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New Prescott Valley Town Manager Describes Objectives
We are all fortunate to have such a person leading our organization.
“I am impressed with what I have found. It is gratifying to work with the professional personnel employed by the Town of Prescott Valley who have such a high level of experience and knowledge,” he said. “It’s exciting to be on a leadership team with such a strong focus on service to the community. I also know this: Prescott Valley is a unique place in Arizona where people really want to make their home.”
One of Davidson’s first actions when he arrived was to organize a series of workshops and study sessions with key town employees and staff members so they could collectively define and focus on the town’s mission and vision for the next several years.
“Given my prior experience as town manager in Marana for 12 years, until November 2017, I am quite comfortable with my role in PV. It is gratifying to find that PV has such a progressive and positive view, even with the chaos created by the pandemic. I do think this: the pandemic has changed the way we work. It made us look at our work priorities and responsibilities and figure out which are the most important. It also made us realize we can be effective in doing our jobs in non-traditional ways and locations.The key thing [is] identifying and prioritizing tasks that are absolutely necessary to keep the system moving forward. Tied to that [is] fulfilling absolutely our legal and ethical responsibilities to taxpayers who pay us.”
During those sessions when town personnel determined strategies, Davidson said they established four major focal points that members of the town team will endorse:
- Exceptional service to constituents. Work on anticipating and solving issues so that recipients of town services know they are receiving the best that can be delivered within the circumstances.
- Acknowledge the critical water crisis. Must put more emphasis upon safe yield, water conservation and protecting water resources from inappropriate exploitation.
- Sustain and protect community quality of life. Identify and encourage protection and development of parks, trails, recreational, cultural and public areas that enhance the uniqueness of the community.
- Develop and increase opportunities for more and better jobs. Special emphasis to be placed on developing economic opportunities for younger people to find meaningful jobs with good salaries so they will not have to leave the area.
One challenge Davidson identified was finding revenue to meet such concerns as improving roads and transportation, especially along Highway 69.
Davidson said he admired how the Quad Cities communities cooperated and collaborated on projects and programs that affected the greater region.
Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta praised Davidson, saying, “Davidson is the tip of the spear when it comes to his vision, dedication and desire to make Prescott Valley an even more amazing place. We are all fortunate to have such a person leading our organization.”
Palguta noted that Davidson’s prior experience as Marana town manager provides him with great experience and insight because Marana had experienced the same kind of rapid growth and expansion as PV is currently undergoing.
Davidson replaced Larry Tarkowski, who retired last spring as long-time PV town manager.
Davidson came to PV from the University of Arizona, where he had been employed in a senior consulting position from February 2020 until July 2021. Prior to that, he had been in the Office of the Governor for the State of Arizona, where he served as the chief operating officer for Gov. Doug Ducey from November 2017 until December 2019.
Davidson also had experience as city manager for Wilcox from July 2002 until July 2005.
He earned three degrees from the University of Arizona, two bachelor’s degrees and, most recently, a master’s in public administration. He also earned a certificate from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His wife, Paige, is a teacher in an ESL program in a PV school. Ann, his 8-year-old daughter, is a third grader in a local public school. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Jeff D’Arpa is the Man Behind the Adventure
Grand Canyon Railway general manager enjoys working where others play.
With ski resorts, national parks, hotels and now the Polar Express and Grand Canyon Railway in his professional queue, D’Arpa has completed 25 years with the Xanterra Travel Collection.
In his new position as Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel General Manager, D’Arpa oversees 280 to 340 employees and said, “The team I work with is outstanding and makes this a manageable assignment. To be able to incorporate trains and hospitality at this scale is a unique opportunity and I cherish the challenge it provides me.”
D’Arpa’s career began at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, where he began working in the ski shop. “My goal was to manage a ski or golf resort,” he said. Again his dream was fulfilled as he stepped into the role of restaurant manager at Deer Valley.
When the snow melted, D’Arpa took off to work at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon as a food server in the summers. He stayed busy hiking the Grand Canyon trails and climbing the corporate ladder.
Starting as a food server for Xanterra Travel Collection in 1996, D’Arpa was able to work his way up to management.
He served as regional general manager of Zion National Park in Utah, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park before becoming director of resort operations at the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams.
Chief Parks Officer Gordon Taylor has worked alongside D’Arpa for many years. “He certainly has integrity, intelligence and the energy to get things done. I am a very lucky man to have the honor to call Jeff both a teammate and a friend.”
Along with his responsibilities at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, D’Arpa also oversees the Grand Hotel in Tusayan and the Tusayan Trading Post.
