Rodeo grounds remain hot topic at Winslow Council meetings

Without hesitation, Mayor Robin Boyd and the other members of the council stated that the grounds have been removed from any and all real estate listings, and there are no plans to sell the property in the foreseeable future. However, the mayor said, “We cannot mandate what a future council may do.”

Later the council addressed the item listed on the agenda for public discussion.

Councilman Chacon began by mentioning the potential for year round economic and social opportunities for the community.

Mayor Boyd agreed with the potential, but asked, “Who will maintain and run the rodeo grounds? The city does not have a great history of maintaining these grounds. I am afraid that if it is put on the city, it won’t work.”

Councilman Curtis Hardy added, “I don’t think the council doesn’t want to see the rodeo, but it will take time.” Hardy also mentioned the rodeo grounds in Snowflake, stating, “Snowflake has a committee that schedules and maintains the rodeo there,” and suggested that citizens contact surrounding communities to share ideas with them.

Councilman Bob Schlesinger commented on citizen concerns. “If they put money and time into it, and the city sells it, there would be disappointment,” he said.

Mayor Boyd reiterated that the city has no plans to sell the grounds, and asked the citizens to form a committee and present a comprehensive plan regarding maintenance of the grounds.

Community member Lani White explained, “We do have a committee interested in putting in work.” She then asked the approximately 10-member committee to stand to be recognized. “It was the city that stopped the rodeo, they should clean up their mess,” White stated, then suggested the city use money earmarked for blight removal as start up capital to begin the process of rehabilitating the grounds.

White also noted “70 businesses that we all spoke to” were interested in reviving the rodeo. “We do have assets out there,” she said. “It would behoove the city to put money in to it.”

Mayor Boyd replied, “Sell it to us. I am sure we will invest in this if you put together a plan, much like the Standing On The Corner Foundation or the car show. These are volunteer committees that the city backs 100 percent and even backs financially.”

White then said, “When you say you’ll support it, we have a committee that will promote (the rodeo). How do we get it to where you let go of the dollars?”

City Manager Steve Pauken explained the process. “Come up with a plan, include the level of activity your group is willing to put in with the hard labor, spell out the repair and replace costs and needs, and, most importantly, understand that this is a large undertaking and we don’t have city personnel able to maintain it, nor do we know what that will take.”

Pauken urged the citizens to take the necessary and proper steps, then present their plan to the mayor and council. The council would then be able to take action to approve or not based on the comprehensive proposal put forth.

The concern amongst citizens continued, with multiple supporters of the rodeo grounds coming forward to restate the benefits of hosting rodeo events in Winslow. Mentioned were not only the potential revenue, but also the opportunities for the youth who participate. These opportunities include scholarships, lessons in work ethic and education in animal husbandry, to name a few.

Aimee Wong of Kaufman Arena gave an overview of the scholarships available to high school students and showed concern for budget money. “How much money was spent on the racquetball courts or the skate park?” Wong asked.

Pauken answered the question to the best of his ability with $175,000 for the skate park in 2013 and approximately $40,000 more recently for rehabilitation of the city racquetball courts.

Wong suggested that money could have been spent more responsibly on the rodeo grounds, as there are more youth scholarships available in those events.

Budget concerns were echoed by business owner Carol Hawn, who suggested the city reevaluate the dollars allotted in the tentative 2018 budget in the amount of $40,000 to place lights at the Eagle Pavilion on behalf of the Standing On The Corner Foundation. “Can you give them $20,000 and us $20,000,” she asked.

Marie LaMar suggested tourism dollars raised through the two percent bed tax be used as start up money for the rodeo. “I believe tourism would not be hurt if money is allocated elsewhere,” said LaMar.

Mayor Boyd said again, “The grounds are not for sale. The law says we cannot take action today as far as saying we will never sell, but I am asking for the public to put in the effort and time to fix it up and maintain it.”

In regards to a citizens committee, Councilwoman Judy Howell said she feels the city has an obligation to make sure the grounds are safe before expecting a committee to undertake manual labor at the site.

This discussion appears far from over, as the committee has much work to do in the planning stages. The mayor and council expressed absolute backing of a committee and an assurance that they will not sell the rodeo grounds.

Official action is expected to be taken at the next meeting of the council.