Podcast: SVPD Chief Hiser talks being accountable, growing beards, and cultivating leaders

Moving Forward

The Sierra Vista Police Department celebrated the promotions of 13 leaders last summer, including that of SVPD Chief Chris Hiser.

A 20-year veteran of the department, Hiser took the reins from Chief Adam Thrasher, who retired after more than 27 years with the agency. Paired with the retirement of Deputy Chief Jon Kosmider, Thrasher’s transition sparked the largest single wave of promotions in the department’s history.

Overseeing this leadership transition, Hiser has taken care to honor his agency’s past while continuing to deliver on its commitment to always strive to be better.

Hear all about it in the latest episode of Let’s Talk Sierra Vista! As we relaunch the podcast in 2024, we look forward to sharing an episode each month. Search for “Let’s Talk Sierra Vista” on your favorite podcast app or access it from our website.

City News

City seeks CDBG proposals

The City of Sierra Vista invites local residents and organizations to submit input and project proposals for funding consideration with the City’s next allocation of Community Development Block Grant dollars.

This year, the City expects to receive about $250,000 of CDBG funding for program year 2024, which begins July 1. CDBG funding must be allocated to benefit low- and moderate-income people and areas, alleviate slum and blight, or address an urgent need.

The City will accept input on project proposals and respond to questions at a pre-application meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. in the City Manager Conference Room at City Hall. For a virtual attendance option, please email Matt.McLachlan@SierraVistaAZ.gov.

The City will also host an in-person public hearing tentatively scheduled to take place before City Council during their meeting on Thursday, March 14, at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Anyone unable to attend the meeting or hearing may submit written comments or a proposal to Community Development Director Matt McLachlan prior to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5. For any project or program to be considered, it must be presented at the meeting, hearing, or in writing.

To submit a proposal, or for more information, access the application packet at www.sierravistaaz.gov/cdbg. For assistance, email Matt.McLachlan@SierraVistaAZ.gov.

Extraordinary Activities

Let us do the driving for a round-trip excursion to the Tubac Festival of the Arts! Held in the historic art colony of Tubac, the annual festival is the Southwest's longest running arts festival and features one of the most unique festival settings. The day trip departs from the Ethel H. Berger Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. The cost is $40 per person. Learn more.

Uncommon Recreation

Get ready to spice up your February book list! Join us at the library on Tuesday, Feb 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for a free program featuring author Emily Belden and her quirky romance novels.

We will discuss the author's books, including "Hot Mess" and "Husband Material" (copies available on Hoopla and Libby, as well as a limited number of physical copies at the library), and enjoy an author Q&A session via video to discuss her writing process and how she finds inspiration. Learn more.

Social Snapshot

Honoring tradition and welcoming innovation, Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services celebrated a transition in roles and passing of knowledge and legacy.

In a heartfelt ceremony, retiring Engineer Rober Nieuwenhuis handed down his cherished collar pins to Brisden Eaton, the newest engineer. These pins symbolize not only expertise, but the camaraderie and commitment that defines the rank of Engineer. Learn more.

City Announcements

The Sierra Vista Aquatic Center, "The Cove", will reopen on Monday, Feb. 5, after being closed since November for maintenance. To learn more about the facility, upcoming programs, fees, and hours of operation, visit www.SierraVistaAZ.gov/aquatics.

***

In February, SVPD will conduct an aggressive driving detail around Calle Portal and Wilcox Drive. Officers in the area will be employing zero-tolerance enforcement of required stops statutes in Arizona traffic laws. Learn more.

Attention Business Owners!

Join the City and other sponsors for a free, three-hour seminar and luncheon to help local businesses navigate a new federal reporting requirement. Dive into the pivotal changes introduced by the Corporate Transparency Act and learn who has to report, how to report, and when to report. The event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus Student Union. Lunch is complimentary. Register here.

Upcoming Meetings

There are no City Council meetings 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

www.sierravistaaz.gov