COMMUNITY NEWS –
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS FOLLOW –

Sedona Sister Cities Association
3 11 24 Newsletter

Sedona Chamber of Commerce

3 19 24 Sedona Adventure – Bloom into Spring

Verde Valley School
Newsletter – 2 6 24

“A Late Quartet” will show at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Thursday, March 21 at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members.
The legendary and influential Orion String Quartet embarks on their historic final season. Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the greatest quartets of our time one final time!
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 3PM
Sedona Performing Arts Center – 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

3 12 24 Newsletter – Additional Information

District 3 Supervisor Donna Michaels:
14 March 2024 – Video Report to the Big Park Council 

TOWN HALL MEETING

With Supervisor Michaels
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Sedona Public Library 3250 White Bear Road Sedona, AZ 86336
Meeting Flier

BIG PARK REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
March 14, 2024

President Susan Barber called the meeting to order at 9:00am and a quorum established.   She noted that there were three public agency speakers scheduled.  Supervisor Michaels had schedule conflicts and prepared a video for the Council.

Public Agency Speakers

Yavapai County Supervisor District 3, Donna Michaels (video format):  Supervisor Michaels began her presentation by explaining that the meat labeling legislation she supports is now in the Senate and is expected to become law.  In addition, legislation regarding water security for rural Arizona continues to move forward with productive conversations being held.  She then confirmed that she mis-spoke regarding the delivery of broadband to the Village, noting that the Village will not be in the first funding wave. The most vulnerable communities are scheduled first.  As the program continues, she expects that broadband will come to the Village in the not-too-distant future.  With respect to the County’s regenerative agriculture demonstration project, she noted that the Verde Valley School did not elect to join this project and would be welcome if they decided to join at a future date.  There will be a meeting in April of all current stakeholders, including the University of Arizona and USDA.  Supervisor Michaels then addressed the issue of having no telephone [sic] poles (overhead transmission lines) in the area and is working closely with APS, citing them as a wonderful partner.  She noted recent cases in Hawaii and elsewhere regarding fire prevention and the wildfire hazard of these overhead lines.  She continues to have this conversation with APS.

Susan apologized for the poor quality of the video and promised that a link would be included in the meeting highlights so that it may be accessed directly.  She then introduced Tom Binnings, Chair of the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization as the next speaker.

Link to video presentation: https://youtu.be/RbUPOCV_xQY

Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (VVREO), Tom Binnings:  Tom began his presentation by noting that Optimum has informed him that they intend to spend 18 million dollars on infrastructure upgrades to improve broadband reception in the Village, Sedona, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde. Their basic approach is to install fiber optic cable to centralized nodes, where the current coaxial cable would distribute the signal.  They also plan to install amplifiers so that signal reception is stronger throughout their network, exceeding the requirements to be classified as “underserved” for BEAD funding.   He addressed the historical customer service issues that Optimum has had and was assured that they have expanded and improved their service in the last six months.  Tom is also in touch with the broadband coordinator for Sedona and they are monitoring the situation closely, involving the State and County governments as well.   If this investment is made, broadband in our area will improve significantly and it is hoped that governmental pressure may encourage competitors to join the market.  An obstacle to competition is the low population density of our area, reducing profitability.  Tom then reminded the Council that Supervisor Michaels misspoke last month about broadband coming into the Village by 2025, clarifying that the project she referenced is bringing broadband improvements to Beaver Creek and Rim Rock.  He noted that there are two separate sources of funding, ARPA and BEAD and he is confident that in the next couple of years Big Park (VOC) will have improved broadband service.

In answer to a question on the Dark-Sky non-compliance of the Centurylink building on Verde Valley School Rd., Tom said he’d investigate it.

