The regular meeting of the Winslow City Council introduced the council and public to newly appointed Police Chief Dan Brown.
Of Brown, outgoing interim chief Chris Vasquez said, “I think he is the right man at the right time for Winslow.”
The council also showed its appreciation to Vasquez, as he has spent the last nine months as the interim police chief.
Vasquez responded, “All I got was the ship going in the right direction. We have a long way to go, but we will get there.”
Vasquez has taken on the role of chief in his hometown of Eloy, beginning this week.
Brown has already begun the transition from his former jurisdiction in St. Johns to Winslow. He has expressed many times that he is adamant about an open door policy between all members of the community and himself. “I am thankful I’m here and I promise I’ll do what you hired me to do,” he said.
In other business, the city surplus auction held May 20 was very successful, according to Finance Director Elias Jouen. All items were sold and auctioneer Jeff Hancock helped bring in $36,206. The auction rid the city of nearly a decade’s worth of surplus cars, furniture and other items.
The plan to improve the train depot at La Posada will continue, as funds have been awarded from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) to pay a $600,000 contract.
City Manager Steve Pauken explained that though this is a local project, federal funds are tied to it. This means that the State Transportation Board will be awarding the contract to begin the improvements. Winslow is awaiting this next step and hopes to begin work as soon as possible.
City Librarian Docia Blalock gave an overview of summer programs offered by the library and contributing partners. Visitors are encouraged to register for the summer reading program beginning Thursday, June 1. Prizes will be awarded based on reading quantity, and will include pool passes courtesy of the Winslow Recreation Department.
On the calendar for June are McFall’s Barnyard Petting Zoo on June 9, a Floating Movie in the Pool on June 10, and Connie Gall, Puppeteer June 22. Each day in June offers a family friendly, free of charge activity. You may view the calendar at the library, 420 W. Gilmore.
Vacancies remain on the Planning and Zoning Committee, as well as the Historic Preservation Commission. The reappointment of Robert Zaccaria to the Historic Preservation Commission was approved by the council, as was the appointment of Ruth Gant to the Arts Council. Regina Condon was appointed as resident commissioner for the Winslow Public Housing Authority.
Action was taken on the sale of Lots 35, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 65, and half of the former road with the width of the abandoned Kislingbury Way in the Winslow Airport Industrial Subdivision on the south side of Winslow. This property includes the previous National Guard Armory building and surrounding property, excluding the rodeo grounds.
Bryan Snyder, representing Lifeline Christian Mission, has agreed to a purchase price of $189,000 for the property of approximately 10.42 acres. Snyder’s group intends to move Red Sands Christian School into the building and to begin classes there as soon as possible.
Discussion surrounding the aforementioned rodeo grounds was also on the agenda, bringing forth speakers from the public.
Councilman Tom Chacon Sr. moved that the council reassure the public that the grounds will not be for sale now or in the future.
The majority of the council declined, explaining that the land has been removed from real estate listings and is not currently for sale, nor planned to be. However, as expressed by Mayor Boyd, this council is not at liberty to “mandate another council as to what they can do,” meaning the rodeo grounds may face sale under a future mayor and council, but that the current leaders have no plans to do so.
The week of May 21-27 was proclaimed by Mayor Boyd to be Emergency Medical Services Week in the city. Members of the staff at Action Medical Services received the proclamation. Citizens are encouraged to show support and gratitude to EMS providers, as well as take steps to improve their personal safety and preparedness.
