the wild beast, number for of human it is, and the number of it 666” (Revelation 13:8 Greek Translation).
“Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for the number of man; and its number is six hundred sixty-six” (Jubilee Bible 2000 translation).
“In this situation wisdom is needed. Let the person who has insight figure out the number of the beast, because it is a human number. The beast’s number is 666” (GOD’S WORD translation).
The Greek word “anthrÅpos” being used in verse 18 where it says “of human” is the Greek strongs concordance G444. The first two definitions of the word are “a human being, whether male or female”, and, “generically, to include all human individuals”. Could the number of the beast apply to all mankind? In the Greek, and other translations, you will notice the beast is described as an “it”, instead of “him”. The reason I’m making this point is because when a translation says “His number is 666”, this would imply a singular person, the Antichrist. But by saying “the number of it 666”, implies that it is of the beast system as a whole.
Throughout the years there have been people trying to calculate numbers based on titles and names that add up to the number 666 to identify one person. But from verse 18, I do not see where God is instructing us to count up to 666, but rather to count the number of the beast. This number is identified as 666. So the verse is telling us to count the number 666.
What does it mean to count? It means to add up. So how could we add up 666? Remember my previous point about God confirming in threes. So logically, what would be the best way to count the number 666? To count it equally in threes based off the number. We cannot count it equally as 600+60+6, this would also bring us back to the start. We cannot count it as 600+600+600, or 60+60+60, because there are no zeroes in between or at the end of 666. The only option is 6+6+6=18. What is interesting is that the verse that reveals for us to count the number itself is verse 18, being the third verse out of three verses that describe the mark of the beast. What is 18 divided by 3? 6. So 3×6=18, or 6+6+6=18.
Another interesting point is the only two other combinations(making a total of three possible combinations) for placing a “+” symbol in between the 6’s are 66+6=72, and 6+66=72. Adding 7+2 and 7+2 equals 18. Add both 72’s together and you get 144. Why the number 144 is interesting is because the verse following Revelation 13:18 is the first time in the Bible where the 144,000 are being described in detail: “Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads…” (Revelation 14:1).
Now if you add up all three numbers by counting 666 by moving the “+” symbol around, it would be 72+72+18=162. What is interesting about the number 162, is, if you divide 144,000 by 162, you get 888. The name of Jesus in Greek gematria adds up to 888. Revelation 14:1 not only mentions the 144,000, but also the Lamb who is Jesus.
Applying the same format that I used with calculating the number 666, in which I got the numbers 144 and 162, they also bring interesting results bringing us to the number 18:
– 14+4=18*
– 16+2=18*
– 1+4+4=(9), 1+6+2=(9), (9+9)=18*
– 1+44=(45), 1+62=(63), (4+5)=9, (6+3)=9, 9+9=18* | (45+63)=108, 10+8=18*
– 14+4=(18), 1+44=(45), (1+8)=9, (4+5)=9, 9+9=18* | (18+45)=[63] | 16+2=(18), 1+62=(63), (1+8)=9, (6+3)=9, 9+9=18* | (18+63)=[81] | [6+3]=9, [8+1]=9, 9+9=18* | [63+81]=144
– 1+4+4=(9), 14+4=(18), 1+44=(45), (9+18+45)=[72] (any two combinations of (9, 18, 45, and 72 will add to 18*) | 1+6+2=(9), 16+2=(18), 1+62=(63), 9+18+63=[90] (any two combinations of (9, 18, 63, and 90 will get you 18*) | [7+2]=9, [9+0]=9, 9+9=18* | [72+90]=162
Now what is interesting about the number for Jesus, 888, is that if you apply this same formula, you get 8+8+8=24. Why the number 24? Revelation chapter 4 tells us there are 24 elders seated around the throne of God. This is the same throne where Jesus sits.
Now if you take 8+8+8=24, and 8+88=96, and 88+8=96, you get 24+96+96=216. Take 144,000 divided by 216 and you get 666. Remember that this was the same exact formula to get the number 162 out of counting 666 that brought about the number 888 when dividing 144,000 by 162. It is perpetual.
