Childhood Activities Help Keep Cottonwood Young

By Jason Little

 

For those who might see Cottonwood as just a nice place to settle down and retire with nice views of the Sedona Red Rocks and a plethora of wineries to enjoy, they are on the right track, but there is much more to the Northern Arizona town. Behind the programming of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department there are numerous opportunities for children and teens to grow and prosper in the small community. These activities are provided a home at the state of the art 52,000 square foot Cottonwood Recreation Center, city parks and numerous other city facilities. 

The renowned Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission drives many of the activities for teenagers in the Verde Valley…….  When reflecting on the 2011-2012 Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission year the only response can be…what a year! Over 800 hours of community service, countless funds disseminated to non-profits and programs that will have a lasting effect were all positive outcomes for the commission this year. When the commission embarked on outlining their yearly goals the commission aspired to improve upon the previous year’s accolades and implementing/dispensing programs and funding that would and having a lasting effect on the community at large.  President Andrew Hickey stated “I truly believe we have improved this year and challenged ourselves.”

 

Each program this year was significant, but one truly stood out C.Y.A.C’s ‘Dream Big” initiative.  The program was first conceived by the commission as a way to make a difference. When the commission received a grant from MatForce the monies were well spent. The group opted to find a speaker to address the entire student body. The commission wanted a speaker to convey their message of “Dream Big” and in a way that teens would digest it. After numerous emails and phone calls Anthony Robles stepped up. Anthony won the 2011 NCAA National Championship and went 36-0. The remarkable part is that he achieved this while dealing with family struggles, and being born with one leg. At the conclusion 1200 students gave Anthony a standing ovation. Today you can see students wearing the commission’s ‘Dream Big” bracelets.

 

2011-2012 Completed Programs

·       Yavapai Food Bank (C.Y.A.C. donates Turkeys)

·       Teen Night (over 300 youth in attendance)

·       Verde Valley Sanctuary (C.Y.A.C provides 13 families with a Christmas)

·       Angel Tree (62 youth provided with presents)

·       Santa Pictures (50 youth get the experience of a life time by meeting Santa)

·       Easter Bunny Pictures (40 families create memories)

·       Spring Fling Dance (over 300 youth attend)

·       Parent’s Night Out (35 families enjoy Valentine’s Day)

·       Verde Valley Manor (C.Y.A.C. members create bonds)

·       Mayor’s March a Mile for Meals

·       Steward’s for Land Clean-Up

·       Fall Carnival 

·       AZ Leagues of Cities & Towns (C.Y.A.C. members meet Senator McCain) 

 

The Cottonwood Aquatics Center plays host to movies in the summer with the “Dive-In Movies” series. Kids and families are given the rare opportunity to spend a night out at the movies and the pool all at once and for a minimal cost.  Contemporary films such as The Smurfs, Dolphin Tail and Soul Surfer drew over 500 youth, adult, and family members this summer.

 

The 17^th Annual Free Fall Carnival will be held at the Old Town Activity Park. This event features free bouncy rides, hay rides a costume contest and of course CANDY! Kids are able to enjoy their Halloween with friends in a safe and monitored environment…… 

The City of Cottonwood Youth Basketball League will be entering its 20^th season this November. Providing a 3 month long season to over 200 youth ages 7 – 16 the program continues to grow and evolve, even expanding its audience to the local cable airwaves. The program prides itself on teaching the fundamentals of the game and strives to provide a positive outlet for all the children of the community. Volunteer coaches have always been at the heart of the program and allow the City of Cottonwood to keep registration costs to a minimum for maximum participation. 

The Parks and Recreation Department also provides 2 weeks of Fun and Fundamentals summer basketball camps to boys and girls ages 7-14. The camp has been instructed by local high school coaches and serviced nearly 50 kids last year. The goal of the camps is reflected by the name; kids are there to have fun and try to learn some basketball while attending.  

