Straight Talk with Karen
For March’s Straight Talk with Karen, we’ll be trying something a little different. To offer varying opportunities for residents to engage with City Manager Karen Osburn, the format will change from a one-on-one meeting, as it has been in the past, to a group setting of up to five residents. The March 30, 2022, meeting will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Schedule a slot and learn more at www.sedonaaz.gov/straighttalk.
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City Council Recap
Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions you might want to know about:
- On Jan. 4, 2022, Council agreed that the existing priorities should proceed as is, with an emphasis on traffic improvements, trailhead congestion/impact to neighbors, workforce housing, Dells land use and the Community Plan update. To get a better look at Council’s priorities, watch this video.
- On Jan. 11, 2022, by consensus Council directed staff to continue to support a pair of legislative bills for the repeal of Senate Bill 1350 to restore local control of short-term rentals.
- On Feb. 8, 2022, City Council adopted a resolution approving the sale, execution and delivery of Excise Tax Revenue Obligations in an amount not to exceed $25 million. The primary projects to be debt financed include the Uptown parking garage, the Forest Road Extension and the Pedestrian Crossing at Oak Creek.
- On Feb. 8, 2022, City Council received an update on the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was approved last summer. The CAP sets a science-based target of reducing community-wide emissions in Sedona by 50% by the year 2030. Introduced to Council that night was Alicia Peck, the city’s new Sustainability Manager.
- On Feb. 9, 2022, City Council received an update on workforce housing and agreed to have staff explore increasing housing density along 89A, an incentive program for short-term rentals willing to convert to long-term rentals, and potentially an accessory dwelling unit program focused on long-term rentals, among other housing strategies.
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Did You Know?
Did you know that the Sedona Police Department sponsors Sedona Police Explorer Post 7100, a free, community-based policing program that educates and involves young men and women in police operations with the goal of sparking their interest in law enforcement?
Explorers gain first-hand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up police work by being plugged into community activities. Over the years they have assisted in local events like the Sedona Marathon, St. Patrick’s Parade, National Night Out, Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics.
The program is open to young men and women between 14 – 21. The Explorers meet twice a month on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. To learn more and see if you’re a qualified candidate, email pdexplorers@sedonaaz.gov.
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Be Watching Your Mail!
We’re in the process of sending every household in Sedona a Community Plan survey. Residents can expect to find a city-sent letter in the mail inviting recipients to participate. Multiple options for accessing the survey will be provided. Responses will be used when updating the Community Plan, which is required every 10 years.
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In Other News
Don’t miss these other announcements:
- The St. Patrick’s Parade is back! Join the Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, March 12, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Parade in Sedona. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. from Jordan Historical Park and proceeds south on Jordan Road to Mesquite Avenue.
- Also returning is the popular Sedona Food Truck Festival, sponsored by the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department. Now in its fourth year, the event will take place on Saturday, March 26, at Posse Grounds Park. Admission is free with food and beverages starting at $5. That same day, the City and Run Sedona will team up to host the Sedona Stumble, which begins at 9 a.m. at Posse Grounds Park. We hope to see you there!
- The City’s Sustainability Team, in partnership with CozyHome LLC, will launch the Home Energy Retrofit Project on Thursday, Feb. 24. Homeowners applying may be eligible for up to $5,000 towards home energy retrofitting and weatherization services. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon on this announcement.
- Check out these results of the City’s recent Budget Survey, which will be used during the current budget preparation process so that staff, the City Manager and City Council can make more informed decisions.
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