Born in Yonkers, New York, where he spent his formative years, D’Arpa moved to Florida when he was 16. While working at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, D’Arpa would visit Flagstaff in the mid ‘90s. “I always enjoyed the atmosphere, lifestyle and community. I also had some great friends from back East relocate to Flagstaff, making our transition to the area quite easy.”
Married to Lisa, the couple has two daughters and spends their free time hiking, skiing and cycling. D’Arpa also enjoys playing drums. “Weekends are never long enough,” he said.
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is located in Williams and has daily round-trip excursions to the Grand Canyon. The Polar Express will run through Dec. 30. For more information, call 888-848-3511.
Biggest Influence
I’ve been fortunate to work for Xanterra’s Chief Parks Officer Gordon Taylor since 1996. He has trusted and supported me through all my years with Xanterra, allowing me to grow and enjoy many achievements both personally and professionally.
Character Qualities Most Admired
Hard work and honesty.
Favorite Places to Visit
The bottom of the Grand Canyon and top of Humphreys Peak. To have these gems in your backyard and not make regular pilgrimages to enjoy them wouldn’t make sense to me.
The Last Time I Laughed My daughters make me laugh all the time. Somehow they are the funniest humans alive. Any of their TikTok videos put me in stitches. QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Injured Vet, Service Dog Become Dynamic Duo
Mike wants other Arizona vets to know that if they need help with training, he and Scott are always available.
Mike is a disabled veteran who was injured many years ago while prepping for Bosnia and Somalia at age 25. He’s had multiple surgeries with rods, screws and wires in his back and neck. He received a medical discharge in 1999, but five years later, he was rear-ended in a wreck that caused additional injury and the need for more surgery. Seven years ago, as it became more and more difficult to ambulate steadily, his doctor recommended he get a task-support service dog to aid him. Mike was having difficulty walking and he risked falling down. His wife, Autumn, agreed it would be a good idea, as lifting Mike on her own was tough. With his mobility and stability issues mounting, it seemed like a good option.
A year later, they found Tre’Good German Shepherds, a breeder in Arizona specializing in raising highly trainable, intelligent and naturally protective dogs. During their visit, they found Scott, an adorable German Shepherd fluffball, and Mike instantly felt a connection. Too young to take home, Mike returned when Scott was 11 weeks old, and the two have been inseparable ever since. As it turns out, Mike did all of his own training with Scott, and by 4 months old, he was ready to roll. This is an extraordinary feat for both a dog and a human to accomplish in such a short time. But once Mike felt Scott was ready, he took him to Gentle Hearts in Sedona, where they tested him for performance.
Scott (being Scott) passed with flying colors. All service dogs must be able to perform two services that their handler cannot do on their own. The dogs are subjected to lots of tasks and things like loud noises before they’re given the green light to act as service dogs. Scott is such a natural, he’s trained two other dogs to perform their duties as well. He’s also been the subject of a linguistics study because of his uncanny ability to seemingly understand without much more than a whisper or simple turn of the head. Scott’s lineage may have something to do with it. His father attained the highest level of therapy dog status, and his mom is a diabetes service dog.
About five years ago, Autumn encouraged Mike to look into taking a motorcycle safety course to start riding. That suggestion was the beginning of Mike and Scott’s road to stardom. Mike bought a Dyna Low Rider from Old Pueblo Harley-Davidson in Tucson. Aware that he was looking for a sidecar, they notified him they were in possession of a repurposed toolbox that had been turned into a sidecar by its previous owner. Upon seeing it, Mike was stoked. Unusual in look and utility, it was the perfect size for his constant companion Scott, who, by this time, was his shadow. They ran together on that bike until Mike was T-boned by another rider in May 2018 during a Memorial Day run.
Not to be deterred, Mike purchased a 2018 Road Glide Special from Tucson Harley-Davidson, but this time he would have a custom sidecar built specifically for Scott. And, what a sidecar it is. It was fabricated by Dan Jackson. Dan offered to help Mike build what’s come to be known as “the bullet,” and for good reason. It’s not merely shaped like a cylinder; it’s actually got a snub nose and flat back, like a gun shell.
Now, Mike and Scott hit the road regularly, attending local and out-of-state biker events like the annual Sturgis rally in South Dakota, where they’ve been a big hit with fellow motorcyclists. Their plan is to continue doing so every chance they get. You can follow them on their SM accounts under the name @scottbulletdog or watch their popular YouTube videos at Scott Tre’Good Shepherds or Tre’Good Scott. Mike wants other Arizona vets to know that if they need help with training, he and Scott are always available. QCBN
By Rebecca West, QCBN
Jail Project Moving Closer to Completion
McAtee said the county anticipates the PCJC will be operative near the end of fall 2022.