The Cottonwood Recreation Center’s After School Program is a drop-in after-school recreation program for school-age children 1^st – 8^th grade.  The program services Cottonwood’s Mountain View Prep, Cottonwood Elementary School, Cottonwood Middle School, and Dr. Daniel Bright. Under the supervision of a professional recreation staff, youth are provided with a variety of age appropriate developmental group activities that are fun, stimulating and enriching. The C.R.C. staff is looking forward to getting to know the participants and their parents. We strive to provide a fun recreation experience. Each day participants will have structured, scheduled, age-appropriate activities, as well as supervised free play.

Program Components:

• Sports and Games
• Educational Enrichment
• Arts and Cultural Activities
• Health and Fitness
• Swimming
• Rock Climbing

Participation Requirements:

 

In order to participate in the CRC After-School program, participants must be:

• Enrolled in 1st - 8th grade
• Able to follow C.R.C. facility rules and program rules and expectations that ensure the safety, health and fun of everyone
• Able to follow instructions
• Able to participate in group settings

Able to manage personal hygiene without direct assistance from C.R.C. Staff

 

After School Program Special Programs:

The Afterschool staff realizes the demand on parents due to the struggle between work and family. To help ease the question of what do we do with little Jane or John Doe we have created special all day programs when children are off from school. These all day programs are much like the regular Afterschool program, but incorporate culture programs depending on the Holiday, more crafts, all the Rec. Center amenities, and tours of our local Police/Fire Department and Clemenceau Museum.

Fit Kids/Mayor’s Summer Luau

Last Saturday, August 11, 2012 we wrapped up this seasons Special Events with the annual Luau put on by the Mayor/City Council and Fit Kids. With big expectations for this event, our staff was eager to provide the type of atmosphere that has been historically associated with this event. With all 200 available tickets being handed out within the first 45 minutes of the event we were forced to start a waiting list to ensure we did not over exceed the facilities occupancy. The food was provided by Verde Valley Medical Center and enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

 Summer Day Camp

Campers will create life long memories, and relationships while at the Cottonwood Summer Camp.  Enjoy warm summer days at the Cottonwood Aquatic Center, interactive games at the Cottonwood Recreation Center, Horseback Riding and Canoeing at beautiful Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Ages for the camp are 7 -12 years. The camp includes:

·       Horseback riding and equine instruction provided by Trail Horse Adventures at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

·       Canoeing and Fishing at Dead Horse State Park lagoons

·       Campers will experience world cultures as well as local traditions through cultural programs. By visiting Clemenceau Museum, and tracking Waldo on his worldly adventures.  

·       Campers will also have the opportunity to relax watch a movie or read a book at the Cottonwood Public Library

·       Campers will also be able to experience the Cottonwood Recreation Center’s Rock Wall, Interactive Game Room and the Indoor Aquatic Center

Daddy Daughter Date Night

      Friday, June 15, 2012

 

 Express your love and appreciation for Dad by taking him out for a special evening of fine food and dancing to celebrate Father’s Day. The City of Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with Manzanita Restaurant proudly presents the 12^th annual Daddy Daughter Date Night. This evening is planned specifically for girls (ages 5 to 17) to acknowledge their fabulous dads for Father’s Day.

 

This grand event is held the Friday before Father’s day at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. Dress for the evening will be semi-formal (coat and tie). Seating is limited to the first 50 father/ child groups who purchase tickets. Food will be served by the Manzanita Restaurant. This restaurant is renowned for German food, superb seafood and charbroiled steaks. The Manzanita Restaurant was featured in Arizona Highways, Triple Diamond rated, and included in “Dining in Arizona’s 101 Great Places to Eat.” Additionally, each daughter will receive a corsage, and picture with dad!

 

Many thanks to City Manager Doug Bartosh and Jason Little for compiling this information.

Cottonwood and Jerome mayors selected for state-wide leadership academy

Cottonwood and Jerome mayors, Diane Joens and Nikki Check, are Fall 2012 class members of the Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy. An initiative of the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix and co-sponsored by the Thomas R. Brown Foundations in Tucson, the mayors were accepted into the fourth class of the Academy.

