The Holbrook City Council met last week and approved the adoption of owner-occupied housing rehabilitation guidelines. Interim City Manager Randy Sullivan explained the purpose for implementing these guidelines so soon, stating “We are trying to get future funding from Department of Housing, CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). In order to do those kinds of grants, you’ve got to have waiting lists and certain things in place. These guidelines are required to even apply for those grants.”
It was noted that these grants can assist low income or Americans with Disability (ADA) homeowners by paying for necessary upgrades to their homes, such as weatherization and completing ADA compliances. “And then, because of the grant process, we are required to put liens on the properties. That way, certain owners can’t just get the funding and then leave or sell it.”
The city’s code enforcement officer, Barbara Blythe, explained the program is completely voluntary and those who are interested must reach out to the city. Rental properties do not qualify and the home must be owner occupied.
Blythe also stated she expects the first grant is a two-year grant that will come out in December.
When asked who would be the housing rehab technician, Sullivan stated they have someone on staff who already has some of the training. “The plan for the future is that this will allow us to hire under the grant, a dedicated person, that would be even better for this. But for the meantime, it would just be city staff until we got the grant rolling.”
Blythe has extensive experience in this type of grant administrating, stated that she did this previously for 20 years in Mojave County and had been extremely successful. “Over the years of working with the state, I know exactly what they want.”
During summary of current events, Mayor Kathleen Smith congratulated Sherry Reed and the Navajo County Historical Society, as they will be receiving the Al Merito Award. “It’s the most prestigious award that the Arizona Historical Society awards,” she added. She also congratulated Darlene Brinkerhoff for being honored as an outstanding avocational archaeologist by the Society of American Archaeology (SAA) with the annual Crabtree Award. She also thanked Tim Kelley for adding some additions to Gillespie Park. “We appreciate his hard work and contribution.”
Vice Mayor Mike Nilsson stated that some citizens have mentioned the safety hazard that the northern top section of Eighth Avenue presents, suggesting the city puts a double line on the road.
Sullivan said the painting of the cemetery walls are almost complete and will be done next week, along with the installing of a double line on Eighth Avenue. “All the lights from Maverik to downtown have been put on dusk to dawn now to encourage night activities.” The city fixed about 20 lights, with an additional 10-15 still needing to be fixed.
Sullivan also talked about how he’s been working on getting a “quiet zone” for the train when it comes through the city. “What we found out is it’s doable, but our crossing does not meet the standard to pass a quiet zone.” He stated that they will be looking into grants as well as working with BNSF Railway to help make it happen.
He also noted that each of the city parks will have at least one basket type of ADA swing as well as a wheelchair swing that will allow children with disabilities to safely use the swing sets. Those swings were purchased last week.
Sullivan also explained the city fixed the freezer and walk-in at the Holbrook Senior Citizens Center, as well as hired a full-time street sweeper.
Another addition being made is the updating of the city’s phone system. “We have found a company that’s going to help us redo all the phones.” The city will also create a mass text system that will send out messages to citizens when there are water breaks and other things within the city that require resident notification.
Veronica James, a health benefits advocate with North Country HealthCare, spoke to the council during call to the public for non-agenda items. “I come to you this evening to let you know that we are still providing free services for health enrollment benefits for AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) which is food stamps and the cash assistance program.”
James also stated that North Country HealthCare is cohosting a health fair with the Holbrook Senior Center on Oct. 19 as well as a trunk-or-treat from 4 p.m.–6 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the clinic parking lot.
In new business, the council:
* Approved water well No. 7 pump rebuild to be awarded to NextGen, which was the only company to bid on the repairs, in the amount of $22,904.
* Approved amending the city’s Animal Control fees, which were read through in the previous meeting.
* Approved amending fees for commercial and non-commercial public records request, changing one part in the pricing for email reports that require redaction cost $10 up to 20 pages and then 25¢ a page after that limit.
* Approved a bid for the Barrow Little League Field lights to go to Musco Sports Lighting at a cost of $111,000 as the lowest of three bids. “The budget amount was $220,000. In working with this guy, and working with APS, we’re going to be able to cut down the cost to do some of the work ourselves with the bases and setting the poles.”
