The City of Winslow has received $3.1 million in funding from the federal government under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The money, according to Assistant City Manager Dave Coolidge must be allocated before the end of the calendar year 2024. Therefore, Coolidge presented the Winslow City Council with ideas for how to use it last week.
Coolidge explained that most of the projects on his list are already in the capitol improvements plans for the city but may not be funded, or fully funded in the current budget year. The point of his presentation was to make the council aware of needs citywide and to discuss other ideas councilmembers may have.
He explained that improvements to Coopertown Park, Triangle Park, Hayden Walton Park and the outdoor pool will all take place in the near future with or without funding from the ARPA accounts.
Next, he said, “As you recall, the Friends of the Library graciously donated $250,000 for library improvements. Due to flood plain issues, we were unable to add on to the existing structure. So, we are looking at the potential of building a new library. A new metal building at approximately 10,000 square feet. We estimate that project at about $1.2 million, minus the $250,000 donation. That is not yet totally funded.”
He continued, “You may be aware that we have a water tank that is failing, so we have included the construction of a new water tank and we anticipate the cost of that at roughly $2.2 million.”
The water tank is not currently in the budget for fiscal year 2022 but, according to Coolidge, will likely appear on the 2023 version.
Other uses were discussed at length, with Coolidge explaining that the ARPA funds do come with several requirements and guidelines by the federal government. The majority of those guidelines reminding local governments that the funds are to be used for infrastructure and COVID-19 relief.
Following the list of proposed funding request Mayor Roberta Cano stated, “We need to come together for a strategic planning session. We also need to reach out to our constituents to find out which of these are priorities to them.”
The entire council agreed to schedule a work session at a yet to be announced date.
Winslow City Manager John Barkley gave his bimonthly status report. In it, he highlighted a few development projects that are in discussion at the city staff level. First, he mentioned a modular home company that is looking to build a location in Winslow in the near future. He then spoke about blight abatement issues that will, theoretically, lead to development at a later date.
He said, “We served an order to the owners of 104 First Street, the former Elk’s Lodge, and it was ignored. The time has passed for any appeal so we will now have to enter the nuisance abatement process and have the structure assessed for asbestos. Then we will move forward to consider if the building will be demolished or parts of it preserved. We also had a survey of asbestos and led performed at 100 West Second, a city-owned property, so now we have to take care of the asbestos before that building can be razed.”
The Clear Creek Cowboys Association presented information to the Winslow Council as well. Member David Ramos said, “We are the Clear Creek Cowboys Association, a new group that has recently formed and are in the process to become a 501C (3). We have a mission statement that says, ‘this is a group of volunteers with one common goal. Our vision is to benefit surrounding communities, support youth in education and preserve the American cowboy heritage.’ The Association will always strive to work in partnership with area businesses and charities to bring communities together.”
He continued, “Our purpose is to continue the dream of our forefathers and our volunteers will help that success.”
He explained that the group has already taken part in several area events including the Navajo County Rodeo and Winslow Christmas Parade.
According to Ramos, the group intends to continue work with the Prescott Longriders, a non-profit group in Prescott that raises money for veterans experiencing homelessness.
He continued, “Our next event is going to be our Pony Express Mail Ride. That will go from the post office in Winslow, down Territorial Road and on to the post office in Holbrook.”
Beyond the ride, he explained, the group will also be presenting at the three Winslow elementary schools to teach the history of the Pony Express.
Ramos said, “We will be at the schools on Jan. 27 and following that there will be a hand off demonstration in front of the La Posada on Third Street at 1 p.m. led by Walter Pacheco.”
The group, according to Ramos, will be sworn in to carry the mail on this ride. Those interested in having mail carried by the Clear Creek Cowboys Association can purchase mailers at Dewitt Ranch Supply, located at 821 Transcon Lane or at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce, located at 523 W. Second St. Mailers will be sold for $1, and participants must provide postage. For more information, contact the Association on their Facebook page or by email at clearcreekcowboysa@gmail.com.
In other business, the council:
* Heard a quarterly report from Old Trails Museum Director Ann-Mary Lutzick. In her report, Lutzick reminded the council of the museum YouTube channel as well as the fact that the annual calendar is available for sale at the museum, located at 212 N. Kinsley Ave.
* Received a quarterly report from the Winslow Justice and Municipal Court in which Judge BJ Little noted he wrote two search warrants from October to December 2021.
* Was introduced to Danny Wasson of the company 3450 N Higley, LLC. Wasson is interested in purchasing 180 near the Winslow Airport to build industrial buildings on. No offer was entered, or action taken.
* Heard the monthly financial report for November 2021. Citywide revenues for the month were $2 million bringing the year-to-date total to $7.7 million. Citywide expenditures were $2.2 million bringing the year-to-date total to $7.8 million.
* Approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of three acres of real property located in the Winslow Industrial Park area to GWR, LLC owned by Lonny and Sharon Gose for $3,000. The lot is situated east of the Old Rodeo Grounds, which was previously purchased by GWR, LLC.
* Approved a letter of support for the Navajo County Middle Mile Broadband Network. This letter is part of the application process for the county’s application for the Arizona Commerce Authority Grant for broadband improvements.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, in the Hubbell Building, located at 523 W. Second St.