“I am pleased to have Mayors Check and Joens participate in this Academy session. Strong and continued representation from the Verde Valley, Yavapai County, and all of northern Arizona is essential to the dialogue our classes have on pressing state-level issues. We have been fortunate to have had such leaders as Clarkdale Mayor Doug Von Gausig and Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis participate in past Academy sessions, and we look forward to growing the cadre,” said Nancy Welch, vice president of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, which administers the Flinn-Brown Academy.

Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy is an intensive program to help expand the cadre of future state-level leaders with the skills, knowledge, and commitment to address Arizona’s long-term issues. The fourth class was selected in a highly-competitive process that involved a formal application and an in-person interview. The Leadership Council of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership made the final selection of Fellows. The group began the Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy on Sept. 7.

The Flinn-Brown Academy was created in 2010 to help prepare and support Arizona's future state-level civic leaders who wish to serve--whether full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid--as a member of a state board, commission, or advisory council; an elected official; a state government executive; or a policy advisor.

More than 100 Flinn-Brown Fellows can be found throughout the state, in cities and towns including Kykotsmovi, Flagstaff, Jerome, Cottonwood, Globe, Goodyear, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, Vail, Tucson, Safford, and others in between. Fellows represent a wide array of perspectives, walks of life, and employment backgrounds. The newest class includes leaders from Arizona's business, industry, nonprofit, education, government sectors--including current ad former elected officials.

The Academy is comprised of a 12-session seminar series that helps participants develop a better understanding of Arizona's most pressing public-policy issues, as well as the skills required to take the next steps into state-level civic leadership. Beyond the seminars, the Academy includes advising from a private- or public-sector leader, an         individual plan for civic leadership in Arizona, an alumni network, and continued learning opportunities.

The nonpartisan Academy's content is based on the critical issues facing Arizona.  Public-policy experts, scholars, current and former agency heads, elected officials, and other leaders--drawn from the public and private sectors--share with Fellows not only facts and figures, but also a wide variety of perspectives and leadership skills.

For a complete list of the Fall 2012 Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy Fellows, click on http://azcivicleadership.org/blog/2012/09/03/announcing-the-fourth-class-of-flinn-brown-fellows-2/.

Interested in participating in the Academy? The Academy seminar series is presented in the fall and spring each year. Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2013 cohort. See azcivicleadership.org for information about upcoming classes and subscribe to the free e-newsletter.

 

Mary Eichman Recipient of NACOG Accomplished Elder Award

 

 

 

It was my great honor to nominate Cottonwood volunteer Mary Eichman for the Northern Arizona Council of Governments Accomplished Elder Award. Mary received the recognition in Flagstaff on Oct. 4.

 

Now in her third term as Chairman of Cottonwood Bookmarks/Friends of the Library, Mary has guided the group pricing donated used books and keeping the book sale boutique stocked.  She can be found at the library at least twice a week.  Last year, during March and November, Mary worked almost daily at the month-long half price sales.  Writing publicity items and the Bookmarks portion of Library Lines are part of her service.  Mary is an avid reader who believes in the mission of the Bookmarks to encourage the use of the public library and to raise funds for it.  Shelving and patron computers were purchased with proceeds.  This was important due to lack of funds in the library budget.  Mary was appointed to complete the term of Dr. Jay Fleishman on the Library Board of Directors.

Mary's retirement role is as a volunteer in several areas that improve local quality of life.  For more than seven years she has volunteered her time and vehicle through Verde Valley Caregivers.  Mary has done friendly visiting, friendly phoning and business help.  She now specializes in transporting “neighbors” to medical appointments and shopping with or for them because the number of elderly and disabled needing assistance is growing.  Most of her time is spent with people living in Christian Care Apartments and Verde Manor.  In 2010, even though out of town for six weeks on vacation, she logged more than 100 days providing over 250 hours of service.  Totals were larger for 2011.

Mary especially appreciates the services provided by Old Town Mission.  In addition to monetary donations, she shops at Fry's during special sales and transports cases or bags of canned goods directly to the mission.   

Other local areas of interest are Verde Voices, Verde Valley Sinfonietta and Yavapai College Foundation.  Mary supports the Mayor's Walk-a -Mile event for the Senior Center, Relay for Life, Mingus Union High Interact Club, Zeke Taylor Barbecue and other fund-raisers for Clemenceau Museum. 

