During the most recent meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors the Sheriff’s Office department had three items of business that they brought before the board. The first of which was recognition of detention deputies who worked together to save the life of one of the inmates at the county jail who had overdosed on fentanyl.
During the incident on March 23, the detention deputies and medical staff on duty at the jail facility quickly responded and utilized their training to provide life-saving measures to the inmate. Their coordinated efforts and adherence to specific protocols led to the survival of the inmate, who has since fully recovered and returned to the facility.
At the meeting, the Board of Supervisors presented lifesaving awards to detention deputies Garrison Yazzie and Adrian Barrera, and medical staff Josh Anderson and Beth Miller. The board also presented Sheriff’s Commendations to detention sergeants Marty Boisvert and Christopher Young, Detention deputies Brian McElrath, Dalin Neff and Nathan King, and medical staff Angie Colwell, Alicia LaDuke and Noreen Bridges.
The recognition ceremony highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the detention deputies and medical staff who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates in their care. The Board of Supervisors praised the efforts of the staff and thanked them for their service to the community.
During the meeting, Sheriff David Clouse emphasized the importance of the detention deputies and medical staff in maintaining the safety and security of the facility. He also reiterated the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to preventing contraband from entering the jail, including investments in K9 units and a $100,000 body scanner that inmates are run through before entering the facility.
The recognition ceremony serves as a reminder of the critical role that detention deputies and medical staff play in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates in their care. Their dedication and quick actions during emergencies can make all the difference in saving lives.
At the same meeting, the supervisors considered a proclamation to declare the week of May 7 through May 13, as “National Correctional Officers’ Week” in honor of the men and women who tirelessly work to maintain the safety of Navajo County’s citizens. This proclamation was recommended by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Supervisors subsequently approved and adopted it.
The Sheriff’s Office also received approval for $582,630 in funding from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Border Strike Force to purchase six fully equipped law enforcement vehicles. The funding includes fitting emergency lighting, mobile data terminal (MDT) stands, (MDT) computers, upgraded bumpers, secure lockboxes, and K9 equipment. The Sheriff’s Office will be reimbursed up to $582,630 upon documentation of payment. This agreement allows the receipt of monies from the Border Strike Force to support law enforcement efforts concerning criminal activities associated with illegal immigration, human smuggling and border-related crimes.
At the same meeting, the board gave their approval to a contract between the county and Kimley-Horn Associates, Inc. The aim of this contract is to enhance safety measures for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized users on the 16-mile section of State Route 260 between US 60 and State Route 73, as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods. To achieve this, Kimley-Horn Associates, Inc. will employ community feedback and analyze traffic and collision data to pinpoint the areas with the most pressing issues. The identified issues will then be addressed in a comprehensive plan. The cost of the contract is covered by $261,000 of RAISE grant money and $23,510 from an AZSMART Grant.
In other business, the board:
* Approved a contract with Barton Architecture, PLLC for documentation of existing conditions of administration and judicial buildings at the Navajo County Government Complex at a cost of $8,970.
* Approved designation of $1,700 of Anti-racketeering Revolving Funds (ARRF) for the 12th Annual Navajo County Attorney’s Victims’ Rights Symposium.
* Approved a contract for professional services for Glenn Kephart to ensure that the county’s broadband program effectively maximizes resources including grant funding, tribal and regional partnerships, industry experts and statewide partners at a cost of $3,800.
* Appointed Ryleigh Aubuchon as the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) secretary and executive committee member.
* Appointed Rochelle Shantan as LWDB executive committee member.
* Approved fiscal year 2022/23 fund transfers.
* Approved requests for redemption of waivers for widows, widowers and disabled people who are exempt from taxes.
* Approved amendment to intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Teesto Chapter and Navajo County to correct some poor verbiage and spelling corrections.
* Approved 90-day agreements to manage the caseload within the Public Defender’s Office while full solicitation for contract attorneys can be procured.
* Approved an amendment to contract number CTR057323 to extend funding end date to May 31, 2024 for COVID-19 testing in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention priorities.
* Approved a renewal of the memorandum of understanding between the Arizona Department of Health Services and Navajo County Public Health Services District for the sharing of public health data.
* Approved participation with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to assist communities that have been identified as having wildfire hazard potential with fire prevention, critical infrastructure protection, and forest and watershed restoration. The county would be responsible for matching 30% of the cost of the program.
* Approved an application for permanent extension of premises for White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop.
* Approved a liquor license for Kuzi Mutsiwgota for the Silver Creek Golf Club in White Mountain Lakes.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, in the board chambers, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
