“We started out with $28,000 (contribution from the town) a year, but with the economic times, last year we got $1,000,” said Carmen Shumway representing the Taylor Beautification Committee, but “so many people stepped forward to help.”
Shumway was asking the town for $1,800 for the 2011-12 fiscal year. She said that each of the flower pots have been assigned to a different person, with the town being responsible for the watering system and spraying weeds.
“We feel like the money we get, we spend very, very carefully,” said Shumway.
Councilman Jared Hatch responded, “I know that she does.”
Shumway said she was requesting an extra $800 because they have to order the flowers in May and don’t get any money until July, and she has been paying that with her own money and later reimbursing herself.
“We appreciate what you do. It definitely helps as you approach the Main Street of our town. That would be not very pretty if not for what you do. If we had to pay somebody for what the beautification does we couldn’t afford it,” said Mayor Fay Hatch.
Councilman Shawn Palmer reminded the council that Barbara Bruce, who submitted a letter of interest to serve on the council, had said 10 years ago she drove through town and settled in Show Low, but has since moved to Taylor in part due to the beauty of the town.
Town Manager Eric Duthie explained the budget cycle of July 1 to June 30, and said that staff had budgeted $2,000 for the Beautification Committee.
A motion to approve the Taylor Beautification contribution of $2,000 for fiscal year 2011-12 was approved unanimously.
Shumway also represented the Taylor-Shumway Heritage Foundation in requesting $5,000 for its 2011-12 fiscal year budget.
A letter had been submitted to the council reporting activities of this fiscal year. The foundation had four hayride jamborees, it is moving forward with a project of gathering family histories and pictures, and the video project of senior citizens is progressing.
There were 1,527 visitors, 350 calls requesting information on the historic sites and 405 tours from April 1, 2010, to April 1, 2011. Foundation members are still scanning Ida Webb’s historical collection, the outreach program that takes the history of Taylor into the elementary and intermediate schools was successful, an Eagle Scout project set up the Show Low Creek bridge behind the Shumway School, and major repairs have been done at the Standifird Home, the Shumway School and the Pioneer Museum with a total cost of approximately $5,000.
“We are doing as much as we can with volunteer help, I imagine 75 percent of what we do is volunteer,” reported Shumway. “There are so many people that offer time and help, and that’s one reason why I feel we’re a very valuable committee.
“I’m so grateful to the citizens of Taylor and to the town council for their support. It’s been wonderful to work with the Town of Taylor,” said Shumway.
“We’ve taken the history of Taylor into the schools; every grade has a different curriculum. I think it will teach an allegiance to the town for the young people in our schools to learn more about Taylor,” said Shumway, who then thanked the town and its officials for all they have done to help. She also thanked Duthie for his kindness to them, noting, “He brought his whole family and they worked for most of the day last Friday.”
“As a teacher, I have to say regarding the education part of it, they came into the classroom and the kids really enjoyed it,” said Vice Mayor Jane Lee.
“I for one want you to know I appreciate it (the heritage foundation),” said Mayor Fay Hatch.
A motion to approve a contribution of $5,000 to the Taylor-Shumway Heritage Foundation for fiscal year 2011-12 passed unanimously.