Mary donated a used sofa in good condition to Verde Valley Sanctuary with the intent that it would be given to an abused woman to help furnish her new apartment to start a better  life.   Mary is also the proud owner of a Stoney Harby original from the Mannheim gallery fund-raiser. 

Mary can be seen advocating on behalf of the citizens by making suggestions at city council meetings, and supporting local businesses around town during many events. 

Mary is willing and able to listen to all points of view and make informed decisions. She cares about sustaining a good quality of life in the city of Cottonwood and Verde Valley. She has a good sense of humor and loves dogs. She retired from the City of Mesa where she was a Police Records Shift Supervisor. She has lived in Cottonwood since 1999. She was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin at the St. Mary's Ringling Hospital which was one of the homes of the Ringling Brothers, of circus fame. In addition to working full-time, she raised three children who are productive adults with their own children and grandchildren. 

Mary is a dynamic bundle of energy who spends a good part of every day helping other people in the Verde Valley community.

 

ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES 2012 EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

 

Old Town Cottonwood Receives Governor's Statewide Economic Development Award. From left are Casey Rooney, Economic Development Director, City of Cottonwood; Doug Bartosh, Cottonwood City Manager; Kelley Foy, Crema Cafe Owner; Lana Tolleson, President and CEO, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce; Arizona Governor Jan Brewer; Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens; and Sandra Watson, Director, Arizona Commerce Authority.

ARIZONA COMMERCE AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES

2012 EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

The Arizona Commerce Authority announced the recipients of its 2012 Excellence in Economic Development Awards.  These awards honor participants, organizations, associations and companies that have successfully created and implemented exceptional economic development strategies for their respective communities, whether metro, rural or tribal.

“Tonight’s Award recipients are being recognized for the outstanding innovations and achievements that have helped place Arizona at the forefront of economic development,” said Governor Jan Brewer.  “I am thrilled to help celebrate the remarkable perseverance and success of these communities in the midst of challenging economic times.  Their efforts truly represent the great Arizona Comeback.”

Governor Brewer announced this year’s award recipients at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference (GEDC) Gala Dinner on Thursday, September 13, 2012.  Categories include Innovative Economic Development, Entrepreneurial and Commercial Projects and Future Leaders.

Four awards were presented.  The City of Cottonwood received the Innovative Economic Development Award for their five year economic development strategy with an emphasis on the Arizona wine industry.  During a down economy the wine industry has doubled employment in Old Town with a projected economic impact of $10 million by 2013.

Other award winners were Lake Havasu City for the establishment of ASU Colleges Lake Havasu City campus, Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology in Flagstaff and the University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center’s Lunar Greenhouse and Teaching Module.

“These awards recognize incredible collaboration efforts taking place in communities across the state of Arizona, efforts that are driving, expanding opportunity and improving our economy,” said Sandra Watson, Interim President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.  “The impact of these regional economic development initiatives and pioneering projects is seen across the state, and we’re thrilled to honor such incredible success.”

The GEDC is the Arizona Commerce Authority’s annual statewide event bringing together Arizona’s public and private sector leadership to discuss economic development strategies and partnerships that will strengthen Arizona’s overall economy.  This year’s conference theme was the Great Arizona Rebound.

Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh Receives Gabe Zimmerman Civic Engagement Award

Doug Bartosh, center, receives the Gabe Zimmerman Civic Engagement award.

This award is for non-elected public servants. Paul Luna, left, President and CEO

of te Helios Education Foundation, and Jacob Moore,

Vice Chair of the Selection Committee, presented the award.

 

MY TURN by Diane Joens, Mayor of Cottonwood

 

Gabe Zimmerman was the director of community outreach for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. He handled issues for the congresswoman in Tucson and Sierra Vista, organizing many public events. With a master's degree in social work, he cared passionately about helping people. Gabe was shot and died Jan. 8, 2011 outside a Tucson supermarket during a Congress on Your Corner meeting. Congresswoman Giffords was gravely injured.
 

