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The Winslow City Council voted to approve the formation of two temporary committees last month. During their last meeting, they approved members to serve on each of those committees.
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Under the direction of Mayor Tom McCauley, the City Attorney Nicholle Harris composed the by-laws for a Rodeo Exploratory Advisory Committee and an Economic Development Advisory Committee. In those documents, Harris outlined the number of members as seven for each group. That number does not include members of the city staff.
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The Rodeo Exploratory Committee will explore the possibility of rehabilitating the existing rodeo grounds on Airport Road south of Winslow. The grounds have not been used in the rodeo capacity in over a decade, but interest in the land sparked last year. McCauley said, “We may need to look at forming rodeo grounds elsewhere. Perhaps where they would be more visible from the interstate. We have many roping association members in town and on the neighboring reservations, we should be providing a space for their entertainment.” His call to action also includes the idea that the grounds can be used for other sports and entertainment including off road racing and 4-H events.
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Appointed to the Rodeo Committee are Stephanie Westover, Walter Pacheco, Troy Armstrong, Tom Kaufman, Susan Baca, Carol Hawn and Patti Coleman. Those appointed will serve for six months.
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The Economic Development Advisory Committee will consist of business owners and other interested parties with experience in development and business attraction. Their mission will be to discuss issues facing Winslow that may be discouraging businesses from relocating to the town and possible remedies for those issues. Appointed to the Economic Development Advisory Committee are Anthony Estrada, Michael Mendoza, Michelle Pennington, Lawrence Kenna and Frank Guzman. Applications are still being accepted to fill the remaining two seats. This committee will also be temporary and those appointed will serve for six months.
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The council also heard a presentation from Betsyann Wilson of Northland Pioneer College (NPC). Wilson explained to the council that the institution is in the process of renewing their accreditation status.
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According to Wilson, accreditation is the quality assurance guarantee of higher learning, the ability for credits earned at NPC to transfer to any of the state colleges and assures students are eligible for federal grants and financial aid. It is based on five criteria. Wilson explained, “Accreditation works on a 10-year cycle. We were last accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 10 years ago and for the first time in 1979.”
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The criteria for accreditation include having a clear mission statement, educating with integrity, providing a high quality and equitable education, evaluation and improvement of staff, and the effectiveness and use of resources. “We are not in danger of losing our accreditation status,” Wilson said, “but we are committed to making sure we are fulfilling our mission statement. This process is to help make us a better institution.”
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Wilson also spoke about the college’s search for a Vice President of Learning a Student Services. Mark Vest who was named president of the institution in July previously held the position. Council member Rickey Jackson has held the position in the interim. “We received more than 40 applications for the position, that has been narrowed down to four candidates that will be visiting our campuses in the near future.”
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Mayor McCauley said, “I think it is really important for our citizens to understand how valuable Northland Pioneer is to Winslow and to all of Navajo and Apache counties. The credits that we are able to attain at NPC will transfer to any other college. We have an incredible faculty that is dedicated to being the best that we can for the county.”
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Winslow Fire Chief James Hernandez also addressed the council. He focused on the community service work that the Winslow Fire Department has been doing, which included a community car wash. “They were out there on volunteer hours to raise money for the academy graduation costs. This teaches them that service is important and they were able to raise over $1,700.”
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Hernandez also mentioned the maintenance and repairs that are needed and have been addressed at the fire station and to some of the fire department vehicles. “As you know, our building is older and it wasn’t built as a fire house. Our bigger trucks have taken their toll on our floor, we have patched a few of them with asphalt, but they will need to be fully repaired. We have also repaired wiring and plumbing at the station and some drywall and windows as well. Our biggest repair cost will come this year in repairing Engine No. 3. As you know, that is the engine that was recently refurbished, but the repairs we just did were not on the refurbish list at that time. That vehicle is over 19 years old and the repair costs will only increase over time.”
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In the absence of Council member Rickey Jackson, the council also:
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* Heard a presentation from Navajo County Health Director Jeff Lee concerning a community health assessment.
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* Adopted an ordinance amending the Winslow Municipal Code to change the membership numbers of the Winslow Arts Council from 11 to nine.
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* Approved a resolution supporting the intent of Navajo County and the City of Winslow to partner and share equally in future costs associated with the planning, engineering, design and construction of the Little Colorado River Flood Risk Management Project.
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* Appointed Deni O’Quinn to the Board of Adjustment until April 30, 2021.
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* Appointed Paula Beall to the Winslow Arts Council until April 1, 2020.
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The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, in the council chambers, located at 115 W. Second St.
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