Big Park Council President Susan Barber began the meeting at 9:00 AM by introducing Lt. Prichard – Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Update
Lt. Prichard introduced Deputy Nick Hughes, a deputy assigned to the Village of Oak Creek, and Michael Eich, the local administrative assistant.
Deputy Nick Hughes: Primarily stationed in Oak Creek to foster community engagement.
Michael Eich: Based at the Castle Rock Plaza office, providing services such as police reports, civil paperwork, dog licenses, and general assistance during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM). Community members were provided with business cards for office contact and the sheriff’s non-emergency line.
Business Meeting
Big Park Council President Susan Barber opened the business portion of the meeting at 9:03 AM. Secretary Lisa Holly called the roll confirming a quorum of 18-member organization present, 9 via Zoom and 9 in person. The agenda was approved at 9:11 AM on a motion by Dave Norton and seconded by Bob Marriott.
President’s Report
Susan provided a recap of APS Power Line Public Forum that was held on February 19th. The forum addressed the Coconino National Forest’s draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision on the proposed APS transmission line.
Attendance was approximately 200 community members. There were 168 Valid Email Contacts collected, a number of whom opted to join the BPC mailing list. Traffic on the Big Park Council website increased significantly following the forum.
Community feedback regarding the meeting was positive, with many attendees expressing gratitude for the information shared. The attendees expressed opposition to the APS proposed construction of above ground transmission lines.
The Council would like to acknowledge Pastor Jim and his son, Jameson, for their support, including setting up the venue and installing additional lighting. A $150 donation was made to their organization.
Secretary’s Report
Lisa Holly called for any adjustments to the draft minutes of March 13, 2025 and hearing none, the minutes were approved at 9:15 AM on a motion by Carolyn Fisher and seconded by Dave Norton.
Treasurer’s Report
Carol Murphy provided an update of membership dues with 3 member organizations outstanding. Carol will contact the member organizations with a gentle reminder. and late payment fees will be waived for 30 days. A motion to waive late payment fees for 30 days was called by Dave Norton and seconded by Paul Sullivan. The motion was approved at 9:21 AM.
Audit Report
Pat Robles advised that the committee has completed the 2024 financial audit and found that the Council’s financial reporting was deemed thorough and accurate. The full audit report was distributed electronically prior to the meeting. High confidence was expressed in the integrity of accounting procedures, reporting, and final financial standings.
Pat expressed special thanks to Patty Reski for her meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills. Gratitude was extended to the Audit Committee members, Paul Sullivan and Joe Skidmore, for their assistance.
Unfinished Business
Wildfire Risk Mitigation Community Fuel Removal Forestry Program
Lisa Holly advised that the Forest Service continues to work on adapting the Forest’s perimeter for down and dead fuel collection to include the areas surrounding VOC and Sedona. This is in draft form and is pending approval, but it will likely greatly expand the ability of people in town to collect dead wood from the areas surrounding their neighborhoods with a permit, improving safety from wildfire.
New Business
Permit Renewal for Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Shows
Marlo Johnson, owner and promoter of Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Shows, presented her application to renew the use permit for the events held at Sedona Vista Village. The renewal maintains the existing number of vendors and shows per year.
Key Updates:
1. Permit Term Extension:
- Previous renewals were limited to two years due to the integration of a new hotel.
- With no reported issues, a five-year renewal term is now proposed.
2. Updated Site Plans:
- Revised site plans outline permissible locations for tents and vendors, ensuring alignment with current venue layouts.
- Tents and table vendor areas are marked in blue and yellow, respectively, to comply with fire safety and zoning regulations while improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
- The Fire District collaborated on the updated plans, ensuring best practices for tent placement and event access.
2. Community Support:
- Local businesses report significant revenue increases (100–200%) during events.
- Letters of support from nearby businesses were submitted with the application.
- Outdoor music, consistent with similar events, has always been part of the shows.