"It was my great honor to nominate Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh for a statewide competition created in Gabe's honor that recognizes non-elected public servants," said Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens. She nominated him for the Civic Engagement Award. Writing separate nominations were County Attorney Sheila Polk, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Kyla Allen, President of the Prescott Jewish Foundation David Hess, and Executive Director of Community Counts and MATForce Merilee Fowler.
 

 

Doug Bartosh receives the Gabe Zimmerman Award with, from left, Gabe Zimmerman's mother, Emily Nottingham, Executive Director of Community County Merilee Fowler, Executive Assistant to the Cottonwood City Manager Kyla allen, Doug, Gabe's father Ross, and Mayor Diane Joens.

                                                                         

In the book Gabby: A story of Courage and Hope by Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly, the authors talk about Gabe, relating that he had cheerfully organized the Congress on Your Corner event. Gabe had a contagious devotion to public service. Rep. Giffords really admired him and appreciated the work he did for her constituents. Had Gabe lived, the book says, he would have continued to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

 

Mayor Joens said, "I wrote my nomination because I thought Doug Bartosh, Cottonwood’s City Manager, has many of Gabe’s professional and personal qualities. He is adept at communicating with citizens, his employees, and his city council. He always has time to sit down and talk with anyone about anything. Whether it is working with Prevent Child Abuse, MATForce, or What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust, he is a visionary."

 

Nurturing his personal life, Doug is a devoted family man, married for 40 years to Diana, and dotes on their two-year-old granddaughter. Doug and his granddaughter even run together—one on two feet and the other in a stroller, "Although she is ready to take off on her own two feet soon," he said.
 

 

Doug Bartosh with son, Josh, and wife Diana.

 

Doug has worked hard to create good communications with the residents in Cottonwood, the Verde Valley and Yavapai County. He promotes working on a regional basis. He is amazingly responsive to residents—a number one priority during the work day. With support of the council, he laid the groundwork to have city council meetings televised, created an Inside Cottonwood television show, and initiated a column, Just the Facts, all in an effort to better communicate with community members.

 

He is the founder and a leader in the Verde Valley Wine Consortium that has worked to make Cottonwood a leader in the wine industry. He worked to bring the wine industry to Old Town Cottonwood and has played a major role in making our city a tourist destination. He is a key leader in being selected for a Five Communities grant and has brought Cottonwood state recognition as a progressive city. Before Doug became City Manager, tourists always heard about Sedona or Jerome. Now tourists realize Cottonwood is in the middle, and there’s a lot to do here. His leadership has assisted with boosting city revenues in difficult economic times, and he works under the direction of the mayor and city council to provide a great quality of life and excellent services to the residents of the area.

 

Doug has promoted transparency in government at every level. At the request of the mayor, he  upgraded the city's Web site. He worked with staff to create a transparency page for the city's financial disclosure to residents. A Facebook page has been created to better communicate with citizens and encourage civic engagement. There is a tremendous amount of information available to the public from the City of Cottonwood. A citywide reorganization made a big difference and the public's interest is much better served. Doug worked with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, the city council and economic development director to bring the Business Assistance Center to Cottonwood, encouraging business development in Cottonwood and the Verde Valley.

 

Following policies set by the Cottonwood City Council, Doug effectively managed the city through the worst recession in recent history without laying off any employees, even while freezing 12 positions. He has developed recognition for the city as a national, state, and county leader in substance abuse prevention. Cottonwood was the first city in the state to put pseudoephedrine--a product used for making methamphetamine--behind the counter. Cottonwood was the first city to ban bath salts. The city's part one crimes have been reduced more than 45 percent through these efforts.

 

On behalf of the city council and area residents, he successfully directed the construction and opening of a beautiful recreation center that is thoroughly enjoyed by community residents, further encouraging healthy lifestyles for Cottonwood and Verde Valley residents.

 

Doug Bartosh with Mayor Diane Joens, left, and City Council Member Jesse Dowling,

Vice Mayor Karen Pfeifer, and Council Member Linda Norman.

