The Holbrook City Council convened on Tuesday after an uncertain start when it was reported that two people had been shot and killed at the Navajo County Governmental Complex prior to the meeting.
“Out of respect for what has happened,” said Mayor Bobby Tyler, “I believe we need to reschedule this meeting.” After mixed responses from fellow board members, the board took it to vote which passed four to three to stay in session, with members Tim Dixon, Tyler and CJ Wischmann voting against and Earl Kester, Francie Payne, Richard Peterson and Wade Carlisle voting in favor.
City Manager Ray Alley updated the council on projects in town, stating that construction on Hill Road should be finished this week and the concessions building at Barrow Field had been torn down. Alley stated that the field “looks real nice” now that it’s gone. The city is also applying for two grants; one to relocate the city’s fuel farm and another to fix some issues with Holbrook’s airport runways. He also reported that Arizona Department of Transportation will release millings for walking paths on McLaws Road.
He noted that the city is in the process of acquiring abandoned property at 515 N. Second St. from Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo will pay the city up to $5,000 to take the property, which will be torn down, along with $2,500 for closing costs. The city council approved the acquisition of the property.
The council awarded the concrete contract for the fiscal year to Quality Ready-Mix, who was the only bidder. “Everything went up $3 in the unit cost,” said Assistant Manager Randy Sullivan. When Councilman Dixon questioned why there was only one bidder, Alley said that the demand and volume that is required makes options limited and added that the company did a good job. Dixon questioned the matter further by asking when the request for bids was posted, to which no one knew. Dixon also wanted clarification if the approval would be for concrete rather than asphalt. Ray responded that yes, the approval was for concrete and that the city would have to go to bid on individual streets with asphalt. The bid was accepted by the city council.
The council approved naming Finance Director Sullivan Chief Fiscal Officer for the City of Holbrook for the year ending June 30, 2017. They also approved an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement for Court Collection and Criminals Justice Services.
As the council discussed approval of special event liquor licenses for Holbrook Chamber of Commerce and Navajo County Fair, Inc., the Mayor addressed his concerns related to alcohol being passed out to runners without checking identification during the Wild West Days Bucket of Blood Races. Alley recommended that the council should notify the chamber of their concerns and the item was passed with the consent agenda.
Dixon mentioned the issues he had pertaining to the city’s swimming pool. “We need to take better care of our facilities,” said Dixon concerning the issue of the public pool not being properly taken care of after he noted things in disrepair and possible code violations while visiting the pool.
In community events, Mayor Tyler related that he had attended a community event hosted by the St. John’s Baptist Church on June 25 at Lewis Park and commented on how much he enjoyed the social event.
Carlisle noted that there will be a new clothing store opening at what was formerly the Stars Studio on Navajo Blvd.
The council went into executive session with Attorney David Brown concerning the city’s ongoing water litigation with the Native American tribes, to which no action was taken.
In a final matter, the council approved the claims and payments for June 9, 2016, through June 22, 2016.
