City Council Recap

Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions that may interest you:

• On Aug. 8^th, 2023, City Council gave staff the green light to continue the buildout of the Ranger Station Park. Park improvements will include a historic plaza area, native landscaping, picnic tables and benches, a unique wooden playground, a parking lot, a shared-use path and much more to be completed by summer of 2024. This is in addition to the previous preservation and restoration efforts of the historic house and barn on the property.
• On Aug. 8^th, 2023, City Council amended the development agreement with Sunset Lofts, LLC so that among other things, it extends the time the developer has to complete the project by. The project is a 46-unit deed restricted rent-controlled apartment complex dedicated to workforce housing. 
• On Aug. 8^th, 2023, City Council approved and adopted the final Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget for a total of $85,819,620. This amount is comprised of an operating budget of $52,235,530 and a capital improvements budget of $33,584,090.
• On Aug. 9^th, 2023, City Council received a quarterly update on Sedona In Motion (SIM) projects, including updated traffic modeling showing current and future SIM projects working together to reduce traffic, and information on the Uptown Parking Alternatives Analysis and Harmony Neighborhood Shared Use Path. Notably, City Council gave approval to move forward with the design of the Harmony Neighborhood Shared Use Path along Andante Drive.
• On Aug. 22^nd, 2023, City Council entered into a voluntary agreement with local OHV rental companies which will go into effect 60-days following the new Ordinance adoption by Council. The agreement includes that OHV rental companies will:

1. Install the following safety equipment on their OHV fleets: turn signal indicators, vehicle speed governors, safety flags, GPS monitors and quieter mufflers.
2. Support limits, guided tours and permitting on local off-road trails.
3. Continue to educate each customer on environmental and safety issues with OHVs, including on paved/public roads.
4. Work with Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative (GSRC), Red Rock OHV Conservation Crew (RROCC) and U.S. Forest Service with trail maintenance, signage, and correcting damaging OHV behavioral trends among all OHV users. 

• On Aug, 22^nd, 2023, City Council heard a presentation from the Finance Department about Fiscal Year 2023 Sales and Bed Tax collections, including discussion on lower sales and bed tax revenues compared to Fiscal Year 2022, significant inflation factors and information on hotel occupancy and Average Daily Room Rates. 

Did You Know?

… that the Fall Red Dirt Concert Series is back?! Every Friday in the month of September from 5-7 p.m. at the Posse Grounds Pavilion, enjoy a free, family friendly live concert featuring wonderful musicians! Bring your outdoor chairs, blankets, snacks, and reusable water bottles. Arrive early to set up your space on the lawn and to say hello to your friends and neighbors.

Other News

Don’t miss these other announcements:

• Calling all volunteers! The city is seeking applicants for two seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Apply today!
• Calling all businesses: sign up for the city’s new tourism program and watch this video to learn more. We've been busy setting up the new Tourism Program, including requesting proposals for branding and marketing services, thinking about a first destination marketing campaign, and getting ready to appoint members to the Tourism Advisory Board. 
• The compost program has expanded! You’re invited to participate in our free Community Food Scraps Compost Program by filling out this form.
• Do you know your evacuation zone? Make sure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency!
• Have you heard about the Good Neighbor Brochure for short term rentals? It was created by the City and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, and highlights ways for visitors to be good neighbors and Leave No Trace. You can pick up brochures at City Hall or call 928-203-5198 for more information.
• Have you seen the new information stations at our Sedona Shuttle Park & Ride lots yet? The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund has donated three information stations that feature trail maps, safety guidance, responsible visitation practices and more!

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