With using the same formula of counting by adding the “+” symbol in between the numbers, why do all these numbers relate in such a way?
Another interesting point to note is that if you add up all the numbers from 1 to 36, it totals 666. The number 36, as in three sixes? Could this be a hint that we should add up three sixes instead of perceiving the number as six-hundred sixty six?
So what could this mean? We know in this world we are labeled by numbers in various forms. From our birth certificate to social security, as well as our drivers license, being identified based on a system of rulership. So it is plausible that this RFID chip will contain a new identification that has a total of 18 characters. Could this be the name of the beast, the number of its name? The beast system that is identified by 18 characters? This would fit scripture that speaks of a mark that we need to buy or sell in our right hand or forehead, and that it also contains the number of the beast, during a future cashless money society.
Revelation 13:11-15 tells us that a false prophet will arise deceiving many to take the mark because of the miracles he does before men. At all costs do not take it!
“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Revelation 14:9-11).
Did you hear about the person from a major media outlet who reported a major event occurring approximately 20 minutes before it actually happened?
It’s time we are told.
A reporter from BBC reported the collapse of World Trade Center 7 on September 11th 2001 approximately 20 minutes before it fell!
Remember, WTC 7 did not get hit by anything, so there would be no reason to assume it would collapse. But she didn’t report on assumption, but that it already did collapse!
How do you explain this? How do we explain this? The only logical explanation is that the power that orchestrated 9/11 is the same power that controls the major media outlets!
Don’t believe me? View the broadcast yourself posted on YouTube titled: “BBC Reports 911, WTC 7 Collapse BEFORE it Happens”
It gets even worse…
Did you know there is other footage they don’t want us to see twice? I’m speaking of footage on the day of September 11th 2001 during the time the planes hit both Trade Towers. Eye witness reports say the following concerning the planes:
– “No, it wasn’t a commercial airliner”
– “…but it didn’t have any markings on it that I saw”
– “no emblems, no logos”
– “It definitely did not look like a commercial plane”
– “I did not see any windows on the sides”
– “It was a black plane, it looked like a fighter jet”
– “It was black, it looks like a military plane”
– “It was a military plane”
This video also shares testimonies from firefighters who share their story being in the world trade towers as bombs were going off(to weaken the structure of the trade towers to cause the free fall collapse).
As a terrorist, how could you smuggle bombs into the trade towers with all of its security systems which includes bomb sniffing dogs? Also, if terrorists did plant the bombs, then why weren’t we told about the bombs?!
You can watch a video of this on YouTube by titled: “9/11 – THE FOOTAGE THEY DIDN’T LET YOU SEE TWICE (9/11 2001 Documentary)”
What about the attack on the Pentagon? Was it really a plane that hit it, or something else, maybe a missle?
Why did the FBI go around and confiscate camera footage from the surrounding buildings not releasing them to the public when they clearly showed us the planes that hit the world trade towers?
Why was the only footage shown to the public from one of the most heavily guarded places in the world low quality footage showing only five frames at about one frame per second?
The U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld admitted the day before the attack that the Pentagon was missing 2.3 trillion dollars. Could this attack on the Pentagon have anything to do with covering up that information?
So what conclusion is this coming to? What is the ultimate agenda of this major event that occurred on September 11th 2001? Why did we go to war with Afghanistan and Iraq?
David Rockefeller is quoted to be saying in his memoir:
“Some even believe we are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as ‘internationalists’ and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure–one world, if you will. If that’s the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it.” – David Rockefeller, Memoirs
Another video to watch is an infamous interview done with movie producer Aaron Russo titled, “Aaron Russo RFID Human Implant Chip”
Aaron Russo produced such movies as Mad as Hell, Trading Places, and America: Freedom to Fascism. He gained the attention of a man named Nick Rockefeller who saw the movie Made as Hell and knew Aaron was running for governor of Nevada. Knowing the impact Aaron was having on society, who being a freedom fighter standing for the constitution of the United States, Nick sought to befriend him to subtly recruit him into his secret society.
