Two representatives from WECOM Fiber presented information about WECOM and their current work in Big Park. This information is summarized in this month’s Villager article by Tom Binnings.
In the Business Meeting, fifteen members were present and the requirement for a quorum was met. The agenda was approved.
President’s Report:
Supervisor Check will be the speaker at next month’s meeting; questions for her should be sent in advance to [email protected].
The Art in the Roundabout project ‘Village Treasures’ has been delayed by ~4-6 weeks.
Yavapai County’s Citizenserve website has been replaced by OpenGov; County staff are in the process of transferring all files to the new system. The Council will provide instructions on using the new site in the future.
The Membership Committee is seeking members; the Executive Board would like to activate this Standing Committee so that we can reach out to additional HOAs, neighborhoods and business associations for membership.
Secretary’s Report:
The July meeting minutes were approved. There were no changes in Reps/Alternates.
Treasurer’s Report:
July income was $0 and expenses were $238 (general liability insurance, annual PO Box rental, and monthly email service).
There was no Unfinished Business. Under New Business, the annual Nominating Committee seeks new members. Although all current officers are willing to extend their terms, the Nominating Committee will formally acknowledge that, and also seek to find interested future officers. Interested individuals should contact President Joe Skidmore.
The Dark Sky Committee reported that on 8/12 a Dark Sky celebration at Outbound in Sedona was held; despite the clouds some meteors were seen. Also, the County does not seem to be following up on complaints regarding Dark Sky Ordinance violations.
The next VVTPO meeting will be at the end of September. VVTPO is updating their master plan, and plans to do a review of trails in September; a report is expected mid-October. The AZ Transportation Board meets on August 21 in Prescott Valley; the next meeting will be in October in Flagstaff. Discussion ensued regarding in-person attendance at this meeting in order to keep the I17-SR179 interchange issue in the forefront. ADOT is operating under the approved 2026-2031 5-Year Plan. The AZ Transportation Board will have a new Chair in January.
USFS personnel area still monitoring the Pocket Fire; post-fire Burned Area Emergency Response funding is providing fencing, signage and drainage studies. Two large areas remain closed to the public, with limited access to Oak Creek. An Acting Deputy District Ranger position is being filled by personnel on a four-month rotation. This position supports District Ranger Alex Schleuter.
Announcements:
The delay in the Art in the Roundabout installation is due to detailed metalworking on the piece. A photo of the piece as currently built was shown; it is a beautiful three-dimensional structure. There will be a dedication event when it is installed.
VVREO has a new Executive Director, Connie Capiotis. VVREO has two efforts regarding broadband now that high speed internet is becoming a reality throughout the Verde Valley. These include:
A program to support digital equity and to help residents more universally access broadband while protecting themselves from the many internet scams, fraud, and abuses.
Working to insure a competitive market in the Verde Valley among internet providers. This is especially important in the Verde Valley as our major provider, Altice (under the Optimum and previously Suddenlink brands), is in serious financial trouble.
$296,451 of Title 3 funds are available for Firewise Communities for mitigation projects. If interested, send an email to [email protected]. Applications are due August 21.
Judy Poe, Executive Director of the Community Library Sedona is retiring; the Board is seeking a replacement. No contract has been signed between the School District and the buyers of the Big Park School property.
