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Big Park Council President Susan Barber began the meeting at 9:00 AM by introducing our guest speakers; Lt. Prichard – YCSO, Supervisor Nikki Check – District 3 and Superintendent Tom Swaninger – Sedona – Oak Creek Unified School District

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Update
Lieutenant Prichard introduced Sergeant Dickinson as the new point of contact for the community. Sergeant Dickinson was unable to attend due to a call for service in our area and joined later in the meeting.  He shared statistical data for the area which included 202 calls for service since January 1 of which were 54 traffic stops, accounting for 27% of total calls.

Yavapai County District 3 Update – Presenter: Supervisor Nikki Check

• District 2 Supervisor Appointment:
  • Former Chairman James Gregory accepted a position as Chief of Police in Williams.
  • The appointment process for a new District 2 Supervisor is underway, with the goal to fill the position by April if not sooner.
• Transportation Updates:
  • With former Chairman Gregory leaving, Nikki was appointed Chair of the Verde Valley Transportation Organization and is participating in various transportation policy committees.
  • She is working on the Verde Valley Master Transportation Plan, focusing on safety and project funding.
• Planning Initiatives:
  • The zoning ordinance update to begin soon, with robust community outreach planned.
  • The effort will include updates to the building codes and potential formation of a Water Resources and Open Space Committee.
  • Study sessions are planned for county library contracts and rural services master plan, including sheriff substations and libraries.
• Community Engagement:
  • Supervisor Check will attend community meetings, including the APS transmission line discussion on February 19.

The district is currently seeking bids for appraisal services, due on February 21st. After selecting an appraiser, they will likely issue a request for a broker. Tom advised of plans for future community information sessions and board meetings to present bids and allow time for public input before any decisions are made. He clarifies that the property will be appraised at its current zoning, and that potential buyers would need to detail their plans for the property in their bids. However, the legal enforceability of any deed restrictions remains uncertain at this stage.

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Business Meeting

Big Park Council President Susan Barber opened the business portion of the meeting at 9:20 AM.  Secretary Lisa Holly called the roll confirming a quorum of 18-member organization present, all via Zoom. The agenda was approved at 9:25 AM on a motion by Bob Marriott and seconded by Patricia Robles.

 President’s Report
Susan Barber noted that no President’s report would be provided to allow time for a packed agenda.

Secretary’s Report
Lisa Holly called for any adjustments to the draft minutes of January 9, 2025 and hearing none, the minutes were approved at 9:26 AM on a motion by Bob Marriott and seconded by Carolyn Fisher.
Lisa welcomed new alternates:

• Wild Horse Mesa: Bridget Bero
• Pine Valley: Steve Fiedler (Backup #1) and Zach Hilgemann (Backup #2).

Treasurer’s Report
Susan provided an update that a new account was opened at Chase Bank with the initial funds transferred. January expenses were $30 (checks) and $11 (Mailchimp subscription). Membership dues are still being collected; an update will be provided at the next meeting.

Unfinished Business

Wildfire Risk Mitigation Survey Results
Lisa Holly presented the survey results noting a great community response.

• The survey ran from January 15 to February 10, with 176 responses.
• 152 respondents reported adjacent National Forest land posing potential wildfire risk.
• High interest in a Forest Service program for fuel wood removal: 150 “Yes,” 22 “No.”
• Majority of respondents supported clearing up to 100 feet of National Forest land.
• Survey data, including open-ended comments, was shared with the Forest Service.

A discussion then ensued regarding Fire Hydrant Maintenance.  Gay Chandler inquired about fire hydrant checks in the community.  Carolyn Fisher confirmed that the Sedona Fire District conducts routine checks and suggested contacting the administrative office for a schedule.  Dave Norton provided additional confirmation and shared the Sedona Fire District contact number: 928-282-6800.

New Business
Approval of 2025 Standing Committee Members
The Council reviewed the proposed list of chairs and members for the 2025 standing committees.

A motion to approve the slate of committee members as presented (with noted changes) was moved by Dave Norton and seconded by Patricia Robles. The motion passed at 9:37 AM with unanimous approval, and no abstentions or objections.

Updates to the Council’s Communication Policy
Patrica Robles explained that the Communication Policy was expanded to include communications with federal agencies and other entities that impact the community, in addition to the previously listed Yavapai County and State of Arizona. The edits also specify communication types covered by the policy, including verbal, hard copy, and digital formats (e.g., website and social media). An additional objective was to simplify the policy’s language for clarity and accessibility. Joe Skidmore moved to approve the proposed revisions to the Council’s communication policy. Bob Marriott seconded the motion. The motion passed at 9:41 AM unanimously, with no abstentions or objections.

Committee Reports
APS Subcommittee
Joe Skidmore, Committee Co-chair, provided an update on the efforts surrounding the Forest Service’s draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and decision regarding the proposed power line project impacting the Village of Oak Creek (VOC). Key points include:

1. Project Position and Alternatives
   • The committee supports undergrounding the power line near VOC and exploring alternatives to the power line.
   • The Forest Service EA outlined two alternatives: fully above-ground and fully below-ground power lines. The draft decision proposes a hybrid solution, combining undergrounding along Beaverhead Flat Road with overhead lines across Kel Fox Trail, visible from VOC.
2. Objection Letter Development
   • Objections must align with original public comments submitted. Co-chair Mark Matousek has been leading the drafting process, with input from the executive board and subcommittee, culminating in a strong draft objection letter.
   • Public commenters are encouraged to submit their objections by the March 3 deadline.
3. Primary Objections
   • Wildfire Risk: Overhead lines pose significant fire hazards.
   • Scenic Integrity: The Forest Service’s plan violates its own objectives for preserving viewsheds.
   • Cost Discrepancies: APS’s cost estimates for undergrounding are viewed as inflated.
   • Inadequate Alternatives Analysis: Lack of proper evaluation of other options.
   • Lack of FOIA Response: A September 2023 FOIA request remains unanswered, limiting the ability to provide fully informed objections.
   • Insurance and Property Impact: Concerns over increased insurance premiums, cancellations, and decreased property values due to overhead power lines.
4. Upcoming Public Meeting
   • A meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 19^th at 7:00 PM at the VOC Church of the Nazarene to provide information and gather community input.
   • The Forest Service will present their EA and draft decision. Public affairs representatives from APS and local officials, including Supervisor Check, are expected to participate.