Aaron shares what Nick had told him:
“He’s the one who told me 11 months before 9/11 ever happened that there was going to be an event. He never told me what the event was going to be…and out of that event we were going to invade Afghanistan to run pipelines from the Caspian Sea. We are going to invade Iraq to take over the oil fields to establish a base in the middle east, and make it all part of the New World Order…”
“I remember he was telling me how he was going to see soldiers looking in caves for people in Afghanistan and Pakistan and all these places. And there was going to be this war on terror, where this is no real enemy, and the whole thing is a giant hoax. But it is a way for the government to take over the American people…”
Aaron asked Nick, “What’s the end goal? And he said the end goal is to get everyone chipped to control the whole society. To have the bankers, the elite people controlling the world…”
Visit http://WWW.BIBLEFREEDOM.COM to see all the proof! It is at the point where it takes more faith not to believe that the Bible truly is the word of God!
You will see proof for Noah’s Ark, the Red Sea Crossing, Sodom and Gromorrah, scientific evidence the Bible is inspired by God, testimonies from all walks of life concerning Jesus, and much more!
“EITHER HUMAN INTELLIGENCE ULTIMATELY OWES ITS ORIGIN TO MINDLESS MATTER OR THERE IS A CREATOR…” – JOHN LENNOX
For some time, the dominate theory in the scientific community was that the universe was eternal, without a beginning. As progression was made, the final conclusion came to be that the universe is expanding from a single point known as the Big Bang, in which space, time and matter all came into existence at that single event.
This troubled scientists who’s worldview was purely naturalistic, as this notion concludes that what caused the universe to come into existence must be spaceless, timeless, and inmateral, favoring the Biblical God.
The non-biblical religions tell us that god or god’s create within space and time that eternally exist. The Bible stands alone and says that time and space don’t exist until God creates the universe.
The Bible tells us that God is a Spirit who fills the Earth, the heavens, and the Heavens of Heavens cannot contain Him. That He dwells in unaproachable light, being eternal with no beginning. This is the type of being who could cause the universe to come into existence. This also fits with reason that there must be an uncaused cause, otherwise you are left with an infinite regression in which idea is not logically coherent.
The Bible also states in multiple places that God stretches out the heavens, thousands of years before scientists discovered an expanding universe.
Ask yourself, if there is a God, wouldn’t He be personal, because we as His creation are personal? Wouldn’t He have reached out to us by now? Wouldn’t His word be the most read and translated in the history of the world, full of predictive prophecies? The Bible is that word!
“For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.” – Robert Jastrow, astronomer
Jesus says we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (John 3). In our sins, we are spiritually dead. Therefore we must be born from above by the Spirit of God to be made alive again.
I hope this information has convinced you of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul. All religion is man-made, and the Bible warns that there will be many false doctrines that will spread throughout the world. Jesus calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him. Not any religion or denomination. He wants us to have a relationship with our Father in Heaven, to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus says narrow is the way that leads to life, and few be there that find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Will you humble yourself before the Lord tonight in prayer, acknowledging that you need a savior? He is faithul to forgive. Keep asking Him for the Holy Spirit, so you may receive the Spirit of Christ, giving you a new heart, and He will lead you into all truth.
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Place your trust and hope in Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation, for you are not promised tomorrow!
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
What’s missing is that all those on P&Z are hand picked by the city to maintain and control the agendas to stay in control. The city is serving a one sided industry and will do their best to make the residents do away IMO.
Look around more residents leaving everyday. While the city wants you to believe your neighbors are the problem with vacation rentals, they have been giving tourism industry an unfair advantage, subsidies, funding to nonprofits, that DO NOT need it. Why? vote buying IMO.
The blame game is being used to distract you.
Go back and watch the council meetings from 2012-2013. this is when they took it to a new level. The past city manager is recorded as saying in a council meeting “Wesselholf tax”. It was even printed in the local print paper.
What happened folks? How did all those groups get service contracts and grants? Were they directed by staff or council on how to get taxpayers money? How many of you got letters or heard radio ads to maintain city-funding to your favorite group via home rule?
Is the city here to support clubs and groups or are they here for infrastructure?
