Yavapai News

The City of Sedona has released its monthly newsletter for December 2023, providing residents with updates on recent City Council decisions, upcoming events, and other important announcements.

In terms of recent City Council meetings, several significant decisions were made. One of them was the approval of the purchase of Stormy Bay, a steel horse sculpture created by artist Dixie Jewett, which will be installed at the Historic Ranger Station Park in mid-January. The sculpture comes with a price tag of $25,000.

Another important decision made by the City Council was the approval of a Land Lease Option Agreement and a $2.25 million loan for the construction of a 30-unit affordable housing apartment complex called the Villas on Shelby. The groundbreaking for this project is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2024, with units becoming available by fall of 2025.

The City Council also approved the fare for the new Micro Transit, known as the Sedona Shuttle Connect, which is set to be deployed in the summer of 2024. The initial fare for a one-way trip will be $2.00, with a $1.00 one-way discount for eligible individuals such as senior citizens, Medicare cardholders, veterans, persons with disabilities, and Arizona residents with a valid ACCCHS card. Children under the age of five will be able to ride for free.

During the City Council's annual retreat on December 13 and 14, the top priorities for the next planning period were determined. These priorities include traffic mitigation, affordable housing, sustainability, and more. The City will soon release a video announcement providing further details on these priorities.

In other news, the City of Sedona will be launching its annual Budget Survey on January 2. The survey aims to gather input from residents on potential projects for consideration in the City's FY25 budget process. The topics covered in the survey include building pedestrian bridges in Uptown, expanding arts and culture initiatives, consolidating trash hauling services, creating more appeal in Uptown for residents, acquiring the Sedona Airport, and developing a water retrofit or rebate program.

Several upcoming events were also announced in the newsletter. Residents are encouraged to nominate their favorite artist for the Mayor's Arts Awards before January 8, 2024. Those interested in providing input on the City's budget process can apply for the Budget Work Group before the same deadline. The draft Community Plan update is now available for review on the website www.plansedona.com, with comments due by January 31, 2024. The Sustainability Department has also launched the new Sustainable Neighborhoods Pilot Program, and an Open House meeting will be held on February 5 for those interested in learning more.

Furthermore, the City will be conducting its primary election on August 6, 2024, and its General Election, if necessary, on November 5, 2024. Those interested in serving on City Council can pick up a candidate packet at the City Clerk's Office.

Residents are invited to attend a Community Listening Session about tourism on January 22 at the Sedona Public Library. Input from this session will be used to develop a Tourism Strategic Plan and the destination brand for the City's new Tourism Program.

The newsletter also includes announcements about ongoing transportation projects, a traffic enforcement effort by the Sedona Police Department, business license renewals for 2024, and winter youth swim lessons offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

To stay up to date with City news, residents are encouraged to follow the City of Sedona on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

That concludes the City of Sedona's monthly round-up for December 2023. Stay informed and engaged with your city!

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6090/473