He then addressed the issue of repurposing the Big Park School.  VVREO is sponsoring a meeting at the Village Library, April 5 at 11am.  He has invited an attorney to speak on acquiring the property by creating a Special taxing district.  This would be an educational session so that the community is aware of the implications of one possible alternative to acquire the property.  There is limited seating at the library, but a ZOOM connection will allow more attendance.  Lunch will be provided, and all are welcome to share, meet and greet the VVREO Board.  In answer to questions, Tom explained that a special taxing district would be like RRRMED’s maintenance of SR 179 and clarified that VVREO has no interest nor involvement in defining how the Big Park School would be used.  That is up to the local community if a special tax district is created.  VVREO is facilitating a purely educational meeting so that the community is aware of the ramifications in creation of a special tax district to purchase the property.  If, after understanding all that is involved in creating and managing a special tax district, the community decides to proceed, the question is put onto the ballot and must pass before any further action is taken.   It was noted that the overall cost of the property would include significant repairs and maintenance of the buildings.   Carolyn Fisher addressed potential uses for the property by informing the Council that the property is zoned for residential and planned area development (PAD).  It is not zoned for commercial development and any proposed changes to the zoning would have to go through the full Yavapai County Development public hearing process.  Randy Hawley, President of the SOCUSD Board asked to attend the April 5 meeting and was welcomed to do so by Tom.  Randy noted that the school district has prioritized spending on education and acknowledged that maintenance of the Big Park School buildings has suffered.  He reminded the Council that Donna Michaels’ proposal for Yavapai County to take over the property for a community center remains under consideration and that at the recent School Board meeting, the potential for private sale of the property was discussed.

Susan Barber reminded the Council that further discussion of the SOCUSD meeting will continue under New Business.   She then welcomed Dr. Ben Lee, Head of Verde Valley School as the next presenter:

Verde Valley School, Head of School Dr. Ben Lee:  Ben began his presentation noting that the school was on Spring Break, returning to campus next Monday.  He noted that earlier in the term, the school sponsored the Emerson Theater Collaborative for a well attended, staged reading of selected works from Langston Hughes and Zora Neil Hurston to commemorate the start of Black History Month.  He then highlighted the Chinese New Year and International Food celebrations, emphasizing that cooking and eating together is a wonderful way to build community and celebrate different cultures and nationalities.  Other school activities include competitive equestrian participation, a stage production of Into the Woods, an Art Show, Chess team, Track and field events and Pop up farm sales.  He emphasized that the school has an acre devoted to organic regenerative farming.  Upcoming events include 2.5 Minute Ride (March 22-24), the Sedona Dance Festival, (April 18/19) and Piano on the Rocks (April 26-28).  In addition to special events and activities, Ben noted that seniors are doing very well in college admissions.  He then addressed the potential uses for the school’s 90 acres (SEED property) thanking the community for their input and ideas on what would be best.  The survey had over 100 responses.  After discussion and consideration of alternatives using their six strategic lenses, options have been narrowed down to 6 possibilities:

• Classrooms
• Conference/event and meeting facilities/retreat center with food service
• Elementary and/or middle school and/or college
• Faculty housing
• Farm expansion, research site for sustainable agriculture
• Solar farm.

Link to Dr. Lee’s presentation

Susan thanked Ben for his informative presentation and called the business meeting to order at 9:48am.

Roll Call: Secretary Mary Pope called the roll, confirming 17 member organizations present.

Approval of Agenda: Susan then called for approval of the agenda and Bob Marriott so moved, seconded by Carolyn Fisher.  Motion passed unanimously.

President’s Report:  Before beginning her President’s report, Susan Barber welcomed guest Nikki Check, candidate for Yavapai County Supervisor, District 3.  Nikki thanked Susan noting that she and Supervisor Michaels were having an educational candidate forum tomorrow morning at the Mary Fisher Theater 9am.  There’s a $10 fee to be collected at the door.
Susan then noted that the Council had expressed interest in resuming in-person meetings and the Executive Board, together with Fred Lenz, Technology consultant, have begun evaluating potential facilities for hybrid meetings.  There are several rooms available at the Verde Valley School and the Village Library is also being considered.   She outlined technical and participatory requirements for a hybrid meeting:

• A quorum must be present (live & zoom) to conduct business.
• Representatives must be able to see and hear each other and view presentation material whether they are attending in person or via zoom
• Representatives must have an equal opportunity to speak and all votes in person and via zoom must be tallied.

A survey of Representatives and Alternates was conducted in October 2021, and it was also noted that the facility selected needs to be large enough to allow community participation and have adequate parking.  Consideration is being given to physical space, technology and cost.  As information becomes available, another survey of Representatives and Alternates is expected to go out in April.

