The search for a city manager is gaining ground according to Interim City Manager Cher Reyes, who told the council at the meeting on Nov. 13, that the consultant has narrowed the list to 11 potential candidates and would like to meet with the council to determine the next step.
Only five members of the council were present to make that decision including Vice Mayor Richard Peterson, Councilwoman Francie Payne, and councilmen Adam Marsh, Tim Dixon and Earl Kester. Absent were Mayor Bobby Tyler and Councilman C.J. Wischmann.
The council opted to have that discussion, which will be an executive session, at the end of the Tuesday, Dec. 11, meeting.
In her report, Reyes said that the baseboard heaters have been installed in the airport lobby. “The contractor is on site for the lighting project at the airport. They were working on surveying and tearing out some of the old electrical stuff,” continued Reyes. “The street department is crack sealing the apron as well.”
Design concepts for the fishing pond to be located at the west end of Buffalo Street were supposed to be ready in October, but the company is running at least four weeks behind. Reyes said she is hoping to have something to review in the next two weeks. “Then we can finalize the concept plan in early December before they start the geotechnical testing on site.”
Plans are also moving forward with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) improvements. Reyes said, “I am very excited about this project. We should have plans and specifications by Nov. 20; the changes will give us ADA compliance and modernize a couple of our facilities, especially City Hall.”
Within the same project, the Holbrook Senior Center will be getting a new sidewalk from the back of their building to park.
In his report, Councilman Tim Dixon said that he was pleased with how the parking lot at the Hidden Cove Golf Course was looking. “I went out to the Petroglyph Park and talked with Mike O’Dell. Spending time at the park made me realize what a gem it is. We should protect it and advertise it. We need to get more people in to view it that comes with marketing the city, the golf course and the petroglyph park.”
The City of Holbrook will be hosting a baked goods and merchandise festival at Gillespie Park in concurrence with the Chamber of Commerce’s event on Saturday, Dec. 1. The Chamber will have food trucks and drinks behind the family center, while the city will have vendors in the park.
Reyes said there is not a lot of room for vendors, so folks need to sign up right away. Applications can be picked up at City Hall.
Holbrook Police Chief Nathan Christensen reported that the cadet currently in academy has five more weeks until she graduates on Dec. 14. Additionally with the most recent recruit completing his field training on Dec. 17, some much needed vacation time will be available for some of the other officers.
“Once those officers return from vacation, we are going to revert back to eight hour shifts to give a break to the guys working those long hours,” said Christensen, who also noted that the department has two applicants who are going through the background check process for two open positions.
In October, Holbrook Animal Control took in 44 dogs and 16 cats for a total of 60 animals. Of that 60, the majority were transferred to other animal adoption groups. The Holbrook Animal Shelter adopted out five animals, with only six left from the initial 60.
Christensen said, “Year-to-date, we have taken in 313 dogs and 169 cats for a total of 482 animals. Of that, only 16 were euthanized, a rate of 3.3 percent, which is not bad.”
The Holbrook Police Department (HPD) started their annual holiday food drive that will go through Friday, Dec. 14. Folks can donate non-perishable food items at HPD, City Hall, Dollar General, Family Dollar and Safeway. Cash donations are welcome as well and can be dropped off at the HPD.
Colleen Marsh, secretary of Holbrook Chamber of Commerce, gave an update on the upcoming Holiday events. The Festival of Trees will be held from Thursday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 1. This year a Sunday option was added to give folks a chance to pick up their trees after the festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. “Hopefully, this means more people can participate,” said Marsh.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, at sundown the 32nd Annual Parade of Lights will begin. The theme this year is Candyland Christmas. Every year, businesses, families, and local groups decorate their own trees and display them together at the Catholic Family Center. The three-day event features live music, hot cocoa, Santa visits, a wreath and craft silent auction and cookies.
Entry into the parade and festival of trees is free. Application forms can be picked up at the Chamber office or City Hall or online at www.holbrookazchamber.com.
In other business, the council:
* Approved Oct. 18 through Nov. 7 claims and payments in the amount of $271,757.
* Tabled the work session on the personnel policy until the new members of the council are seated.
* Was informed that Christmas decorations will be hung on Monday, Nov. 26.
* Was informed that the Recreation Center roofing project should be completed by Nov. 16.
* Was informed that City Hall will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 21, and at noon on Monday, Dec. 24.
The next regular meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 465 N. First Ave.