 

 

Doug is a leader and educator in a program called "What You Do Matters: A Lesson from the Holocaust."  According to The Days of Remembrance, "The Holocaust was the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Other victims included some 200,000 Roma (Gypsies) and at least 200,000 mentally or physically disabled patients." This was called the Euthanasia Program. Doug teaches this class to all Yavapai County law enforcement agencies. They learn exactly how the police in Nazi-era Germany came to kill so many residents in their communities.

 

The course reminds each and every criminal justice professional that their true role is to uphold the U.S. Constitution and enforce individual rights and liberties for everyone. The training is a profound, thought-provoking examination of what can happen when a person in authority starts down the slippery slope of small changes that enables and justifies—in their minds—wrongful acts. This is what happened in the Holocaust. Because of his dedication to this cause, we have education and hope that something this devastating to community and individual lives will never happen again. Doug lives life with great integrity and conviction.

 

With support from the Zimmerman family, The Center for the Future of Arizona created the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards to recognize the finest non-elected public employees at all levels of government in Arizona.

 

"These exemplary public servants represent the spirit of service to the public by which Gabe Zimmerman lived his life," Dr. Lattie Coor, chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona, said. "They represent the best of the more than 100,000 professional public servants working at all levels of Arizona government."

 

Winners of the Gabe Zimmerman awards were honored at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Meeting on Aug. 30. Nominees were judged on their achievements, such as how they've made a profound difference in improving service to the public, changed operations to better service the public, upheld the public interest with integrity and conviction, and their legacy contribution of lasting significance to Arizona citizens.

David Byers, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts for the Arizona Supreme Court, received the Leadership award. Michael Hemesath, director of public works for the City of Sierra Vista, received the Innovation award.

 

The 2012 awards were sponsored by the Center for the Future of Arizona in cooperation with the County Supervisors Association of Arizona, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., and the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.

 

In the closing paragraph of her nomination of Doug Bartosh for the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards, Mayor Joens said, "Doug is an amazing leader and community servant. Just like Gabe Zimmerman, he is an accomplished communicator. Like Gabe Zimmerman, Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh has a contagious devotion to public service and is adept at communicating with community members, employees and the city council. He has made our community better, and his actions, with integrity, reflect the same principled behaviors that Gabe Zimmerman exhibited in his service to the citizens of Congresswoman Giffords' district. Gabe Zimmerman was engaged to be married. Obviously, given the chance, he would have made a good family man. Doug Bartosh has shown devotion to his family for more than 40 years. Please consider Doug Bartosh for this award. I can't think of anyone in the state of Arizona who more deserves this recognition."

 

Mayor Diane Joens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cottonwood Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

 

Cottonwood, Ariz. -- Cottonwood’s Mayor and Council Members recognized Cottonwood Administrative Services General Manager Rudy Rodriguez and Budget Analyst Carol Brown for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 2011-12 from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by the City of Cottonwood. 

City Manager Doug Bartosh and the Council presented Mr. Rodriguez with a plaque. Ms. Brown received a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation at the Aug. 21 City Council meeting. From left, Council Member Jesse Dowling, Mayor Diane Joens, Council Member Terence Pratt, Vice Mayor Karen Pfeifer, Council Member Linda Norman, City Manager Doug Bartosh, Budget Analyst Carol Brown, Council Members Ruben Jauregui and Tim Elinski, and Administrative Services General Manager Rudy Rodriguez display the GFOA plaque. 

GFOA Technical Services Center Director Stephen J. Gauthier said, “We appreciate your participation in GFOA’s Budget Awards Program. Through your example, we hope that other entities will be encouraged to achieve excellence in budgeting.” 

 “The City Council is proud of our Finance Department and the work they do on behalf of the citizens of Cottonwood,” said Mayor Joens. “Winning this award demonstrates the capabilities, hard work and attention to detail that our Finance Department gives to their tasks. This is a great honor and very exciting for the community.” 

This is the 13^th time Cottonwood has been recognized by GFOA for their significant achievement in budgeting.

