Author Archive for R. Oliphant – Page 29
The College released few details about numbers of apartments it anticipates leasing and subsidizing or the amount of the subsidy in its June 8, 2023, press release. The background and history of the Government subsidized 192 apartment mostly HUD financed project, which was first approved in April 2018 by Cottonwood’s City Council, has been added to this story by the Blog
On June 8, 2023, Yavapai Community College announced it had partnered with Prescott Valley’s Fain Signature Group to rent apartments for Verde Campus/Sedona Center students and employees at a complex now under construction adjacent Highway 89A in Cottonwood. The College released no other details regarding the number of apartments it anticipates leasing or any estimate of the amount of subsidy it would provide for those who leased them.
In the College’s press release, Brad Fain, CEO of the Fain Signature Group, was quoted as follows: “We are excited to work with Yavapai College to design housing options for our educational institutions, their employees and students. The college and its leadership have been immensely helpful in helping us understand their challenges and how we can work together to find attainable housing solutions. The college’s collaboration in this regard will benefit all employers in the region as we begin to collaborate with industry, trades, first responders, medical professionals, as well as cities and towns to create solutions that makes sense for our communities, residents, and environment. We are also grateful to have strong partners in the City of Cottonwood, Arizona. At every turn and every challenge, the City of Cottonwood has worked with us to find solutions to help bring housing to their community.”
Yavapai Community College President, Dr. Lisa Rhine, was also quoted in the press release. She said that “the housing availability and affordability situation in our county has reached a point where Yavapai College is losing valuable faculty, staff, and prospective students. YC will continue to identify and invest in solutions for this issue. We are thankful for the Fain Signature Group’s vision and willingness to partner with the College to create solutions.ai College. The Inspiration Apartments in Cottonwood will provide another housing option for employees and students who work at or wish to attend the College’s Verde Valley Campus or Sedona Center.”
The Blog has researched the history of the project, including funding, which appears directly below.
The idea of building an apartment complex on land adjacent highway 89A only a block or so from the Northern Arizona Health Center in Cottonwood began in April 2018. That month the Cottonwood City Council unanimously approved a plan to rezone 9.01 acres of land situated adjacent State Route 89A from Commercial and Industrial to Planned Area Development. The Council approval allowed for the construction of a new housing development, which was called “Inspiration.”
There were initial problems in getting the project going because of COVID and obtaining approval from the Federal Government for funding from the Housing and Urban Development agency. The builder, Sedona developer Bob Porter, needed a substantial amount of federal loan assistance to support construction. After struggling with HUD and COVID delays, Mr. Porter resubmitted his development plan and partnered with the Fain Signature Group in Prescott Valley, to begin the project. The Fain Group had completed a project using similar HUD funding on the west side of Mingus Mountain.
The project got underway almost three years after the area was rezoned when a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Cottonwood on December 7, 2021. Initially it was hoped the first apartments would be ready by the spring of 2022. However, as of June 1, 2023, the complex remains under construction and the occupancy date as yet is uncertain. At least one set of apartments in the complex appear from the outside as nearing completion and the developer says he hopes to have occupancy of some of the apartments by July 1, 2023.
The planned development is currently described as featuring 192 units, all for lease, ranging from 694-square-foot one-bedroom apartments to 1,181-square-foot three-bedroom apartments, with the most common size being two-bedroom units. There will be garages in some of the units, and each unit will have its own balcony.
Prices for the apartments are advertised as ranging from $1,575 to $2,235.
The apartments are described as “workforce” housing. Porter has told the local media that the housing development is “affordable, but not in the way of capital `A’ affordable.” Porter hopes to keep prices down to make the units usable for working and middle-class tenants. He has said that the project is not classified as Affordable Housing in the official way used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which has strict regulations on certain housing for rental to low-income tenants.
“It’s affordable, but no tests, no subsidies,” Porter said in interviews last year.
According to local media, Porter is receiving millions in assistance from the Federal Housing and Urban Development agency (HUD). The press has reported he is receiving a 221(d)(4) loan from HUD for $37 million, representing 82% of the cost of the $45 million project.
Based on Blog research, Section 221(d)(4) is a federal program that refers to a specific provision of the United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968. This section pertains to the mortgage insurance program administered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) under HUD.
In general, HUD insures lenders against loss on mortgages for the construction or substantial rehabilitation of multifamily properties with at least five units. The properties can be market rate, low-to-moderate income, subsidized, or single-room occupancy (SRO) housing. The loans are interest only during the construction period and have a fixed rate. The program has eligibility criteria for the properties, the borrowers, the contractors, and the third party reports. The program also requires adherence to prevailing wage standards, annual audit of operations, and limitations on commercial use and occupancy.