Questions and Discussions:
1. Vendor Placement: Carolyn Fisher inquired about vendors in the lower parking lot. Marlo confirmed the existing use permit allows up to 50 vendors.
2. Business Support: Pat Robles asked about support from surrounding businesses and restaurants. Marlo cited significant support and increases in local business activity.
3. Permit Duration: Nancy Maple noted discrepancies in the letter of intent regarding five- and ten-year terms. Attorney Jennifer Boblick confirmed the issue would be resolved.
4. Event Days: Concerns arose over Friday events. Marlo clarified that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have been approved since 1992 for Sedona Vista Village.
5. Traffic and Notification Concerns: Nina Joy Rizzo raised concerns about traffic issues and opposition from certain businesses. Some business owners also claimed they had not received notification letters. She also noted that some businesses outside the Vista Village complex experience a negative impact to sales. Marlo offered to follow up with those expressing concerns and asked to be advised of the business with concerns.
6. Letters of Support/Opposition: Mary Morris requested written letters from tenants and property owners to clarify their positions. Jennifer Boblick agreed to compile a summary before the public hearing.
7. Notification Process:
- Letters were sent to property owners within a 1,000-foot radius.
- Tenants were not directly notified due to unavailability of tenant information. Property owners are expected to inform tenants.
- A mailing list of addresses will be included in the Citizen Participation Report.
8. Event History and Scheduling:
- Events at Bell Rock Plaza and Sedona Vista Village operate under separate permits.
- The original Sedona Vista Village permit allowed four shows annually in 1992, increased to ten in 2010 and fifteen in 2016.
- Currently, up to 15 shows per year are approved at each location, with actual numbers varying due to weather and other factors.
4. Community Engagement:
- Margo emphasized her dedication to addressing community concerns as a long-time resident.
- All community feedback, supportive or critical, will be included in public records and the Citizen Participation Report.
Next Steps:
Marlo and Jennifer committed to:
- Clarifying Permit Details: Resolving inconsistencies in documentation.
- Public Hearing Notifications: Sharing dates and reports when finalized.
Susan Barber closed the discussion by thanking Marlo and Jennifer for their participation and emphasizing the importance of transparency and ongoing community engagement.
Committee Reports
APS Subcommittee
Joe Skidmore – Committee Co-Chair advised that the Objection Letter was filed on February 26, meeting the March 3 deadline. Joe highlighted the objections as:
- Increased wildfire risk.
- Negative impacts on viewsheds.
- Perceived feasibility and cost bias against alternatives.
- Outstanding FOIA request.
- Rising costs of homeowners insurance and impact on property values.
The letter is accessible via the Forest Service Project Reading Room, US Forest Service NEPA Project Public Reading Room – View Letter
Mark Matousek prepared a summary of the objection letter for citizens to share with public officials.
Las Piedras formally opposed APS’s easement modification request and submitted an objection letter. APS could pursue eminent domain for easement modifications, which is a lengthy process that might delay the project, potentially benefiting alternative solutions.
On February 26, representatives walked the proposed route along the Kel Fox Trail with APS and a potential contractor. Feedback was exchanged, and the importance of maintaining open communication was emphasized.
On March 7, Susan and Mark met with Representative Eli Crane’s staff to:
- Present community objections.
- Request assistance with the FOIA request.
- Discuss collaboration with Senator Mark Kelly’s staff.
The Forest Service progressed the draft environmental assessment to a final one, with a draft decision issued. A final decision is expected in May, followed by project implementation, beginning with the planning process.
Litigation remains “on the table” pending the final decision and if FOIA responses are received.
Community efforts focus on gaining standing during objection periods and addressing broader community concerns.
Questions and Responses:
1. Summary of Trail Inspection Findings:
- Observed that the contractor acknowledged less intrusive construction requirements than previously stated by APS.
- Highlighted APS’s openness to input, including potential repositioning of poles for reduced visibility.
