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The Holbrook City Council met on Jan. 8, and among the items discussed was the increase of fees for those using the Hidden Cove Golf Course. Interim City Manager Cher Reyes pointed out that the city needs additional revenues to address the vandalism that occurs at the golf course.
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In addition Reyes noted, “We built all those cart barns and have been letting people use them for free and they may not necessarily have a cart in them.” Reyes stated that the fees to use the course would need to increase. “We’re way under priced for our course. Our course is absolutely beautiful. We called around to other golf courses the size of ours and what I have proposed is probably in the medium (range).
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Reyes said she would like to be able to produce enough revenue to have a person at the course on the weekends to prevent vandalism. She is also looking for good used golf carts and doesn’t want them vandalized. The city is also planning to develop a driving range at the course.
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The council agreed and the rates went from $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf and from $10 to $20 for 18 holes of golf. The annual membership increased from $360 to $450 for single, $420 to $495 for family, $300 to $330 for senior single and $360 to $390 for senior family. The cart barn rental will be $15 per month, with gas cart rental to increase from $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf and $10 to $20 for 18 holes. The current age posted for seniors is 55 and older.
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Councilwoman Francie Payne addressed the council telephonically reminding them of the dire need for a new roof on the historic Navajo County Courthouse. “It’s kind of a pricey project. The bids have ranged from $177,000 to add another $100,000 to that. Navajo County is on cycle this year to get the block grant for this area and they have picked several projects to present to the board (Navajo County Board of Supervisors) and one of those is a new roof for the old courthouse,” she explained. She stated that the supervisors would be announcing their selection at their Jan. 22 board meeting.
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She was asked by the museum director for the council to lend its support for the proposal of the courthouse roof. “It’s something that needs to be done. It’s too expensive for any one entity to be doing right now and this is probable our best shot at getting it done soon,” stated Payne. The council agreed and approved a letter of support to be sent to the Navajo County administration.
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Members of the council discussed how they would like to address the upcoming interviews for city manager. An open house for the public will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, in the lobby of the George Gardner Performing Arts Center, with interviews with the council and the candidates to be held the following day. There are four candidates up for consideration including Theresa Coleman of Kasson, Minn.; Jason Foutz of Holbrook; Glenn Irby of Apopka, Fla.; and Tedmond Soltis of Wilcox.
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The determination was to agree on approximately seven questions to ask each of the candidates, with councilmembers able to ask more as deemed necessary.
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The council approved a change to policy regarding council member travel. The approved policy states that all council travel to be paid or compensated by the City of Holbrook must be authorized by the city council. In addition, the council approved a change to the city council financial policy stating that no council member may expend or obligate city funds or resources without the prior approval of the city council. In the event of a bona fide emergency when a quorum cannot be assembled in a timely manner, the requirement for prior approval may be waived by the mayor. If the issue involves the mayor, the vice mayor may waive this requirement.
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Mayor Cobb read a shared proclamation with the mayors of the Town of Payson and City of Scottsdale proclaiming Feb. 4-9 is Hashknife Pony Express Week.
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The mayor also commended city staff for plowing the roads with the recent snowstorms and for addressing the numerous water line breaks.
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Reyes thanked employees Pat Serna, Lance Spencer, Byron Shelendewa, Daniel Gabaldon, Tim Kelley and Pat Nichols for all their help with the frozen water pipes, ice on the streets and other needs.
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In her report to the council, Reyes stated that two lights have been installed on Mission Lane. The chips have been swept off Encanto Street and Anita and Mariana drives. While the sweeper was available she had Iowa and East Florida streets swept as well. She stated that workers are still trying to get the Romero lift station back online, adding that the freezing temperatures have caused problems.
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She reported that the airport lighting project is now complete. The wet weather has limited the ability to clean up but it is expected that will be complete in the next week.
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The kinder craft classes will begin again at the end of the month and the city is hoping to begin a new yoga class soon.
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Police Chief Nathan Christensen introduced Officer Heidi Hunsaker, who is a new addition to the force. He also noted that a local man, Mark Saxton, has entered into the police academy as a cadet.
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Colleen Marsh presented on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. She invited business owners, individuals or those involved in a non-profit to take part in the next scheduled mixer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Machusak Recreation Center located across from city offices. The mixer will include a presentation on the value of being part of the chamber and an overview of the chamber’s strategic plan.
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The council approved an expenditure of $2,043 for Jason Foutz to attend the Arizona Economic Development Basic Course in Phoenix. The council also approved an expenditure of $2,893 for Streets Manager Patrick Serna to attend the University of Wisconsin Pavement Training.
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The council reviewed for first reading the sale of two parcels of land located on East Romero Street to Jeffrey Wright in the amount of $800 and $700, with the purchaser to pay closing costs. The council will make a final decision on the matter at the next meeting.
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The council also approved claims and payments totaling $220,843 for Dec. 14 through Jan. 2.
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