The Winslow City Council met Tuesday in a special session to discuss city owned buildings and land, the value of those properties and proposed uses of them. Planner Ahkmed Abdullah and City Attorney Dale Patton led the discussion.
The city owns 112 buildings and 107 parcels of property, with two buildings and 17 parcels of property undesignated. Most city property is in use or planned for specific use.
Among the items discussed was the development of the Clear Creek area, both near the reservoir and to the southwest of there, as recreation areas. It was said that an old plan for that action exists.
Use or swapping of the city farm was discussed.
One of the undesignated properties is the old Two Stars Cafe building, which was an on the agenda of the regular council meeting that followed. That item was much discussed and a motion was approved to have staff draft a request for proposals for sale of the building. There was criticism of the condition of the building, which is said to need an entirely new roof.
Also during the regular council meeting, City Manager Jim Ferguson and Allan Rosenbaum reported on the animal control facility, noting that several things have been done to improve it, including heating and getting an adequate food supply. Silver Creek Humane Society officials have decided not to enter an agreement with the city regarding the facility, but volunteers continue to call and offer their assistance.
Gail Sadler, vice chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, reported on the Winslow Historic Indian Sanatorium Cemetery, where at least 533 persons were buried from 1933 until about 1960. She said that the cemetery should be worked over and graves marked.
Finance Director Regina Reffner reported that the sales tax revenues are down and that revenue is also down, which means the city must watch its expenditures.
Patton presented certificates to more than 20 graduates of the Winslow Citizens’ Academy. About half of the graduates were present to receive their diplomas.
