Big Park Council meeting highlights from Dec. 8

Treasurer Patty Reski presented outgoing President Camille Cox with a gift certificate from the Council, expressing everyone’s gratitude for her long service to the Council. Camille continues to serve in 2023 as immediate past president.

Secretary’s Report: Mary gave a presentation on bylaw balance between requirements and flexibility for Officers and Committee Chairs. These executive positions must be held by a Representative or Alternate of a Member Organization (MO) so that individuals holding these positions understand the workings of the Big Park Council and have a meaningful connection with positive ties to the community. Mary then welcomed Renald Stettler as a new alternate for the Solo de Paso MO. Renald has been visiting Sedona since 1988, currently resides in the Sedona Golf Resort MO and recently opened a business in the Village.

Treasurer’s Report: Patty Reski noted that November had minimal expenses and the back account was comfortable. She then presented the 2023 proposed budget announcing that the $160 annual member assessment will remain the same, and commending the Budget Committee of Nancy Maple, Bob Marriott and Dave Norton for their diligence and hard work especially where cost uncertainties continue to exist with respect to in-person meeting facilities and the number of websites hosted by the Council and its committees. The 2023 Proposed Budget was approved as written.

Unfinished Business: Ty deJong noted that the election for president was postponed until Renald Stettler’s appointment as a Rep/Alt could be completed. In the interim John Wichert, a second candidate for president, was nominated. Both candidates described their background and answered questions from Council members. After calling for nominations from the floor and declaring nominations closed an electronic was held. Upon completion of the election with all 19 votes tallied, the results were announced. John Wichert is the 2023 President of the Big Park Council.

Committee Reports:

Planning & Zoning: David Gill was scheduled attend the county hearing on the Special use Permit for The Collective Dec. 22. In addition, there will be another public outreach meeting at the Verde Valley School regarding the school’s Special Use Permit, on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m.

Dark-Sky: Co-Chairs Curt Schneider and Dave Norton are working on the annual IDA Dark Sky Report and will have it completed this month. Dark Sky readings have been taken and documented in the IDA format and they now have a reporting log system and map that can be used by future Committees.

Emergency Preparedness & Planning (EPPiC): Mary Pope reported that Leslie Osborne has resigned from the committee due to health reasons and expressed the committee’s appreciation for her contributions. The committee feels that they have sufficient information to begin building a website/webpage to serve as a repository. The committee also agreed that a news article should be written about the forthcoming website and emergency categories, and that an annual community forum should be held including our County Supervisor and Front-line responders.

VVTPO – Steve Fiedler submitted a written report noting that Jack’s Canyon Road at Horse Ranch Road is a hidden intersection. Donna Michaels, Dan Cherry and residents are asking/having Yavapai County add blind intersection signs, relocating stop signs, yellow safety tape/symbols, trimming back vegetation and maybe more to increase visibility. RRREMD, 179 Road district, landscaper is working on removing the unsightly dead weeds/grass in rock beds. PVPOA, in Pine Valley on Longwood, erosion is occurring on the west side and undermining the pavement, which will start breaking off if not supported soon. Steve is asking the county to add large rock in drainage ditch.