Porter has said that dealing with HUD added to the delays in the project. “In late 2018 and early 2019,” he said, “before we could make our final HUD submittal, we had to do quite a bit of ‘value engineering’ to reduce costs. That entire process added four to six months to our schedule. When we finally received our initial HUD approval in the spring of 2019, we were approved at a 4.65% interest rate, and interest rates were dropping sharply. So, we made the decision to resubmit to HUD in order to achieve a lower interest rate, which we were ultimately successful in doing.”
In an interview with Verde Independent reporter Vyto Starinskas published June 11, 2023, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Clint Ewell provided the following additional information: The Community College will rent 10 units, five 2-bedroom and five 3-bedroom apartments. “We plan to sublet these apartments to our employees, and will offer them to YC students if there is not enough employee demand.”
Ewell also said the Community College is concerned about the lack of attainable housing for the workforce near the median-salary range. “We are exploring many options and would be happy to discuss possible long-term public servant housing solutions with city and town leaders,” he is quoted as saying. “We are especially concerned about public servants including college employees, K-12 teachers, firefighters, police, health care providers, etc..”
Chevalier’s view, in whose district the campus resides, did not prevail
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board held a general discussion about housing employees at its October 18, 2022 meeting. During the meeting, it became clear that Third District Representative Paul Chevalier opposed using recreational vehicles for employees and possibly student housing on the Verde Valley 
Campus. Board Chair, Deb McCasland, fully supported the idea.
Doubtful College will purchase an RV like this.
Chevalier evinced a concern for bringing RVs on campus and using them for housing. He stated that in his opinion they would “lower the quality of the look of the campus. So I would be opposed to RVs.”
Chair Deb McCasland said “the idea of RV pads is excellent. Because all we’re investing in is cement and utilities.”
Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Clint Ewell said at the meeting that an RV park is “fairly affordable in the scheme of things. But you have to have an RV.” However, subsequently the College announced it would purchase four RVs for the park and rent them out at $500 a month while leaving six spots open for RV owners.
Obviously, Third District Representative Chevalier’s view, in whose district the Verde Valley Campus is located, did not persuade the College executives.
You may view a view clip of the exchange at the October meeting by clicking here.
Will have electrical hookups, laundry, dog run; sewer system will consist of two large septic systems with leach fields draining into the land adjacent the park (although Cottonwood sewer system borders College); rental of RVs to be purchased by College said to be set at $500 a month
Gathering precise details about the employee (student) RV park at Yavapai Community College is a formidable task due to the institution’s deliberate approach of maintaining a tight lid of confidentiality regarding its internal operations. Nonetheless, as information gradually surfaces from various sources, a more comprehensive understanding of the project is beginning to take shape. Here is what the Blog has found out about the project so far.
First, Yavapai Community College announced on May 17, 2023, through a press release, its decision to construct a 10-space Recreational Vehicle Park on the Verde Valley Campus. According to the press release, the College aims to purchase four RV units and initially offer them for rent to employees. Additionally, the remaining six pads will be exclusively reserved employees who already possess their own RVs. If all ten spots are not filled by employees, it appears they will then be available to students.
The press release listed some of the amenities that the RV park will provide, including a patio area, gazebo, and a dedicated dog run. Unfortunately, access to the park will be facilitated by a gravel road, deviating from the conventional asphalt pathways typically found in such settings. It is worth mentioning that the gravel road may be shared, at least partially, with homeowners living adjacent to the facility.
Second, in an article dated May 17, 2023, which appeared in the Verde Independent, the College revealed the facility would have an onsite laundry facility. The Independent also reported the RV park would have electrical hookups and a sewer system.
According to the information shared by the Community College with the Verde Independent, it appears that the decision has been made to forgo the connection of the RV park’s sewer system to the neighboring Cottonwood (or Clarkdale) sewer system. It would be costly. The article in the newspaper, accompanied by a diagram provided by the College, reveals that the sewer infrastructure for the park will involve the use of two large septic tanks. These tanks will be supported by two leach fields, allowing for draining sewage into the field situated behind the park. (See sketch above.)
Third, and finally, on May 31, 2023, in a story carried on Channel 3 News, Phoenix, reporter Casey Torres reported the College will rent the RVs on the Verde Campus for $500 a month for “RV owners.”
It is noteworthy to observe that during his interview with Channel 3 News about the RV park and tiny house projects, Yavapai Community College Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Dr. Ewell, appeared to emphasize the projects as being aimed at students rather than employees. (Make you own judgment by viewing the clip by clicking here.)
