City Council Recap

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

• On Dec. 12, 2023, City Council approved the purchase of Stormy Bay, a steel horse sculpture created by artist Dixie Jewett, in the amount of $25,000 to be installed at the Historic Ranger Station Park mid-January.
• On Dec. 12, 2023, City Council approved a Land Lease Option Agreement and a $2.25 million loan for a 30-unit deed-restricted affordable housing apartment complex on Shelby Drive called the Villas on Shelby. Groundbreaking is anticipated in the second quarter of 2024, with units available by fall of 2025.
• On Dec. 12, 2023, City Council approved the fare for the new Micro Transit, called the Sedona Shuttle Connect, set to deploy in the summer of 2024. The approved initial fare will be $2.00 for a one-way trip, with a $1.00 one-way discount for the following eligible persons: 60+ years of age, Medicare Cardholders, Veterans, persons with disabilities, and Arizona residents with a valid ACCCHS card. Children under the age of five will ride for free.
• On Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, 2023, City Council held their annual retreat 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 FY25 priorities, which include traffic mitigation, affordable housing, sustainability and more. Watch for an upcoming video announcement for details.
2. Reviewing the financial status update and revenue projections in preparation for the development of the FY25 budget.

Did You Know?

… that our annual Budget Survey will be live on January 2? Take the online Budget Survey by February 5 to provide input on potential projects for consideration in the City’s FY25 budget process. Your input will be used so City Council, the Citizen Budget Work Group, the City Manager and staff can make more informed decisions. The short survey asks questions about the six following topics:

• Building pedestrian bridges in Uptown
• Expanding Arts and Culture Initiatives
• Consolidating trash hauling services
• Creating more appeal in Uptown for residents
• Acquiring the Sedona Airport
• Developing a water retrofit or rebate program

More Events and News

Save the date:

• Nominate your favorite artist for the Mayor’s Arts Awards! Nominations are due by January 8, 2024.
• Interested in providing input on the City’s budget process? Apply before January 8 for the Budget Work Group and serve as a sounding board in this year’s budget process.
• Our draft Community Plan update is ready for your review at www.plansedona.com! Comments are due by January 31, 2024.
• Calling all neighborhoods, HOAs and organizations! The Sustainability Department has launched the new Sustainable Neighborhoods Pilot Program. Interested in learning more? Attend the upcoming Open House meeting on Monday, February 5, from 6:00-7:30 pm at The Hub at Posse Grounds Park.
• The City will conduct its 2024 primary election on August 6, 2024, and its General Election, if necessary, on November 5, 2024. If you are interested in serving on City Council, there will be three council seats for a four-year term, and the Mayor’s seat for a two-year term available next year. Pick up a candidate packet at the City Clerk’s Office at 102 Roadrunner Drive.

• Residents are invited to a Community Listening Session about tourism on Monday, January 22 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Sedona Public Library at 3250 White Bear Rd. Input from the Community Listening Session will be used to develop a Tourism Strategic Plan and the destination brand for the City’s new Tourism Program.

A few more announcements:

• Three major transportation projects are underway to alleviate traffic congestion and improve pedestrian circulation. To get monthly project updates in your inbox, click on the project of interest below and sign up for the e-news:
  • Forest Road Connection project
  • Pedestrian Crossing at Oak Creek project
  • Uptown Northbound Roadway Improvement projects

• The Sedona Police Department launched a traffic enforcement effort with support from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant. The grant pays overtime to enforce and participate in driving under the influence (DUI) programming and the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Click here to learn more!
• Attention Business Owners! The Clerks Office reminds you to renew your Business License for calendar year 2024.
• For the first time ever, the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department will offer Winter Youth Swim Lessons over the holiday break, providing an exciting opportunity for youth to dive into the world of swimming at the Sedona Community Pool. Register now!
• State Route 89A has reopened to traffic north of Uptown Sedona following the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) rockfall mitigation project. The rock mitigation work caused debris to fall onto the roadway while crews were clearing the slope above SR 89A. ADOT thanks the public for their patience and understanding as we work to make highway conditions as safe as possible.

Spread the Word…

Want your friends, family, and neighbors to receive this newsletter? Have them subscribe by checking the Monthly Newsletter Round Up button under News.

Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @cityofsedonaaz.

Follow Us on Social Media