BPC Meeting
Big Park Council President Susan Barber began the meeting at 9:00 AM by introducing our guests focusing on wildfire risk mitigation including:
· Kirk Riddell – Sedona Deputy Fire Marshal
· Jon Jones – Yavapai County Emergency Management.
· Steven Brazzel – YC Sheriff Public Affairs Office
· Sergeant Blake Lanoue – YC Sheriff Office
· Ron Jokola – YC Sheriff Jeep Posse
Sedona Fire Update
Deputy Fire Marshall Kirk Riddell recommended landscaping strategies to mitigate wildfire risks:
· Avoid planting combustible vegetation close to structures.
· Use non-combustible materials such as gravel or rock.
· Decorative cactus was suggested as a safe alternative.
· Emphasized the importance of ember resistance:
· Embers can ignite roofs, gutters, decks, and other structures.
· Suggested incorporating wildfire preparedness into spring cleaning routines, such as clearing debris and maintaining fire-safe property zones.
Kathryn Stillman brought up concerns about a neighbor’s property being surrounded by forested areas and the associated risks. Kirk advised that you could call Yavapai County code enforcement at 928-634-8151.
For City of Sedona evacuation and emergency information, Kirk advised that you could text “redrocks” to 888777 to receive notifications.
Kirk then spoke about the Knox Box Program. This program provides a secure, lockable key box installed at the front door of residences or businesses. The box allows emergency responders to access properties without causing damage during emergencies. It can be ordered directly through the knoxbox.com website. The features of the Knox box are as follows:
· Accessible only by authorized personnel using a secure key and PIN system.
· Tracks key usage for accountability (records when the key is taken and returned).
It also reduces the need to break doors or windows during emergencies, which is especially valuable for properties with expensive or custom doors. It was noted that these items are expensive. Dave Norton mentioned that the Board of Realtors had a program to provide the Knox Boxes for free. He was not sure if that program still exists.
Yavapai Emergency Management Update
Deputy Emergency Manager Jon Jones provided an overview of the County’s evacuation zone software, Genasys Protect, which was acquired last year.
· Evacuation Zone Software Overview:
o The software divides the County into manageable evacuation zones based on population density, geographic features, roads, landmarks, and natural features such as creeks.
o Zones are clearly numbered and identified to assist residents during evacuation scenarios.
· Purpose and Benefits:
o Enables targeted evacuation messages to residents within specific zones.
o Residents can easily determine if they are in an affected zone or near an evacuation area.
o Enhances the County’s ability to manage and communicate evacuation efforts efficiently.
Jon advised that residents can easily download the free app from the google or apple app stores or subscribe and get updates on their website https://protect.genasys.com/.
Yavapai County Sheriff Office Update
Public Affairs Officer Steven Brazell provided an update on Emergency Alert Systems and Preparedness. He expressed strong support for the Genasys system discussed earlier by Jon Jones. He highlighted the system’s ability to provide timely alerts to residents based on their zone, including notifications for areas where family members reside.
Steve encouraged all residents to register for the County’s alert system, “Yavapai Alerts.”
· Registration Process:
o Text “alertYAVAPAI – Everbridge” to 888777.
o Respond to the follow-up message by entering your ZIP code.
o Registration is complete, and alerts for your area will be sent to your phone.
You can also go to the homepage of YCSO website, https://www.ycsoaz.gov/Home and sign up for the Everbridge system to receive Yavapai alerts.
In addition to the Genasys Protect and Yavapai Alerts (Everbridge) systems, he emphasized the importance of registering at smart911.com. This platform allows residents to provide special instructions for first responders to enhance emergency response efficiency.
Residents can register important details about their household, such as if someone is disabled or has specific needs. This information is made available to first responders during emergencies, ensuring better preparedness and response. The subscriber will be prompted to update or confirm the information every 6 months.
Up next was Sgt. Blake Lanoue from the Sheriff’s Forest Patrol Unit. His unit is responsible for coordinating evacuations during emergencies such as wildfires.