All three news stories agreed that the RV park is intended to be completed by the fall 2023 semester.
The College has not indicated in any of its budgets the estimated total cost of constructing the RV park on the Verde Valley Campus. There is no explanation for the reason it is not hooking its sewer system either to the Clarkdale sewer system or Cottonwood sewer system. Speculation is that cost is a factor.
Sources: Yavapai Community College press release: (Click here to view video clip.)
Verde Independent newspaper: (Click here to view video clip.)
Channel 3 Phoenix news: (Click here to view video clip.)
Funds are provided as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Yavapai Community College announced in a June 1, 2023 press release that the Regional Economic Development Center has received funding from a federal grant that provides free course certificates and support for those attending the programs. The Community College press release authored by Tim Diesch is set forth in full below.
TIM DIESCH 01 JUNE 2023
Starting June 1, 2023, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College is offering a wide range of free certificates and support programs through its QUEST grant.
The REDC has secured funding to support qualified learners for needs related to travel, technology, childcare, tuition assistance, stipends for internships, and removing other barriers for dislocated workers.
To learn more and apply, go online to ycredc.com.
In September 2022, Arizona received a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The grant is part of the DOL’s QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program, and it was awarded to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in partnership with six Arizona community colleges, including Yavapai College.
Arizona’s statewide QUEST efforts will form a direct pipeline for workers in the industries of Healthcare, Information Technology (IT), and Manufacturing.
The REDC has pathways for qualified individuals to:
Take advantage of wraparound student support to make the process of earning certifications more attainable.
Earn industry-recognized certifications through Yavapai College.
Earn industry-recognized certifications through Coursera.
The grant is applicable to those who:
Have been temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster.
Have been unemployed long-term.
Are considered dislocated workers as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 3(15).
The courses are meant to certify and support learners seeking a well-paying career in the IT field, with programs related to data engineering, analytics, cyber security, software development and engineering, digital sales, marketing, and more, with average annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
The REDC at Yavapai College is a resource center dedicated to building strong communities and increasing opportunities for local residents through economic development.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
You may also view the press release by clicking here.
Board has added 10% to president’s salary for three consecutive years. Recall that in November 2022 the Board also altered president’s contract regarding ability to fire her for cause and set three achievement goals, however, the Board has refused to divulge the goals so the public could hold the president and the Board’s decision making process accountable for the past year’s performance
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board decided in a secret executive session to increase the base pay of Yavapai Community College President, Dr. Lisa Rhine, by ten percent at the Board Workshop held Tuesday, May 23, 2023. It also agreed during the same secret meeting to increase all of her additional benefits by 10%. Among those benefits are apparently a car, travel, and living allowance and possibly more.
Recall that six years ago, July 18, 2017, a Yavapai County wage study was published by the Verde Valley Newspapers, Inc. The highest-paid County official at the time was found to be Yavapai College President Penelope Wills. Her annual salary was reported at $277,811. According to the study, this salary exceeded the “second highest paying government job in the region,” which was held by the Yavapai County Medical Examiner. Dr. Wills’ salary exceeded the Medical Examiner by $63,611.
If one uses as a rough gauge the the 2017 study as a base, and knowing that Dr. Rhine’s salary has experienced a cumulative increase of 30% since her arrival in February 2019, one can calculate a minimum salary of sorts now being paid. This speculative calculation, using the aforementioned data, suggests a minimum estimated salary increase of $83,100 since 2019 [0% * $277,000 = (30/100) * $277,000 = $83,100]. This would put the salary around $360,000. It could be much more. Or, less.
There are obvious problems with the speculative amount stated above. For example, it remains uncertain whether Dr. Rhine was hired at a lower or higher salary than her predecessor, Dr. Wills.
It is regrettably that County residents are left unaware of the accuracy of the aforementioned salary calculations, even though they were derived from the announced percentage increases in Dr. Rhine’s salary since her appointment in February 2019 and the wage study conducted by the Verde Independent in 2017. Additionally, the undisclosed list of benefits associated with her position further contribute to the opaqueness surrounding the compensation she receives.
Considering the rural nature of Yavapai County, with a population of less than a quarter million, it is concerning that such a substantial sum is being allocated to a community college president without greater accountability to the public. The significant amount being paid, if the above calculations are anywhere near correct, raise natural concerns about the appropriateness of the compensation within the context of Yavapai County’s resources. The Governing Board members should with data allay these concerns.
