By Tammy Gray The purchases of two properties were approved by the Holbrook City Council Tuesday evening, including the former Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) building on First Avenue across the street from city hall. Council members unanimously approved the purchase of the APS building for $1. City Manager Ray Alley explained that the city already owns property on the other side of the building and that the purchase makes sense, especially if it can be used as the start of a public safety complex. If suitable, the building will be remodeled to serve as the police department offices. Alley noted that the existing police station is small and outdated, and the APS building would provide much-needed space. He is still unsure, however, whether the building is suitable for such a purpose. “I haven’t had an opportunity to get inside it,” noted Police Chief Mark Jackson. Alley noted that if the building is suited to serving as a police station, it could lead to future development of a public safety complex that would include fire department buildings on the vacant land. That would be part of a long-term plan, though, and there are no near-term plans to construct new fire buildings. No plans have been presented for the use of the building if it is not suitable as a police department or if the costs to remodel it are excessive. The city had been working for some time to obtain the building, and APS officials agreed to offer it to the city for $1 after ongoing negotiations with City Clerk Cher Reyes. The sale is expected to close in March. Council members also approved the purchase of property located at 503 First Ave. for $1,000. Alley explained that the single-wide mobile home left on the property presents a hazard, and the least expensive option for the city to abate the property is to purchase it and remove the mobile home. He explained that once demolition is complete, the property could be used as a micro-park, but there are no firm plans in place at this time. He noted that the primary purpose is to abate the property and make it safe. The council unanimously approved the property purchase. In other action Jan. 13, the council: * Approved an agreement with the Woodruff Fire District to provide fire protection services for a flat rate of $1,000 per year. * Ratified Cary Simpson as the 2015 Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department chief. * Approved the expenditure of up to $1,270.15 to Balar Equipment for repairs to the Vac-Con truck. Alley explained that the actual repair costs exceeded the amount already approved by the council. * Tabled the transfer of the lease of the former EMS building from American West Potash to Karlsson Group. Alley explained that the company’s attorneys are still reviewing the lease. * Tabled a request to expend up to $15,000 for the purchase of a new pump for a water well. Alley noted that the existing pump appeared to have failed and a new pump was ordered on an emergency basis, but the problem turned out to be in the wiring and the new pump was returned. The council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, has been canceled to allow council members to attend the Hashknife Posse send-off dinner. The next regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10.