Last year, Ted Soltis was hired Holbrook’s new city manager. Just after accepting the position, Soltis let Holbrook in on what he had in store for the town of just over 5,000. Last week Soltis gave an update on how he’s progressed so far.
It’s no secret that there are quite a few eyesores around the town that need fixing. Soltis explained that one of the first things he’d be addressing and fixing or demolishing are the larger abandoned and dilapidated buildings that sit on the main streets of town. He was adamant about how important first impressions are. Soltis said he planned to contact and work with the owners in hopes of finding a solution to either fix the crumbling buildings or get rid of them.
When asked about his progress so far Soltis said things are getting done. He explained that with the amount of work needing to be done, it is a process. Reiterating his statement from last year he said, “I don’t want to do this in a negative way.” Soltis said that he plans to work with property owners without having to go through litigation. “Did you see the Magnuson and the Knights Inn? I’ve already done that, without the courts,” said Soltis who explained that he is also working with the owners of the Golden Inn to get the property cleaned up.
Soltis said he plans to take the same approach with the residents on the main streets who are occupying commercial property without actually operating a business out of it.
The city manager explained that part of the process of working with the owner is providing some sort of incentive. When asked what he meant, Soltis said, “each situation is different.” He explained that he does some of the foot work for the owner of the establishment as far as locating possible buyers, among other things.
Also, on Soltis’ list of accomplishments were renovations to city hall. Soltis explained that the building that people go to for answers needed a few modifications. Using his office as an example, Soltis explained that it was important to get that done to provide a more welcoming environment. Having done his office remodel himself, he also said he used it as an opportunity to demonstrate to others what kind of work he expects. “It looks clean, professional,” said Soltis.
Soltis said that at the Machusak Recreational Center across from city hall old broken wooden pieces that littered the property were removed that were presenting a less pleasant visual for passersby and venue occupants. The park benches and kiosks around town have also been painted and updated. “Did you see the dinosaur up on top of the hill,” said Soltis referring to the statue they place just outside the dog park located on the north end of Navajo Blvd.
Soltis said he would be utilizing his skillset in grant writing and working to acquire grants needed for various projects. To date, the grants that have been obtained by the city have been $3.3 million for the airport runway and $112,982 for police vehicles. There are other grants in progress but discussions on how to utilize the monies have not yet taken place.
Overall Soltis explained that so far, he’s done what he intended to and continues to move forward. He said there are still grants that can be found to help improve Holbrook and continues to make modifications where necessary. He also stated that places like the cemetery, which is running out of plot space will be reassessed and likely modified. “We’re going to assess grants needed, we’re doing an expansion on the cemetery, we’re working on the lake at the golf course and we’re going to paint the police department,” said Soltis.
Also, last year Soltis stated that he would be looking into and restructuring the budget to make it “more comprehensive.” Soltis was asked if it was as comprehensive as he’d hoped it would be after getting his hands on it. Soltis said that he has made quite a few adjustments but still has work to do to get it to where he believes it should be.