Evacuation alerts are issued via the Everbridge system, categorizing zones into “Go Status,” instructing residents to leave immediately. Residents are expected to act promptly upon receiving evacuation alerts. Volunteer teams are mobilized to visit homes to ensure residents have been notified and are assisted if needed.
The unit works closely with the incident commander from agencies like State Fire or the Forest Service to align evacuation strategies and updates.
Sheriff’s Jeep Posse Leader Ron Jakola talked about how he and his team act as “foot soldiers” during evacuation events, executing door-to-door notifications based on instructions from the Forest Patrol.
Teams are assigned zones using a mapping system. Each team contacts approximately 10–20 homes in their area. Notifications are delivered via direct “knock-and-talk” interactions:
· Inform residents about the situation and evacuation details.
· Provide information on resources such as the American Red Cross and other necessary services.
· Address special needs, such as assistance for residents with animals or disabilities.
Bridget Bero asked a question about the potential opening of the gate at Loy Lane for faster evacuation to Cottonwood in the event of a forest fire likely to approach from the south. Sgt. Lanoue responded that they have the ability to do that if needed.
Action Item: Lisa to follow up with Kirk Riddell on the fire hydrant questions sent over by Bridget Bero.
Business Meeting
Big Park Council President Susan Barber opened the business portion of the meeting at 9:59 AM.
Secretary Lisa Holly called the roll confirming a quorum of 14-member organizations present, all via Zoom.
The agenda was approved at 10:06 AM on a motion by Carolyn Fisher and seconded by Pat Robles.
President’s Report
President Susan Barber first mentioned the letter APS sent out to the community regarding the power line project and that Joe Skidmore will address parts of the letter in his committee report.
Susan provided an update on House Bill 2201 on behalf of Duane Thompson who could not attend the meeting.
The bill requires Arizona utilities to file wildfire mitigation plans with state regulators and reduces potential liability for wildfires caused by power lines.
Since the last meeting, the Senate Finance Committee approved the bill by a vote of 5–2 on March 24. It Previously passed the House with a 35–25 bipartisan vote.
The bill is now awaiting action on the Senate floor, and it also appears likely that Governor Katie Hobbs, will sign the bill into law. Constituents are encouraged to reach out to their state legislators for comment.
We are located in District One and if you wish to contact them, make sure that you mention that you are a constituent residing in District One and reference HB 2201 in the subject line of your email. Susan asked that anyone sending comments not to say that you represent Big Park Council. If you wish to do a communication, it’s definitely a person personal communication.
Secretary’s Report
Lisa Holly called for any adjustments to the draft minutes of March 13, 2025, and acknowledged a request for correction from Carolyn Fisher. The corrected minutes were approved at 10:14 AM on a motion by Pat Robles and seconded by John Wichert.
Las Piedras advised they have a new Representative, David Dysert and a new Alternate Brenda Page. Th Council would like to thank Margie Gershtenson and Dorothy Millikin for their past service.
Treasurer’s Report
Patty Reski – Interim Treasurer provided the following update:
· The BPRCC transitioned its bank account from Flagstar Bank to Chase Bank in January.
· In March, the annual commercial liability insurance was paid, amounting to $454.
· A $30 expense in January was for ordering new checks from Chase Bank.
· All but one member organization’s dues have been paid. The remaining payment is in their pipeline of their management company, which has been a little delayed.
Unfinished Business
Wildfire Risk Mitigation Community Fuel Removal Forestry Program
Lisa Holly reminded the group that the Forest Service program will allow for the removal of dead and downed fuels from forest land in the Village of Oak Creek (VOC) and surrounding areas.
She received good news from Deputy District Ranger Wendy Peterman that the initiative was moving forward with a map being printed depicting an area of Sedona, encompassing VOC, outlining the permissible areas for fuel removal.
The map and associated details are expected to be published as early as Monday. Upon publication, the Public Affairs Office will issue a press release to formally announce the program.
Residents will be able to purchase permits at the Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center. Huge thanks to Wendy for progressing this program so quickly.
New Business
The Treasurer position became open as Carol Murphy had stepped down. The BPC by-laws require officer replacement to be recruited and approved in 30 days.