Efforts to publicize the meeting include flyers, website updates, and social media outreach. Community engagement is emphasized as a crucial component of the objection process.

Dave Norton moved to change the verbiage of the BPC position to be more specific regarding the Cornville Road location.  The proposed change was from “the other side of Cornville Road” to “the south side of Cornville Road” Bob Marriott seconded, and the motion was approved at 9:54 AM with 3 abstentions.

Planning and Zoning Committee
The Planning and Zoning Committee recently filed an official complaint against Flagstar Bank for violating the Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance at their branch in the Collective Shopping Center. Upon submission, it was discovered that Yavapai County now mandates the use of a specific complaint form, which requires detailed information, including the parcel number of the property in question. The initial letter from the Big Park Council did not meet these new requirements.

To address this, six committee members have been trained to access the Citizenserve system, enabling them to retrieve necessary parcel numbers and submit complaints appropriately. Community members are encouraged to report any issues to the Planning and Zoning Committee or directly to the committee chair to ensure proper processing. It’s important to note that while parcel numbers can be found on the county recorder’s or assessor’s websites, complaints submitted on behalf of the Big Park Council should be routed through the Executive Board for approval before submission. This streamlined approach aims to ensure that all complaints are submitted in accordance with county requirements and are effectively addressed.

Digital Media
The Digital Media Committee has recently established comprehensive policies and procedures to enhance the management of the organization’s digital platforms, including the website, Facebook page, and Nextdoor announcements. Key initiatives include:

1. Quarterly Comprehensive Site Reviews: A formal quarterly review process has been instituted to ensure all website content is timely, accurate, and fully functional. This includes verifying that all links direct users appropriately.
2. Timely updates for Dynamic Content: Recognizing the rapid development of certain topics, such as the APS Transmission line, the committee will review weekly. or as needed, to keep the site current with fast-moving issues.
3. Collaboration with Committee Chairs and Members: The effectiveness of the digital platforms relies heavily on receiving timely and accurate information from various committee chairs and members. The Digital Media Committee emphasizes the shared responsibility in providing these updates to maintain an informative and up-to-date online presence.

As part of the recent quarterly review, the committee has updated content, reorganized information for easier access, and improved site navigation by adjusting button placements to enhance user experience. These structured approaches aim to ensure that the organization’s digital platforms remain effective, user-friendly, and reflective of the most current information available.

Dark Sky
Dave Norton reported that he and Curt have submitted the annual Dark Sky report for 2024, detailing light level measurements from six designated sites to maintain the community’s certification. They are also collaborating with county Development Services to expedite the approval of a revised lighting ordinance, which has been pending for a year. Their goal is to have this ordinance approved before the county undertakes a comprehensive overhaul of the zoning code, a process expected to be lengthy.
In response to a question from John Wichert about installing a sign recognizing the community’s Dark Sky status, Dave explained that despite having a sign ready for several years, both the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the county have denied permission to erect it on state or county property. He noted that while Sedona has such signs on private property, our community’s unincorporated status limits similar options. Dave’s last hope is to include the sign in the encroachment permits for upcoming roundabout art installations, particularly at the Ridge Trail roundabout. He also expressed optimism that with a new county supervisor, there might be renewed opportunities to gain approval for the signage.

Task Force meeting with ADOT
Dave Norton reported on a recent meeting with Supervisor Check, ADOT representatives, and local stakeholders, including Sedona’s mayor, to discuss safety improvements at the interchange of SR 179 and I-17. ADOT presented a comprehensive report addressing the interchange’s issues and proposed measures to enhance safety, such as:

1. Upgrading the Brake Check Area: Repairs to signage and asphalt at the southbound I-17 scenic view spot (milepost 312–314) to better direct truckers to brake check areas.
2. Interchange Improvements: As an interim measure, ADOT will install four-way stop signs on both sides of the interstate to improve visibility and safety for drivers to see vehicles exiting the interstate.
3. Long-Term Plan: The interchange, designed in 1960 and outdated for current traffic levels, is slated for a complete rebuild in 5–15 years, pending federal funding.

Although the immediate solutions, like stop signs, are not ideal, they represent progress until more comprehensive upgrades can be implemented. The meeting highlighted both the complexity of securing funding and the need for interim safety measures.

Verde Valley Transportation Planning Organization
Jeff Swan provided an update on the Verde Valley Transportation Organization’s activities, acknowledging overlaps with prior reports on transportation. Key points included:

1. Funding Challenges: Expressed concern over ADOT’s reconstruction proposals and financial constraints, emphasizing the need to address funding priorities effectively.
2. Master Plan Updates: Highlighted AECOM as the consultant for updating the regional transportation master plan, with public meetings scheduled for early 2025.
3. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): Proposed securing a representative on the TAC to advocate for local priorities, including SR 179 upgrades.

Susan adjourned the meeting at 10:23 AM.

Reminders:

Sedona, Arizona 86341