She then showed changes to current committee membership asking if there were any questions or comments.   Hearing none, she then noted that Duane Thompson has resigned as Chair of the APS Transmission Line subcommittee and Joe Skidmore has assumed that role.  She thanked Duane for his leadership and dedication over the past several years.  Mark Matousek will serve as co-chair with Joe.  Joe will act as point person with Earthrise.

In concluding her report, Susan noted that discussions are continuing with the USFS on the Turkey Creek trail proposals.

Secretary’s Report:  Mary Pope began her report by asking if there were any changes to the minutes of February 8.  Hearing none, minutes were unanimously approved on a motion by Carolyn Fisher, seconded by Pat Robles.  Mary then announced and welcomed a new alternate representative for the Sun Dance Townhouses, Lois Truffa.  She then noted that she is 2/3 of the way through an audit of all Reps/Alts for 2024, thanking the Representatives for their quick response to her inquiries.  Accuracy of the appointments by member organizations is important both to assure proper voting and to manage the flow of information via our MailChimp emails.  Representative, Alternates, Liaisons and Committee Members receive advance information for discussion at meetings and for example, only Reps/Alternates will receive the hybrid meeting survey and if electronic voting is needed between meetings, it is sent to Representatives only.  The audit should be completed within the next two weeks.

Treasurer’s Report:  Patty Reski confirmed that annual assessments have been received from all current member organizations in a timely manner.  Expenses for February were as expected with the first of the two insurance bills less than anticipated.

Unfinished Business:  Susan then asked Mary Pope to chair the proposed bylaw revision discussion.  Mary confirmed that all required Notices were sent out and quickly repeated her review of the proposals that was done at the February meeting.  There were no questions or additional discussion, and Dave Norton proposed the following motion, seconded by Carolyn Fisher:
Having met notice and discussion requirements, I move that the amendments proposed for Big Park Council Bylaws Article I-Definitions, Section 3, Article VI – Officers, Section 1, Article VI Officers, Section 3 and Article VII Committees, Section 2 be approved as written.  Motion passed unanimously.  No objections, no abstentions.

New Business:  Susan introduced the topic of the SOCUSD Board meeting where their proposal to sell the Big Park School privately was discussed.  She noted that the Red Rock News has published several articles with background on this proposal.  Several Council members also attended the School Board meeting of March 5 at which the School Board unanimously passed a motion to explore the feasibility of a possible sale of the Big Park School property to a private buyer and to authorize the superintendent to take necessary and appropriate action in that regard.  Susan encouraged those who attended the meeting to share their thoughts.  During discussion it was noted that several individuals asked that the school board hold meetings that concern the Big Park School within the VOC so that more local residents are able to attend and participate and join the dialog.  The legal constraints that the school board’s meetings operate under make participation and dialogue difficult during a regular meeting and a special meeting on the topic of the Big Park School was suggested.  Randy Hawley expressed the School Board’s desire to interact with the public on this issue either as an agenda item at a regular meeting or at a special community meeting in the Village dedicated to discussing alternatives for the future of the Big Park School.  He also made it clear that if sale of the property to a private party were approved by the voters, it would be an option that the school board has.  Sale of the property to a private party is not required if permission is granted, it is just an additional option available.  Randy then noted that negotiations with Yavapai County didn’t seem to be going anywhere and the school board would like to move forward with a plan for the property.  In the spirit of improved communication, a suggestion was made to include the Big Park Council on information, minutes, press releases and the like, sent out by the school board.   In answer to a question on how to get a meeting of the school board in the Village scheduled, Randy agreed to put the topic of a school board or special meeting in the Village on the agenda of the next school board meeting.  The multipurpose room in the Big Park School was suggested as a venue.   Another suggestion for improved public awareness and communication was to have a public ZOOM feed into the school board meetings held in Sedona.  Randy agreed to check with their technical person.

Committee Reports:
Planning & Zoning: Bob Marriott reported that four volunteers are being trained in the use of the County’s system of recording permit applications for consideration.

APS Transmission Line subcommittee:  Joe Skidmore thanked Duane Thompson for his four years of service as committee chair and welcomed Mark Matousek as the new co-chair.  Joe then noted that there was a great response to the Wildfire/Home Insurance survey and that a full report will be given at the April meeting.  He explained that the study was initially envisioned to focus on the fire risk posed by the proposed APS transmission line, and it soon became clear that wildfire risk and insurance coverage is a much larger issue and of great concern for all homeowners in the VOC.  He then presented a map of the responses, showing red balloons for cancellations and gold for rate increases due to wildfire risk.

