City Council Recap

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

- On Nov. 8, 2022, City Council approved a not-to-exceed $308,361 cost-sharing agreement for the construction of a right-hand turn lane from 89A to Amara Lane. This project will help traffic move more efficiently in Uptown and is part of the Sedona in Motion effort.

- On Nov. 9, 2022, City Council received a status update from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau (SCC&TB) on the current program of work and budget. Council began a discussion on possible future changes to the relationship between the City and the SCC&TB and ways to better delineate between the chamber of commerce and destination management divisions of the SCC&TB. Council also began to discuss the use of bed tax funds for destination management, specifically the collection and use of the ½ cent bed tax increase which was implemented in 2014 for use for tourism promotion purposes. The SCC&TB reported down tourism visitation and profits from many of the businesses they represent. All topics discussed in this meeting will be continued in a joint meeting in January 2023.

- On Nov. 22, 2022, City Council authorized the purchase of the 41 acres known as the Cultural Park for $20 million with a closing date of Dec. 8, 2022. City Council also approved the property to be purchased using $10 million in cash, and approximately $10 million in bonds. Once the City owns the property, an extensive public outreach and master planning effort will be developed.

- On Nov. 22, 2022, City Council approved an update to the City’s Short Term Rental Regulation. Most notably, the City will begin requiring short-term rental owners to apply for an annual City permit. City staff are preparing to roll out an application process beginning Jan. 15, 2023. More information will be coming soon to inform all short-term rental owners of this change and the City website will be updated with all pertinent information by Dec. 15^th. The City will continue to fight for the ability for meaningful regulation of short-term rentals at the state level during this year’s legislative session.

- On Nov. 28, 2022, City Council recognized outgoing Mayor Moriarty and City Councilors Jon Thompson and Tom Lamkin for their years of service. Magistrate Judge Paul Schlegel swore in incoming City Councilors Melissa Dunn, Brian Fultz, and Pete Furman, and Mayor Scott Jablow.

Did You Know?

The City’s wastewater treatment plan disposes of 1.2 million gallons of sewage daily! To keep the system running smoothly, frequent updates are needed. This year, the Wastewater Department has some significant improvements in the collection system planned. Read about those infrastructure improvements here.

Other News

Don’t miss these other announcements:

- Calling all youth, 16 months to 10 years old, to sign up for a new sports program with Beginners Edge Sports Training, or B.E.S.T. For the first season of winter sports, four programs will be offered: a basketball clinic, soccer clinic, volleyball clinic, and a special multi-sport clinic where participants will learn skills in soccer, baseball, basketball and track and field. Sign ups close on Jan. 11, 2023!

- With support from an Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant, the Sedona Police Department launched a traffic enforcement effort. One grant pays overtime to officers to enforce and participate in driving under the influence programming. The second grant will be used to purchase a new speed monitor and message display trailer.

- We need your help! As part of the Community Plan update, you are invited to sign up for two virtual Listening and Learning Sessions on Sedona in Motion (SIM) and Economic Vitality. The first meeting will be focused on traffic and transportation and will be held on Dec. 7^th. The second will focus on economic trends and will take place on Dec. 14^th. Both meetings will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. These sessions will focus on two-way listening and learning from the City and community participants.

- Stuff the bus! The City invites all residents to bring new, unwrapped toys to the Posse Grounds Pavilion between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6^th. All toys will be donated to Sedona Toys for Tots with the goal of filling an ENTIRE Sedona Shuttle bus with toys for distribution to families in need this holiday season.

- Kick off the holiday season with the 13^th annual Breakfast with Santa! This free event features a pancake breakfast served onsite, a visit with Santa and even his famous reindeer, and will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3^rd at the Hub at Posse Grounds Park.

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