The Blog has requested the College to disclose the comprehensive information regarding Dr. Rhine’s total base pay following the increase, as well as a comprehensive list of the benefits included in her new contract with the District. This would avoid speculation. Unfortunately, the College has not yet responded to this inquiry, leaving the residents of the County uninformed.
It is worth noting that during a confidential session held in November 2022, the District Governing Board established three specific goals for Dr. Rhine to accomplish. However, despite requests, the Governing Board declined to disclose those goals to the public, making it impossible for the citizens of Yavapai County to hold either Dr. Rhine or the Governing Board members accountable for her performance because they lack knowledge of the goals and whether they were successfully achieved. The general lack of transparency hinders the ability of the public to assess Dr. Rhine’s work and the effectiveness of the Governing Board’s decision-making process.
It is also worth noting that at the same November 2022 meeting the Governing Board agreed to insert an unusually odd new provision into her contract. This provision declared that if Dr. Rhine is fired for poor performance, she will receive at least two years severance in salary. This means that the College would dish out hundreds of thousands of dollars if it was decided her performance was poor and fired her.
It’s a guaranteed golden parachute should she ever be fired for poor performance.
You may view in a short video clip the announcement of the wage increase made at the May hearing following the secret executive meeting by clicking here.
Board member Sigafoos indicates her viewed work exemplary; other Board members do not explain their vote
The Yavapai Community College Governing Board met in a secret Executive session on Tuesday, May 23 and discussed two issues. First, extending the contract of the current president, Dr. Lisa Rhine (Ph.D). Second, to decide whether to increase her current base pay.
Following the secret meeting, the Board reconvened and announced that it was extending her contract to June 30, 2028. This is somewhat unusual as these types of employment contracts are normally not extended beyond a three year period.
The Board provided very few details to support its unanimous decision. Representative Ray Sigafoos, who brought the motion to extend the employment period, praised Dr. Rhine and made it clear he felt her work was exemplary. However, Mr. Sigafoos failed to offer any concrete details that led him to his overall conclusion.
None of the other Governing Board members provided any specific reasons, which they must have had, for voting to extend the contract for five years. Following a second to the motion to extend the contract brought by Mr. Sigafoos, which then allowed Board discussion, none of the Board spoke up to explain why they thought the long extension was necessary.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the extension.
Please click here to view the short videotape clip of the voting process followed by the Governing Board.
At least four head coaches have been replaced in the last two years – men’s basketball coach Jay Joiner lasted only one year
Yavapai Community College has head coaches in the following sports: Women’s Softball, volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer, men’s soccer, baseball, and E-sports. Recently, there has been an unusual number of turnovers.
On August 29, 2022, Chelsey Lucas was hired as the 11th head volleyball coach. On September 20, 2022, Kali Pugh became the 11th head softball coach. On September 21, 2022, Patrick Woods was hired to be its seventh head baseball coach. On November 2022 Jay Joiner became the head men’s basketball coach. He announced his departure on March 30, 2023. Ken Davis has just been hired to replace him.
When offered the job at Yavapai Community College, Mr. Davis was at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas, where he was the assistant basketball coach since September of 2022. He is credited with helping the Kansas team climb to a 16th ranking in the NJCAA.
Yavapai Community College Director of Athletics, Brad Clifford, said. “I am fired up to have him on our staff and can’t wait to see what he does with this program.”
Tells Governing Board at May 16 District meeting that Verde Campus must have at least 15 students and 5 qualified instructors living in the Verde Valley before program will be returned from Prescott. Is this an example of the classic chicken and egg dilemma?
What comes first? The chicken or the egg?
The question of what happened to close down the Yavapai Community College Fire Science training program more than a year ago on the Verde Campus was answered by Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine at the May 16 Governing Board meeting.
Dr. Rhine said that the program once alternated between the Verde Campus and Prescott. However, over the past several years there has been a decline in student enrollment in the Verde Valley and a decrease in qualified instructors for the program. Therefore, the program was permanently moved to Prescott.
Addressing the Sedona/Verde Valley’s community hopes for reinstating the program, she indicated that the current fire science director is aware of the issue and is working with all the fire chiefs and advisory boards to try and return the fire science back to the Verde Campus. She said that if the Verde Valley Campus can produce 15 students and five qualified instructors who live in the Verde Valley, it will be returned.
Critics argue that the situation at the East County Verde Campus and the Sedona Center resembles the classic “chicken and egg” dilemma. The prevailing sentiment is that the program’s revival hinges on a fundamental condition: if the students and instructors are available, the program will be reinstated. However, detractors find fault with the approach that instead prioritizes the return of the program first, with the promise of subsequent support to cultivate a student body of 15 and recruit five qualified instructors.