Additional details will be shared with the Fire District and Sheriff’s Department and reported to the Council in April.  Joe then noted that the Sedona Fire District and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office are also expected to address wildfire at the April meeting.  He had a very informative meeting with the members of the ad hoc (defunct) Emergency Preparedness Committee (Gwen Hanna, Art Bertolina, Mary Pope) and learned a good deal about wildfire management in general and the specific risks associated with overhead powerlines.  He has recently spoken with Earthrise, and they told him that they’re not getting a response from the USDA/USFS on their Freedom of Information Act information request.

Community Plan: Joe Skidmore reported that committee members have been affirmed and a new Purpose & Scope is being reviewed by them to convert the committee from ad hoc to standing.  A presentation to the Council will be made in April to approve the new Purpose & Scope.

Art in the Roundabouts:  Rolf Funk reported that members of the committee met with the Red Rock Road Enhancement Maintenance District (RRREMD) Board and RRREMD has agreed to accept ownership of the artwork selected and installed on the Village roundabouts. This is critical to assure proper care and maintenance of the artwork for the future.  Rolf thanked the RRREMD Board and Supervisor Michaels for their support in moving this decision forward.  The committee also met with the BPC Executive Board on February 29 to review progress and discuss managing finances going forward.   There will be a public Reveal Meeting at the Village Library on May 1, from 4 to 7pm where the proposals will be unveiled.  5 proposals by four artists will be shown in poster format and each of the artists will be available for questions and comments.  (Chris Navarro. James Muir. Shirley Wagner, Regan Ward and Jason Butler) Tea and cookies will be served.  A comment sheet will be available and additional comments can be made through the OurVillageArt.org website.

Dark-Sky:  Dave Norton reported that there will be two Star Parties – April 4, 8 to 10pm at VOCA park in support of International Dark-Sky week, and one on April 8, in Cottonwood at the Skate Park on 10th Street, to view the partial eclipse.   Telescopes will be set up.

Verde Valley Transportation Project Organization (VVTPO):  Jeff Swan reminded the Council that ADOT is seeking input from the public on their 5-year plan.  He said that they plan to do their promised safety study for the interchange at SR179 and I-17 this summer.   Reconstruction of the Southbound bridge is planned as part of the 5-year plan, but safety improvements in the design are not included.  Jeff recommended that representatives of the Council attend the ADOT Board meeting in June.   There is a virtual study session June 6 and the board meeting itself June 21 in Flagstaff at 9am.   Although the Big Park Council has submitted recommendations to ADOT and expressed concerns in the past, this is a good opportunity to bring the safety concerns to their attention again.  Jeff further recommended that information be ready and sent to the ADOT board before the meeting.  Concerns were expressed that past information and plans provided 15 years ago, with the support of the City of Sedona, fell on deaf ears, but enthusiasm remains to pull together another package of information to send to ADOT before the June meeting and to present at the meeting.  Past information and research remain available for Council use. Proposals over the years include simple short-term mitigation suggestions as well as long-term improvements.  It was noted that in response to John Wichert’s letter on behalf of the Council’s in 2023, ADOT has added a large “Stop Ahead” sign, the largest allowable “Stop” sign, and rumble strips to the ramp.  While these are improvements, they are insufficient to mitigate the dangers.

In response to Susan’s request for an action item with respect to the ADOT 5 year plan and safety improvements for Exit 298 (SR179 & I-17), Mary Morris moved that:   Anyone interested in helping work on the ADOT issues at I-17 Exit 298 should coordinate with Dave Norton to address an action plan. Bob Marriott seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.  Volunteers to join the task force include Dave Norton, Bob Marriott, Jeff Swan, Jeff Dunn, David Gill, John Wichert and Mary Morris.  The task force was requested to report at the April meeting so that the Council could approve any recommended actions.

As business was completed and there were no announcements, the meeting adjourned at 10:57am.

Reminder – The next Big Park Council Meeting is April 11 at 9am via ZOOM