During a meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors earlier this month, they passed the county’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for 2024, which represents a significant evolution in the county’s approach to managing emergencies and disasters. This plan, aligning with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), adopts a community-based approach that emphasizes collaboration with local communities. Recognizing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of different areas within the county, the plan integrates these considerations into its emergency management strategies.
The EOP clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of various government levels, ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies. It includes specific provisions for supporting individuals with disabilities and functional needs, highlighting the plan’s commitment to inclusivity in emergency situations. This approach ensures that all community members are considered and supported during emergencies.
A cornerstone of the plan is its comprehensive strategies for prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. These strategies are tailored to address the specific characteristics of Navajo County, enhancing the area’s readiness to effectively manage potential emergencies.
Navajo County Library District Director Jennifer Volkert also presented a year-end review of the Library District during the meeting. The district reported significant additions to its collection, including over 40,000 physical and 25,000 digital titles. Furthermore, the district offers a wide range of digital resources, including Hoopla, providing over 1.5 million titles in various formats accessible to all 13 library members. The library has also benefited from the contribution of over 6,000 volunteer hours and a courier service that transported almost 30,000 items between libraries this year. Volkert also mentioned the hiring of two digital navigators, funded by a grant, who assist with digital literacy across the district’s 13 libraries.
Katy Pierson, the library’s event coordinator, highlighted the district’s engagement in community events. The district held over 3,000 events, attracting more than 12,000 participants, and provided CPR training and professional development for library workers. The district’s proactive approach in applying for and securing eight grants totaling over $220,000 underscored its commitment to enhancing community services.
The supervisors also had a lengthy discussion regarding the White Mountain Domestic Water Improvement District (DWID). Local resident Donna Gearst spoke to the board about the DWID taking over a for-profit water company through, aiming to reduce water costs for residents. Despite her efforts and those of other community members, the board decided to dissolve the DWID, citing legal and financial complexities. Supervisor Vice Chair Whiting pointed out, “The DWID’s lack of proper certification and tax collection would hinder its ability to purchase the water company.” He also raised concerns about the potential tax burden on residents and the cost implications of an election for the entire county.
However, he was informed that the election costs, estimated between $3,500 to $5,000, could be charged to the DWID once reinstated. This decision by the board does not prevent the DWID from being re-established, allowing for public input on any future taxes.
In other business, the board:
* Approved the 2024 Board of Supervisors committee assignments.
* Approved the purchase of one compact rapid deployable and two mini compact rapid deployable units to further expand communication abilities of law enforcement at a cost of $166,984.
* Approved an extension of contract by one year with Summit Food Services, LLC for inmate commissary and resident banking services.
* Approved contract extension with JWA, LLC for expansion work at the White Mountain Complex in Show Low for a total cost of $26,700.
* Authorize acceptance of a grant from Attorney General Victims’ Rights Program in the amount of $12,400 for employee expenses related to victim’s rights.
* Approved the purchasing of 175 mobile radios and 155 portable radios from L3Harris for a total of just over $2 million.
*Authorized acceptance a grant from Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program for $149,173 with a county match of $49,725 to cover six victim advocates salaries.
* Appointed Justices of the Peace B.J. Little, Lewis Hunter, Scott Tipton, Robert Higgins, Krista Wilkinson, Susie Nelson and Justices of the Peace Pro Tempore Kathy Swietanski, Rae Lynn Atencio, Tiffany Hendrickson, Yvonne Hunt, Anna Lesperance, Pam Turley and Paul Julien as juvenile hearing officers.
* Approved the boundaries for school districts in Navajo County.
* Approved the reissuance of stale dated checks.
* Approved purging of records of tax, penalty and interest on personal properties.
* Approved a policy to establish authority and parameters to recognize service and work of employees.
* Appointed James Archer Wilton Parisho as a Libertarian Precinct Committee members for the 02 Painted Desert Precinct.
* Appointed Thomas Clinton Kaufman, Kenneth Ray Allen, Lisa A Marshall, Kristie Lynne Blackman, Walter Jack Blackman, Dawna Leeann Ruiz and Brian Dale Warren as Republican Precinct Committee members for their respective precincts.
* Approved a grant from Arizona Department of Housing for $178,000 for Clay Springs Community Center’s roof replacement.
* Approved acknowledgment of real property assessment roll and directed the clerk to accept it for filing.
* Approved A Memorandum of Agreement between the Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of Transportation-Navajo Region for the continued funding support of two maintenance equipment operators at a cost to the county of $60,000.
*Approved an amendment to an agreement with Granicus for webcasting planning and zoning commission meetings at a cost of $6,555 for the first year, and $6,784 and $7,022 for the second and third years.
* Approved a special use permit for a master development plan amendment, allowing for 660 dwelling units including recreational vehicles, park models, and manufactured homes, along with amenities and commercial uses in the Show Low Mountain Ranch Special Development, White Mountain Lake area.
*Approved a special use permit for a zone change from R-3 to C-R, allowing for a 54-space RV park on a 4.65-acre parcel located north of Pinetop/Lakeside, along Porter Mountain Road.
* Approved a special use permit for the construction of a 54-space RV park on a 4.65-acre parcel, located north of Pinetop/Lakeside, along Porter Mountain Road.
* Approved a special use permit for the construction of a 100-foot monopole wireless communication tower and associated facilities in the Heber area, requested by Pinnacle Consulting, Inc.
* Approved a special use permit for the construction and operation of a 112.5 MWdc solar energy generation facility, 75 MW Battery Energy Storage System, and associated facilities on approximately 625 acres located in the Snowflake area.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan 9, in the board chambers located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
