Despite threats of recall, the Sedona Fire District governing board announced Wednesday, July 23, it would continue with plans to construct a new fire station in the Chapel area.
On June 25, attorney Linda Bagley Wallace read the board an ultimatum — halt progress on the Chapel station by the next board meeting or her clients would seek to recall selected members from the governing board.
The next board meeting came July 23, and Wallace was back with another letter to the board.
By Alison Ecklund
Larson Newspapers
Despite threats of recall, the Sedona Fire District governing board announced Wednesday, July 23, it would continue with plans to construct a new fire station in the Chapel area.
On June 25, attorney Linda Bagley Wallace read the board an ultimatum — halt progress on the Chapel station by the next board meeting or her clients would seek to recall selected members from the governing board.
The next board meeting came July 23, and Wallace was back with another letter to the board.
“As the economy turns positive, and all major road work is completed, it would then be appropriate for the district to again begin discussions on its planned capital improvement projects,” the letter read.
“This would include public meetings covering each project, including alternatives, projected costs, funding methods and completion schedules, which is the standard process for publicly funded projects.”
If the board decided not to honor the request and continue with current plans, “a recall of selected members will begin today,” Wallace read.
With the information collected from SFD Fire Chief Bill Boler, staff and residents, the board decided to move forward with Chapel station plans, Board Chairwoman Caryn Maxwell said shortly after Wallace’s letter was read.
“We have reviewed, listened and negotiated what we believe to be the best for the community,” Maxwell said. “We may not be doing exactly what you think is best, but we’re doing exactly what we think is best. Apparently, we are committed to this station as much as you’re committed against it.”
The board will, however, wait on plans for Station No. 4 and the Uptown communication center, she said.
According to Charles Christensen and Don Harr, two district residents on a six-member board — Citizens for Accountability — it’s not just about the Chapel station.
Citizens for Accountability, which, according to the men, has hundreds of supporters, wants the fire board to include the public in its decisions, especially when it involves spending a lot of taxpayers’ money.
“Multi-million-dollar projects like this and other things they do should be put in a referendum so people can vote,” Christensen said, “It’s their [taxpayers’] money.”
Since the board did not honor the request, the recall process will begin. More than 500 signatures for change have been collected, Harr said.
“We’re 100 percent behind the operation here,” Christensen said of SFD crews. “They’re the best anywhere.”
The idea that the board is making decisions without including the public is wrong, he said, “and needs to be straightened out.”
Alison Ecklund can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 125, or e-mail
aecklund@larsonnewspapers.com