You may hear and view Dr. Rhine’s brief statement regarding the Fire-Science program at the May 16 District Governing Board meeting by clicking here.
Forty-five nursing students and 12 “rad tech students were awarded Associate of Applied Science degrees. All must still complete required licensing exams
Forty-five nursing students and 12 “rad tech” students received their Associate of Applied Science degrees in separate pinning ceremonies earlier this month. According to the Community College news release of May 16, the “rad tech” ceremony took place May 5 and the nursing recognition took place on May 12. It includes the names of the graduates.
The following is a portion of the May 16, 2023 press release issued by Yavapai Community College describing the two ceremonies.
Dozens of Yavapai College graduates soon will be filling the ranks of registered nurses and radiologic technologists in healthcare centers locally and wherever their hero careers take them.
The 45 future nurses and 12 future “rad techs” successfully completed their coursework to earn Associate of Applied Science degrees. The YC graduates, who also must complete required licensing exams, were feted at separate pinning ceremonies earlier this month at the YC Prescott Campus.
At the “rad tech” ceremony on May 5, student speaker Ty Schroeder said the 2023 cohort overcame individual and group struggles to learn, grow and succeed together. “We as a cohort cannot wait to take what we’ve learned and experienced and use it to elevate the industry,” he said.
Like many of her fellow graduates, Kara Yazzie benefited from scholarships during a career-training journey she launched in 2007. Speaking at the rad-tech pinning ceremony on behalf of fellow scholarship recipients she said the Community Healthcare Scholarship “fueled my personal fire to do the best I possibly could.”
Her appreciation for the scholarship increased during clinicals when she was able to ease an anxious patient by speaking to him in Navajo. “I felt completely honored to have helped this elderly man on this day, and throughout the remainder of the program this instance would replay in my head, and I cannot help but think that if it was not for the Community Healthcare Scholarship donors, I would not have been in the position to help my people.”
YC’s spring nurse pinning ceremony took place on the birthday of nursing’s founder, Florence Nightingale, May 12. After receiving their pin from a loved one, nursing graduates light candles and recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge – a promise to be devoted to the welfare of others.
Ceremony speakers acknowledged the fortitude and sacrifices demanded of those who choose nursing careers while reminding them that their future success will require more than knowledge and skill.
“… What will make you wildly successful in this role and in life is being a good human,” YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine told the graduates. “Your character and integrity will take you places your talent cannot… Good humans and great nurses live their lives with integrity and grace, conduct their lives with purpose and give their best effort,” Rhine said.
In her remarks, YC Nursing Professor Maria Thomas encouraged graduates to continue learning, practicing resilience, and believing in themselves as they transition from student to professional.
“You will be challenged, and you will stumble or fall at some point… When that happens, resilience is how well you bounce back.” Thomas said, adding, “Who you are has value. Don’t forget that… Never forget that you are capable, determined, perseverant, unique, and amazing.”
Following is an alphabetical listing of the spring 2023 YC Nursing Program graduates:
Elizabeth Adame, Sirena Alvarez, Matthew Arvo, Cassandra Bailey, Ashley Bauer, Yadira Bautista-Burgos, Tanner Beaman, Victoria Burns, Lorena Camargo, Diana Cardoza, Rebecca Casper, Brendan Cassidy, Will Cooper, Rhyann Davies, Michelle Diaz, Staci Fowler, Sarah Friesen, Cheyene Gabbard, Sandra Hauptman, Jill Hernandez, Erika Jourdier, Julianna Kamholz, Tyler Kirkeeng, Sarah Kramer, Destiney Lewis, Maria Mansky, Natalie Martinez, Sierra McDonald, Abigail Mendoza Pina, Lee Neiman, Guadalupe Ocampo, Megan Palmer, Carrie Parker, Shaena Ramirez, Alex Reeves, Alexa Rodriguez, Patricia Sanchez, Ashleigh Thompson, Andrea Torres, Gina Tury, Ryan Wagner, Tyler Weatherly, Nicole Welker, Tori Winsberg, Kenzie Yarbrough.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the spring 2023 YC Radiologic Technology graduates:
Jonathon Cronin, Rachael Guidetti, Emily Harcus, Trevor Henkiel, Amanda Hoff-Felix, Lindsey Jones, Uriah Richards, McKayla Schilling, Ty Schroeder, Sara Tippett, Madison Ward, Kara Yazzie.
You may read the Community College press release with photos by clicking here.