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The Winslow City Council approved the purchase of a Caterpillar loader to be used at the wastewater treatment plant last week.
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The equipment will be part of a ‘piggyback’ procurement contract awarded by the City of Tucson. In October of 2015, the council approved the use of several cooperatives for the city’s procurement of goods and services. This is a significant cost saving procedure for the city. This specific cooperative allows the city to purchase the Caterpillar loader at a 20 percent discount.
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Funding for the loader will be provided by the recent WIFA (Wastewater Infrastructure Finance Authority) loan acquired by the city. The total purchase amount is $142,254.
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City of Winslow Public Works Director Tim Westover also presented an update on Desert View Cemetery at the request of the council. “The cemetery contains one million square feet. That is equal to about 23 acres and is larger than all of our other parks combined. It is very hard to care for.” Beginning last year, Westover’s department has been improving the cemetery in various ways. They have repaved most of roadways through the cemetery with the remainder to be completed this year. They have also addressed concerns of sprinkler heads and making sure each area of the park receives enough water.
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“We have also been working on reseeding and fertilizing the grounds. We have used some of the soil removed from Vargas Field to fill in spaces that have been without grass.”
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Westover explained that Desert View Cemetery improvements will continue with landscaping using decorative rock as well as repairing of irrigation systems.
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In other business, the council:
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* Approved a report by Judge B.J. Little in which he explained that initial court appearances have increased since 2017. Little credits the Winslow Police Department and improved city ordinance enforcement for the increase.
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* Proclaimed February as Black History Month urging citizens to celebrate the diverse heritage and culture of African Americans in Winslow.
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* Proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence and Awareness Month. High school students who experience physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol and are at greater risk of suicide.
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* Approved a contribution of $500 to the 2019 Because We Care Committee. Historically, the City donates that amount as well as allowing the event to take place on city property and be supported by the Winslow Police Department.
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The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the council chambers, located at 115 E. Second St.
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