 

Tom Whitmer and Leslie Graser Chosen as Chair and Cochair of NAMWUA

Tom Whitmer, Cottonwood

Cottonwood, Ariz. -  At the recently held Northern Arizona Municipal Water Users Association’s (NAMWUA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting, Tom Whitmer, Director of Natural Resources for the City of Cottonwood and Leslie Grazer, Water Resource Specialist for the City of Prescott were appointed to be the Chair and Vice-Chair of the TAC respectively.  Mr. Whitmer and Ms. Grazer bring a wealth of leadership and knowledge to the TAC with more than 45 years of combined experience working in the management and study of water and natural resources statewide.  In addition to their current experience with their respective cities they both previously worked together in the Statewide Water Resource Planning Section of the Arizona Department of Water Resources; Mr. Whitmer as Section Manager and Ms. Grazer as Hydrologist.   

Created in 2002, NAMWUA represents nine northern Arizona municipalities that cooperate as a collective voice for water policy and the development of sustainable regional water supplies.  In 2010, NAMWUA played an integral role in getting legislation passed that created the State’s Water Resources Development Commission, which is tasked with conducting a statewide assessment of current and future water supplies and demands, and with identifying solutions to ensure a sustainable supply of water is available to meet the projected demands of the State through 2110.  NAMWUA continues to play an active role in this and other statewide water policy and legislative efforts.  The final report from the WRDC to the legislature is due to be complete by September 30, 2012. 

Leslie Graser, Prescott

Bicycling in Cottonwood: City and State Officials Meet with Bike Enthusiasts

Cottonwood city and state officials met with Walmart Manager Jason Ferris to talk about the Roll Model bicycle program. From left, Cottonwood Police Department Sgt. Gareth Braxton, Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair Nikki Arbeiter, Arizona Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator Mike Sanders, Walmart’s bike builder Neil McNamara, Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens, Cottonwood Walmart Manager Jason Ferris, and longtime bicycle advocate Randy Victory discussed Walmart’s participation in Arizona’s Roll Model program. Ferris pledged 100 percent support of the program, going as far making the Cottonwood store a model of bicycle education for other Walmarts. 

City and State Officials Meet with Bike Enthusiasts

to Promote Community Bicycling

COTTONWOOD, Ariz.—Cottonwood was recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze Level by the League of American Bicyclists in May. This means that Cottonwood is a pretty nice place to ride a bike—especially compared to a decade ago. But there’s always room for improvement, and that’s what Thursday, Aug. 9 was all about. The city has always set its sights high, and being a Bike Friendly Community is no different. Having made Bronze, Cottonwood is going for Silver! 

The Bicycle Friendly Community program focuses on five areas which make a community a great place to ride a bike, often referred as the Five Es. These are Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation and Planning.  

Engineering addresses the accommodation of cyclists on public roads, and the existence of both well-designed bike lanes and multi-use paths in the community. 

Education addresses the amount of education available for both cyclists and motorists, including teaching cyclists of all ages how to ride safely as well as teaching motorists how to share the road safely with cyclists.  

Encouragement concentrates on how the community promotes bicycling. Good promotional measures are Bike Month and Bike to Work Week events as well as community bike maps, route finding signage, community bike rides, commuter incentive programs, and having a Safe Routes to School program. 

The enforcement category contains questions that measure the connections between the cycling and law enforcement communities. Questions address whether the law enforcement community has a liaison with the cycling community, if there are bicycle divisions of the law enforcement or public safety communities, if the community uses targeted enforcement to encourage cyclists and motorists to share the road safely.  

Evaluation and Planning measures the amount of cycling taking place in the community, the crash and fatality rates, and ways that the community works to reduce these numbers. 

Important events Aug. 9 included a meeting with Walmart  Manager Jason Ferris and Walmart’s bike builder Neil McNamara. In a meeting with Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens, Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair Nikki Arbeiter, longtime bicycle advocate Randy Victory, Cottonwood Police Department spokesman and bicycle liaison Gareth Braxton, and Arizona Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator Mike Sanders, Walmart renewed its commitment to Arizona’s “Roll Model” program—an educational program funded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The Verde Valley was selected as the first test community. Manager Ferris pledged 100 percent support of the program, going as far as making the store a model of bicycle education for other Walmarts in northern Arizona, pointing the way for all big box stores in the state—and maybe even the nation.  Hopefully Cottonwood’s Walmart will be recognized and rewarded for their effort to stay ahead of the curve. 

