MEETING SUMMARY
BIG PARK REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL
Meeting via ZOOM
October 8, 2026 at 9am
Nick Gudovic of Big Park Water was the speaker. He provided the following information on Big Park Water:
• New water rates took effect in February of this year, with a 21.67% increase (~$8/month, from ~$38 to $46). The previous rate increase was in 2020 based on 2018 data. He noted 21% was less than inflation, which would have merited a 28% increase. Average domestic use is 5252 gal/mo, which has decreased over time due to updated housing (flow restricting faucets, toilets).
• Little Park Water merged into Big Park Water in February.
• In addition to increasing costs, $4.3M in improvements were made. These included:
• Increase storage capacity (one tank, from 50k gal to 180k gal)
• Increased pump capacity (one well, from 500 gpm to 750 gpm)
• Improved system redundancy (3/5 have backup generators)
• General new electric equipment – improved energy efficiency
• Two triplex booster stations with backup controls
• 3300 new digital meters installed; these meters are more accurate, allow remote reading and are linked to the “EyeonWater” system where homeowners can see their usage in real time, which allows for fast leak detection and remediation.
• Regarding water supply, our water comes from the Supai formation, and Big Park is the first “downstream” receiver of groundwater coming from higher up the Mogollon Rim. Our wells are 800’ deep; the Supai aquifer water table is at 400’. This water is 30-300 years old; events of today won’t be seen for 30 years at the earliest. In the past few years, water levels in this aquifer have held steady. However, the Red Wall formation is a larger aquifer and is at 1200’ and could be accessed. As Big Park is surrounded by USFS lands, significant growth in water demand is not likely.
• Nick commented on use of the CO River water, which we do not use, stating that AZ has been banking excess water since the 1980’s.
• Questions included:
• The cost of the smart meters is several hundred dollars.
• The smart meters have a battery warranted for 15 years with a lifespan of 20 years; after that the meter has to be replaced. Meter data is secured by Badger who operates the EyeonWater software.
• Overall distribution system security involves multiple redundant control systems; using a variety of non-wifi or internet controlled systems, and each site is operated independently.
• Due to original designated service areas, some parts of Big Park are on AZ Water Co (Ridge, Sunup Ranch, Wild Horse Mesa); at attempt to be on one service failed years ago and is unlikely to happen in the future. Pine Valley has its own water provider.
• Golf courses use their own wells or wastewater from the Big Park Wastewater facility; Big Park Water does provide backup to Canyon Mesa in case of
emergency. He did not know golf course usage and suggested ADWR should know that information. He did reassert that aquifer levels have been steady.
• Community pumps do not have backup but still have flow and fire trucks can access water from hydrants.
Business Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 9:44am by President Joe Skidmore.
1.Roll Call: By Recording Secretary Bridget Bero at 9:44am. Fourteen members were present and the requirement for a quorum was met.
2.Agenda: Joe Skidmore presented the agenda, with three corrections (removal of P&Z, Dark Sky and VVTPO reports). Mary Beth Bassett moved to approve the agenda; Carolyn Fisher seconded. The agenda was approved at 9:48am with none opposed.
3.President’s Report: Joe Skidmore reported:
• Joe attended the recent VOCA Picnic. He spoke with a Verde Valley organization acting as a clearinghouse for traveling volunteers. He will follow up with the EB to see if BPC may want to be on their list. He spoke with a Rotary Club member and was invited to speak to the Club; it is possible that we may be able to recruit business members to the BPC. He also spoke with someone from the Red Cross as they are active in Big Park; we will addithem to the speakers list.
• He requested if anyone was aware of apples from Slide Rock being available. Discussion indicated this may have not been a good year for apples due to the winter; none have been seen at Farmer’s Markets.
4.Secretary’s Report:
• Draft Minutes, AUG meeting: No discussion, Carolyn Fisher made a motion to approve, Susan Barber seconded. Minutes were unanimously approved at 9:53AM.
• Draft Minutes, SEP meeting: No discussion, Carolyn Fisher made a motion to approve, Susan Barber seconded. Minutes were unanimously approved at 9:53AM.
• Changes in Reps/Alternates: Verde Valley School: Michael Janzen is the new alternate.
5.Treasurer’s Report:
• September finances: No income, $391 in expenses (general liability insurance $40, Zoom $340, email service $12).
• The Proposed 2027 Annual Operating Budget was presented. Expected income is $3680 with expected expenses at $3563; there were no major changes from 2026, most line items were increased by 10%.
6.Unfinished Business:
• The Nominating Committee proposed members are Antoinette Beiser (Chair), Bernadette Marriott, Linda Allen and Judy Poe. Carolyn Fisher moved to approve this Committee; John Wichert seconded. The motion passed with none opposed at approximately 10AM.
• The list of proposed officer candidates is: President (Joe Skidmore, incumbent), Vice President (Mary Beth Bassett), Treasurer (Lisa Holly, incumbent),
Secretary (Bridget Bero, incumbent). Joe noted that Susan Barber will remain as Immediate Past President, and that Mary Pope, Corresponding Secretary, is an appointed position. He called for additional nominees; none came forward. A brief bio from each candidate will go out with the Draft Agenda of the November meeting. Officers will be voted on in the next meeting.
7.New Business: Three new Committee members were assigned (Preston Richardson (P&Z), Antoinette Beiser (Dark Sky), and Mary Beth Bassett (Digital Media). Susan Barber made a motion to approve these new members; Gay Chanler seconded. The motion passed with none opposed at 10:05AM.
8.Committee & Liaison Reports:
• USFS: Joe Skidmore reported for Mary Morris.
• Prescribed burns of 5500 acres are planned; the actual number may be affected by a short window due to recent and upcoming rains. Smoke may impact the area; see the USFS’s InciWeb system for current information (inciweb.wildfire.gov).
• The West Fork Day Use Area is open, but access to the West Fork of Oak Creek is closed through October 31 due to safety hazards from the fire. See the accompanying West Fork Temporary Closure Notice.
9. Announcements: Carolyn Fisher reported that the Big Park School sale is not yet completed, and that the SOCUSD removed dead trees at the site.
The Business Meeting was adjourned at 10:12am.
REMINDERS:
Next Executive Committee Meeting: Tuesday November 3 at 3pm
Next BPRCC Meeting: Thursday November 12 at 9am via Zoom
