Members of the Winslow City Council were advised Tuesday evening that a change in the fee schedule of the Arizona Department of Transportation could threaten the city’s ability to complete the Renaissance on Route 66 projects planned.
The notice came following approval of the consent agenda, which included a level B additional services agreement with Woodson Engineering for phase six of the Renaissance scoping for no more than $196,000, environmental and design services.
City Manager Stephen Pauken told the council that the State of Arizona has required ADOT to charge an administration fee for administration of projects that the city used to do, and has raised those fees from $5,000 to $100,000.
He noted that because of this and other actions by the state, the Renaissance projects planned 10 years ago might not be possible. He also stated that something needs to be done to change this.
Pauken also advised the council that the city would need to update some codes to avoid a significant insurance rate increase for property owners.
City Attorney Ellen Van Riper reported regarding term limits, particularly as they affect existing council members. She said that the city cannot fail to issue candidate papers, but that a citizen can challenge the eligibility of a candidate.
Animal Control Officer Stratton Salyers reported on that facility and noted that the facility started the month of September with nine cats and ended with 15. One was euthanized. There were 28 dogs at the beginning of the month and 33 when it ended. Six dogs had to be euthanized.
Lt. Ken Arend of the Winslow Police Department reported that the new work schedule is working well, and that the department is on track to make its budget.
Winslow Arts Council Chairman Sarah Smithson and Vice Chairman Todd Roth spoke during the call to the public, praising Roberta Cano for her work with the council and her enthusiasm. The city manager was given a tiara to be given her for her excellent work.
Brian Scaramuzzo also spoke, stating that the landfill situation and cost would have to be paid by our children and grandchildren, and suggested that something must be done about that and the flood insurance costs to citizens.
During a special meeting held prior to the regular meeting, a presentation was given by Stroh Architecture regarding the Head Start Building and a potential application for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
The fee for working to get that building and possibly buildings on the National Register would be $13,000. The presentation and questions took the 30 minutes allowed for it, and will be continued at the next council meeting.
In other action Nov. 10, the council:
* Adopted an ordinance amending a current ordinance on employee insurance regarding when insurance coverage commences for newly hired employees.
* Heard a presentation by a representative of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Hashknife Posse.
* Approved the consent calendar, including the check register, minutes of the Oct. 27 council meeting, appointment of Christa Knox to the Arts Council, and an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Arizona, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the city, and a hold harmless agreement between the city and Little Colorado Medical Center.
Clarification
ADOT spokesman Steve Elliott said that though the department is studying the fee schedule, no decision has been made. “While the Arizona Department of Transportation is studying agency costs of administering federally funded local public agency projects such as this, no decisions have been made on any changes or what those changes would involve. The department will continue to partner with and assist our local public agencies to construct their projects by providing technical and administrative expertise to meet established standards and specifications,” said Elliott.
