Norwin DeSpain addressed the Winslow City Council Monday evening concerning Winslow Fire Department operations. He had given the council members a lengthy letter describing things he saw as wrong with the department, most being objections to the manner in which Fire Chief James Hernandez runs it.

Several other people spoke on that issue during the call to the public.

Mark Lopez said that he was an on-call fire fighter and had never seen morale there as low as it is now. He said that he would be willing to answer any questions and said that the city manager should speak with the fire fighters.

City Manager Stephen Pauken said that he had spoken with the fire fighters, and noted that in the last council meeting he had said that the department was under staffed, under equipped and underfunded.

Councilman Peter Cake said that he had been contacted by people concerned with the situation.

Cynthia Lopez said that other fire chiefs had confidence in their firemen, but that was no longer the case. She said that if her house was on fire, she would have as much confidence in fighting it with a hose as calling the department. She also said that the firemen were all afraid.

Another man spoke briefly and said that we need to take care of our people.

City Attorney Van Riper noted that there would be an open personnel hearing the following morning regarding an appeal from a dismissed employee.

Also, during the call to the public, Judy Howell spoke about several incidents at the animal control facility, noting that it was difficult to get through to the facility and get strays picked up. She said that many animals were being put down.

Councilman Bob Schlesinger spoke regarding funding for the regional geocaching event proposed by the Mayors and City Councils Association of Navajo and Apache Counties, which is seeking $6,000 from each city. The council voted to fund the project up to that amount.

Pauken reported that the 30-day contractor had used the dredge to remove sledge from the McHood Park Lake and made the water suitable for boating again.

He also noted that an email had raised new concerns with the old golf course property, and told of the installation of new lights being used to replace old ones, which will be more economical and last longer.

Angelee Van Hon of the law firm of Tom and Van Hon of Flagstaff spoke of how she and Daniel Tom were acting as prosecutors for the city. They brought 21 canine cases, all of which resulted in the offenders being ordered to have the dogs vaccinated and licensed.

In other action Nov. 17, the council:

* Awarded a $131,836 contract for animal control facility repairs to NAE General Contracting of Winslow Monday evening.

* Appointed Kerwin Lawrence to the planning and zoning commission.

* Approved, on an emergency basis, a resolution forming the City of Winslow Public Facilities Municipal Property Corporation, a non-profit corporation.

City Attorney Ellen Van Riper said that this kind of corporation is unique to Arizona, and is used to obtain financing, in this case for the wastewater treatment plant renovations. She noted that it could be used for other projects in the future.

* Approved, on an emergency basis, a resolution appointing members of Public Facilities Municipal Property Corporation, including Councilman Harold Soehner, City Manager Stephen Pauken and resident Press Winslow.

The council discussed setting term limits for corporation members, but no action was taken, though it may be an item on the Dec. 9 council agenda.

* Approved the consent calendar items, including the check register and minutes of the Oct. 28 council meeting.

After a brief meeting as the Public Housing Authority held prior to the regular meeting, two resolutions were passed.