Abani Heller (VVS Board Chair) and Christopher Gebhardt (VVS Board member) representing the Verde Valley School Board of Trustees provided an update on VVS Strategic Plan in order to get community feedback; they provided a slide presentation that will be available to the public. The Board will complete their 2025-2030 Strategic Plan draft by Sep 25th with Board approval by October 11th.
Highlights of the plan include:
• Plan includes Heritage (existing school) and SEED (areas reclaimed in 2007 with 3 buildings) lands; SEED lands are targeting as revenue generating.
• The school’s guiding principles are academic excellence, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, service to others and the value of physical labor. The Strategic Plan lists goals, initiatives and metrics for each principle.
• SEED lands will be used to promote financial sustainability and support mission- aligned growth. Similarly, goals, initiatives and metrics were defined. A 503(c)
(3) organization will be created to facilitate this plan according to their current Conditional Use Permit. Funds will support capital improvements, maintenance of assets, Annual Fund needs of the school, and scholarships.
• Plans for SEED lands include space for conferences aligned with their guiding principles, sustainable tourism and educational spaces, renewable energy and innovation projects, ecological conservation projects, a lecture series, research programs, student volunteer programs and shared use of facilities with the community.
Business Meeting:
1.Roll Call: By Secretary Bridget Bero at 9:31am. Sixteen members were present (10 in person, 6 ZOOM) and the requirement for a quorum was met.
2.Agenda – Susan Barber asked if there were any changes to the Agenda; there were none. Dave Norton made a motion to approve; Carolyn Fisher seconded. The agenda was approved at 9:34am with none
opposed.
3.President’s Report: none.
4.Secretary’s Report: Bridget Bero called for changes to the Draft August BPC Meeting Minutes; there were none. Bob Marriott made a motion to approve; Paul Sullivan seconded. The minutes were approved at 9:35am with none opposed. There were no changes to Reps/Alternates
5.Treasurer’s Report: Lisa Holly reported that last month’s finances consisted of receipts of $1397 in donations; expenses consisted of the monthly email fee and the annual insurance fee that totaled $686.
6.Unfinished Business: Approval of 2026 Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee consists of Carolyn Fisher, Gay Chanler, and Sarah Buck. Pat Robles made a motion to approve the committee; Paul Sullivan seconded. The committee was approved with none opposed.
7.New Business: Appointment of 2026 Budget Committee. Susan Barber reported that the Budget Committee will consist of Treasurer Lisa Holly, Pat Robles, Patty Reski, and Mary Pope.
8.Committee & Liaison Reports
a. APS Subcommittee:
i. Joe Skidmore reported that the FOIA appeal to the CNF was submitted on 9/8 and receipt was acknowledged by the USDA Office in Washington.
ii. Mark Matousek provided an update on APS power line construction. Helicopter work to place poles on the Kel Fox saddle will commence Sep 22 to avoid having to build a road through the area. This will limit APS’s ability to curve the line; discussion on placement will continue. The CNF denied an APS request to allow them to place a gate restricting vehicle access from Beaverhead Flat Rd. Subcommittee members will hold further discussion with the CNF on this matter. Discussions regarding a gate placed at Beaverhead Flat Rd to limit vehicle access to the south side of the Kel Fox are continuing between APS, BPC and the CNF. (Update 10 8 25) There was no additional information from private properties regarding their section of the power line (Wild Horse Mesa Dr and Las Piedras HOA).
iii. Joe Skidmore reported that an email was sent to the AZ State Forester District Manager requesting to be included in the review of APS’s Wildfire Management Plan as required under HB2201. The plan needs to be submitted in May 2026.
b. Planning & Zoning: Bob Marriott reported that the Hilton Resort has a new General Manager and Engineer; Bob and Dave Norton will meet with them. Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission will be hearing the Hilton’s request for plat changes due to the new Wedding Venue on Sep 18. BPC P&Z Committee members will meet with Hilton personnel later on September 18. The Board of Supervisors will hear the County P&Z recommendations on this matter on Oct 15. Dave Norton
encouraged us to work with the Hilton to ensure they comply with codes and wishes of the BPC; these issues include noise, parking and lighting. Susan Barber mentioned that Yavapai Country currently has a survey requesting community comments on this project (https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ 5ff037103426460a8ffc6a07952e5735).
c. Verde Valley Transportation Planning Organization: Jeff Swan reported that there is a meeting next week in Flagstaff.
11.Announcements
a.Dave Norton reported on the Red Rock Road Enhancement District. ADOT has approved fabrication of the art in the two roundabouts and is requesting their installation plans. These projects are fully funded and should be complete in December.
b.Carolyn Fisher reported that the Sedona Area Veterans and Community Outreach golf tournament sign up is due by 9/14. Bluegrass artistAllison Brown is doing a library fundraising concert at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on 9/28 at 4pm. She noted that any donors to the library can designate that funds go to the VOC library.
c.Don Groves reported that there will be a free concert (“Rising Stars”) on 9/17 at 7pm at the Sedona Performing Arts Center for Sedona Sister City International Day; two of the artists are from Canmore, Canada. On 9/18 there also will be a Mayors International Dinner. On 9/20 from 11-5pm there will be a free picnic by the Polish-American Conference at the Posse Grounds.
d.Mary Morris reported that on 10/27 the ACC will hold the Big Park Water Company consolidation hearing.
e.Steven Fiedler reported that Slide Rock State Park has apples to buy as well as pick your own. The park will hold their Fall Festival October 19 from 8-3pm.
The business meeting was adjourned at 10:29am.
Reminders:
