During the Holbrook City Council meeting held on Nov. 10, City Manager Randy Sullivan reported that one of three of Holbrook’s fresh water wells, well five, went down. Willis Drill Supply, who supplied its pump and motor, will only warranty the well if they themselves install a wave filter. The council approved the purchase of a wave filter in an amount not to exceed $7,378.91.
Sullivan explained to the council how radio communications are transitioning from analog radios, which are aging old technology, to new state of the art digital radios because digital coverage is greater than analog coverage.
Better Communications provided two new antennas with one installed at unused fresh water well four and other atop the water tower for testing purposes. It was determined a success because the dead zones became a moot issue. The council approved the purchase of repeater communications equipment an amount not to exceed $5,994.67. This price does not include the price of new radios. When purchased, Holbrook’s new digital radios can be reprogrammed in the event Holbrook’s fire department is deployed elsewhere.
Sullivan also reported that a golf cart hangar is under construction at the golf course and he is working with the Arizona Public Service for the electrical hookup.
He also addressed the expansion of the soccer field in Hunt Park. “Work on the soccer field is progressing, but slower than anticipated, because there is a lot more digging to be done than first estimated,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan also reported, “Tim Kelley is working very hard on the levee, with one drainage still needing attention, however, if the levee were to be inspected by the Army Corps of Engineers, we would not be in danger of being decertified,” added Sullivan.
Regarding the airport Sullivan explained, “The new fuel farm at the airport is being tested for leaks and needs to be working correctly prior to transferring fuel from the old to the new site. Upon completion of the new fuel farm, the old one will be demolished,” he said.
Sullivan said that Stantec engineers met with Community Development Director Kathleen Smith and Director of Administration Pat Nichols a couple of weeks ago to look at the fishing pond site on the west end of town. The city employees and Stantec engineers were excited about the project and all involved eagerly look forward to bringing the project to fruition. Santec is providing these services at no cost to the city.
Sullivan concluded that the financial audit went well and noted that he is working with Councilman C.J. Wischmann on getting the block watch program up and running at the 300 block of Anita Drive.
Cindy Allen with the Holbrook Elks Lodge received approval for a funding contribution of $400 for the annual Spooktacular. She noted that it would no longer be held at the Elks Lodge, but rather at the Navajo County Fair Grounds. The Elks have also come up with $500 for candy and supplies.
The council also approved Councilman Wischmann as the primary representative and Vice Mayor Wade Carlisle as alternate for the NACOG (Northern Arizona Council of Governments) Regional Council.
The council approved the easement to the NARBHA (Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Authority) Institute, Inc., for the purpose of easy access to Columbia Ave and Bread of Life Avenue.
Councilman Earl Kester went to the Just Cruis’n Car Show in Winslow and took third place with his Nash Rambler. Kester said it gave him insight as to where other contestants came from so that they can be invited to the annual Rt. 66 Festival and Gunslinger Car Show held each year in Holbrook.
Representatives with Labatt Food in Albuquerque were invited to make a presentation to the council by Mayor Bobby Tyler. They sell beef known as Native American Beef, which is raised on Native American land.
Lisa Robertson, Grants Manager, City of Show Low, White Mountain Connection, told the council about the plans for the company, which currently serves southern Navajo County with two stops in Holbrook.
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