At the most recent Winslow City Council meeting, the council discussed a proposed change to the city code that would allow certain low-level alcohol misdemeanors to result in house arrest rather than state-mandated jail time. City Attorney Trish Stuhan addressed the council, highlighting the potential benefits of this change, especially for cases where jail time may seem unnecessary.
Stuhan explained that the revision could apply to individuals without a history of violence or who are not deemed a risk to themselves or others. Rather than serving time in jail, these individuals could be placed under house arrest, allowing them to continue their daily responsibilities while still serving their sentence.
A public hearing was held during the meeting, and local resident Theresa Del Mar expressed her support for the change. “As a social worker, I think it’s beautiful to have restorative justice,” Del Mar said. She continued to praise the plan, noting that this approach would allow individuals to remain productive members of society.
Mayor Birdie Cano and Council Member Samantha Crisp both echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that mandatory jail time can create hardships for people who cannot afford to miss work. They added that it allows individuals to stay in their homes, which can help prevent further disruption in their lives.
However, one resident raised concerns that these individuals are not fit to live in their homes until they undergo rehabilitation. They questioned whether house arrest would be an appropriate solution in such cases.
In response, Stuhan clarified that the proposed code update would not eliminate jail time for offenders deemed risky. The change would allow Judge Little the discretion to assign house arrest only in cases where he believes it’s appropriate. For more serious offenders or those who pose a threat to themselves or others, judges could still mandate jail time. These offenders would still have to be found in a court of law that they are a good fit for this program.
The proposal aims to strike a balance between public safety and offering leniency for minor offenders, while allowing judges the flexibility to tailor sentences based on individual circumstances.
The council also approved a change in the procedures of Planned Areas of Development (PAD)s. The change would allow the zoning of that area to change in line with the plan after the preliminary plan, giving them the “greenlight” to move forward. The city plans to show on the zoning map what is in the greenlight phases and what is fully zoned that way.
Ann Schmidt, a resident of Winslow, spoke about how this would reduce the amount of public input but this is unlikely to occur. For shovels to get to the ground the exact same requirements still must be in place, and there is the same amount of public input with the changes. The change would functionally only change what is in the city’s record for zoning on that property. It does not mean it can never change and there is not much negative impact to changing it early on when they aren’t able to build until its approved. However, it does help developers who may face issues with lenders who become concerned when they see that their properties are not zoned correctly.
The council also contributed $500 to support the Little Colorado Medical Center’s annual Cancer Walk, which will take place on Oct. 21. This event focuses on raising awareness and funds for cancer research, bringing the community together for a meaningful cause. Additionally, the council donated $1,000 to Inkfest, Winslow’s popular annual tattoo festival which saw more than 1,500 visitors last year. Inkfest celebrates the artistry and culture of tattooing, drawing attendees from near and far.
In other business, the council:
* Approved the check register and past meetings’ minutes.
*Approved a liquor license application for Winslow Fry Bread located at 122 E. Second St.
* Authorized entering in a cooperative purchase agreement to reduce individual costs with Niles Radio Communications for purchase of fire department radio systems.
*Approved amendment to federal and state departments of transportation plan for Winslow to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI discrimination regulations.
*Approved code change to comply with state standards on restrictions of keeping fowl within city limits, allowing all single-family zoned properties to keep chickens.
The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the meeting room located at 523 W. Second St.
