On Nov. 25, Sedona City Council held its first meeting with newly appointed Councilwoman Charlotte Hosseini, who was selected on Nov. 13 to fill a vacancy created by the Sept. 30 resignation of former Mayor Scott Jablow.
Council also unanimously approved a new fee schedule. Interim Mayor Holli Ploog attended the meeting remotely.
Council Rules
Council censured Jablow a third time on Sept. 10 for acting unilaterally and creating and fostering a hostile work environment, among five other complaints.
Council approved several changes on Nov. 25, including the creation of the status of council member in good standing — which all members are presumed to be unless they are publicly censured by two-thirds of the council. After a censure, they can lose the following privileges: Presiding at council meetings; representing the city in ceremonial or official capacities; serving on external boards or committees as a city representative or as a Council liaison; have access to or use of city resources including, but not limited to, computers, conference space, fleet vehicles and city paid travel, according to the approved council rules of procedure and policies.
“Good standing” status can be reinstated by two means: Voters reelecting a censured council member to another term or by a two-thirds vote of council.
Ranked-choice voting was adopted for the internal selection of the vice mayor and, as required, the mayor, who is directly elected by voters. City Council work sessions now take place at 4:30 p.m. instead of 3 p.m. and at the call of the city manager, not the mayor. Additionally, the ethical conduct for elected officials has new language that reads “I will put the interests of the city of Sedona over all personal considerations.”
Many of the changes appear to respond to the seven charges the council lodged against Jablow, adding language meant to curb unilateral decision-making by individual council members. The new provisions also require council members to “promote transparency, accountability and open communication,” state that “I will not communicate anonymously about city business or encourage anyone else to make such anonymous communications,” and affirm that “I will maintain confidentiality and not disclose attorney-client privileged communication.”
Other Business
After a lengthy discussion about official city designations such as the official bird of the city of Sedona, staff will develop alternative means to recognize individuals or groups other than through proclamations at a future date, partly in response to the International Hummingbird Society circulating petitions to have Anna’s hummingbird recognized as Sedona’s official city bird.
The Sedona Police Department introduced the city’s first Emergency Management Coordinator Chance Wnuck, who started with SPD on Nov. 17. The position is a liaison for the city between Yavapai County and Coconino County emergency management departments, fire safety and federal agencies. The post is part of the city’s budget approved in June, that includes hiring nine new police officers along with a part-time evidence technician.
“Chance has his BS in justice studies and a minor in psychology along with his master’s in leadership with an emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management,” the Sedona posted on social media. “He attended the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence Program, aimed at developing professionals in the first half of their career to support long-term growth in their organizations.”
SPD is also anticipating that four police recruits will be graduating from the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy this month.
The Sedona’s Citizen’s Academy recent graduates were also presented with their certificates at the meeting.
“They are 26 wonderful residents that we have living right here in our community who are passionate,” Special Initiatives Coordinator Kegn Hall said. “They’re informed, they’re educated, and they’re ready to hit the ground running. So I would get familiar with the faces that you see behind me, because they will be involved. One just got a job. One is looking to be [on] planning and zoning [and] one is an active volunteer already with our police department.”
During public comment a resident expressed her concern about vehicles speeding on Inspirational Drive and was informed by Councilman Brian Fultz that “staff will be in touch.”
Council is scheduled to discuss the Western Gateway along with the Wastewater Reclamation Plant Facility Plan, and hear a presentation from the Sustainability Department about community and municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10.
