President Susan Barber called the meeting to order at 9:02am with 12 member organizations and 10 guests present. She began by welcoming Lori Drake, Republican candidate for Yavapai County Supervisor, District 3 and then introduced Tom Binnings, Board Chair, Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (VVREO). first public speaker. The second public speaker is Tom Swaninger , Superintendent of Schools, Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District. (SOCUSD)
Verde Valley Broadband Provider Selection Update
Tom Binnings, Board Chair Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (VVREO) provided an update on the efforts to bring high-speed broadband to the Verde Valley, utilizing BEAD funding. He reported that the State of Arizona appears to have denied Altice’s (Optima) challenge, but we must remain diligent to insure were get a Broadband provider willing to deliver Fiber to the Home and give us access to speeds up to 1,000 mbps up and down. Altice cannot currently meet the FCC minimum on a reliable basis in Big Park and other areas around the Verde Valley. (VVREO Letter to Governor Hobbs) The process is now moving to the next stage of selecting a service provider. Tom mentioned that several companies have expressed interest. He also noted that the Arizona Commerce Authority is leaning towards regionalization, making it more likely to choose a larger company to service the entire Verde Valley.
Q&A Session and Potential Big Park School Asset Sale
Tom Swaninger, Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District (SOCUSD) Superintendent, expressed gratitude towards Tom Binnings for improved internet services in the village and shared an update about his family’s experience since moving to the village. He announced a question-and-answer session to be held in September to provide information and answer community questions on the upcoming November ballot question regarding sale of the Big Park School to a private party. Tom reminded the Council that if a private sale is approved, the district cannot control who bids on the property, but his message to the bidders will include a desire to accept a proposal that would be good for the school district and also serve the community. He emphasized that any funds from the sale could only be used for school district capital projects; for example, increasing campus security. He suggested hosting a community Q&A session to address concerns and provide information, an idea which Carolyn Fisher agreed to, urging that sessions be held in multiple locations as the decision would especially affect the Village, while many voters living outside of the Village may not realize the implications.
After thanking guest speakers Tom Binnings and Tom Swaninger, Susan Barber called the business meeting to order at 9:28am.
Roll Call: Secretary Mary Pope called the roll and attendance was confirmed as being 12 member organizations, one shy of the needed 13 for a quorum. Susan confirmed that the meeting would proceed as an informational session. Susan thanked attendees and guests for their presence and welcomed Sedona Fire District Chief Dori Booth. The agenda was approved by acclamation on a motion by Joe Skidmore and seconded by Carolyn Fisher.
Verde Valley Safety and Transportation Plan Presentation
Jeff Swan, liaison to the Verde Valley Transportation and Planning Organization (VVTPO) presented the Verde Valley Safety and Master Transportation Plan, focusing on the importance of public outreach and stakeholder participation. Review of the plan, which is set to begin in the fall, aims to address safety concerns and transportation needs within the region. Completion is 2026. Jeff highlighted the role of NACOG (Northern Arizona Council of Governments), the decision makers, who are elected officials. NACOG conducted a survey to understand the transportation and safety needs of the region. Jeff emphasized the need for involvement from the council for local input. Following the presentation, Susan mentioned the distribution of the slide deck, and Joe suggested the use of Survey Monkey for gathering meaningful public input. (Verde Valley Safety and Transportation Plan Presentation) In answer to a question, Jeff noted that larger projects that cannot be funded by NACOG are introduced to the ADOT planning organization.
President’s Report
Susan reported on the council’s recent activities, including her communication at the VOCA Board meeting. She gave them an update on the new planning and zoning process committee process and asked for additional volunteers for that committee. One person contacted Bob Marriott after the meeting and joined. Susan also reviewed the status of the APS subcommittee and the Council’s resolution on safety concerns regarding Exit 298 of I-17 as well as highlighting concerns regarding the school board’s possible decisions on the Big Park School property. Last she pointed to the great new BPC website (www.bigparkcouncil.org) and asked that they put a link to that website in their VOCA newsletters.
Secretary’s Report
Mary Pope thanked Carolyn Fisher for catching a typo in the June 13 minutes and a vote to approve will be held in August. She welcomed Kathy Joyce, Director of Advancement, as a new alternate from the Verde Valley School. AZ Palmer will remain as second alternate.
Treasurer’s Report
Patty’s financial report showed no income in June, with expected expenses for various services.
Unfinished Business
ADOT 5-Year Plan: Dave Norton shared his recent experiences with ADOT, at their June 21 meeting, particularly regarding the Safe Roads program and the 5 Year Plan, which was approved by the ADOT board. He presented the BPC resolution and supporting documents from Supervisor Michaels, Sedona City Mayor Jablow and Keep Sedona Beautiful, regarding the safety of Exit 298 (I-17 & SR 179) noting that ADOT board members were attentive and taking notes. During the break the ADOT director thanked him for his presentation.
Hybrid Remote Meeting Technology: The next item on the agenda was the hybrid meeting format, tested by the Executive Board in July. Susan identified the need for improved audio and video technology for remote participants in meetings to meet the requirements identified in the recent Council survey, suggesting the use of multiple cameras or AI-compatible cameras for future meetings. She also mentioned the plan for a pilot hybrid council meeting in the fall.
Committee Reports
APS Subcommittee: Joe Skidmore reported that the final version of the Earthrise Law Center’s long memo on the potential success of a lawsuit challenging the Aps power line above ground proposed installation will be received soon. Earthrise is incorporating the final comments of the Executive Board and Subcommittee. Some revisions have already been made to the Forest Service’s initial environmental analysis of this plan. He also shared that Alex Schlueter, the acting Red Rocks District Ranger, requested an informational meeting with the EB on the Big Park Council and its operations on July 23, to learn how the Big Park Council works and how the USFS can work more closely with the Council. There is another meeting, August 7 when a limited number of BPC members will meet Alex and Mike Dechter (NEPA Coordinator) and walk a section of the proposed route. The final Environmental Assessment remains scheduled to be completed September 5 by the USFS.
Planning and Zoning Committee: John Wichert reported on the planning and zoning committee’s recent activities, including member recruitment, training and challenges with the citizen serve website. He discussed ongoing issues such as the Patel Hilton Garden Inn’s project time extension, various permits requested and current compliance concerns with their lighting proposals and the Dark-Sky program. Other projects/permits requested include proposed lighting projects from The Collective and the Hilton Hotel which could also create Dark-Sky and noise issues. The committee also welcomed a new member, Antoinette Beiser.
Announcements:
- Chuck Marr, Sedona Village Rotary: The Village Rotary Club is meeting on July 18th at 7:30 am. Nice and cool time to meet at the Village library. They are starting the Rotary year and the theme is the Magic of Rotary. They’ll have a wonderful magician Michael Steele at the meeting. The meeting is open to the public. (Link to meeting information)
- Hummingbird Society: Mary Pope had an announcement on behalf of Lenore Hemingway for the Hummingbird Festival here in the village, as well as other places July 26-28. There are numerous events and speakers. (Link to Festival Details)
Reminders:
