Continuation of the potable water service discussed by Council

Sun Valley resident David Johnson stated when he called the city asking how long the water would be turned off, no one was able to say. “I haul my water, if the water is going to be turned off, I need to know about it. That’s my life blood.” Lara Humling also of Sun Valley shared similar sentiments, expressing concerns of citizens’ water being turned off and what she stated was a lack of signage informing of the process to obtain water.

Although the City of Holbrook provides the opportunity for anyone to purchase water at the potable water station, it is not a required service and those who live in Sun Valley are not Holbrook residents. Holbrook does maintain Sun Valley’s water system within the community, but this issue was not regarding that water system.

According to administration, the situation at the station has become difficult for staff to monitor and as such, requested the council approve the purchase of a new dispensing station to alleviate the concerns of the water not being paid for. The city received three quotes, Aquaflow Intl. in the amount of $45,990, Flowpoint Environmental Systems Inc. in the amount of $53,180 and Elemech in the amount of $25,700. It was noted that the financial implications are unknown with the costs of the system versus the recoupable number of sales but would benefit the city by decreasing the burden on staff.

“The recommendation from administration would be to award Flowpoint Environmental Systems Inc. the bid in the amount of $53,180. This is more expensive, but there are no additional fees,” Smith read from the request. “The other quotes will end up costing more in the long run, as they charge fees per transaction.” Financial Director Randy Sullivan explained the bids were hard to understand due to hidden and reoccurring fees not included in the final bid amounts.

Sullivan also noted that the city plans to move the new station to a different location by the city’s transfer site, which includes additional fencing and better monitoring. This will allow the water to be available 24/7 since it will no longer rely on staff presence.

The moving and implementation of the station is estimated to take four to six weeks, according to Sullivan. Currently, the city is limiting access to the potable water station from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Councilmembers Robert Black and Teri Tafoya questioned the feasibility of continuing to offer potable water, and wondered if the money spent would be compensated by the charges of use. Sullivan stated that new rates could be brought to the council to potentially address the concern. “We are extremely, extremely low cost right now compared to others.”

The council accepted the bid from Flowpoint Environmental Systems Inc. in the amount of $53,180 and voted to keep the current water station open until the new station is complete instead of closing at the end of October for winterization, which was under consideration.

The council held a first reading for an ordinance authorizing the lease of a 2,000 square foot building owned by the city and located on Hermosa Drive to Navajo County Hashknife Sheriff’s Posse Search & Rescue in the amount of $1 per year. The terms of the lease are for one year, with a 60 day termination option for either party. The lease includes the option to extend the agreement for four additional periods of one year. The final decision will be made at the next council meeting.

A formal acceptance of Arizona Department of Housing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award letter was approved by the council. The city was awarded the CDBG through the Arizona Department of Housing in the amount of $750,000. Of that amount, $70,244 will be allocated to project administration and the remaining $679,756 is going to the rehabilitation of approximately 17 low-to-moderate income households in Holbrook. It was noted in the backup material that the maximum investment per household will be $40,000, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis depending on individual needs.

The council also approved the renewal of the mutual aid compact with the State of Arizona through the Emergency Management Division of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA/EM). The city originally entered into the compact agreement on Oct. 28, 2014, and has provided the city with critical support and resources during emergencies by providing access to state-level emergency response assistance.

“Renewing the compact for another 10 years would continue to safeguard Holbrook by maintaining vital support channels, ensuring rapid response capabilities and reinforcing the city’s ability to effectively manage natural disasters, public health emergencies and other unforeseen crisis,” Mayor Kathleen Smith read from the description.

A contract with Aldridge Consulting, LLC, in the amount of $18,000 was approved by council. The company will assist the city with a sales tax review, provide taxpayer compliance services for businesses required to pay sales tax to the city and also provide taxpayer assistance. The use of a consulting firm is targeted to collect at a 250% return of that cost. Sullivan explained city staff does have the ability to do tax collections but the time and effort it takes would make it difficult. “It takes a lot of manpower.”

The council also discussed repair to the city hall’s roof, which sustained damage during a strong windstorm. The city filed an insurance claim, and the claim adjuster recommended the whole roof to be replaced. After going out to bid, three quotes were received. Early Bird Roofing Sol bid $48,230 for rolled roofing or TPO roofing for $62,135; and KGJ Roofing bid for $54,665 TPO. The original recommendation by staff was to award the bid to KGJ for the TPO roofing, but was revised due to discovering it was more beneficial to add additional support. “What Early Bird Roofing is suggesting is that we actually strip the roof, sheet it all the way across, and then do that rubberized coating all the way across. That way, it’s going to add more durability,” explained Sullivan. “So now I am recommending that we go with Early Bird Roofing for $62,135.”

It was determined that not enough information was provided in the information provided to council, making comparisons difficult. A motion to table the item did not pass, with Mayor Smith, Vice Mayor Michael Nilsson and councilmembers Karina Pack and Robert Black voting against and councilmembers Tim Dixon, Teri Tafoya and Arcenia Pacheco voting in favor. After more discussion another motion was made to table the item with the addition of scheduling a special meeting to ensure all proper information is acquired while getting the roof repairs in a timely manner. The new motion passed with Dixon abstaining from the vote.

During the summary of current events, Mayor Smith thanked Harold Martinez. “On behalf of the City of Holbrook, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Harold Martinez, owner of Amigo Plumbing, for his dedication and hard work in cleaning up a section of our city.” Smith stated he volunteered time and resources to remove weeds near the city’s historic train depot.

Councilmember Dixon noted he spoke with City Manager Sharon Jakubowski-Wolz about the Sheriff’s Office’s use of Gillespie Park’s parking, stating he thinks it may scare away tourists to see police vehicles filling the lot.

Jakubowski-Wolz recognized and thanked several staff members for their efforts and dedication as of late and shared an anonymous letter from a resident thanking City Code Enforcement Officer Barbara Blyth for repairs made to their home as part of a home improvement grant. “I know I will probably live longer not having the stress of another cold winter. The difference it will make in my life. I now have safe heating and cooling, and its energy efficient,” the letter read.

Prior to the meeting, a work session was held where the council met with Mountain Mojo Group to discuss creating a marketing strategy and logo for the city. That process will be discussed at a future council meeting.