Yavapai County

The Board of Supervisors addressed several key items. Discussions included a request for $10,000 in funding for the Yavapai County Trails Committee, leading to a motion to establish a separate fund for the committee with contributions from individual Supervisor parks funds. The Board unanimously approved a request from the Water Advisory Committee to forward comments to the Governor's Drought Task Force concerning drought and water conservation plans, including concerns about the plan's scope and recognition of varying water supplies. The Board ratified decisions of the Hearing Officer for various equalization hearings and approved Julie Bachman as Employee of the Month for July 2004. Public Works items included the approval of a resolution establishing Lynx Creek Road as a County highway and approval for a design and planning project concerning County access realignment to S.R. 260. The Board also authorized negotiations with the City of Prescott regarding the Side Road Traffic Interchange on State Route 89A. Other approvals involved a cooperative project with the Coconino National Forest for Chavez Ranch Road improvements and rejection of a bid for the Thompson Lane Pavement Overlay due to it exceeding the engineer's estimate. Development Services involved approving a zoning ordinance amendment regarding building height limits and approving the preliminary plat for the Village Estates residential subdivision. The Board also approved several consent agenda items, including proclamations for "Family Day in Yavapai County" and "Verde River Days," acceptance of a Constable's resignation, and appointments to the Local Workforce Investment Board. A request from the Public Defender to hire Anita Pitroff was approved with an amendment to classify the position as Attorney Entry instead of Attorney Journey.

The Board of Supervisors met in a joint session with the Planning & Zoning Commission to discuss several critical items. Key discussions centered on the Growing Smarter Act (HB 2361) and the subsequent requirement to adopt or re-adopt a comprehensive long-term County plan, noting the existing 1975 General Plan would require modifications. There was consensus on the need for a flexible, two-tier General Plan development process. Further discussion involved suggested guidelines for community plans, prioritizing the review of the General Plan over new community plans, with the Williamson Valley Community Plan and Highway 69 Corridor Plan receiving specific attention regarding resource allocation. The workload and public hearing process for the Planning & Zoning Commission were also reviewed, including suggestions for requiring speakers to sign up in advance and potentially charging fees for discussion-only items. Finally, the Board discussed recent legislation (HB 2621) concerning county zoning and downzoning, ultimately deciding to continue current business practices while the Chairman drafts a letter to Pima County and the Governor's Office expressing reservations. Proposed amendments to the Planning & Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations were also prioritized.

The Board session included the approval of the Consent Agenda, with exceptions noted for special districts. The County Recorder received approval to spend funds for computer equipment related to the voter registration system. The Health Department provided an update on the Tobacco Education and Prevention Program, noting the addition of cessation classes for adults. The Public Works Director presented several items, including the approval of services for Airport Connector Road Data Recovery, a grant application to ADOT for air quality control strategy development for the tri-city area, the award of a bid for scale relocation at the Camp Verde Landfill, acceptance of a petition to establish Peila Avenue as a County highway, and approval of various Change Orders for Pioneer Parkway and Willow Creek Road construction, as well as an environmental evaluation for the Sedona Airport Master Plan Update. A request for permission for an employee to take a County vehicle home for emergency response was held in abeyance. The Human Resources Director provided an update on departmental activities. The Planning & Building Director managed several land use and zoning matters, including the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the Hacienda La Mariposa Bed and Breakfast, an amendment to the Development Agreement for the Sedona Golf Resort, and the final subdivision plat for Thunder Ridge Phase 2. A Conditional Zoning Map Change for Bert's Equipment in the Cottonwood area was recommended for approval with specific stipulations, and an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations regarding the Drainage Criteria Manual was considered. A hearing regarding an appeal of a Roadway Development Fee for a non-profit organization was held in abeyance pending policy development. The Board convened in executive session for legal advice regarding Ridge Trail closure. A joint session was held with the Cottonwood City Council to discuss mutual concerns regarding master planning and potential property acquisition near 6th Street and Mingus, leading to an agreement to pursue master plan schematics. The Board also approved various items on the Consent Agenda for Supervisors, including ratification of an emergency session action, fund transfers, budget modifications, and contract extensions.

The Board of Supervisors addressed several key items during the session. Discussions included the approval of establishing the Bryce Canyon Drive Sewer Improvement District, following notification and receipt of sufficient property owner signatures without protest. Various items on the Consent Agenda for the Board and Special Districts were approved. The Board adopted a resolution recognizing Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Volunteers for their 2000 contributions and approved the adoption of retiring K-9 "Alan." An employee of the month for April 2001 was approved. Significant departmental reorganizations were approved, specifically merging the Facilities and Parks Departments, retaining but vacating a Secretary Journey position pending long-term planning, and modifying positions within the Health Department to enhance inter-office consistency. The Public Works Department reorganization included deleting an Account Clerk II in exchange for a Trade Specialist position to manage complex electrical systems at Seligman Airport. Other Public Works actions involved approving the abandonment of a portion of 5th Street in Ash Fork, approving the purchase agreement for the Hillcrest/Butterfield Connector Project, and temporarily opening Pebble Gate in the Village of Oak Creek to alleviate traffic delays. The Board also discussed establishing a new permit fee for road cut permits to cover chip sealing costs, which will require a subsequent hearing. Planning and zoning matters included the final approval of the Inscription Canyon Ranch PAD South subdivision plat with revised stipulations regarding permanent trail construction coordination, approval of a Use Permit for a general automotive repair facility in Black Canyon City with numerous stipulations, and the approval of a Use Permit for a private landfill in Prescott Valley with conditions related to operations, closure, and waste acceptance. A proposal to adopt an official street name map for the Paulden/Chino Valley area, including renaming streets for emergency services, was approved. Additionally, the renaming of sections of a county highway to Kirkland Valley Road and Kirkland-Hillside Road was resolved after public discussion. A study session was held to discuss legislative issues, budget timelines, and technology concerns, with focus on Proposition 204's impact and the transfer of Medical Assistance eligibility staff. Finally, the Board convened as the Board of Directors for various improvement districts to approve minutes and resolutions related to assessments.

The special session focused on presenting information and receiving public comment regarding the proposed implementation of impact fees in the unincorporated areas of the County, specifically for roads and parks as allowed by state law. Discussion included the methodology for calculating projected revenues based on various fee percentages (30%, 40%, or 50%) and historical permit data, as well as exploring alternatives like increasing the existing half-cent sales tax. Concerns raised by the public centered on the regressive nature of the fee, its potential negative impact on the construction and real estate industries, and disproportionate burden on first-time or low-income home buyers. The Board also addressed questions regarding the use of fee revenue, the schedule for final adoption, and the County's constraints on performing in-house road construction projects exceeding $150,000.