City Council Recap

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

- On Sept. 13, 2022, City Council approved a $155,000 expansion of the Posse Grounds Dog Park, to include a new 20,000 sq. ft. field area, comprised of a non-irrigated dog-friendly surface.

- On Sept. 27, 2022, City Council approved a $75,000 contract extension with Policy Development Group to continue to advocate on the City’s behalf during the 2023 Arizona State Legislative Session. The advocacy work will focus on short-term rental issues and any other issues City Council decides on in an upcoming meeting in December on State Legislative priorities.

- On Sept. 27, 2022, City Council discussed a first draft containing possible amendments to the City’s code on camping and sleeping in certain places. Staff will continue to work with civil liberties groups and local non-profits to refine the proposed ordinance and City Council will discuss this issue further at their annual priority setting meeting in January.

- On Sept. 28, 2022, City Council unanimously approved the City’s participation in the Green Power Partners program through APS at a cost of approximately $10,000. This will mean that beginning in October 2022, 100% of the electricity for the City’s applicable municipal operations will come from off-site renewable energy sources that feed into the APS service territory. Additionally, participation in this program will reduce 50 percent of municipal greenhouse gas emissions through the renewable energy credits the City will receive.

- On Sept. 28, 2022, City Council heard an update on progress of the Climate Action Plan and numerous other sustainability initiatives.

Did You Know?

Our Public Works Department, which manages the City’s construction projects, has a full plate of projects for this Fiscal Year including the Forest Road Connection, pickleball courts at Posse Grounds, and the installation of art in four roundabouts on 179. Hear from Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Andy Dickey on all the projects you can expect to see under construction or design.

Other News

Don’t miss these other announcements:

- Come attend today’s artist reception on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers and Vultee Conference Room at City Hall. On display are oil landscapes painted by Melanie Chambers Hartman and nature photography by husband and wife, Stan and Susie Rose.

- Have an interest in land use, architecture, construction, landscaping or planning? Apply for one of three open seats on the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

- For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sedona Police Department officers will sport pink patches. The department will sell the pink patches for $10 along with pink pens and pink patch key chains for $5 each with proceeds earmarked for the fight against cancer.

- Starting October 1, the Verde Shuttle will introduce changes: the first bus will leave Cottonwood at 6 am with departures every hour, on the hour throughout the day. The last bus will leave Uptown Sedona at 10 pm for the return to Cottonwood. Also, the route within Sedona will be adjusted to include two-way service between Uptown Sedona and Poco Diablo Resort.

- September 30^th is the last Fall Red Dirt Concert Series. Come listen to great music from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the Posse Grounds Pavilion at Posse Grounds.

- The City won a national photo contest for having a beautiful bus stop! See the photo.

- For the 23^rd time, the City was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

- Looking for a free COVID-19 rapid test? Come grab one for free, first come, first served, at City Hall in the Police Department lobby, Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

- Don’t forget that Posse Grounds playground is closed for improvements including installation of new slides, swings, climbing boards, rubberized ground and shade structures. The new playground will be open by mid-October, but keep in mind Sunset Park’s playground and Splash Pad are open during this time.

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