Updates from Sedona City Council Meeting
Nena Barlow, along with members of the Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative and Melissa Pontiques from Friends of the Forest Sedona, provided an update to the Sedona City Council on July 8th. They discussed the efforts of an ad hoc group which has recommended limiting the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the area.
The U.S. Forest Service staff was also present during the meeting, although no formal action was taken by the Council.
“Since the report was released, we’ve made some noteworthy achievements. Continuous education for rental users has been a focus,” Pontiques mentioned. She pointed out that they had tried to quantify their efforts, noting that the Red Rock OHV Conservation Crew represents an investment of over $100,000.
The recommendations from the Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative (GSRC) have led to enhanced measures regarding OHV permit systems, speed limits, and law enforcement presence. Currently, GSRC is working on a $1.6 million list of initial OHV resource management projects aimed at securing grants for environmental initiatives like Keep Sedona Beautiful and the recently established Arizona Trail Partners.
This project list includes creating a dedicated OHV coordinator position through the Arizona Trail Partners, addressing OHV incursions, swiftly evaluating issues, restricting access to newly established off-road paths, and organizing a central restoration system.
Additionally, GSRC’s Electric Recreation Working Group is considering several initiatives, such as improving trailhead signage, gathering better data on recreational vehicle use, and creating effective educational materials. They also prioritize road maintenance and restoration efforts.
Barlow announced that the Red Rock OHV Conservation Crew has transitioned into an official nonprofit organization. “We’re looking forward to federal approval,” she added, mentioning plans for speed signs, cameras, and internship scholarships.
The Arizona trail partner received approval from the Arizona Corporation Board on January 13th, with Barlow serving as the director alongside executives from various local adventure companies.
“We’re a newly established nonprofit, stemming from RROCC, and we’re engaged with the Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative. Our mission is to educate and promote stewardship for electric recreation routes,” Barlow explained.
However, one community member expressed opposition to the city’s and GSRC’s approach to OHV management.
Sister City Developments
The Sedona Sister City Association (SSCA) updated the council on the progress of their partnership with Jaswo in Poland, which is Sedona’s second sister city.
Councilor Derek Pfaf remarked, “We are glad to be fostering these international relations, especially at a time when U.S. foreign relations seem uncertain.” The council unanimously approved a two-year friendship agreement with SSCA Jaswo to formalize their relationship with this city. SSCA President Chuck Mahl noted that this agreement aligns with their timeline to establish Sister City status with Canmore.
“I’m really pleased to see our efforts to engage with English-speaking nations as partners,” shared Councilor Kathy Kinsella.
Mayor Scott Jablow and Sedona Executive Director Judy Poe recently returned from a ceremony held in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, as part of this initiative.
The council allocated $6,000 to the SSCA through the city’s small grant program to support an artist exchange program with Canmore. Mahl clarified that this funding would not compromise SSCA’s independence, as expenses for travel between the cities are covered personally by members. The grants are directed towards performances aimed at benefiting Sedona residents.
Canadian violinist Jack Forestair and cellist Sabina Sandvos are set to perform at a free SSCA concert at the Sedona Centre for Performing Arts on September 17th.
In celebration of this new partnership, the SSCA is collaborating with the American Conference in Poland to co-host Sedona’s first Polish picnic on September 20th at Posse Ground Park, according to their website.
Other Council Matters
During the consent items discussion, a resident voiced concerns regarding the annual approval of license plates for Sedona Police vehicles but ultimately approved the renewal.
A detailed list of vehicles, including years, makes, models, and VINs, will be prepared for the Chief of Police, as noted in the council packet.
Other approved items included new liquor licenses for TRES Amigos Mexican Restaurant at 1655 SR 89A, expanding the city manager’s authority to settle lawsuits, and measures related to unpaid property fines.
Moreover, the council raised the threshold requiring formal solicitation for purchases from $10,000 to $25,000. This change means that city managers must obtain three price estimates for purchases exceeding the new limit.
Lastly, the council updated the authority of the City Manager to approve adjustments or amendments to existing contracts. The amendments may now involve cumulative changes of up to 10% of the original contract or a maximum of $150,000.
Former Sedona Magistrates Lou Levin and Michael Goymalak were unanimously appointed for a two-year term as special magistrates at Sedona City Court.
