COMMUNITY NEWS –
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS FOLLOW –

HOLD THE DATE !! 

LOCAL BUSINESSES CONTRIBUTE TO THE HOLIDAY MIXER PARTY
To Celebrate and Appreciate the BPC Tireless Community Volunteers

Verde Valley School
12 4 2023 Newsletter

Sedona Chamber of Commerce

Visit Sedona Newsletter – 12 7 2023 
Business Bulletin – 12 11 2023
Local News 12 15 23

Sedona Railroaders Annual Holiday Train Show

Next Upcoming Date: Sunday, December 17 2023 to Tuesday December 26.  Admission is FREE
Location:  Vista Village – Corner of SR 179 & Jacks Canyon Road
Time:  11am – 4:30pm

No Christmas would be complete without memories of the old-fashioned department store’s displays of miniature toy trains. “Get on Board!” and enjoy the re-creation of some of these memories through stunning visual images of operating model railroad equipment. This year’s exhibit will include an American Flyer S gauge layout. O, N, and HO gauges will also be on display.

Club members look forward to sharing their love of model railroading with residents and visitors alike. 

Sedona Railroaders Website

BIG PARK REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
December 14, 2023

President John Wichert called the meeting to order at 9:00am and a quorum established.  In the absence of Supervisor Michaels, John welcomed Tom Binnings as the first public agency guest speaker.

Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (VVREO) Report
Yavapai College Course Offerings: Tom Binnings reminded the Council that in addition to being Chair of the VVREO he is co-chair of the BPC Community Plan committee and while that committee does not have an update at this time, it is still active.   VVREO works closely with Yavapai College (YC).  YC has a relatively new director for the local campus, Dr. Irina DelGenio, and the college is doing great things with their Skilled Trades and Culinary Arts Programs.  He will forward their presentation to BPC. 

Broadband Initiative:  Tom then reviewed the status of the Broadband initiative, and they are hoping for decisions at the state level by year end.  There are multiple broadband providers coming into the Verde Valley, and the new fiber optic pipeline coming up I-17 has been completed.  Each local community is working separately to achieve access to this service, often preferring different suppliers.  Sedona and the VOC are both most connected with Altice (Optimum) and most closely aligned with each other in terms of future fiber coming into the region along 179.  Tom and an ad hoc committee from BPC are working closely with Cory Christianson, Yavapai County, on BEAD funding, and met with three major service providers. (AirBeam, Allo and Lumen, formerly Centurylink) Tom voiced concern about Lumen due to their apparent lack of interest in taking fiber to homes even though they currently have the most fiber in the region.  His concern is shared by Sedona.  Eliminating Lumen leaves 2 potential suppliers.  Cox Cable is in southern Yavapai County and potentially could serve this area as well. The County seems to prefer Cox. Tom noted that recently Yavapai County had a contract with Altice (Optimum) for the Beaver Creek, Rim Rock and Cornville areas and cancelled it for non-performance.  They relet the contract recently to a company called WeCom for Beaver Creek, Rim Rock and also funded Spark Light to run fiber optics to Verde Village outside of Cottonwood using some of its ARPA funding from the pandemic. Unserved and Severely Underserved areas have the highest priority which is why the County has targeted Beaver Creek Rim Rock and Verde Village.  Our area is Underserved, which is the second priority; our broadband being below the minimum acceptable level of 100 mbps download and 20 mbps upload.  Our survey shows we are significantly below those levels.  In the coming months BPC should be prepared to support at least one provider who will be making an application to the State’s Arizona Commerce authority (ACA) to receive subsidies to bring broadband to homes in Big Park.  Tom expressed concern that in our area Altice effectively has a monopoly (based upon their high pricing and market share) and may take steps to marginally improve speeds with their existing technology which is far inferior to fiber in order to block federal funding and prevent other suppliers from serving us.  He recommends making broadband a BPC priority for 2024 to secure BEAD funding because with federal deficits and debt he does not think the opportunity will return.  He cautioned thinking that our current levels of internet speeds are adequate as in the future we will have many more devices and home services connected to the internet and buyers of properties are already becoming more diligent about home internet access when selecting where to live.

After questions and discussion of alternative suppliers of broadband, John thanked Tom for his informative presentation and introduced Dr. Tom Swaninger, Superintendent of Schools (SOCUSD) as the next public agency speaker.

Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District, Superintendent, Dr. Tom Swaninger.
Tom began his presentation by announcing that he’s recently moved to the Village and loves the area.   He then focused on the students of Red Rock High School, and the bright future that they represent, using the Interact Club (sponsored by Rotary) as an example.  There are over forty students that participate in the club.  Tom then explained typical activities including monthly visits to Sedona Winds, serving Meals on Wheels at St. Andrews church, and helping at the elementary school Wildcat Carnival, Food Truck Festival and Elks Lodge.  He emphasized that they’ll often volunteer for hours at a time or the entire day.  At Sedona Winds they help with bingo and singing Christmas carols. They also visit individual rooms of residents who are unable to join the group events.   They recently sponsored a food drive at the high school, fostering positive competition between the grade levels, and helped with Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the City of Sedona, beginning at 7:30am on the weekend.  Tom stressed that the students willingly volunteer and are enthusiastic about the services they are able to provide to the community.  The connection of those in the community of different ages, maybe different economic backgrounds, being able to spend time together is invaluable.  The better we understand each other, the stronger our community becomes.  Tom then acknowledged the leaders of these programs such as Teresa Lamparder, whose mentoring skills keep enthusiasm among the students high.  Without strong leadership, programs can falter, and he expressed appreciation for the individuals leading the program. 

