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The Holbrook City Council met on June 12 to discuss matters pertaining to the city. City Manager Ted Soltis informed the council that the city has been prioritizing cleanup. He noted that the former Marlene’s Cut and Curl that was located at 902 Navajo Blvd. was demolished, as well as a house and a mobile home at 133 and 135 East Florida Street. The property where the Knights Inn had burned down last year was also entirely cleared away and the pocket park on Fourth Avenue and Buffalo was cleared of weeds and debris.
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Regarding the Magnuson Hotel, Soltis stated, “We are in constant contact with those folks over there and cleanup should be happening soon.” Another planned cleanup is the old Star Inn on Hopi Drive. Although no demolition will take place, the city will be cleaning that property to improve the overall appearance from the street.
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The city is also addressing the concerns from the public regarding the parking restrictions that were implemented in the 100 and 200 blocks of Navajo Blvd. “We have reevaluated parking downtown and plan to increase some parking spots in Gillespie Park. As you know on Arizona (East Arizona Street) by the bank there is some perpendicular parking there. We are going to do the same thing on the opposite side of the street (West Arizona) that’s going to allow the Sheriff’s Office to park their vehicles there. It will let them come out of Gillespie Park and allow our tourists, our visitors and our residents to park in that park. We’re looking at increasing somewhere from 18 to 19 parking spots,” stated Soltis. That project should begin this week.
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He noted that there is a potential for more parking spots on Navajo Blvd., but as that is under the purview of the Arizona Department of Transportation, approval will have to be granted from them before moving forward.
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Soltis also reported that there is progress being made at the potential lake site at the east end of Buffalo Street. Stantec Engineering is planning to conduct boring tests of the soil where the lake would be this month. “If boring goes well, we’ve got good soils under there, then great. If it doesn’t go well, there’s a whole other issue.”
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According to Soltis, if the results are not good then a lake in that area would require a liner, which would make the project cost prohibitive. The firm conducting the operation is doing so pro bono so as of yet there is no cost to the city.
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Police Chief Nathan Christensen reported that there is new information regarding suspect of the arson at Tom & Suzie’s Diner and the burglary of Little Caesars Pizza that occurred in April. The department is working with surrounding agencies and is hopeful that a resolution is in the near future.
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The council approved the process for the selection of a new councilman with the resignation of Richard Peterson. Those who are interested must submit a letter of interest by 5 p.m., on Friday, June 28, and the council will interview candidates and make a decision on a replacement at the July 9 council meeting. To be considered for the position, the candidate must have lived in Holbrook for the past two years and not be employed by the city.
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In addition, the council approved the purchase of pump repairs from FloRight in an amount not to exceed $18,769 for repairs to the Hidden Cove Golf Course irrigation system.
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Councilman Mike Nilsson stated that he would like to thank Richard Peterson for his service on the council. “I’d like to thank Richard for his many years of service and his diligent work keeping us on track all these many years.” Peterson resigned prior to the meeting and was not present.
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During call to the public, Leo Maestas addressed the council requesting consideration for the renaming of Florida Street to commemorate the Budenholzer family for their contributions to the community and for their successes, which reflect well upon the community of Holbrook.
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The council also approved claims and payments totaling $174,360.
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