The Winslow City Council met on March 14 with all council members present except Tom Chacon, who was excused due to illness. City Manager Steve Pauken told the council and public of the ongoing recruitment for Winslow Police Chief. The last date the city will accept applications is March 21, and so far 25 applications have been received. The final candidates will face an interview by city council at a date to be named later.
Councilman Bob Schlesinger raised a question to Pauken regarding a previously discussed conditional use permit to establish medical marijuana cultivation and infusion facility in the former Furniture Bowl building at 2000 W. Third Street, asking if the conditions put forth in last month’s meeting had been met. City Attorney Ellen Van Riper assured the council that provisions had been made and were continuing to be made to ensure filtration equipment is updated to relinquish the odors associated with the business done by The Medicine Room who already has a medical marijuana dispensary in town.
The council voted to approve the Little League Agreement for 2016-17. Jimmy Curnutte, president of the Winslow’s Little League, spoke on behalf of the board, thanking the council for their continued support stating 407 kids have registered to play ball this season. The agreement explains city maintenance of all fields, installation of new base inserts, and pitching mound rubbers as needed and holds the Little League responsible for cleaning up litter in the stands, dugouts and park areas.
The council approved the Winslow Umpires Association agreement, approving an umpire budget of $4,999.
Manager Pauken addressed an inquiry from the Feb 28 meeting in which the repaving of Fleming Street between Hicks Avenue and North Park Drive was discussed. “Because of the peculiar configuration of that one block stretch we will only be able to pave a 14’ width,” he said. Estimates were requested for two different types of surfacing, chip seal and asphalt. The chip seal would cost approximately $9,000 and the asphalt resurfacing approximately $40,000. Neither estimate was included in the city paving plans for the current fiscal year.
Pauken then provided an update on improvements being made to McHood Park and Recreation area. The annual dredging of the reservoir portion of McHood Park will commence as soon as the equipment is serviced and deemed worthy to resume work, $100,000 has been allocated to this project. The service road from Highway 99 to the established campground area is being replaced as part of the city’s road maintenance plan. The estimated cost is $80,000 and is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan. That project is slated for completion before the close of the fiscal year in July.
The new position of Community Service Coordinator was filled by Roberta Cano who will be responsible for establishing concessions for food and drink at McHood Park this year. Cano will also be tasked with replacing the park ranger program previously in place with a camp host program. Details will be reported as they become available regarding that initiative.
Public Works Director, Allen Rosenbaum addressed the council with updates on two major projects. Street and drainage improvements on Bales Avenue near Northland Pioneer College are going as planned with the roads remaining open to allow access to the adjacent apartment buildings. The wastewater treatment plant is also undergoing improvement with new water clarifiers and 700,000-gallon equalizer basin under construction now.
Council Member Judy Howell revisited her call to have the security door at City Hall removed, as it “sends the wrong message to the public,” citing a concerned citizen’s intention to leave Winslow if the door is not removed.
A call to the public brought forth Jim Larremore, vice president and treasurer of the Winslow Council on Aging. Larremore thanked the council for their continued support of the Winslow Senior Citizens Center and invited them to participate in their annual March for Meals event taking place March 25.
City Librarian Docia Blaylock reminded the public of the libraries available services including paper tax forms, city surveys, and copy and/or fax assistance.
Mayor Robin Boyd made a proclamation declaring April fair housing month marking the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to further housing choices for all Americans. The proclamation encourages all agencies, institutions and individuals in the City of Winslow to abide by the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Law. This comes as the housing committee voted unanimously to approve opening of the low rent or Section 8 housing wait list in Winslow.
Cheri Russell was reappointed to her position on the Winslow Arts Council. Her term will expire April 1, 2020.
The regularly scheduled March 28 meeting has been cancelled. The next Winslow City Council meeting will be held April 11, at the council chambers, located at 115 E. Second Street.
