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During his report to the Holbrook City Council on May 28, City Manager Ted Soltis addressed the issues that were addressed by city staff in May. He explained that last year there was a master record update, something that is done every year, and on that update was a list of 21 items that needed to be done at the airport including lighting and crack repairs. Soltis stated that all of the items have been addressed thanks to the hard work of the staff.
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Soltis also noted that there has been a problem with vandalism in the city and that staff has taken measures to address it. “We have placed cameras strategically throughout the city. These cameras will be set up in those locations where we have been having problems with vandalism,” stated Soltis.
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He said that on the southside of the river there has been an ongoing wastewater smell issue that was resolved. “That line was put in some years ago and has not been properly maintained. The city thought it was the county’s, the county thought it was the city’s, so what happened is that there were a number of valves that were not properly maintained. Some of the valves have been replaced and others have been repaired and that has taken care of the sewer smell,” he stated.
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Soltis also stated that the merry-go-round at Hunt Park had to be removed. He noted that numerous repairs have been made over the years but it is now unsafe to use. He added that grants will be sought in the future for new playground equipment. The trashcan lids in the park have been replaced and some painting has been done at Hunt Park, as well as some dead branches removed from the trees there.
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Soltis noted that light pole bulbs are also in the process of being traded out for LED lighting.
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The staff has been hard at work at the pool where Soltis explained pipes had not been properly winterized and as a result there were around a dozen leaks and a number of valves went out. “Those have all been repaired and of course we will do a better job of that next year,” stated Soltis.
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Soltis also said that he had attended a manager’s meeting and traveled to other communities to see what’s going on throughout the region in those areas in an effort to see how local communities can work together.
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In council reports, Councilman Mike Nilsson commended the organizers of Holbrook High School’s Grad Night for another successful and enjoyable event, and for their hard work that helped to keep kids safe on an important night. Mayor Merrill Young added another thank you to those who donated items to that event as well.
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With the local election over Councilman Adam Marsh reminded the public that another important election is coming up in August when the Navajo County Jail Tax will be on the ballot. He encouraged citizens to educate themselves on the matter and to be sure to vote.
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Marsh also mentioned that he lives on the hill off Eighth Avenue and that he saw that a man named Matt had taken the initiative to sweep the dirt off of the sidewalk and street gutter with a broom in order to not only beautify the area but to make it safe for those using the sidewalk. “I want to thank Matt for doing that. He saw a need and took the initiative. Our staff works very hard but can’t get to everything and if our citizens can step in and do small things, they have a big impact,” stated Marsh, adding that citizens should look for opportunities to help out in the community and serve their neighbors.
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In other business, the council:
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* Approved the purchase of a water well pump from Willis Pump as a sole source provider in an amount not to exceed $24,467.
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* Appointed Councilman Nilsson as the council representative to the NACOG (Northern Arizona Council of Governments), with Councilman Richard Peterson as the alternate.
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* Approved an agreement with the Arizona Department of Revenue for transaction privilege tax administration at no cost to the city.
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