Lisa Holly has agreed to move to the Treasurer position from Recording Secretary. Bridget Bero is our nominee for Recording Secretary. There were no other nominees. Both Bridget and Lisa were approved in their new positions by acclamation.
Committee Reports
Transportation Planning Organization
Jeff Swan – Transportation Liaison provided a couple key concerns that the committee discussed at their meeting a couple weeks ago.
The first concern Jeff informed the group of is there are plans for the construction of a roundabout at the junction of Cornville Road and Tissaw Rd. He noted that this project would cause significant disruption to traffic and commute times. Specifically, he mentioned that the roundabout would directly impact travel routes, which would change the way people drive through the area.
The second concern is to get the I 17 and SR 179 exit safety improvements included in the 5-year program. The public comment period is still open, and Jeff encouraged everyone to participate by submitting comments and advocating for the inclusion of improvements to the 179/I-17 traffic interchange. Comments must be in by May 26th.
He stressed that personal attendance at in-person meetings with ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) was a way to make a meaningful impact, with suggestions for carpooling to such events.
Dave Norton made a motion for the Council to collectively make a response to ADOT and create a plan to provide written documents and appear in person at the meetings regarding the future of the interchange. Kathryn Stillman seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved at 10:39 AM
It was agreed that the task force would be reconvened. John Witcher offered to organize the kickoff meeting but would not be able to attend given he is out of the country for 3 weeks.
APS Subcommittee
Joe Skidmore – Committee Co-Chair addressed the recent letters sent by APS to residents, notifying them of potential summer construction. He clarified that this news was as unexpected for the subcommittee as it was for the community. Joe suggested that APS is likely being proactive and conducting due diligence in case their plans receive approval in May, allowing for construction to begin promptly.
He reassured residents not to panic, as no new information has been received beyond the draft schedule. According to the draft plan, APS aims to finalize their construction schedule in May. The subcommittee continues to monitor developments and awaits further updates.
Scenic America, https://www.scenic.org/, an organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving scenic views and promoting the undergrounding of transmission lines has contacted the council.
A phone meeting with Scenic America is scheduled for the following week to explore potential collaboration and support.
Scenic America referenced another resource, the “Underground Arizona” website, which focuses on undergrounding utilities, https://undergroundarizona.org. The subcommittee plans to review the website for further insights and opportunities.
Planning and Zoning Committee Report
Dave Norton provided updates on three areas of interest.
Hilton Wedding Venue Construction Project:
· The Hilton has proposed a wedding venue project and has communicated to Bob Marriott and the committee that they plan to apply for the wedding venue alone, disregarding other issues associated with their Planned Area Development (PAD).
· The County has clarified that addressing one element of a PAD triggers a review of the entire PAD.
· Dave met with Hilton’s head engineer to discuss lighting concerns. However, the Hilton is unwilling to make any changes unless required by the County. Discussions with the County and the Hilton are ongoing.
Art Tent Show Update:
· The art tent show discussed in the previous meeting may be on the agenda for the April Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meeting next week.
· Dave will monitor the meeting and provide updates afterward.
Flagstar Bank Lighting Issues:
· The same fixture was installed on the bank branch in West Sedona, causing blinding issues. The violation was communicated to the City of Sedona.
· The County is aware but has not yet acted. The committee suggested contacting the bank’s corporate office responsible for the decision.
· Bob Marriott and Dave Norton are in regular contact with the County, pushing for a resolution.
Announcements
Deputy Fire Marshall Kirk Riddell announced two wildfire preparedness events to help residents clean up their properties and dispose of yard waste. Residents can bring brush trimmings and yard waste (no cactus allowed) in trucks or trash bags. Waste disposal is free of charge with operating hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
1. Village of Oak Creek Clean up Event:
o Dates: April 26th and 27th
o Location: Parking lot behind Sedona Vista (Jack’s Canyon and Cortez Dr.)
2. West Sedona Cleanup Event:
o Dates: May 3rd and 4th
o Location: Parking lot behind the West Sedona School near the pool area.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:56 AM.
Reminders:
