City Manager Ray Alley received high marks from the Holbrook City Council during his annual evaluation, with the results discussed in a special meeting held on March 1.

As each member of the council offered his support and appreciation for Alley, Mayor Jeff Hill stated that it was a pleasure working with Alley, whom he felt was heading the city in the right direction.

Councilman Myron Maxwell went so far as to call Alley a “visionary,” stating that he has seen things happen that have been talked about for years but never implemented.

In order to assess Alley’s performance for the past year, each councilman was given an evaluation sheet with a choice of one, two or three to rate his performance in a variety of areas. A choice of “one” indicated an area that needs strengthening and/or improvement; a “two” indicated that standards were met; and a “three” indicated expectations were exceeded.

Regarding personnel management, Alley scored an average of 2.4 to 2.6 overall. In that area, comments were made that Alley did well in having staff work multiple jobs and cross-train, saw that staff reductions did not reduce services and raised expectations on employee performance.

In the area of managing of financial resources, Alley scored an average of 2.8 and 3 overall. The comments in that area included appreciation for a timely and well-balanced budget, and a comment that when the council is told that certain people are receiving $1 raises, make sure that is what is being done.

Under the management of city operations, scores ranged from 2.4 to 2.6, with comments noting that although there have been cutbacks, services to the citizens have improved.

When it came to managing information, the scores dropped a bit to average scores of 2 to 2.3, with comments that agenda items and coversheets could be improved and more information included.

Spanning a broader range were the scores for community relations, which went from an average of 1.9 to 2.7, with comments stating that the town has trust and confidence in the city manager.

In relations with the council, Alley received average scores from 2.4 to 2.6, with general comments stating that the council is kept informed and that Alley is always available to discuss city business.

The scores for professional conduct, leadership and judgment fell in the 2.4 to 2.7 ranges.

Regarding open-mindedness and focusing on Holbrook’s general plan, Alley received an average of 2.3 to 2.7. The comments noted the positive response to the opening of the fitness center, and Alley’s ability to find solutions for citizens with concerns.

In other action March 1, the council:

* Approved two intergovernmental agreements with Navajo County.

One is to combine dispatch services from Holbrook Police Department with the Navajo County Sheriffs Office. The agreement is being viewed as a positive step for local services and a cost saving measure for the city. The services are expected to combine in July of this year, and although it will mean the loss of five dispatch positions, it was noted by Alley that the sheriff’s office will have two dispatch positions open as a result of the changes and that one position will remain available at the HPD office for clerical duties.

The cost to the city to combine the dispatch services will be $110,000 this year, but will save the city the cost of dispatch payroll and benefits, which is approximately $250,000 annualy.

The other agreement with the county involves court collection and criminal justice services. The county is raising the cost of court services from $22,000 to $52,000 for cases cited by the HPD. The city expects to recoup the costs by adding a court user and automatic fee to individuals using the court system.

* Approved an ordinance amending the city code to state that no person shall have in his or her possession spirituous liquor of any kind on city owned facilities to include parks, alleyways, culverts or drainage ditches.

* Approved an amendment to the city code allowing a medical marijuana or commercial cultivation location to be located in C-2, I-1 or I-2 zoning districts.

* Approved an update of the Holbrook Public Library’s inter-library loan policy in order to be in alignment with the Navajo County Library District.

* Approved an agreement with Dolores DeSpain to offer Zumba classes at the Holbrook Fitness Center at a cost to the city of $1 per month per student.