During the Holbrook City Council meeting on Oct. 9, Streets Supervisor Patrick Serna addressed the board regarding the purchase of fog sealant, or oil seal, for the newly chip sealed roads. The roads where the work was done include East Joy Nevin Avenue, Iowa and Florida streets, and Mariana Encanto and Anita drives. “It gives two to four extra years of life on the chip seal,” explained Serna. Councilman Tim Dixon asked, “Could this also be used on the parking lot at the swimming pools to even that out?”
“Yes,” replied Serna, “It could also be used down the cemetery roads too because that’s starting to get dry from the weather.”
The original amount requested by Serna was $8,204 but with the addition of the pool parking lot, cemetery road and Hunt Park parking lot the council agreed to an amount not to exceed $16,000.
Interim City Manager Cher Reyes informed the council that Navajo County allowed the city to borrow a sweeper to pick after the chip sealing project. “The county has been very accommodating in this project and I appreciate all their help,” stated Cher. She noted that she hoped that the city’s street sweeper and Vac Con were repaired by this week. In addition, new culverts were installed on Mission Lane and Hutchison Avenue to help move the flow of water to the retention areas.
Reyes also reported to the council that a new animal control officer was hired. Paul Saiz will begin on Oct. 22 with current animal control officer Merrill Young who will be retiring on Dec. 8. Saiz has worked as an animal control officer with Navajo County for the past eight years and is already certified.
She also noted that the windmill at Gillespie Park has been relocated and a Hashknife branding wall is being constructed for the Old West Fest. The racquetball courts are now locked but a key can be obtained at the city office with a $5 refundable deposit.
On Friday, Oct. 19 Holbrook will be hosting the cross country invitational meet at the Hidden Cove Golf Course. Reyes informed the council that these events are very well attended and volunteers are needed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. Those interested in helping may contact the city at (928) 524-6225.
Reyes said that entirely new runway lighting with a new power supply vault will be installed at the Holbrook Municipal Airport with the expectation that the project will begin in the next one to two months.
In his report, Holbrook Police Chief Nathan Christensen stated that for the month of September, Holbrook Animal Control received 32 dogs and five cats and there were none that required euthanasia.
Cindy Allen with the Holbrook Elks Lodge was awarded $500 by the council in support of the organization’s annual Halloween Spooktacular that will include a spook house, hayride, food, games and candy all free of charge for those who attend.
Fire Chief Phillip Rose requested from the council permission to purchase five sets of turnout gear for the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department in an amount not to exceed $12,391. The gear will be to outfit five new members to the department. The council approved the amount.
The council also approved an award of contract to Loren Sadler Architects of Winslow for the design work necessary for the Americans With Disabilities Act compliance doorways, ramps and bathrooms at the city office, police department, library and fire department. The contract amount for the services is $16,750 and will be paid for through a Community Development Block Grant with no city match.
Holbrook High School Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich made an informative presentation to the council regarding the upcoming override election on Nov. 6. The presentation detailed how the funds are used to benefit students. He noted that the override has been passed by the voters every five years for over 35 years.