Afterwards, Sanders, Victory and Sgt. Braxton took off from Walmart up Highway 260 and on to State Route 89A through Cottonwood. The trio was there to evaluate one of the stretches of roadway that is a challenge for riders. 

“Based on our analysis of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes on the State Highway System, this segment between Walmart and Walgreens has been identified as a high-priority crash location,” said Michael Sanders, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Transportation. “We found that the leading crash types were motorists pulling out of driveways and motorists turning right. Probable contributing causes included failure to yield, bicyclists riding facing traffic, and too many driveways.  Potential countermeasures might include bike lanes, signage and pavement markings with directional arrows, and access management.”

Later the Bicycle Advisory Committee met, giving bicycling planners and advocates a chance to evaluate the situation in Cottonwood and plan strategies for improvement. Many suggestions were made—suggestions that will make Cottonwood even more bike-friendly. The second half of the BAC meeting was a rare treat for committee members. Sanders from Phoenix attended, spending time getting to know Cottonwood. The day culminated in a meeting with the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee. Sanders listened to members’ concerns and suggestions, offered input, spent time getting to know the members and explained ADOT’s structure and policies. Ultimately, BAC members had a better understanding of ADOT—knowledge that will prove invaluable when working with the agency that has major roadways such as SR260 and SR89A that go through Cottonwood. 

Important to the BAC and community is the leading role the Cottonwood Police Department is taking. In Bicycle Friendly Communities nationwide, even Gold and Platinum ones like Tucson or Davis, Calif., law enforcement is always the sticking point. Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists acknowledged, “This is always the weakest link.”

The Cottonwood Police Department has recently re-instituted its bicycle patrol program. After a six-year hiatus, the program has been brought back with four officers participating. The bicycle patrols augment and supplement what the officers already do. The primary focus is to work during some of the city’s signature events such as Rhythm and Ribs and the Brian Mickelsen Memorial Run/Walk.

The officers will also conduct bicycle patrols during their normal patrol duties. While doing so, they conduct proactive education and enforcement activities focusing on a variety of areas. Some of this includes much-needed bicycle enforcement. This coincides with the city’s efforts to become more bicycle-friendly. Bicycle advocate and founder of the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition, Randy Victory, has repeatedly noted, “Bicyclists are often their own worst enemies.”  Sgt. Braxton said, “We firmly believe we can set an example both for the cyclists and motorists that encourages and fosters safe and responsible travel for all of those in our community. The more motorists see bicyclists on the road, the more comfortable they will be with them, and vice versa. The more cyclists become used to riding on the roads, the better traffic flows.”

As part of the bicycle patrol duties, bike patrol officers actively participate in community policing. Data suggests they are often more approachable to the public. According to a study published by the International Police Mountain Bicycle Association, officers on bicycles have twice as much contact with the public than fellow officers in cars. Sgt. Braxton said, “This is a tremendous benefit not only to our community, but to our department as well.”

“We have an ideal community for cycling,” Sgt. Braxton, added, “full of flat-grade, uphill with desert and mountain terrain, all within a relatively short distance. What’s not to love about cycling here?” Sgt. Braxton advocates that bicycle patrols have a tremendous health and fitness benefit for the officers involved. “It fosters our commitment to fitness,” he stated.

Residents who ride bikes may wonder whether anything is being done to make Cottonwood a more enjoyable, safer place to ride. Motorists wonder if cyclists will ever learn to be responsible roadway users. The answer is, “Solutions are in the works.”  

“Citizens and public servants who believe in a healthier, more vibrant, and closer-knit community are hard at work fine-tuning one of many pieces of the puzzle that will make Cottonwood the best place to live in Northern Arizona,” said Mayor Diane Joens.

Randy Victory, Verde Valley Cyclists, and Gareth Braxton, Cottonwood Police Department, contributed to this article.