L&B Telecommunications Relocates Its Office To Downtown Holbrook

According to Tiller, L&B Telecommunications has been established in Holbrook for approximately two years, and has approximately 20 full-time local employees. The company was renting an office, but recently purchased the old GK Morris Garage near city hall as a permanent location.

Tiller told the council that he estimates the company has spent approximately $47,000 at local hotels to date, as well as purchasing at least $150,000 in fuel, equipment and supplies in Holbrook. As the company continues to grow, he hopes to coordinate with Northland Pioneer College to help train future employees.

“We’ve tried to keep everything local,” he told the council.

According to the company’s website, L&B Telecommunications was founded in the early 1990s in Columbus, Miss. The Holbrook location is the company’s second office. The company constructs and installs cellular, WiFi, solar and other types of towers and equipment for service providers.

Council members took no action since the agenda item was for presentation only.

In other action June 12, the council:

* Heard a request from Councilman Wade Carlisle to establish a code addressing small stock and livestock within city limits.

* Approved the expenditure of up to $18,056.74 for the replacement of a water well pump by The Pump Company of Buckeye.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Navajo County for a Holbrook police officer to serve on the Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT). Chief of Police Mark Jackson noted that the officer’s salary will be paid by MCAT.

* Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Arizona Public Safety Procurement Program at a cost of $250 per year. Chief Jackson explained that it will give the city police department the ability to obtain de-militarized equipment from the Department of Defense at no additional cost, except for travel expenses to pick up the equipment.

* Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for pavement work on a one to one and a half-mile stretch of McLaws Road. Finance Director Randy Sullivan noted that the total cost to the city is expected to be $60,000 to $70,000.

* Was unable to consider a purchasing agreement with Fastenal Automated Supply Technology.

Mayor Jeff Hill and Councilman Carlisle both declared a conflict of interest, and the absence of Vice Mayor Charles Haussman and Councilman Bobby Tyler left the council without a quorum.

Alley explained that the company would provide office, safety and auto repair supplies to the city through a unique vending machine system.

* Approved a request by Ken Karges and Harold Elson to fence a portion of the city’s right-of-way on West Joy Nevin Avenue. Alley noted that other businesses in the area have been allowed to fence portions of the right-of-way, and Karges and Elson have agreed to allow the city access as needed.

* Approved entering into negotiations with McPherson Collision, located on West Vista Drive, for the purchase of city property near its existing location.

Alley told the council that he had a conflict of interest due to owning adjoining lots, but suggested that an appraisal be obtained at McPherson’s cost prior to negotiating a price.

Council members took no action, but asked city staff to work with McPherson to obtain an appraisal and legal description. Carlisle also suggested that the city consider leasing the property rather than selling it.

The next regular city council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, at city hall.