2. County Involvement: Query regarding the role of county authorities remains unresolved.
Action Items:
1. Post Links to the Objection Letter: Lisa to include direct access links in the minutes.
2. Monitor APS and Forest Service Actions: Continue engagement and update the community on any changes or decisions.
3. Pursue FOIA Request: Maintain pressure on public officials to expedite the process.
House Bill 2201 – Wildfire Mitigation Planning
Duane Thompson presented an overview of Arizona House Bill 2201.
The bill, titled “Wildfire Mitigation Planning” primarily addresses liability and mitigation plans for utility caused wildfires. Duane said the legislation is essentially comprised of two parts: one section would require utilities to submit a wildfire mitigation plan to the Arizona Corporation Commission for review. The other, more controversial section would largely insulate utilities from liability in the event of damage claims due to wildfires.
Duane also noted that some initial protections for utilities from litigation were reduced through an amendment passed on the house floor. However, a high evidentiary standard for determining liability was retained in the legislation, a provision that stated utilities that “substantially act in compliance” with their approved mitigation plans are deemed to meet a “reasonably prudent utility” standard unless clear and convincing evidence of willful misconduct is provided.
The bill passed in the House (35-25) with bipartisan support in late February and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The deadline for committee action is March 28.
The Big Park Council has not taken an official position due to its governance structure and to protect its tax status as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Instead, the Council is encouraging residents to write individually to legislators or the Governor as individuals. Duane said communications should not indicate that they represent a formal position of the Council.
The contact information for legislators representing the Village of Oak Creek were displayed on a slide deck during the presentation, and can be contacted at the following emails:
Duane noted that both representatives voted for the bill in the House and would likely vote again if the bill were amended in the Senate and returned to the House for concurrence.
In addition, individuals could contact Governor Katie Hobbs at https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/form/voice-an-opinion and encourage the governor to veto the legislation if HB 2201 passes both chambers.
Duane also mentioned a list of opponents/supporters of the legislation during its review in the House.
- Supporters: Utility companies, local Chambers of Commerce, and fire districts.
- Opponents: the States Attorney General, Sierra Club, insurance companies, and trial lawyers.
Mary Morris asked for details regarding the makeup of the Senate Finance Committee and its chair. Duane advised that the chair is JD Messner (a Senator from Chandler) and that no action on the bill is scheduled at this point. He added that committee meetings typically occur on Mondays. Any action would likely occur during the week of March 28, if at all. He emphasized the importance of the committee chair in determining whether to have the bill placed on the committee’s agenda or not.
Additionally, Duane shared concerns about APS’s wildfire mitigation plan (one has already filed with the ACC) as appearing to be generic and lacking a specific focus on local areas like Village of Oak Creek or Sedona.
Susan Barber acknowledged the detailed report and opened the floor for further questions.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Senate Finance Committee actions and potential updates on HB 2201.
- Encourage community members to independently reach out to legislators or the Governor, emphasizing their role as constituents.
Planning and Zoning Committee Report
Bob Marriott – Chair provided updates on the committee’s ongoing efforts in the community.
Hilton Construction Updates:
- Progress has been made in addressing construction issues at the Hilton wedding venue, particularly violations involving unpermitted construction.
- Discussions with a Scottsdale consultant overseeing Hilton’s compliance have focused on:
- Outdoor music restrictions.
- Violations of the dark sky ordinance.
- Dave Norton and Hilton’s engineer inspected the site, identifying needed corrections. These corrections are being relayed to the consultant for resolution.
- Concerns persist about conflicting details within the Hilton’s application materials, causing delays in providing recommendations to the executive board.
Flagstar Bank Branch Lighting Issues:
- Visits to Sedona and Flagstaff Flagstar branches revealed severe non-compliance with dark skies standards due to floodlights more suited for an airport runway.
- Efforts will be made to address compliance, although county enforcement on lighting violations is currently inconsistent.
County Lighting Ordinance Update:
- An updated dark skies ordinance was drafted over a year ago but has yet to be approved by the Board of Supervisors due to other county priorities.
