City Council Recap

Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions you might want to know about:

• On Jan. 10, 2023, City Council heard about several initiatives in progress to alleviate OHV impacts by the Red Rock OHV Conservation Crew (RROCC).
• On Jan. 10, 2023, City Council approved the purchase and development of a permanent 9-hole disc golf course at Posse Grounds Park costing $8,000, projected to be complete early summer.
• On Jan. 10, 2023, City Council approved the purchase of three Microtransit Vehicles for an amount not to exceed $624,546. They also approved two additional Microtransit Vehicles partially funded by the FTA 5339 Grant award for $416,364. This on-demand service is expected to be available in Fall 2023.
• On Jan. 10, 2023, City Council approved the future installation of grass at the expanded dog park at Posse Grounds. The expansion has been completed and opened on Jan. 21.  Currently it features a temporary sand surface while the city pursues the installation of natural grass later this year.
• On Jan. 11 and Jan. 24, 2023, topics concerning the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau (SCC&TB) and their contract with the City of Sedona were discussed between the two organizations. City Council decided to pursue a fee for service contract for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 24 and did not support the use of FY 23 contract contingency funds, totaling $225,000, for destination branding and marketing efforts.
• From Jan. 17-19, 2023, City Council held their annual retreat over three days to determine which projects and initiatives are the top priorities for staff to pursue over the next planning period, typically 12-18 months. Highlights included:

1. Establishing the FY 24 priorities, which include traffic, affordable housing, sustainability, land use planning and more. Watch for an upcoming video announcement for details.
2. Reviewing the financial status update and revenue projections.

• On Jan. 24, 2023, City Council approved the following three changes to make the Down Payment Assistance Programs accessible to more employees:

1. Increased the down payment match from a maximum of $25,000 to $40,000.
2. Reduced the requirement to work in Sedona from 7 years to 5 years.
3. Eliminated the employment history requirement for the City of Sedona Employee Down Payment Assistance Program.

• On Jan. 24, 2023, City Council authorized City staff to prepare a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for funding for Steps to Recovery to support the acquisition of transitional housing for families and individuals impacted by substance abuse.  
• On Jan. 24, 2023, City Council approved a new program that assists homeowners to voluntarily deed restrict their property from becoming a short-term rental in the future.

Did You Know?

…that the Sedona Police Department Cadets won a trophy at a state competition?

The Sedona Police Department (SPD) Cadets participated at the Chandler Tactical Competition on January 14th-15th under the advisement of Officer Catherine Beers and School Resource Officer Michael Lucas. 

Competing were 50 teams, 43 agencies and 7 states. The SPD Cadets won a trophy and acquired many valuable lessons, knowledge and experiences.

Other News

Don’t miss these other announcements:

• Take the online Budget Survey by February 16th to provide input on potential projects for consideration in the City’s budget process. Your input will be used so that staff, the City Manager, the Budget Work Group and City Council can make more informed decisions. The 11-question survey asks about the following topics:
  • Initial thoughts on Cultural Park uses
  • Neighborhood street connections
  • Broadband
  • Homelessness
  • Sustainability and resiliency
• Apply now for the Sedona Police Department Community Police Academy. Come learn about all things Sedona Police Department in this free, nine-week program held every Thursday evening from 6 - 9 p.m. starting on March 2nd. Applications must be received by February 17th.
• BE ADVISED! On Saturday, February 4th, drivers can expect road closures, detours and traffic delays due to the RunSedona race along Dry Creek Road. Most road closures will occur between 7:15 and 11:30 a.m. but could be extended or shortened based on the direction of the Sedona Police.
• You’re invited to an artist reception on Thursday, March 2nd from 4 - 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers and Vultee Conference Room at City Hall. On display are wildlife animal prints created by Cannon Winkler and wildlife photography by Stephanie Brand.
• On Saturday, March 18th at 10:30 a.m. in Uptown, the annual St. Patrick’s Parade returns! Participate in the event as a vendor – this includes civic organizations, businesses and youth/school groups – or as a volunteer by signing up here before February 28th.

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