At the conclusion of Tom’s presentation Colleen Hinds suggested that student participation in the Big Park Council would be a great way to introduce them to issues facing the community and encourage participation.  Tom agreed. 

In the absence of Supervisor Michaels, John then moved on to the business meeting, showing the draft agenda.  On a motion by Carolyn Fisher, seconded by Pat Robles, the agenda was approved by acclamation. 

Mary Pope then called the roll, confirming 17 member organizations present and 12 guests.

Secretary’s Report:   Mary Pope asked if there were any changes to the minutes of the BPC meeting November 9.  Hearing none, Pat Robles moved that the minutes be accepted as written and Don Groves seconded.  Motion approved unanimously.  Mary then noted that there were no changes to member organizations, representatives or alternates.

President’s Report:  John Wichert began by asking for comments on the Holiday Mixer held at the Verde Valley School.  The commentary was very positive, noting that it was a wonderful opportunity to see people in person, visit the school campus and meet student guides.  He joked that he was nominating Madame Hazeel for her performance at the volunteer appreciation raffle.  On a more serious note, John said that a question was raised about how the party was paid for.  He explained that it was put together on short notice and although there was no specific budget line item, the $900 budget item for in-person meetings was used.  He emphasized that there has not been an in-person BPC meeting for the past three years and with the large turnout, he also authorized the Executive Board’s $250 discretionary cash for November and December to cover the remaining expenses.  He noted that the Verde Valley School donated the use of its facilities, and the BPC paid for the food that the school prepared, halving the original cost projection.  In addition, raffle items were donated as was some food and drinks.  He agreed that learning from this experience, in the future, if another Holiday Mixer is planned that it be included in the budget as a separate line item.   The mixer served an important role in making the Council a sustainable organization by building personal relationships between representatives and other volunteers. 

John then briefly summarized the Council’s accomplishments for 2023, noting that it was a year to be proud of.  He noted that in January/February, community surveys were conducted for Broadband and the APS transmission line, and APS subcommittee members met with the new USFS Supervisor to review the situation and bring the community’s concerns to his attention, recommending undergrounding the line.  He noted the joint project with the Sedona Village Partnership of Art in the Roundabouts and the community outreach efforts of the expanded Membership Committee via posters, brochures, and an expanded social media presence.  A special community Zoom meeting was hosted with Yavapai County Supervisor Michaels and SOCUSD Board President Randy Hawley to learn about proposed plans for leasing of the Big Park School building to Yavapai County.  A new and robust website was created for the Council, thanks to an anonymous donor, and the Council is working with VOCA to document noise issues in the Village for a possible noise ordinance to be added to the current County regulations.  Susan Barber, John Wichert and Michael Sepe have met with Supervisor Michaels and Yavapai County Planning Director, Jeremy Dye.  With respect to the upcoming USFS decision on the proposed APS transmission line, $5,000 has been raised by community contributions within three weeks, matched 1:1 by the Sedona Village Partnership to reach the goal of $10,000 to engage Earthrise Law Center to provide a legal assessment to advise us how to respond if the Forest Service posts an unfavorable draft decision.   To keep the community informed on the status of this proposal, the APS subcommittee hosted a community forum at the VOC Church of the Nazarene in September.  In October, the IRS approved a change in the Council’s status from a 501(c) 6 organization to a 501(c) 3, allowing contributions to be tax deductible and at the end of October the Membership Committee hosted a pilot community coffee for individuals to learn more about the Council.   In November, the Council elected two very capable women to be President and Vice-President in 2024.  John expressed his confidence in the Executive Board moving into 2024.   Joe Skidmore then asked that John include the Council’s continuing work with ADOT on improvements to the dangerous I-17/SR179 interchange, acknowledging the work of Mary Morris and David Gill in this regard.   

Treasurer’s Report:  Patty Reski reported that no income was received in November and only $11 was spent on our monthly payment to MailChimp for email service.  She noted that the high bank balance was due to the money collected for Earthrise and that no invoice had been received as yet, although work will be proceeding.  She then asked for a show of appreciation for John Wichert and Colleen Hinds, who will no longer be Executive Board Officers as of the end of the year.  Hands waved and the Council cheered.  Patty reported that annual assessment invoices were sent out November 30, and are not actually due until January, becoming delinquent February 1.  She will deposit checks received after the first of the year to simplify accounting. 