David McAtee, Yavapai County public information officer for the Board of Supervisors, told Quad Cities Business News that the PCJC is on target and on budget, and should be completed on schedule, barring any major supply chain issues or unexpected complications.
Described as the most costly county project the county has ever launched, the $63.1 million PCJC will include a complex of interconnecting buildings, some multi-story, that includes two courtrooms, a 152-bed jail and a Connections Center, which will serve as a site for providing resources for inmates who will be released to re-enter the community.
“We’re rather proud of this plan,” McAtee said. “It’s a new concept and is being viewed within the state as the Yavapai County System for handling county judicial matters.
McAtee said the county anticipates the PCJC will be operative near the end of fall 2022.
McAtee was echoed by Nicholas Schnabel, the project superintendent for the contractor Hensel-Phelps. Schnabel, who had experience as project coordinator for construction of the Maricopa County Jail located on Durango Street in Phoenix, said the facilities in Prescott are unique. He noted that because it has all the multiple services in one place, PCJC is distinctly different and being observed carefully.
Current plans are that the PCJC will be the jail for inmates with short-term stays, 14 days or so. Longer-term inmates will be at the Camp Verde jail, which has 664 beds. Inmates with terms of more than a year likely will be sent to a prison in the state.
Recently named YC BOS chairwoman Mary Mallory has said she is proud the project is moving forward.
New Employees Needed
The 24% increase in prisoner capacity because of the addition of the PCJC means the operational budget will increase from $21 million to $26.7 million. Those dollars will cover the costs of 34 new jail employees from January to June 2022. The new positions are in addition to the 15 detention officers that the BOS approved at its meeting in July 2021.
Among the new jobs are: jail commander, detention lieutenant, business manager, seven detention sergeants, six detention officers, 15 detention support specialists, a project coordinator and two background investigators.
More positions will be added later in 2022. The National Institute of Corrections Staffing model recommends that a corrections center of this size needs at least 107 positions to operate. Many of those positions will be transfers from other county sites.
Job applicants are being sought in an extensive recruiting campaign that includes job fairs, the internet and billboards.
In order to keep the public updated about progress on the project, the county has created a website, which includes videos of key county personnel telling of the long-term need for a new facility and how extensive planning has occurred. Sheriff Scott Mascher describes how initial planning for a new jail began at least 10 years ago. Mascher praises the idea of having courtrooms and jails and the Connection Center in Prescott, saying it will save the county thousands of dollars in transportation costs.
“I really think it’s important that people understand the history of this project,” said immediate past BOS chairman Craig Brown. “There’s a long history to it, there was long-term planning and it’s coming about now when it is needed.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For more information, visit yavapaijustice.com.
APS Feeds Hungry, Shelters Homeless
Those interested may apply for various forms of support.
“Combatting hunger and ensuring food security are important focus areas within one of our strategic pillars – human needs and services,” said APS Director of Community Affairs Tina Marie Tentori. “For example, our giving programs support many different organizations in the greater Prescott and Flagstaff area. Of those organizations that address hunger and homelessness, APS gives to Prescott Meals on Wheels, the Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Prescott U.S. Vets, Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Family Food Center and Housing Solutions for Northern Arizona.”
She added that APS also contributes to Habitat for Humanity, United Way, the Area Agency for Aging and Big Brothers Big Sisters in these same communities.
She noted that APS employees statewide have contributed more than $44,000 to the Arizona Food Bank Network, which provides more than 4.6 million pounds of food, or 3.6 million meals. Tentori also commented that APS donates more than $10 million annually to qualified organizations and programs that are dedicated to improving the lives of Arizonans.
APS Media Relations Manager Jill Hanks serves on the board for the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern Arizona. She says the houses served 138 families from four counties who received 1,915 nights of housing valued at $107 a night through the collective efforts of those who contributed to the organization.
Hanks notes a key program that APS supports through the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern Arizona is “Dinnertime Heroes,” which provides meals for these families.
Those interested may apply for various forms of support. Applications must be filed from Feb.1 to Oct. 15. More information about the community impact grants can be found on the APS website, aps.com. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Living in Gratitude at Altitudes
I prefer to face things that I’m fearful of head on and that’s why I like Flat Iron.
Fleischer found the majestic San Francisco Peaks when she arrived at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her communications degree. For three ski seasons, she sold lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl and fell in love with the mountain, her alpine family and the culture of the sport.
