Sedona, AZ - May 30, 2008 - It’s been a long campaign, and May 27th the newly elected council members were seated. The process has given me cause to reflect on my own campaign two years ago, what the issues were then, and what has been accomplished since.

My campaign points are still fresh in my mind:

So where do we stand today? I can’t list everything in this column, but here are some highlights:

The Uptown Enhancement Project is complete, with wider sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, benches, transit stops, additional crosswalks and enhanced landscaping. A parking ambassador monitors the 3-hour timed parking, and the city is pursuing additional public parking lots in the Uptown and Highway 179 districts.

The second phase of the Highway 179 improvement project is underway, and when complete will provide a pedestrian friendly environment with sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaping and pedestrian lighting from the ”Y” to Canyon Road. The Roadrunner trolley provides public transportation within Uptown and the Gallery District, as well as a once-a-day roundtrip between Cottonwood and Sedona. This summer the city plans to offer a route into West Sedona during the day, and on weekend nights a route that will connect hotels and restaurants along the 89A corridor and the Uptown/Gallery district. The Creekwalk is moving forward and when finished will provide a unique venue for tourists and residents to enjoy.

The council recently approved an excise bond to finance sewer connections for the Chapel area, as well as much needed drainage improvements for both the Chapel and Harmony neighborhoods. Upgrades continue for sewer pump stations to ensure future reliability and capacity of our sewer system. A sidewalk for Posse Grounds Road, and a traffic signal at Airport Road, are in the budget. ADOT and the Citizens Lighting Committee will be coming forward in the near future with recommendations for a traffic signal at Andante, and night sky approved highway lighting in certain areas of the West 89A corridor for improved safety.

The city has maintained support for the many non-profits that provide services for residents, as well as for the arts groups that provide venues for both locals and tourists to enjoy. Community-wide events such as Western Americana Days and the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade help to maintain the small town character that is important to Sedona. Parks and Recreation has increased program offerings for residents, and extended pool hours for this season.

The council passed the Sedona Housing Policy, and will consider a Community Plan Amendment to allow for increased density in certain areas, for projects that include affordable housing, and to allow the rental of accessory dwelling units to increase the City’s stock of affordable rentals. Currently, the City is in the process of administrating the Mobile Home Replacement Program, part of a Community Development Block Grant, that will replace old singlewide, owner occupied mobile homes with new doublewide mobiles.

Looking forward, there is more to be done, and again, I can’t list it all.

But, in particular, addressing traffic concerns is a complicated, expensive endeavor. A recently completed study by EDAW showed that without an alternate route the roundabout at the “Y” will function at a level of service “D” on weekdays, and “F” during peak times, by the year 2030. Studies have been done in the past, but nothing initiated, to address traffic congestion on W89A. I hope to see the city move forward on both of these issues during the next two years.

I would also like to see more in the budget for Parks and Recreation. We are a growing community and well maintained parks, with adequate playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas and recreational programming are important for residents as well as visitors.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow councilors that are retiring, and to extend a welcome to the newly elected. I have enjoyed my first two years and am ready to roll up my sleeves and get some work done.