New Business:  John asked for a volunteer to work with Fred Lens to keep Emergency Preparedness information up to date on the website.  It was suggested that Representatives approach their constituents seeking a new volunteer.  Engaging the Sheriff’s office was suggested, and it was noted that many of our members have safety committees who could assist.  Mary Pope reminded the council that current information from the USFS, Sheriff’s Office and other public services is sent out twice a month as Community News.  John expressed concern that more immediate information may be needed in an emerging emergency.  During discussion it was noted that the BPC website already includes links to the originating sources of emergency information so that people can sign up and receive the latest information directly.  The intent of the Emergency Preparedness Committee was to provide the community with the tools to keep themselves informed, not to act as an intermediary.   A suggestion was made that a widget be added to the website to summarize the feed from these organizations for those who have not signed up for direct alerts.

New Business – USFS Trail Revision proposals:  John led a robust discussion of the concerns surrounding the USFS proposals, especially in the Turkey Creek area.   In addition to John, Ben Lee attended the public meeting hosted by the USFS and expressed concerns about the designation of many of the trails by the Verde Valley School as non-equestrian.  The new designation would severely impact the school’s equestrian program, and Ben has arranged to have the district ranger visit the campus to better understand the impact of their proposal.  He is also concerned that the re-designation of certain social trails that pass near the girls’ dormitory to official improved trails, would create privacy and safety issues.  Also noting that the expansion of parking to create 30-40 new spaces, and advertising of the new trails would create traffic concerns along Verde Valley School Road.  He will provide BPC with a copy of the VVS’s letter to the USFS with additional details.   Carolyn Fisher noted that hikers are also impacted by the changes and input should be gathered to represent their point of view.  Gay Chanler inquired about the possibility of a shuttle service to alleviate traffic.  There was much support for this idea.  Concerns were expressed on how our unincorporated area would pay for a shuttle service.  The Red Rock Trail Fund was suggested, but it is unknown if their funding is limited to trail maintenance. The RRTF should be contacted and asked this question.  Mary Pope then noted that in the creation and maintenance of trails, the trend seems to favor bicycles and not hikers or equestrians. She mentioned that ramps are being installed on slopes that become dusty and dangerously slippery, replacing steppingstones.  Despite being an experienced hiker, having good hiking boots and poles, she has personally slipped and fallen on the new stone ramps.  She felt that the trails need to be maintained as multi-use.   Discussion then shifted to action that the Council might take considering that the deadline for comments is December 19.  It was agreed that there is insufficient time for the Council to research and make recommendations to the USFS but could continue to encourage individuals to respond directly.  It was also agreed that the Council could delegate President John Wichert to write a summary of today’s discussion and send it to the USFS.  

A motion was made by Dave Norton, seconded by Carolyn Fisher that the council approve John Wichert to write a letter to the Forest Service summarizing the discussion held today at the Big Park Council meeting.   Motion passed unanimously.
 
Committee Reports:
APS Subcommittee: Duane Thompson, chair, shared a handout on the APS transmission line proposal that was distributed by the USFS at the Dec. 5th meeting on new trail work in the Red Rock Ranger District. He will send a copy to Mary to share. The USFS is continuing to work on the APS proposal and should have a preliminary final draft of its decision early next month. That will then trigger a 45-day comment period for objections. The final environmental assessment will serve as a special use permit for the APS to build the project. The Forest Service has changed their rules in this area, so that instead of having interested parties appeal the final decision while a project is under construction, there’s a temporary period when interested parties like the Big Park Council can submit what is called an objection letter, or an appeal, to the regional forester in Albuquerque. The subcommittee has already drafted an objection letter, based on what they expect the USFS preliminary final draft to be. The objection letter continues to support the BPC approved motion to bury the transmission lines, or to look at other environmental alternatives such as battery storage. At this point, Earthrise is reviewing the draft letter. The next step would be for the regional forester to review the objection letters before issuing final instructions to the local Forest. Coconino National Forest would then issue a final environmental assessment, likely in the April timeframe. In the meantime, Earthrise is researching the likelihood of a successful lawsuit should the Forest Service’s final decision not be agreeable to the Big Park community. In the meantime, an updated and more detailed request for information under the Freedom of Information Act has been filed with the Forest Service. Duane also noted that recently APS has requested rights-of-way for construction of the powerline from two of the BPC member organizations, Las Piedras and the Sedona Golf Resort. Both have either questioned the need or denied the right-of-way.
 
P&Z Committee:  John Wichert spoke on behalf of Bob Marriott that the district court denied VOCA the right to restrict short term rentals without a prior policy being in effect.  VOCA intends to appeal.  There is a comprehensive article on the situation in the Red Rock News.
 
Art in the Roundabouts Committee: Rolf Funk reported that there have been 8 submittals of artwork for consideration with another 2 or 3 planning to submit.  John mentioned that the posters that the committee had at the Holiday Mixer generated a lot of interest and were very well received. 
 
Announcements:
Jeff Dunn announced that the Sedona Railroaders annual show is again at Vista Village and runs from 11am to 4:30pm starting this coming Friday through the 30 of December. (Closed on the 24/25 of December). The show is free to the public.
 
Ben Lee announced that this Sunday (12/17) the Verde Valley School will host Piano on the Rocks International Festival Holiday Concert from 3pm to 5pm. The concert is free to the public.
 
Meeting adjourned at 10:45am