- The update includes modern standards, such as LED compatibility, and aims to simplify compliance for businesses. Approval is anticipated in June.
- The county has limited resources for enforcement, relying on complaints to initiate action.
- Specific staff, like Damian, handle violations but face significant workload constraints.
- The community is exploring ways to assist the county in identifying actionable violations.
Dark Sky Community Certification:
- The Village of Oak Creek remains a certified dark skies community.
- An annual report, including six sky readings taken bi-monthly, was submitted and acknowledged by the International Dark-Sky Association.
Hilton Lighting Improvements:
- A March 6th inspection with Hilton’s chief engineer resulted in an agreement to voluntarily address violations and reduce lighting temperature from 3,000 Kelvin to 2,000 Kelvin for compliance.
Questions and Comments:
- Mary Morris inquired about county regulations for enforcing dark skies compliance. Susan clarified that regulations are in place but are contingent on the county’s willingness to act.
- Nina Joy Rizzo asked if citation fines from violations would benefit the local community. Bob explained that funds go to the county’s general fund, not directly to the community.
- It was noted that compliance efforts depend heavily on a few dedicated county staff and community volunteers.
Dave Norton highlighted proactive measures at Hilton and ongoing community certification efforts and reassured that engagement with motivated individuals can lead to meaningful progress.
Next Steps:
- Continue monitoring Hilton compliance.
- Work toward approval of updated dark skies ordinance.
- Strengthen community-county collaboration for enforcement.
Red Rock Road Enhancement Maintenance District (RRREMD)
Dave Norton announced his re-election as RRREMD Board Chair for another 4 years, as the position was uncontested.
RRREMD is collaborating with the Sedona Village Partnership (SVP) on public art projects for local roundabouts. Two public art pieces have been submitted for roundabouts at Verde Valley School Road and Cortez. The two remaining roundabouts will be addressed in a second phase, with future calls for artist submissions. Encroachment permit applications for the roundabouts have been submitted, with tracking numbers now in place. Artists are finalizing specifications (size, weight, colors, engineering details) for submission. A fundraising campaign is planned to ensure funds are secured before artwork purchase. Artwork fabrication and installation are estimated to take one year after funding and approval.
Mary Morris asked about timing for the second phase and public involvement in suggesting themes.
- Dave advised that the second phase is not yet planned. Public suggestions for themes can be submitted to the Sedona Village Partnership.
Margie Gerstenson raised concerns about traffic safety and the placement of art in roundabouts.
- Dave advised ADOT prefers roundabout art to improve driver focus. Incidents involving art will be addressed as needed.
Broadband Update
Jim Blanchard highlighted frustrations with current broadband options in the village. He Recommended Starlink as a high-speed, reliable alternative with impressive service metrics:
- Download speeds over 400 Mbps.
- Latency at 19ms and upload speeds of 24 Mbps.
He closed by noting Starlink’s affordability and ease of setup, encouraging residents to consider it. Please visit starlink.com for more information and pricing.
Announcements
Library Fundraising Update: Carolyn Fisher advised that February’s “Viva la Village” fundraiser raised over $22,000 for the village’s nonprofit library system. She emphasized the library’s reliance on community contributions as it does not receive municipal funding.
Carolyn also announced upcoming Sedona Symphony concerts:
- April 6: Regular concert featuring pianist Laura Downs.
- April 26: Classical Mystery Tour, a Beatles tribute concert.
Sister Cities Project: Don Groves advised that $2,375 was raised in a raffle for the Sister Library Project with Canmore, Canada. Plans include launching a local author and book exchange program in mid-April.
Upcoming Townhall: On behalf of Yavapai County Supervisor Nikki Check, Susan announced Supervisor Check is holding a town hall meeting at the Cottonwood Library on Wednesday April 15 from 4pm – 6pm.
Susan adjourned the meeting at 11:07 AM.
Reminders:
