The Winslow City Council met last week and heard from Winslow Beautification Committee Chair Kayla Weishan. She gave an overview of projects her committee has recently taken on which include weed removal, painting of fences, trash removal and basic repairs.
Weishan said, “We started this group so that we could set an example for our kids and the rest of the community to help make our city more beautiful. We want to do more than just weed removal though. We want to continue helping the elderly and disabled citizens make their property and their homes more beautiful.”
The committee consists of volunteers and more are welcome according to Weishan. To volunteer or to suggest a property that needs the attention of the committee, email Weishan at beautifywinslow.wbc@hotmail.com.
Winslow Mayor Roberta “Birdie” Cano let Weishan know that the city is behind her endeavors and invited the committee to reach out to city administration for assistance in the future.
Also on the agenda was a presentation from Kristin Leiber of Better Block. In her presentation, Leiber showed the council slides of community improvements nationwide made by the nonprofit company, Better Block.
As Leiber explained, economic impact and community engagement has improved in cities and towns where walkable spaces and outdoor seating are prioritized.
During the call to the public portion of the meeting, several Winslow residents came forward to speak on various topics.
Paula Leppin spoke on her efforts to donate 80 acres of private land to the city to build a public park. She was concerned that the project had never been moved forward.
Leroy Edwards came forward to mention what he called a stagnation of growth of his business due to inconsistent permitting policies from the City.
Alice Kenkman spoke about the need for stop signs and more stringent animal control policies and enforcement.
Randall Sahmie addressed the need for a spay and neuter program for stray and feral cats and dogs in the area.
Mayor Cano instructed staff to follow up with each of the citizens who spoke.
In other business, the council:
* Heard a status update from Interim City Manager David Coolidge. He reported the city has received $3.17 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and it is planned to use a majority of that money to build a new library facility. The facility is slated to begin construction in the spring of 2023.
* Heard a quarterly report from Winslow Fire Chief James Hernandez who mentioned a free drive through flu shot clinic that will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30 at the Winslow Fire Station, located at 215 N. Taylor Ave.
* Heard a quarterly report from Northland Pioneer College Friends and Family Director Betsyann Wilson. The scholarship window for the upcoming spring semester will open on Saturday, Oct. 1 at www.npc.ecu/scholarships. The over 30 scholarships can all be applied for with one form.
* Approved an agreement between the city and the Lady Knockouts softball organization for use of the city owned softball fields.
* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office regarding Byrne’s Grant funding to provide one MCAT (Major Crimes Apprehension Team) position.
* Authorized acceptance of a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in the amount of $15,000 to support personnel services and employee related expenses to enhance strategic traffic enforcement.
* Authorized acceptance of a grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in the amount of $20,000 to support personnel services and employee related expenses related to DUI enforcement.
* Adopted a resolution approving a form submission to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, which designates the city manager as the city’s agent for applying for certain public assistance pertaining to disaster relief.
* Approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of real property to GWR, LLC located in the Airport Industrial Park.
* Approved a request for assistance in the amount of $500 for the Little Colorado Medical Center’s Annual Cancer Walk benefitting the Winslow Cancer Support Group that will take place on Oct. 8.
* Approved the changing of the city council meeting schedule. The changes cancel the Oct. 11 and Dec. 27 meetings and changed the time of the Nov. 8 meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to allow polling places to close before the start of the meeting.
* Postponed an agenda item regarding potential development of 1,200 acres of city owned property west of State Route 87 and South of Airport Road due to lack of information.
* Entered into executive session to discuss potential development of the aforementioned 1,200 acres of city owned property west of State Route 87 and South of Airport Road no action was taken as a result of the session.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27 in the Hubbell Building, located at 523 W. Second St.