In those especially snowy winters, she knew she had found her calling. She has trained thousands of people to ski. “The little racers show me what really matters on the mountain – fun!” She has served as the executive director of the Flagstaff Alpine Ski Team for 14 years. “I was honored with running the team that hosted all of my best friends’ kids and my youngest as well.” And she has nourished locals and visitors for nearly two decades in her Altitudes Bar and Grill.
This lean, nimble, fast, smart, skilled and sunny triple black-diamond force is fueled by gratitude.
For her, every day is a new opportunity to soak up her blessings, engage whole-heartedly with others, and find beauty, meaning, abundance, laughter and fulfillment in nature.
And, no matter how many times Lynda clips into her skis, there is a radiance about her that cannot be denied. She has come to play. Her favorite trail on Snowbowl’s technical alpine playground is Flat Iron, a black diamond run starting at an 11,280-foot elevation with a vertical drop of nearly 250 feet.
“Flat Iron is steep and always intimidating,” she said. “I feel strong, capable and conquering when I’m on it. I get the best rush. When you unweight from one ski to transfer your weight to the other, you drop three feet at the top of the run. I like that feeling. I like to be in control of that.”
For Lynda, the mountain has been her workplace for four decades. It’s also her home base and her church, where she feels closest to God. It’s where she builds her strength.
“I don’t like to be afraid of anything, and I try not to be,” she said. “I prefer to face things that I’m fearful of head on and that’s why I like Flat Iron. I make every turn count and finish every turn. I consider it a privilege to be on that mountain and at 62, I continue to push myself.”
Lynda can be described as both hummingbird and wrestler. She is in constant motion as she lightly flutters about her day, but also, solid and balanced in her stance. “I’m not going down. I used to let things bother me – I’ve been beaten up, swallowed and hurt. But now, I let things go that I can’t do anything about. In my world, I realize I can’t fix everything. That understanding helps me to breathe, stay grounded and resilient.”
To breathe in some of Lynda’s contagious zeal for life and also a quick way to absorb some of that quaint mountain ski-town vibe is to walk into Altitudes. This establishment, which she owns and operates with her husband, Paul Joerger, is located in a historic seed and hay building just south of the railroad tracks.
Most days, Lynda will be there behind the well-worn pine bar. She will greet and swoosh you in like a lifelong friend. Hospitality is just part of what she deliciously serves up, along with comfort food and a relaxed, high-elevation atmosphere. Her ski-house décor adds to the flavor of her popular burger. And beware, the sour cream and chives fries are addictive. Her famous Green Chili Stew can only be made with chili peppers grown in the fertile soil of New Mexico’s Hatch Valley, and her buttery, flake-apart walleye fish is flown in from Minnesota’s fresh-water lakes. In addition, she invites her “celebrity New Orleans chef” to raise the heat at Altitudes with his spicy authentic Cajun cooking.
“I was destined to be in the hospitality industry,” she explained. “I like people and I enjoy being where people are having fun.”
Lynda lives by a creed of treating others the way she likes to be treated, with respect, kindness and a sincere interest. “When I go to work each day,” she said, “I’m going to see old friends, meet new people and know they are going to come back.”
A big part of having a sunny disposition, she says, comes from taking the time to say thank you. “I am absolutely humbled and grateful for this mountain that called me here, this place, this town, these people, this community that cares and knows what it means to be alive, to be outside and experience life. The mountain provides the backdrop for what it means to be grounded. From here, I am poised for life’s challenges. I have a positive attitude because I feel blessed. You can’t buy that, you have to find it from inside. I just walk around feeling blessed every moment.” QCBN
By Bonnie Stevens
Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.
Granite Creek Corridor Improvements Delayed
Goodman said several groups and organizations have been involved in planning corridor improvements.
Instead of beginning the improvement project last October, initial construction now likely won’t begin until October 2022, with completion anticipated in April 2023.
Only two bids were submitted, one by Asphalt Paving and Supply for $2.55 million, the other from Fann Contracting Inc., for $3.4 million. Both were significantly higher than the original $1.9 million cost estimate. Bids were received by the City of Prescott and presented to the City Council on Oct. 26.
Tyler Goodman, assistant to the city manager, told Quad Cities Business News that costs were higher because construction and materials costs and supply chain issues had increased dramatically during the past several months. City officials commented that higher estimates on many bid requests are not unusual at this time, and in some cases, costs had increased by as much as 30% to 40%, they said.
“We’ll have to go out to bid again,” Goodman said. “That most likely will take place in late spring or early summer 2022. We’ll be submitting this bid request again through the city’s budget process and will have to receive continued City Council support.”