Voters beware you have a another two running under the same platform. GET more local control. Don’t fall for it. The local control and approvals are what got us in the mess we are in IMO Don’t do it!
Local control = chamber control IMO
There seems to be no limit to city planners for scamming residents and denying their input – regardless of how “they” try to defend what they do. They only care about their precious chamber of commerce that’s great for members outside Sedona. No city taxes but a free ride on the tails of businesses in city limits that pay the price – including residents.
However, that’s a different subject than this potential authority about to be bestowed on appointed P & Z Commissioners. Shameful.
Sarah Larson? Thanks for the warning but we’re not falling into discussing this. Next.
P&Z it’s time to be a forward thinking members of this community & not carpetbaggers.
“Go back and watch the council meetings from 2012-2013. this is when they took it to a new level.” @What’s missing.
Isn’t that when the decision was made to allow formation of the Citizen Engagement groups? Beginning of the end to transparency, that was and remains. Knew a few who tried to participate but were rejected. Handpicked is what happened and exactly the reason Sedona has turned into the snake pit we now live in.
More corruption if P & Z pulls off this latest scam. Any bets the professionals at scare tactics will step in and manage to convince residents it will be the best thing for them? WTF then go ahead and help finance that bridge to nowhere they convince you will be built.
Who will really benefit? You can safely bet it will NOT be Sedona residents or city based businesses that aren’t represented at the City financed Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. What’s wrong with these people? What’s wrong with Sedona voters? What’s wrong with YOU?
Read two sentences (1-1/2?) @Sarah Larson (666) diatribe and had my laugh for the day, possibly tomorrow as well. If it talks like a whack it’s a whack. How desperate to go to such lengths to drag out 666 apocalypse now in a lame attempt to divert SE readers from the subject at hand, City Hall/P&Z/City council manipulations?
If anything it served as a heads up to the really important message being sent about that meeting next Tuesday, November 19th. The apocalypse for Sedona will be the decisions made in our meetings when citizens don’t show up or let their council/staff know they won’t stand for red rock destruction.
Thanks @Sarah your lame distraction worked against you. Suck your thumb as you realize you wasted your time. Sedona stand for something again. Get OFF your knees.
Knew a few who tried to participate but were rejected. Why not be transparent and say that no one wanted YOU!!! Maybe you don’t play well with others?
What’s missing? says: What’s missing is that all those on P&Z are hand picked by the city to maintain and control the agendas
P&Z is a “tactical committee” made up of people appointed by the city that understand “construction building codes and city and state regulations”, P&Z’s job is not to decide what should be built or what the project should look like.
P&Z job is to make sure project meet local and national codes. In some cases the City council has the final say on projects that need zoning variances.
Most projects do not even need P&Z approval, if the project meets the proper zoning, regulations.
Sedona destiny was set over thirty years ago when the original master zoning plan was set in place.
If you see an empty lot along 89A will be built on in the future, owners have the right to build.
I find it funny that the people that want to stop growth drive from their homes singing, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot “
On they’re way to park at Safeway.
Excuses excuses @Sedona Sam
You’re very good at that in the offices of city and chamber IMO.
How about being accountable?
OK Segner
what a crock of (deleted by editor). . . .
every one P&Z & zoning knowledge is iffy at best or provided by you know who.. . . . .why have training / information classes except to promote. . .
I find it funny that some people in Sedona want to stop new work force or low-income housing. They use the Joni Mitchell song, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” as a defense against all growth.
They bring the song up at meeting as they try to stop neighbors from building next door or god forbid a new hotel the next town over.
They hum it to them self as they drive
to work or the parking lot at Wholefoods.
They don’t seem to see the Hypocrisy- I call it NIMBY* think, they got to Sedona “first.” and that is that.
So I looked the song up:
The line “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” comes directly from this experience. The song also makes reference to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu. As the lyrics go “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot / with a pink hotel, a boutique and a swinging hot spot.”
We know the same people would never ever stay in a hotel, let along the Royal Hawaiian.
Growth will continue until we slow population growth… What do you think?
* NIMBY-Not-In-My-Backyard.