City welcomes new Mayor and Council

Moving Forward

Newly elected Mayor Clea McCaa and reelected Council Members Carolyn Umphrey, Mark Rodriguez, and William Benning were ceremonially sworn in at a reception prior to Thursday’s City Council meeting. Hosted in the Sierra Vista Public Library’s meeting room, the reception drew a large, excited crowd.

Former Mayor Rick Mueller presented McCaa with his gavel and said, “May you only have to use it when you need to.”

McCaa in turn presented Mueller a gavel and plaque in recognition of his 22-year tenure on City Council, including three terms as mayor. He thanked Mueller for his tutelage and for his leadership to the City.

Later, at the City Council meeting, McCaa remarked, “It is a great day. I’ve been here for 42 years, moved here in 1980, and I love this City. We’re going to work for you. We’re going to work for the people of Sierra Vista.”

The City Council also approved the appointment of Carolyn Umphrey to serve as mayor pro tem.

“I’m also very proud to be a part of this team up here,” Mayor Pro Tem Umphrey said. “It’s an honor and I’m deeply grateful to be selected as the mayor pro tem by the new mayor and receive the support of my colleagues”

City News

Council okays park, rec code changes for public comment

On Thursday, at its first meeting in 2023, the Sierra Vista City Council moved forward code amendments recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The amendments are now open for public comment before they return to the City Council for final consideration.

The amendments would change the City code concerning electronic bicycles and scooters on multi-use paths and park trails. Instead of limiting vehicles to a speed limit of 15 mph, the proposed change would mirror state law by removing the speed limit restriction and specifying that class 3 e-bikes and scooters are not permitted on City paths or trails. Class 3 vehicles can reach higher speeds than class 1 and 2 vehicles.

The proposed amendments also update definitions of athletic fields/courts and types of parks within the City’s parks system. They also update code to better reflect the City’s process for sanctioning events.

The City Council approved the resolution, which begins a 30-day public comment period on the proposed changes. To review the code amendments and submit your input before they return to the City Council for final consideration, head to Engage.SierraVistaAZ.gov.

Extraordinary Activities

Do you love to craft? Join the Craft Ladies every Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Ethel H. Berger Center. It may help you get inspired to pick up an old unfinished project or start something new!

Uncommon Recreation

Are you ready to build your dream home? Or a spaceship to blast off into the galaxy?

Look no further because the Sierra Vista Public Library has a pile of LEGOs just waiting to be used! Each month we will explore a new topic using our LEGO engineering skills at LEGO Club. This is a program suitable for ages 5-12. The next installment is Thursday, Jan. 10, at 4 p.m. This program is free and no registrations is required.

Social Snapshot

#SVPolice Special Response Team (SRT) operators taking a cat nap? Nope, they were participating in annual tactical range training. SRT members undergo monthly training and tactical exercises to be ready to deploy to critical incidents at a moment’s notice. The SRT is a component of the Tactical Unit, which also consists of the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Precision Rifle Team (PRT). Read more.

City Announcements

City streets crews began crack sealing in the neighborhood bordered to the north by Paseo Las Palmas and to the south by Foothills Drive and Snyder Boulevard this week. The project is scheduled to be completed by Monday, March 6.

Residents in the area area asked not to park on the street during work hours until maintenance on their street has been completed so crews can access the full roadway. Workers will be present between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information, call the Public Works Department at 520-458-5775 and ask for Streets Supervisor Jeff Faglie.

***

The Nancy J. Brua Animal Center reopened its large dog room and resumed dog adoptions this week. The small dog room will remain closed a little longer to ensure recent cases of kennel cough remain contained. Stop by the shelter soon to see some of the wonderful dogs in their care waiting for their forever homes!

Recent Business Licenses

Somewhere in Time Antiques LLC — 1502 E. Fry Blvd.
Bookkeeping to Gop, inc. — Home-based

Support for Small Businesses

The Arizona Commerce Authority has a free Small Business Boot Camp webinar Scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 9 a.m. Business Planning for a Strong 2023 will cover the importance of putting together a business plan for the new year. Sign up.

Upcoming Meetings

There are no City Council meetings scheduled for next week.

Watch Council Meetings

Head to our YouTube Channel to stream City Council meetings live or watch previous meetings.

Accommodations

For any special needs or accommodations, please notify Jill Adams 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Reach Ms. Adams at (520) 458-3315 or through the Arizona Relay Service at 7-1-1.

City of Sierra Vista

(520) 458-3315

1011 N. Coronado Drive

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635