The Holbrook City Council convened Oct. 12, during which the council approved a resolution to move its meeting days from the second and fourth Thursday of the month to just one meeting at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
“I’m recommending to go down to one council meeting, have a longer council agenda, but then that would allow us to do strategic planning meetings,” stated Interim City Manager Randy Sullivan, adding that work sessions can be done on the fourth Wednesday as needed. He further explained that this change will make it easier for city staff to meet deadlines, since the city is closed on Fridays.
Councilmember Robert Black had concerns regarding the proposed change. “I still think we need two council meetings a month. I think we need to get moving here with some agenda items and some plans for Holbrook,” he stated, adding that he didn’t mind the changing of the day. “But I do care about council meetings when Holbrook has a long way to go. We need to help it go that direction.”
Mayor Kathleen Smith agreed with Black’s sentiments but stated that she believed the additional work sessions could make real discussions happen without adding on long hours right after a council meeting.
The resolution passed, with Mayor Smith, Vice Mayor Michael Nilsson, councilmembers Teri Tafoya, Karina Pack and Tim Dixon voting in favor, and Councilmember Black voting against. Councilmember Arcenia Pacheco was absent from the meeting.
Also during the meeting, Mayor Smith appointed Peggy Reed as the new member of the Charter Review Committee following the resignation of Steven Carbonneau. “A lot of people in the city already know Peggy and her husband for all their good work that they do in Holbrook. I can’t think of a more exemplary citizen that goes out and just works hard for the citizens of Holbrook,” Smith stated. All voted in favor with the exception of Councilmember Dixon, who stated the reason for his vote against Reed was due the open position not going out to the public for applications prior to a selection being made.
The council approved a request for a zone change requested by Francis Morris for 308 Hermosa Drive to be changed from general commercial zoning to single family and manufactured home. The Planning and Zoning committee voted to recommend approval.
Council also directed administration to reach out to the League of Cities and Towns to arrange a facilitator and set a date for a planning work session regarding the city manager appointment, as well as recruitment firms as soon as possible.
Lloyd Johnson addressed the council during the call to the public for non-agenda items to introduce himself and announce that he is running for the position of State Representative for Legislative District Six. “The biggest district in the state and the most neglected,” Johnson stated, adding that a key point in his campaign is the proposal of trade schools so as to give people the ability to build within their own communities.
Holbrook resident Mark Romo also spoke, and asked for clarity in relation to his water bill. “In the water bill, there’s two line items that say one for capital improvement water and one for capital improvements sewer. Where’s that money? I haven’t seen in any city budgets.” He also questioned if the city adheres to the bid process when the city works with other businesses or showing favoritism and giving those opportunities to friends. During call to the public, the council may not respond but can direct staff to provide information for the next meeting.
Romo also spoke on an agenda item, voicing his support for Peggy Reed to be appointed on the Charter Review Committee. “She’s just a lovely lady. She’s very involved in our community.”
During the summary of current events, Mayor Smith stated that she and Interim City Manager Sullivan met with the Arizona Commerce Authority, which has a program to help cities promote filming endeavors. “They have a program through the Arizona Commerce Authority that can help a city become ‘film ready’ and it helps you get your permitting ready. So, if a production company wants to come in, we’ve got resources for them. We’ve got great potential. Some of these film crews will come and stay for weeks on end and it’s good for Holbrook.”
Mayor Smith also stated that she spoke with a resident who voiced their love for the local Holbrook Library, as well as all the activities they host. “They really do offer a lot of recreational activities for our youth and even for our adults.”
Councilmember Dixon stated that he attended the Bread of Life Mission Banquet and it was well attended. He also praised them for their work in addressing the homeless issues within the community.
Vice President Nilsson also reminded the public of the health fair going on from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Holbrook Senior Center, “There’s going to be giveaways, going to be flu shots and testing for different diseases. There’s going to be people talking about health insurance and different things.”
Nilsson added that the senior center will also be hosting a raffle and a Bingo event to help bank for Christmas meal boxes starting at 6 p.m. He also thanked the city workers for striping Eighth Avenue in efforts to make it safer.
Councilmember Black praised the city workers as well for their efforts. “There’s a lot being done, and it’s been appreciated by a lot of people. It’s shaping up.” Councilman Pack echoed these sentiments, adding that the newly painted cemetery wall looks great.
Also during the summary of current events, Sullivan announced that PJ Gabaldon, Administrative Secretary of the Holbrook Police Department, received recognition for successfully certifying the department as an Arizona Incident-Based Reporting System reporting contributing agency in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Arizona Uniform Crime reporting Program (UCR). He praised Gabaldon and Police Chief Nathan Christensen for their hard work and their achievement.
Sullivan stated that the city has begun work on city sidewalks, starting with Arizona and Sixth streets as well as Eighth Avenue. The city has also assisted with remodeling at the animal control building, with hopes for it to be completed the following week.
