Big Park Council Meeting Summary
May 14, 2026 via Zoom

The following is the meeting summary from May 14 and also a correction to the April 9 P&Z Report.  Thank you for your patience with the delay in providing a summary.  

MEETING SUMMARY
BIG PARK REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL 
Meeting via ZOOM 
May 14, 2026 at 9am

There were no speakers.
Business Meeting:  President Joe Skidmore called the meeting to order at 9:00am.

1. Roll Call: By Corresponding Secretary Mary Pope at 9:02am.  Eleven members were present and the requirement for a quorum was not met; the meeting was an informational meeting only.  It was noted that Sundance HOA should be one word on the Roster.
2. Agenda: Don Groves motioned to approve the agenda; John Wichert seconded.  The agenda was approved at 9:04am with none opposed.
3. President’s Report:
   1. Joe reported that the BPC comment letter to the State Forester on the APS Wildfire Mitigation Plan was submitted, and thanked Duane Thompson for his drafting of the letter; additional input was received from Mark Matusek.  Comments focused on the APS process used to determine risk and details on planned interaction with local authors including support for Firewise; BPC will monitor the State Forester’s website for additional information.
   2. Joe reported that the BPC comment letter to ADOT on their 5-year construction plan was submitted, and thanked Jeff Swan for his drafting of the letter.  Joe will attend the May 15 ADOT Transportation Board meeting in Cameron and submit the letter in person as well; Jeff and Dave Norton will also attend the meeting.
   3. Joe requested volunteers for the following positions: Vice President, Co-Chair of the Digital Media Committee, Chair of the Membership Committee and additional members for the P&Z Committee.  He noted that someone interested in interacting with our constituents via social media is needed, and that the Membership Committee will be revived in hopes of attracting more business members.
4. Secretary’s Report: Since there was not a quorum, April minutes could not be approved.  Discussion on the wording of the P&Z report in those minutes ensued and the minutes will be revised pending approval at the June BPC meeting.   Mary noted that Ty deJong and Mary Beth Bassett are the new representative and alternate for CR Ranch.
5. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Lisa Holly reported that April income was $160 (from dues) and that April expenses were $143 (email service room rental and insurance).  One member’s outstanding dues are in progress of collecting funds for payment.
6. Unfinished Business:  None.
7. New Business:  None.
8. Committee & Liaison Reports:
   1. Planning & Zoning – Dave Norton reported that the Hilton project is complete.
   2. Dark Sky – Dave Norton reported that additional reports are being filed with Yavapai County; reports are acknowledged but no response has been observed.  Dave will followup with the County.
   3. VVTPO – Jeff Swan mentioned logistics for the upcoming ADOT meeting in Cameron.
   4. USFS – Joe Skidmore reported the following items:
      1. The Red Rock Ranger District has hired 15 of 17 seasonal employees.
      2. The Fossil Creek permit program will be revised so that 20% of permits will be available with 2-day advance due to many no-shows under the former 30-day advance.
      3. The Dane Fire near Clint’s Well is contained.
      4. RRRD prescribed burns are complete for the year; burns will continue on the Mogollon Rim with minimal impacts expected to Big Park.

9. Announcements:

a. Dave Norton provided an update on the Art in the Roundabouts project:
the Cortez roundabout is completed and the Verde Valley School Rd
roundabout art is under construction, and ADOT insurance approval is in progress. Traffic management during closure of the roundabouts was discussed, with Dave volunteering to contact ADOT to assure minimal disturbance to traffic.
b. Carolyn Fisher noted that a library beneficiary concert SPAC will be this
evening with artists in the Americana genre.
c. Carolyn Fisher reported that no contracts have been signed on the sale
of the Big Park School; she has talked with the project PM and has
been informed that further discussion will ensue once contracts are signed.
d. Recent power outages were noted; the current APS project was
theorized as a possible cause.  Emails to affected areas often stated equipment maintenance”.
The business meeting was adjourned at 9:35am.

April 9 Big Park Council Meeting Summary – amended P&Z report:

“Planning & Zoning – Bob Marriott mentioned that the Committee is still seeking new members, and that the Committee continues to monitor the Hilton project. ”

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