Another complication is the $500,000 grant the city had applied for through the Land & Water Conservation Fund in 2021 will be delayed until the 2022 round for grants.
Goodman said he and City Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes will pursue that grant request opportunity again and believe they can ask for even more than a half-million dollars.ed
What Corridor Improvements Will Include
For years, city personnel and local groups have considered Granite Creek Corridor, the riverbed that runs through the center of downtown Prescott, as a potential destination in itself, like a miniature riverwalk, similar to the one in San Antonio.
When complete, it is expected to include better overhead lighting, new signage, Greenway Trails and improved trail surfaces, better access for those with physical disabilities and major improvements to creek channels.
Goodman said several groups and organizations have been involved in planning corridor improvements. They include the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Public Service, Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott Creeks, City Tourism Advisory Committee, Northern Arizona Council of Governments, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Dutch Bros Flagstaff and Prescott to Support Local Food Banks
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Dec. 8, 2021) – Dutch Bros locations in Flagstaff and Prescott will be donating $1 from every drink sold on Saturday, Dec. 11 to the Flagstaff Family Food Center and Yavapai Food Bank.
“We’re so excited to partner with our community to raise money for the Flagstaff Family Food Bank and Yavapai Food Bank,” said Michael Cruz, local operator of Dutch Bros Flagstaff. “Any way we can support our community is a win!”
When: Saturday, Dec. 11
Where: Dutch Bros locations in Flagstaff and Prescott:
- 5963 East State Route 69, Prescott Valley AZ
- 3169 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott AZ
- 301 Regent St, Flagstaff AZ
- 1771 N Fourth St, Flagstaff AZ
What: Dutch Bros in Flagstaff and Prescott will donate $1 from every drink sold to the Flagstaff Family Food Center and Yavapai Food Bank. Drinks available include specialty coffee, smoothies, teas, freezes, lemonade, Dutch Bros Blue Rebel™ and Nitro Cold Brew coffee.
About Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros Coffee is a drive-thru coffee company dedicated to making a massive difference one cup at a time. Headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma, it’s now sharing the “Dutch Luv” with more than 500 locations in 12 states. Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, an exclusive Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Its rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish.
In addition to its mission of speed, quality and service, Dutch Bros is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its Dutch Bros Foundation and local franchisees, the company donates several million dollars to causes across the country each year.
To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit www.dutchbros.com, follow Dutch Bros Coffee on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & TikTok, and download the Dutch Bros app to earn points and score rewards!
Looking Forward to Serving Prescott
I hope our citizens will enjoy everything that Arizona’s Christmas City has to offer this season.
I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. After graduation from high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 1970 and served a full combat tour with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. I received the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal (for more than 50 helicopter combat assaults), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and others.
After serving seven years of combined active and reserve duty, I was honorably discharged from the Army in 1977. During that period, I earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Sacramento State University. I then embarked on a 35-year career in the healthcare industry, reaching vice president positions with Medline Industries and Careview Communications and also holding management positions with Kinetic Concepts Inc. and Applied Medical.
I am a 31-year member of the American Legion (Post 6, Prescott) and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 541, Prescott). I was co-chairman of the Veterans Memorial Plaque Committee, which in June 2016, rededicated that memorial on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza to the fallen Yavapai County veterans who lost their lives serving in all of the nation’s wars, beginning with World War I.
I was elected to the board of directors of the Central Yavapai Hospital District in 2016. I served as a commissioner on Prescott’s Planning and Zoning Commission and was co-chairman of Mayor Harry Oberg’s ad hoc committee on sober living rehab homes.
In 2017, I was elected to a four-year term on the Prescott City Council. My council term ended and I took the oath of office as your new mayor on Nov. 23, 2021.
I serve on the board of directors of the Yavapai Republican Men’s Forum and was recently the vice chairman of the Yavapai County Republican Committee. I have been a member of Prescott’s Sunup Rotary Club since 2015. I served on the Yavapai County Teacher of the Year panel and was a member of the Prescott BASIS School Advisory Council. I am a long-term member of the public policy committee for the Citizens Water Advocacy Group as well as the Citizens Tax Committee.
Areas of focus during my term will include managing growth, infrastructure and water use, so that our city will continue to sustain its high quality for generations to come. I appreciate the support of the voters of the City of Prescott and look forward to serving as your next mayor, working closely with my fellow council members and city staff, and listening to our citizen’s concerns as we continue to keep Prescott a city that we can all be proud of.
I hope our citizens will enjoy everything that Arizona’s Christmas City has to offer this season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! QCBN
By Mayor Phil Goode, QCBN
Phil Goode is the mayor of the City of Prescott.